HOME DISCHARGE ORDERS
Ram Mudiyam, MD
Lumber Laminectomy Anterior Lumbar Fusion
Posterior Lumbar Fusion Scoliosis Surgery
Lateral Fusion X-STOP
Wound Care
On the day you go home from the hospital, your incision will either be open to air, have steri-strips or be
covered with a dressing. You may shower, however, use an Aquaguard to cover the incision during the shower. Keep the incision site dry and clean. Do not soak in a bath or hot tub for 6 weeks.
Possible Postoperative Complications
Please call our office immediately if you
experience any of these symptoms:
Temperature greater than 100° F
Redness, drainage and/or heat at the site of your incision (inflammation)
Increased pain
Burning or stinging when urinating, or frequent urination
Chest pain, especially when taking a deep breath, shortness of breath or swelling
and/or pain in the calf that was NOT there preoperatively.
Activity
You must wear your back brace when you are up and walking. You do not need
to wear it to bed or to get up to go the bathroom at night.
No driving a car for 4-6 weeks.
No lifting greater than 5 lbs. for 4-6 weeks.
No bending at the waist or twisting the back. Do NOT bring your fingertips below
your knees.
No prolonged sitting upright for more than 30 minutes at any one time.
Walking is very important for healing and your rehabilitation. Initially you should
walk at least two to three times daily. Begin by walking one or two blocks. Then
slowly and gradually increase your distance as your tolerance for physical activity
increases.
You may go up and down stairs carefully, but if you have had a fusion, try to
minimize stair climbing.
You may resume sexual activity when you are comfortable. You should position
yourself on your side without your brace.
“Log Roll” to the side first before sitting up to get out of bed.
You will need your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Mudiyam in 10-14 days after being discharged from the hospital. Please call (714) 979-8981 the day you are discharged from the hospital to schedule this appointment.
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