Patient Instructions:  Spinal Cord Stimulator

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over the incision. DO NOT scrub it. Pat it dry.

You may or may not have sutures (stitches) or staples that will need to be removed. You may have little pieces of tape across the incision called "Steri-strips." Don’t pull them off when they begin to peel. They will fall off on their own.

You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures ("stitches") are removed.

DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 weeks.

Staples or sutures usually stay in for 10-14 days after surgery. An appointment will be made for you to come back to the office to have these removed and to have your incision checked.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

The restrictions on your activities should be followed for 4 weeks after your surgery. The length of time depends on the extent of surgery and your physician’s instructions.

DO NOT sit for longer than 45 minutes at a time. (If the ride home is longer than 45 minutes, you will need to take a break to walk around and stretch your legs).

DO NOT twist, stretch, pull, or bend.

DO NOT lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (i.e. a thick phone book or jug of milk) for 7 days after surgery.

You may begin activities that require minimal physical exertion, such as light housework (washing dishes or dusting) a few days after your surgery. Take it easy, and don’t push yourself beyond the pain. Gradually increase your workload over several weeks.

Walk for exercise. You should be walking up to a mile a day by your office appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery. You may break it up over the course of the day, taking frequent rest periods.

PAIN MEDICINE

If you have been given a prescription for pain medication for your surgical pain, take the medication only when needed and only for as long as you need it.

Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.

To prevent constipation, you may increase your water intake and increase the amount of fruit and fiber in your diet. If these measures do not help and you become constipated, you may use an over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace), or a mild laxative (such as Milk of Magnesia).

Please note that many narcotic pain medications cannot be refilled over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication, please contact your Pain Management Physician or your family physician. Your family Physician or your Pain Management Physician will continue to manage your pain medications after surgery

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

Any signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain, or drainage from your incision.

New or increased weakness, numbness, or tingling of legs or arms.

New or increased pain which may include pain in your back, buttocks, or legs.

Persistent or severe headache.

Calf tenderness or swelling.

Difficulty urinating.

HELPFUL LINKS

www.back.com

www.neurosurgery.org/health/patient/

www.aapmr.org/condtreat/pain/htm

www.spine-health.com

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions, call the office at 717-920-7664 or 888-920-4360.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

You should have a follow up appointment scheduled in 10-14 days after your surgery. If you do not have an appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.