Congratulations! You’re through surgery. Now it’s time to recover. Below is a list of instructions for management at home.
Incision:
Keep the incision clean and dry. You may shower but avoid direct water pressure to the dressing and do not submerge in water such as swimming or bathing. If the dressing becomes wet at all, pat dry with a towel.
Maintain your dressing for two weeks. Your stitches are under the skin and will dissolve over time. There is a layer of surgical glue over the incision which will slowly begin to peel off on its own. Do not try to peel it off yourself. If your dressing falls off before that time you can cover it with a small over-the-counter bandage. You can remove the dressing on your own at home at 2 weeks.
Activity:
We want you up and walking as much as you feel comfortable (around the house and even short walks outside the house).
Try to maintain your neck in a neutral position. You may sleep however is most comfortable – on your side or on your back is okay. The first night sleep with your head propped up (i.e. in a recliner or with more pillows than normal).
Do not drive for at least 2 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks, drive only when you are comfortable and pain-free, you can move your neck and check your blind spot, and you are off opioids, muscle relaxants and any other medicine that could impair you. Before getting back on the road, practice somewhere safe (e.g. an empty parking lot) to make sure you are comfortable with neck motion and can drive safely.
First 6 weeks:
No bending, lifting or twisting for 6 weeks, including extremes of bending or turning your neck. Do not lift anything over 10 to 15 pounds.
Do not submerge the incision in water (bath, pool, hot tub) for 6 weeks. Showering is OK.
Walking is your main exercise. Formal physical therapy is only needed for some patients, and we will tell you if you need it.
When to call us:
Fever over 101.5°F that lasts more than 8 hours despite Tylenol, or redness or any pus from the incision
Opening of the incision with significant drainage
Concern for blood clot in the leg (increased pain, swelling, warmth/redness in legs or chest pain/shortness of breath)
Any new or worsening neurologic changes (numbness, tingling, weakness, any change in balance, loss of bowel/bladder control)
Any other symptoms of concern
