What to expect when you’re facing spinal surgery: Three things to consider
Spine surgery is a daunting prospect. No one likes being told they need to undergo an operation to fix an ongoing medical issue, and the idea of going under anesthesia and having the spine manipulated can cause a lot of stress.
But while it’s understandable to feel this way, the reality is that a reputable spinal surgeon has performed the sort of operation you’ll be having hundreds of times, and procedures like this are considered extremely safe.
Nevertheless, there’s still a lot to think about, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this article, you’ll learn about three things to consider on the run-up to your surgery, so that you can go in as prepared as possible and make a speedy recovery.
Preparation is key
For any type of surgery, preparation is highly important. The lead-up begins way in advance, and there will be an entire surgical team helping you to ensure the process goes smoothly. Exactly what your pre-surgical preparation involves will depend on the exact type of operation you’re going to have, but it will always involve pre-op imaging (a CT scan, MRI, or both), a full medical history, and several examinations at the hands of your surgeon. There will also be bloodwork and physical therapy sessions.
Not only this, but you’ll need to spend some time mentally preparing, too. While you’re likely always going to be a little anxious, it’s important to calm any fears with the facts before you head in. Give yourself a few weeks to feel at ease with the process – your surgeon will be able to reassure you on anything you’re concerned about, and speaking with friends and family, even though they’re not medical professionals, can help a great deal, too.
Understanding recovery
Recovery is a big challenge for most people. Understandably, you’ll want to be up and about as quickly as possible, and it’s easy to get frustrated with the fact that you have to rest. You may need to miss out on certain social events, as well as work, for several weeks, so it’s important to make your peace with this on the run-up to surgery so that it doesn’t come as a shock.
It’s key to thoroughly discuss your post-op recovery plan with your team so that you’re familiar with what will happen.
Setting realistic expectations
For a surgery like this, it’s crucial to understand the expected outcomes clearly; your pain or discomfort will significantly improve, but you might not be entirely symptom-free post-op.
You may be lucky in that your problem is completely resolved, but don’t go in with that expectation unless it’s been explicitly mentioned. You should always be very positive about the outcome, but it’s important to understand the limitations of the surgery you’re having.
Do plenty of research
Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on the key concepts surrounding the management of your spinal surgery. There’s much more to learn, so be sure to do plenty of research and lean on the professionals around you for support. Good luck!
