In almost all aspects of life, you’re better prepared for something if you’ve had a similar experience in the past. For example, if you’ve already undergone a spinal procedure, you will likely be better prepared to manage your expectations and follow through with rehabilitation after your second surgery because you’ve been through the process before.
Unfortunately, most people don’t have the wisdom that comes with the experience of having a previous spine surgery because for most individuals, it’s a one-and-done type of operation. Because of this, many people don’t know what to expect coming into a spine surgery, and they can’t always put that knowledge they acquire to use afterwards because they never need another operation.
But what if we could pass along some tips that patients who have undergone spine surgery wish they would have known sooner in the process? That’s the goal of today’s blog on five realizations we want you to understand before you undergo spine surgery.
What We Want You To Know Before Spine Surgery
Here are five things patients often wish they would have known before their spinal procedure:
- There Will Be Pain – Discomfort during the operation itself should be minimal, but sometimes patients mismanage their expectations when it comes to post-op pain. We’ll work with you to help keep discomfort under control, but know that surgery is a major trauma to the body, and even if everything goes as planned, you’ll still have a decent amount of pain as you progress through recovery. This is normal, but not always expected on the patient’s end.
- The Work Is Worth It – You may not see the point of physical therapy in terms of day-to-day improvements, but trust us when we say you get out what you put in, and you really want to work hard during rehabilitation. Your rehab helps control how full a recovery you make, and it also helps to establish range of motion and flexibility. If you ignore rehab or skip physical therapy, you’re only cheating your body out of a healthier version of itself.
- It’s Not All Physical – Surgery doesn’t just take a physical toll on a person’s health, it can also have significant emotional and psychological effects. Patients should know that they’ll want to care for all aspects of their health during their recovery, not just their physical well being. If you’re struggling with any aspect of your physical, mental or emotional well being as you recover, talk to your surgeon or your medical team.
- Lean On Your Support System – Odds are you have family and friends who will be more than willing to help you through the recovery process. Instead of trying to do everything on your own, trust us when we say that it’s great to lean on these pillars of support. A good support system can help keep your rehab on track when things get tough, and it can just make life easier in general. Don’t be afraid to ask for help during recovery from spine surgery.
- We’re Here To Help – We hope this is something we can convey well before you have surgery, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgical team if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your care. From your initial appointment to your final post-op visit, we’re here to help you any way we can. Whether it’s a general question or a specific concern, we’re here for you.
For more information, or to set up an appointment with Dr. Sinicropi, contact our office today.
