Spinal Surgery and Recovery - Are You A Caregiver?

Spinal Surgery and Recovery - Are You A Caregiver?

When a spouse or family member undergoes any kind of spinal surgery, it is important that post-surgical recovery includes the help of a caregiver according to advice from physicians. Patients returning home after an operation usually have many types and kinds of limitations and are not able to function as well as desired until the pain has subsided and the surgery has healed. The position of a spinal surgery caregiver is an essential one and an arrangement that should be worked out before having the operation as this person is an important part of the patient's recovery once the procedure has been done.

• Supportive Help - After a procedure like spinal surgery, most patients will be tired, dejected, or painful for a while as the body recovers from anesthesia and the operation itself. A caregiver who is supportive and compassionate is important and the best way to help patients recover quickly. Recognize any discomfort and possible complaints that may happen while providing encouragement.


• Post-Surgical Help - Depending on the patient and the surgery, there may or may not be instructions to change a bandage covering the surgical incision. The incision itself should be cleaned as recommended and caretakers should inspect the site for signs of infection, unusual pain, or poor healing. Increased drainage, pus, blood, or just redness may need a call to the surgeon's office. Give the patient medications and painkillers at required times and be sure adequate fluids are being given to stay hydrated. An initial poor appetite should improve over a few days.


• Safe Home Environment - During recovery from spinal surgery, patients are susceptible to falls when moving around the house. Keep the patient's normal areas free of clutter or anything that could cause a fall. Be sure the patient's area is well lighted, keep pets out the way, and be careful of electric cords, rug edges, and other things that could cause a trip and fall. Keep frequently used items such as TV remotes, cell phones, and reading material close to the patient. This is especially important in the kitchen area, where frequently used utensils and cooking items should be kept in easy-to-reach places.


• Recovery Protocols - Whether it means being sure that all medication is taken at the correct time or that any type of prescribed brace or other support item is being worn, a caregiver must be an extension of the hospital nursing care in the home recovery setting. It is always important that post-surgical patients follow all after-care instructions, so a second person making sure instructions are being followed is beneficial.


•   Help As Needed - Bending, stretching and sometimes even standing for more than a short period of time can be greatly restricted in the beginning phases of recovery, so the best job that a caretaker can do is help where the patient needs help, whether getting dressed or undressed, cooking, getting things from higher places, etc.. A caretaker must act as the patient's hands until able to do more on their own.

Other useful caretaker recommendations include going with a patient for any follow-up doctor visits with the attending surgeon to learn how well the healing process has progressed as well as to know any detailed instructions that may have been given by the surgeon. Specific problems that have been noticed can be mentioned to the doctor at this time as well as any observed pain levels. Someone to help a patient through recovery is important with a spinal operation and outcomes are generally better. Caretakers should just remember to allow time to relax as well - then the best recovery after spinal surgery can be achieved!

C. Michael Hunter is an expert in interventional pain management. To find out more about the Pain Clinic Bryan, go to the main website at http://www.bcspainclinic.com/.

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