| Ques: |
Is there a lot of pain after surgery? |
| Ans: |
There is not a lot of pain because of the minimally
invasive nature of the procedure. You will have pain medication
for when you need it. Remember to use ice on your back
for 20 minutes to keep the swelling down which helps relieve
the pain. If pain is excessive you should contact your
doctor. |
| Ques: |
Can I shower after surgery? |
| Ans: |
You will have a waterproof dressing on your back. You
may shower quickly but try not to soak the dressing. Do
not use a Jacuzzi. |
| Ques: |
What are my limitations after surgery? |
| Ans: |
You should take it easy. You can walk and lie down.
Try to limit sitting to 10-15 minutes, sitting will tend
to make you sore. You will begin physical therapy at two
weeks and thereafter slowly increase your activities.
|
| Ques: |
When can I play golf or tennis? |
| Ans: |
You need to wait 3 months to play strenuous sports or
do any activity that uses a lot of twisting motion. |
| Ques: |
Is this surgery experimental? |
| Ans: |
This surgery is not experimental. It is a minimally
invasive way to perform the same procedure that has been
successfully used to treat disc herniations for more than
60 years. This particular technique has been used since
1995. |
| Ques: |
Will I have a large scar? |
| Ans: |
The incision is only 1inch or 2cm long and usually
heals very well. It is usually barely noticeable. |
| Ques: |
When can I have sexual intercourse? |
| Ans: |
You can engage in sexual activity when you feel comfortable,
usually after one to two weeks. Remember to moderate your
activities and stop if you have any pain and then try
to find a more comfortable position. |
| Ques: |
Will I need medication? |
| Ans: |
There is usually not much pain after surgery. You will
be given hydrocodone or a similar pain medication. Remember
to use ice regularly and to lie down when you need to
rest your back. |
| Ques: |
Does my insurance pay for this surgery |
| Ans: |
Many forms of health insurance pay for this surgery
referred to as a minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy.
You may want to ask your insurance company about this
directly. |
| Ques: |
When can I drive? |
| Ans: |
You can drive short distances when you are comfortable
sitting in a car. Sitting tends to aggravate the pain
more than any other positions and limiting sitting and
driving for the first 1-2 weeks is a good idea. |
