1. When do I have to return to the office to see the doctor?

Plan on returning to the office in six to eight weeks following discharge from the hospital. The patient is to call and set up this appointment. The patient should notify the office if there are any questions or wound problems.

2. When can I sit?

You can usually begin sitting immediately after surgery. However, the sitting position is most likely to cause discomfort. We usually encourage patients when they do begin to sit to use a relatively high chair similar to a dining room chair with a firm back, open base and arms. The purpose is to allow the transition from sitting to standing without excessive bending of the hips. Recliners and couches are not advised because of the range of motion required to sit and rise from them. The length of time allowed for sitting is determined solely by the patient's endurance. Patients should avoid squatting positions.

3. What activities can I do at home?

You may pursue activities that are done at walking level intensity. The ones to avoid are those that involve hip bending, especially with the knees straight. Walking is one of the best activities and swimming is also good. During the initial postoperative period the patient should avoid pushing, pulling, squatting or heavy lifting. The patient may resume driving approximately six weeks post op.

4. Do I have to wear a brace all the time?

You may pursue activities that are done at walking level intensity. The ones to avoid are those that involve hip bending, especially with the knees straight. Walking is one of the best activities and swimming is also good. During the initial postoperative period the patient should avoid pushing, pulling, squatting or heavy lifting. The patient may resume driving approximately six weeks post op.

5. What about going to the bathroom?

Usually an elevated commode seat is more comfortable for the bathroom. You may get a prescription for this before leaving the hospital.

6. What about transportation home?

Most patients are able to go home in a car. Some patients tolerate the trip better lying down in a van or car with reclining seats. If traveling very long distances, ambulance transportation can be arranged.

7. Do I need a hospital bed at home?

Very rarely will a hospital bed be indicated. Most patients will be comfortable with a higher bed for ease getting in and out.

8. When can I ride in a car and/or drive?

You may ride in a car relatively soon. Most patients' endurance is relatively low for the first few weeks or months postoperatively. The patient may travel best lying down in the car. Patients should avoid driving for approximately six to eight weeks.

9. Can I bend over?

You may not bend over from the waist with knees straight. Should it become a necessity to bend down, kneel on one knee so that one hip remains straight and one is bent.

10. Should I do exercises?

Yes, exercise should be encouraged. Range of motion exercises to the shoulders, hips, and knees are acceptable. Abdominal and gluteral strengthening are helpful for adults. Walking and swimming are strongly encouraged to help restore endurance and lost muscle mass.

11. Do I need to take vitamins, calcium or iron?

A balanced, nutritious diet is essential to the healing process after surgery. If you are currently eating a balanced diet, you do not need supplements. A multi-vitamin with iron may be helpful in some cases.

12. May I smoke after surgery?

Cigarette smoking must be avoided for the fusion to take place.

13. When can I return to work?

The time of return to work will depend on the type of work and the extent of surgery. For laboring activities requiring an eight hour work day with heavy lifting or strenuous activity, the amount of time required before returning to work may be as long as one year. For sedentary type work that can be started on a shorter schedule, the patient may be able to return to work as quickly as six to eight weeks

14. What symptoms should alarm me after I get home?

Symptoms that need to be addressed include: redness and drainage from the incision, fever, a change in the pain pattern, or any alteration in the sensation in the legs. Call the office at 585-2300 if any problems or questions arise and ask for the medical assistant.

15. Will I need someone to stay with me all the time?

Upon discharge from the hospital, the patient should be independent in daily self care activities. Help may be needed for heavy housecleaning. Typically, patients do not require 24 hour nursing care.

16. What about sex?

Most patients can participate in sexual intercourse very soon after surgery depending on their pain level. This is truly an individual decision. The consideration is to avoid twisting and excessive bending of the hips with any type of postoperative activity.

17. What are the most comfortable sleeping positions?

The most comfortable sleeping positions are on your back (a pillow may be used under your knees at home), on your side (with pillow between your legs), 3/4 turn on your stomach (pillow against your chest and one pillow between your knees) and on your stomach after you are discharged from the hospital.

18. What about pain medication?

A prescription for pain medication will be given at the time of discharge. If refills are necessary, the patient should have the pharmacy call the office during office hours. Prescriptions for medications, elevated commode seat, or ambulance, if necessary, should be obtained from the physician at the time of discharge.

19. When can my child return to school?

The child may return to school when he/she feels up to it. This varies greatly from child to child and would depend on the extent of the surgery, mode of transportation to school and the particular school involved. Some schools are tolerant and will allow the student to rest frequently and will modify their class schedule. Other schools require that the child return to his/her preoperative schedule without consideration for rest periods or half days. Some children require long bus rides to and from school. Most children are able to ride the bus to schools approximately six to eight weeks after surgery. Some children are able to return to school within two to three weeks of their operation.

20. What about gymnastics or cheerleading?