After Your Deep Brain Stimulator Placement
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 continue to shower after your staples or sutures ('stitches') are removed.
If you have steri-strips (small tapes) over your incision, these will gradually begin to curl up and fall off, if they have not fallen off by 7 days they can be removed.
DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 to 4 weeks.
You may wear a stockinette cap or clean scarf on your head.
ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
At the time of discharge you should be able to care for yourself, however, you should not perform household duties or care for others.
DO NOT bend or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for at least 2 weeks
Exercise by taking short walks with frequent rest periods.
Avoid strenuous activity.
DO NOT drive a car until you are seen back in office or until cleared by your physician.
Resume taking all of your normal medications as they have been prescribed.
PAIN MEDICINE
If you are given a prescription for pain medication, 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 Family Physician first. If your Family Physician is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.
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 wound drainage.
Changes in mental function such as confusion, restlessness, or drowsiness.
New or increased weakness of the arms/legs, and/or difficulty speaking or walking.
Persistent or severe headache, extreme stiffness in your neck, changes in your vision or seizures.
Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling
HELPFUL LINKS
National Parkinsons Foundation
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research
Parkinsons Disease Foundation
International Essential Tremor Foundation
Activa Tremor Control Therapy
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
If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.