Welcome
Post-operative Care & FAQs
General Care
Our best advice after surgery is to walk, walk, and then walk some more! This is the most important part of your recovery. Walking increases blood circulation to the surgical area and helps with healing. Your goal should be to walk four times a day for a total of 1-2 miles each day. After two weeks you can increase the frequency and distance.
For the two weeks following any back surgery, don't sit for more than 15 minutes at a time. This puts pressure on your surgery site. It's better to lay flat, stand, or walk.
For more information, you can download copies of the more detailed post-operative information sheets we provide to patients. They are provided in PDF format. If you don't have a program which will read PDF files, click here to download a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- After-Surgery Care Sheet
Download PDF (312 KB) - Post-Operative Pain Management Guide
Download PDF (260 KB)
Can I sit in a recliner?
Only if it is reclined. The angle should be low, less than 45 degrees. Make sure that there is no pressure on your lower back.
Can I lie on my side or back?
Yes, put a pillow between your legs while you are lying on your side.
Can I walk on a treadmill?
Yes.
Do I wear my corset on the inside or outside of my clothes?
You may wear it on the outside, but only if you have a t-shirt between your skin and your brace.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Three to five days, depending on your surgery and recovery.
How long until my partner and I can have sex?
After your first post-op follow up you can have sex, as long as you're comfortable, careful, and avoid jarring.
Can I use a walker?
Yes.
Can I climb the stairs in my house?
Not for the first two weeks.
How long until I can go back to work?
It all depends on how your recovery is going. This will be easier for us to determine on your second week follow up appointment. If you feel you can go back earlier, call and let us know.
When will this pain in my hip (where they performed the graft) go away?
It can take up to three months before you stop feeling the pain in your hip and leg.
When can I shower?
You can shower as soon as you get home from the hospital, but do not soak the surgery area.
When can I start physical therapy?
You will start physical therapy after your two-week appointment.