Back Surgery Procedure

April 15th, 2008 | by admin |

 

Back Surgery

Getting Ready for Surgery: Back Surgery Procedure Preparation

If you are having a back surgery procedure in the near future, you’ll have several things to do to prepare for the operation. This check list is intended to help you anticipate what you’ll need to do to get ready for most back surgery procedures. Your surgeon will also give you specific pre-operative instructions before you have surgery.




· Choose a surgeon. Either an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon can perform most back surgery procedures. It’s okay to ask for a second opinion and your surgeon should not have any objections to it. It’s okay to make sure your surgeon is qualified and experienced, too. You can ask questions like:

o Where did you go to medical school?

o What kind of training do you have in performing back surgery procedures?

o Are you board certified in your specialty?

o How many of these procedures have you done?

· Talk to other people who have had a similar back surgery procedure. Talking to others helps you anticipate problems, see what life is like after surgery and get support from them.

· Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of serious complications with any surgery.

CLICK HERE For Very Important Back Surgery Information

· Eat a nutritious diet, get regular exercise and get enough sleep. You want to be as healthy as possible before surgery.

· Prepare for blood loss. Unless you are having a minimally invasive back surgery procedure, you may have some bleeding during or after surgery. Your doctor may suggest that you prepare for that by storing blood for autologous transfusion. It’s much safer to use your own blood for transfusion than to use donor blood. You should also stop taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications 10-14 days before surgery because they can thin your blood and make bleeding more likely. If you take anticoagulants (blood thinners), discuss it with your surgeon.

· Tests. You could have several tests before surgery. You could have x-rays, a CT scan, MRI, or other tests to evaluate your back problem. You’ll need at least a blood count and urinalysis a few days before surgery. Depending on your age and health status, you could need other blood work, chest x-rays, an electrocardiogram, lung function tests or other procedures.

· Health insurance. Your health insurance policy may require you to get pre-authorization or a second opinion in order to pay for the surgery. The surgeon’s office or hospital may take care of this for you, but you want to make sure that all the insurance requirements are met before surgery.

· Plan for after surgery. You may need to take time off work, arrange for help after surgery, get special equipment, or make other preparations for after surgery.


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About the Author: David Betz is a consultant doing work for Laser Spine Surgery http://www.laserspineinstitute.com and
Houston Web Site Design http://www.novatexsolutions.com

This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

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  1. 23 Responses to “Back Surgery Procedure”

  2. By Rhonda Smitherman on Apr 22, 2008 | Reply

    I have been searching the web trying to see what I could find to help me with a life long decision. My daughter age 16 had a severe wreck in feb. 08 since that time she has dealt with a “turtle shell” brace for a unstable fracture to lumbar 1 many x-rays later we take the shell off for more x rays one laying one standing a percentage of 7 is different on the 2 compared. Now we have to decide if chancing the 1% risk of surgery leaving her in permanent damage or the chance of no surgery may haunt us later, the xrays of her back looks like a snake while standing yet laying is not that bad but is still not good. If there are any advice, or decision you would use on your own child or self could you please send immediately. Thank you
    Please visit the Back Pain Forum

  3. By Steve Herbert on May 23, 2008 | Reply

    I underwent spinal fusion from S-1 to L-4 on 10/18.2007. I have been in much mor pain since the surgery and was tod by my surgeon the fusion ha shealed perfectly. After having a cat scan of the abdomen without contrast in the E.R. of my local hospital, their report read as follows. “the patient is status post-extensive spinal sugery with posterior fixation rods and bilateral pedicle screws extending from L@ to S1. Please note that the pedicle screws are not within the pedicle on the left side at L2 or on the left side of L3. A bony fragment is identified adjacent to the right superior acetabulum and severe degenerative changes are noted of the right hip joint. This bony structure nay just be an avulsion fracture or may be a degenerative spur. This is clearly chromic and not acute.”
    Coulsd someone tell me if this report explains the incredible pain in my back and down both IT bands, and the constant feeling that I have a bad tear of my right groin?
    Has the surgeon misled me as to the success of this surgery?

  4. By Jennifer on Aug 19, 2008 | Reply

    My name is Jennifer. I have had 3 back surgurys. And i wish i never had them. They are going to do one more very soon. I am very scared. My pain is so bad all the time. I have a screw coming out of the rod in the bottom of my back. My rods go from my shoulders to my hip bone. I am 24. Good luck.

  5. By Jennifer on Aug 19, 2008 | Reply

    I am 24. I had my first back surgury when i was 11. I am scared everytime they do another back surgury. I like being able to walk,but i still stay in pain all the time. I wish i never had the surgury, but it is all up to you i dont know the whole situation. I wish your 16 year old and you the best. Keep your head up and God in your heart and it will work out the way the lord wants it to.

  6. By Sue on Sep 2, 2008 | Reply

    I am 44. I had one spinal surgery for an “S” shaped curve on my spine when I was 17yr. I am very glad I had the surgery done then and not now. I was so bad that excersise or a brace was not an option at the time. My only problem now is not being able to lift anything heavy, which being a mother of 3 it is very difficult not to pick up your child. I’m glad my youngest is turning 4. And my back tires easy, I have to change positions alot. I hope this life story helps someone.

  7. By itidal agha on Sep 23, 2008 | Reply

    hi
    mydaughter had the back surgery on march this year.thank God it was a success,I would adice you to do it and take the risk.good luck

  8. By Shelly on Sep 24, 2008 | Reply

    I’ve had 2 back surgeries. My lower back 2 years ago, & last year my neck. I’m glad I had them. I’ve also had 2 total knees, my age is 47 & I’ve had 29 surgeries. My Thorasic back is giving me ALOT of trouble, & I’m doing anything to stay off the table, my Dr informed me they would need to go through my side & break a couple of ribs to get in to where they need to go… My lower back has been bothering for a month or so, I went in for X-rays, they found that 1 of the screws broke in half. Now I waiting to find out what they can do to help get rid of the pain…I’m glad I did my back surgeries, my current Dr’s Dad started on my knees when I was 16, I remember him telling me, “We can only repair, we can’t always fix the problem.”
    Good luck & God Bless…

  9. By barbara on Oct 2, 2008 | Reply

    hello, im having a interbody fusion, L34,L45,L5s1. if anybody has had that(spacers with bone marrow in them, rods, screws) please let me know what to expect, i really havent found a site that will explain to me. appreciate the input, i also had a cervical fusion, which turned out real well. im scared about this other one though. good luck rhonda, and GOD bless.

  10. By Darrel on Oct 11, 2008 | Reply

    I was told by a surgeon that I needed fusion L5-S1 and a flex rod for L4-5. Has anybody had this done and can they tell me what has been the recovery and the good/bad info. anything will be helpful. I want to get as much info before I say yes or no to doc.

  11. By Debbie on Nov 3, 2008 | Reply

    I’m to have back surgery in Dec. and I am very nervious. I have 3 herniated disc, L2&3, L3 &4 and L4 &5. Has anyone had this done and can you tell me what has been the recovery time. Also, the good/bad information will be helpful.

  12. By cecil on Jan 13, 2009 | Reply

    was told by dr. that fusion was only way to get
    rid of pain compelety have to stop smokeingalso
    am ask any smokers if this is true. said fusion
    would not work if i did not stop . knowing smoking
    is not supposed to be good for you was wondering
    if this been smoking 59 yrs.hard to quit overnight
    thank to anyone who knows

  13. By Neal on Apr 7, 2009 | Reply

    Look to have this done as well its scary and three years of pain I still have not found the info ive looked for either have six to be welded and wow what a dissssion God bless

  14. By Jeff on Jul 12, 2009 | Reply

    my DR also tlod me this. I had my surgery 6/4/09.I had S1 to L5 to L4 fusion. On 7/10/09 I stood up from siting and

  15. By david on Jul 12, 2009 | Reply

    i have had three back surgeries now. the last was a fusion with cage and rods. it has been one month since surgery and i am just now able to walk like modern man and not cromagnum. my back pain still exists but not as intensely. i believe it is too soon after the surgery to tell just what the outcome will be. they went n through the stomach so that is still very tender and sore. so far i am thankful for the surgery but time will tell for sure.

  16. By Linda on Jul 24, 2009 | Reply

    I have had 4 cervical surgeries, 2 fusions and 2 bone spurs. My neurosurgeon has told me the same thing. I am having a lumbar decompression laminectomy and fusion on my L4-5 and S-1 with a bone graft and bilateral pedicle screws and fixation rods in 4 days. i didn’t quit with my cervical surgeries, but I understand that this is way more serious so on my way to the hospital Monday morning will be my last smoke! I don’t want to go through this anymore! Good Luck!

  17. By Bev on Jul 25, 2009 | Reply

    I had cervical fusion of C4-5-6 five years ago. Oct 2008 I had what you are going to do on Monday. I was very scared too. Healing took a long time and most original pain is gone. I still deal with numbness. 7-24-09 I went back to my doctor and informed him I want the bars and screws out. That is one thing I haven’t gotten use to. At 44 I want to get back to a “as normal” life as I can. I don’t regret the surgery, and I hope to be off all meds soon. By the way, get a body pillow! Sleeping is hard to get use to.

  18. By bettu on Sep 7, 2009 | Reply

    I have trouble with the lower tailbone hurting all the time. I have gone thru shots now for 3 years. Radiating from L4 which has turned and L5. The last resort is surgery on the nerves around the tailbone. I cannot find anything that really relates to the surgery and the after affects.

  19. By Bev on Sep 19, 2009 | Reply

    On Sept. 14, 2009 I had my bars and pedicle screws removed. 6 screws and 2 bars. The longest screw was 2 1/2 inches long. I went home on the 15th and without pain meds. The problems that I was having from the hardware has subsided. And I feel great. I do need to go for more fusions. The next will be L1 – L4, but I am looking for a newer updated procedure for this next fusion. Has anyone had one of the newer procedures done in the same area I am about to have done? Please let me know about it.

  20. By John Jacobsma on Oct 19, 2009 | Reply

    I need L1 tru S1 fixed and artritis What do you know about LSI in Tampa or North American Spine in Dayton is any of them any good ?

  21. By Debbie on Dec 14, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Rhonda,
    My name is Debbie.I was in a car accident Dec 26,2008. I went throught 4 months of physical therapy. I recently had a Lumbar Fusion with 6 rods having to be put in my back.Plus a double Laminectomy.My spine was curving like your daughters and my back wasn’t stable. I had my back surgery Oct 13,2009 and Now I feel great. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.Dr.Laplinsky in Worcester,MA did my surgery. He’s the best.You have to do all you can to help your daughter. I wouldn’t want ther to suffer the rest of her life when It can be fixed.If you can do it I would. It was the best decsion I’ve ever made.God Bless you and your daughter. Deb

  22. By Debbie on Dec 14, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Bev,
    My name is Debbie.I’m 47.I live in Fitchburg,MA. I recently had a lumbar fusion with 6 rods put in my back and a double laminectomy. I was in a car accident on Dec 26,2008.I had my surgery Oct 13. It’s been 3 months and I feel great!!!I’m so happy with the Dr I have.Dr.Laplinsky in Worcester, MA did my surgery and did a wonderful job. He came highly recommended to me. Good luck!!!

  23. By Debbie on Dec 14, 2009 | Reply

    Hi David,
    My name is Debbie. I had back surgery on Oct 13,2009. I have 6 titanium rods with cages in my back and a double laminectomy with bone grafts. I feel so much better now.I was in a car accident on Dec 26,2008.I suffered 2 crushed discs that were crushing my nerves.I was ilot of pain. I’m so happy to have the surgery over with. Get to feeling better. Take care, Deb

  24. By Shelli on Jan 16, 2010 | Reply

    Invest in no rinse shampoo and cotton tshirts to wear under your post surgery brace. I HAD L4 L5 laminectomy/discetomy 10 yrs ago. The cold weather affects my pain as my cages are titanium, humidity and rain are issues,too. I dont regret procedure, but dont let anyone guarantee u a pain free outcome. It doesnt always happen. But Im grateful I stopped it from progressing.

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