HOME DISCHARGE ORDERS
Ram Mudiyam, MD
Microdiskectomy
Wound Care
On the day you go home from the hospital, you will have 1/2 inch pieces of
tape (steri-strips) bridging the incision covered by a transparent dressing (OPSITE). You
may shower directly over the transparent dressing. Do not remove the transparent
dressing. If it falls off, apply a dry dressing over the steri-strips. Keep the incision site and
steri-strips dry and clean. No soaking incisions in a bath.
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 1-2 weeks.
No lifting greater than 10 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.
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.
Notify Physician For
Temperature greater than 100° F
Increased pain
Calf swelling or tenderness
Drainage or redness of the incision
Chest pain or shortness of breath
You will need your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Mudiyam in 7-10 days after being discharged from the hospital to remove your steri-strips and suture ends. Please call (714) 979-8981 the day you are discharged from the hospital to schedule this appointment.
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