Post Operative Instructions

Apart from the specific instructions given to you depending on the type of surgery you have undergone, the basic general instructions that you should follow after your surgery are as follows:

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• Take pain relieving and other medications as advised. Pain relieving medication should be taken with food. After the first 48 hours of surgery, take the pain medication only when needed.

• Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate any machinery or sign a legal document for the first 24 hours after the surgery as the effects of the sedative and/or the anesthesia administered during the surgery may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.

• Use ice packs to control swelling. However, make sure that the ice bag does not leak into the dressing. Ice packs can be used liberally for the first 48 hours and even later, if required.

• Follow the specific restriction of activity, as advised. 

• Keep the dressing clean and dry to promote wound healing.

• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.

• Schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor as advised.

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Please consult Dr. Chandler's office immediately or go to the nearest ER if you experience any of the following symptoms:

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• Increased drainage from the incision

• Increased redness around the operated area

• Increased swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation

• Foul odor

• Fever greater than 101°F

• Coldness, numbness or blanched white or bluish color of the fingers or toes

• Sudden calf pain or shortness of breath

• Chest pain

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Cervical Spine Post-Operative Patient Instructions

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• Walk as much as you like – do not overdo it. 

• No lifting from below knee level.

• No bending to floor from standing position.

• You cannot drive while wearing a cervical collar at least two weeks until your

• post-op appointment)

• Change dressing on the 3rd day after your surgery then daily if needed.

  • Remove tape and dressing

  • Apply two large Band-Aids or gauze and tape.

  • Leave Steri-Strips in place – do not remove.

• You may shower on the 3rd day after your surgery. 

  • Remove collar, keep neck in neutral position, do not scrub the wound.

  • Replace the dressing after shower.

• Try to taper pain medication use.

• Call 413-785-4666 for increasing drainage, redness, headache, pain, numbness, weakness, fevers, illness, trouble swallowing & hoarseness.

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Lumbar Spine Post Operative Patient Instructions

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• Walk as much as you like – do not overdo it

• Minimize bending, lifting, and twisting (BLTs).

• No lifting over 10 pounds.

• No bending to floor from standing position.

• No driving for 2 weeks (until first post-op visit)

• You may change the wound dressing and shower on the 3rd day after your surgery. 

• Do not scrub the wound.

• Replace the dressing after shower.

• Try to taper pain medication use.

• Call 413- 785-4666 for increasing drainage, redness, headache, pain, numbness, weakness, fevers, illness.