Frequently Asked Questions - Post Operative Care

Our discharge planner in the hospital will meet with you. A shower stool, elevated toilet seat, walker and "grabber" are arranged for delivery after the hospital stay. Some times a hospital bed is helpful. Arrange a room on the first floor if able.

Any way that feels comportable, I recommend many long pillows. Usually patients sleep on the back or tilted to one side. If you sleep completely on your side, try a pillow between the legs.

Use it as long as you need it to feel stable. When strength and coordination returns, practice walking.

The brace is there to remind you there was a surgery, it pevents bending and twisting and protects the surgery. I highly recommend the brace until I see enough healing. Most patients are out of the brace by six to eight weeks.

You can go anywhere on your walks when you feel comfortable for those challenges.

I try to hold off on driving for as long as possible, at least three to four weeks to protect the back. The golden rule: If it hurts don't, do it.