Wound Care

Keep incision clean and dry
- Wash with soap and water, dry with towel
Do not apply any creams, ointments, etc. to incision
You will have staples
Do not remove staples
The incision may be left uncovered
You may apply a bandage over the incision if it is more comfortable, but change bandage daily
Keep the incision/ bandage dry

General Instructions

You may shower – unless otherwise instructed
After you shower, pat the incision dry with a towel
Do not swim or immerse the incision in water
You may be more comfortable at home with equipment such as:
- walker
- shower chair
- toilet riser
- Please ask for this equipment before you leave the hospital
Use the incentive Spirometer (plastic blow box) 4 times per day for 2 weeks
Walk thirty (30) minutes every morning and evening
- Do not use hand weights
- Walk on easy terrain
Do not smoke cigarettes or use nicotine products
Eat a well balanced diet
Do not drive
Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds
No strenuous or contact sports
You may use heating pad or ice pack for comfort, but do not sleep with either heat or ice as they may cause thermal injury
You will be given a prescription for pain medication; this medication should last until your return visit
You may only require Tylenol for pain relief

Call Dr. McMorrow if any of the following occur

You develop a fever (temperature greater than 101.5), chills, nausea, vomiting
Your incision is red or starts to drain fluid
Your incision is excessively painful
You develop excessive back pain
Your legs become weak or painful
You are concerned that something is wrong or do not understand activity restrictions

Return Visit

Subsequent Care

Do not have dental procedures for 6 months post-op; after 6 months you will need antibiotics prior to dental procedures

Spinal Cord Simulator Placement