Preparing for Back Surgery - Patients' Advice

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Patients share tips on preparing for back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about how they were successful in preparing for back surgery, or things they wish they had known before.

Here is updated information on my daughter's scoliosis surgery. On June 15, 2007, my daughter had scoliosis surgery performed. The surgery was more than successful. My daughter went home without any pain. She has not had to take any pain medicine at all. Three weeks after the surgery, she was able to go shopping with us, and recently she just got back from a 10-day vacation in California.

Thank you very much to our surgeon - he is definitely one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S.

From: Ohian

3 months ago, I had abdominoplasty and read about an ergonomic cushion set called Back Max. It's a full length set of three cushions that raises your upper back and knees and allows the body to rest in a very comfortable position. Right after surgery, I used it for three weeks and it is a life saver! I could not find a comfortable position in my bed or on the couch, but I could use this on either. I really recommend it.

From: Lisa – New York, USA

Before scoliosis surgery can be performed, patients MUST HAVE MRI DONE. My daughter had been scheduled for scoliosis but the surgery was delayed since MRI showed she had Chiari I (brain compression)problem. Chiari I can cause scoliosis. Scoliosis surgery will not be successful before the Chiari I is taken care of. So please make sure you pay attention on it.

My daughter had Chiari I surgery done last year to decompress her brain. Unfortunately, since her back curve was severe (53 deg) at the time of surgery, the surgery could not reverse the curvature. She has been scheduled for scoliosis surgery this coming June 2007. Please note that although the Chiari I surgery did not help the scoliosis, it still, again, MUST BE SOLVED first. Please contact your doctor for further information. I hope this would help.

From: Ohian

The National Scoliosis Foundation forum helped me gather not only tremendous amounts of information but I was also able to ask questions of those who had the surgery before me. I learned what I needed to do to prepare for surgery as well as an easier recovery. I was able to learn about the Drs. who perform this surgery. I found out that my Dr. had been trained by the master of scoliosis surgery. I was in so much pain it was affecting my quality of life and my curve was progressing at the rate of about 4* per year. The choice to go through with my surgery was an easy one. I did not need to alter my home in any way nor did I need a grabber or any special seats. I did not purchase ice packs. Ice on metal rods is NOT comfortable! I was fused from T10 to L4 and I was 43. I am 11 months out from surgery and I am doing wonderfully. This surgery gave me back my life. I have noticed very little loss of flexibility. I was at 49* lumbar curve and now am at 8*! The only real preparation I made at home was the freezing of almost 1 month of meals for my family and I lined up a housekeeper for a few weeks. I was driving at 4 weeks post-op. So many people gasped when I told them I was going to have back surgery and told me of one or another bad experience someone they knew had gone through. I found most people are very uneducated when it comes to scoliosis surgery. The outcome can be miraculous. I want to tell everyone facing this surgery "it's not as bad as they tell you it will be!"

From: Suzy – California, USA

In advance of any surgery, it is always a good idea to do the following: (1) Quit smoking. This is especially true in the case of surgery involving cartilage (disc and knee surgery) since cartilage is avascular to begin with. (2) Protein - Make sure your protein intake is excellent. after surgery, if you are not able or willing to eat much, but you have no allergy to soy products, Ensure is a very good protein supplement (in liquid form - easy to digest). This is because wounds heal best when the body's protein level is high. (3) Collagen supplements are a great idea. Again, much of the ligamentous tissue, cartilage, and bone structure is made up of the protein collagen. Collagen helps to heal those structures post-op, not to mention the skin wound. 4) Be sure you have a plan in place with your doctor re: inflammation post-operatively. I had a very bad post-op inflammation problem which my surgeon failed to anticipate and had inadequate post-op care. Lastly, since I am a nursing student, I encourage ALL preop patients to ensure that their surgeons have skilled nursing staff on board to assist them to manage post-op care, symptomology and needs. Nurses are trained to do just that. Friendliness of staff does not guarantee good or sound post-op care, but nurses are uniquely qualified to guide patients with actual postop care which includes all aspects of a patient's condition. They also have compassion. Hope this helps!

From: Anonymous

At age 50 I learned I had deteriorating scoliosis which required spinal fusions from T 9 to L 5 with instrumentation. 3 years later I needed additional fusion of L5 - S 1. That procedure required an abdominal approach as well as the back. I am doing wonderfully, have great mobility, no limitations on exercise and, in fact, am able to do Pilates several times a week with a trainer. The best advice I can offer for folks anticipating such surgery are some simple ideas which really helped in my recovery. A handheld showerhead is a must. A commode which can be placed over the toilet to elevate the seat can also be used in the tub or shower as a seat. Before surgery, get an on/off extension which your bedroom lamp can plug into. You can hook this on your bedside with a pin (not through the cord) to faciliate turning your lamp off/on. Reachers are a must. I had one on both floors of my home. Good luck and remember things will get better. The sooner you move about the quicker your recovery.

From: Linda – Maryland, USA

I chose a highly regarded surgeon at a teaching hospital who specialized in the exact procedure I needed. I was very straightforward with him about the experience I had had with a prior failed fusion surgery and my fears about having another surgery and the pain that I had found unbearable. Consequently, he arranged for me to be highly sedated the first few days after the surgery and sent home with powerful enough pain relievers. Now, four weeks after the surgery, I am so much farther along toward total recovery because I haven't been in a lot of pain at all. Also, not being braced after the 5 level fusion has helped me to recover strength much faster than the last time because I can do more within my limitations.

I have accepted all offers of help and meals from my family and friends and feel good on the inside because I know they really want to help me recover quickly. A good attitude helps the healing, I'm sure.

Before my one week hospitalization, I made several lists explaining how to do household chores for my husband and teenage daughter to make it easier for them. I don't have to worry about things being done well and can focus on healing.

From: Patricia – Virginia, USA

I had a 3 level laminectomy with a 4 level lumbar posterior fusion in June of 2000. DDD, Stenosis, scoliosis and 7 bone spurs caused my spine to collapse. I was 45 at the time of my surgery. I was not able to walk before my surgery, due to nerve damage in both legs. After 5 minutes of standing my legs went numb. However, I had almost no back pain. I did a lot of online research about the surgery, talking to others on message boards. My surgeon also gave me a long list of things I needed as well as several online sites to read. He made sure I got grabber tools, help at home, white T-shirts and a toilet riser. I had to quit smoking as a condition of surgery.

He also made sure that I understood that I would always have some degree of back pain - that the purpose of my surgery was to restore my mobility. He told me it was important that I understood why surgery was being done. He also warned me that my back would always be fragile after a 4 level fusion. No repetitive bending, lifting or twisting. My surgery was a complete success, and while I do have a small amount of back pain, I do not normally need pain meds. I do take anti-inflammatories. I was walking normally one week after surgery and am still walking normally today.

From: Lippy - Illinois, USA

I prepared for my surgery by having someone who previously had surgery to ask questions to. I also got a small bed set up in my living room. I have had two spine fusion surgeries. The first one didn't fuse. I also was not given a back brace after my 1st surgery or limited on sitting. After 2nd surgery, I was only allowed to sit for 15 min. at a time (4 times a day). Then it went to 30 min. 4 times a day). This was for the first 4 months after surgery. I was fused from the front and back the 2nd time. I would not return to my 1st surgeon after talking with the surgeon who did my 2nd. My 1st surgery was L4 - S1. My 2nd surgery required L2-S1. My discs were replaced and screws were placed to help hold the replacements in while fusing.

From: Karen - Missouri, USA

Even if you are slightly overweight, I found it beneficial to me as the patient as well as the surgeon to obtain your natural weight as much as possible. Less fat, etc for him to cut and rehab is much easier.

From: Jimmy Taylor - Georgia, USA

I had anterior discectomy and fusion at L1-2 with 73 staples from a central rupture. I am going to try to help you prepare for after surgery. Depending on the severity of the surgery, prepare to take time to heal. Leave the guilt and know you need time for you. After surgery my pain was very bad but I took the attitude that I was going to do as much for myself as I could. I refused to feel sorry for me but looked forward to life with the problem fixed. Your attitude after surgery will be very important. Don't let discouragement control you. Find what helps you - prayer, music, funny movies, etc.

Be very careful which surgeon you choose. Best to have someone who does just spine surgery. Laughter is the best medicine.

From: Debbie - Indiana, USA

I have researched my surgery together with my neurosurgeon - it took me about 5 years to decide to go through the surgery. We went through some books, internet and patient testimonials. My surgeon is a family friend and all the family has full confidence in him and his expertise. I didn't really had to do any adjustments at home, I had a lot of help from my parents, especially my mother who helped me do everything. For the pain, I got antibiotics and painkillers from the doctor, which helped a lot. I did prepare myself mentally, but not enough.I didn't have any idea about the pain, but I went through it.

From: Selma Lampe - Aruba

I had the Kineflex disc, several screws, and a cage put in in January 2006. It was an emergency surgery so I didn't have much time to research or prepare. However, I trusted my surgeons and was already in so much, I had very little to lose if something were to go wrong. The surgery was a great success. I was able to walk the day after the op and was driving two weeks after. I returned to work a month after. The key for me was to stretch every day after the surgery to avoid muscle stiffness and such. I tried to take short walks every day. I only needed pain medication for two weeks after the op. So my advice would be to have surgeons you trust, and to keep moving after the surgery. The longer I lay around and did nothing, the more difficult it was to get up and walk around.

From: Sarah Robinson - South Africa

Communicate with others about preparing for back surgery

* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

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