WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY

What influences the speed at which you will recover?
What should I do for a steady recovery?
Why is it normal to have some pain after your surgery?
What must you do to commit to a healthy lifestyle?

Have Realistic Expectations

Recognize that healing and recovery will not happen overnight. It is a process. You may find that much of your progress will be like taking "two steps forward and one step back." Accept it! And then do all that you can to make sure your steps "forward" are large ones and your steps "backward" are small ones.

Be Patient and Persistent

During the recovery period in the hospital and at home, try to rebuild your strength gradually. Rest when you feel fatigued - but be persistent in your efforts.

It is important for you to recognize that we all heal at a different rate. The speed at which you will recover depends in part on your age, your general level of health, your overall physical fitness and your mental attitude. Generally, you will heal more slowly if you are overweight, out of shape or smoke, or if you are a diabetic or have other pre-existing medical problems.

Expect Some Pain after Surgery

It is normal to have some pain after any operation. After a MED procedure, there may be some leg "aching" which occurs as the nerve(s) attempts to heal. You also may feel some muscle spasms across your back and down your leg(s). And if there was inflammation in the nerve root, some pain may persist until this inflammation diminishes. You will be given appropriate medication to control your pain, relieve back spasms and reduce inflammation.

Be Prepared for Some Emotional Changes

It is not unusual to feel tired and discouraged for several days following surgery. These feelings may be your body’s natural reaction to the cutback of extra hormones it generated during surgery. Although some emotional letdown can be expected, you must not let it get in the way of your recovery. Don’t look back at past problems. It is important for you to look at even the smallest positive steps you make as progress toward your recovery goal.

Develop a Positive Mental Attitude

You should begin to work on a positive mental attitude even before the surgery is performed. Direct your energies toward the solution of your problem, rather than worrying about what caused your problem. Don’t be discouraged by minor setbacks during the recovery process. Concentrate on the progress you make, and will continue to make in the future.

Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle

Now is the time to commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle. You can begin by taking these important steps:

Watch your weight: If you are overweight, you must gradually return to your proper weight. Crash diets rarely work. Commit yourself to better eating habits and stay with them for the rest of your life.

Become more active: Your physician will tell you when you can resume normal physical activities after surgery. Make up your mind now that you will develop a regular aerobic exercise routine, such as walking, swimming or riding a bike. However, always check with your physician before starting any exercise program.

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