Post-operative Care
Dos:
- Follow Medical Advice:
Adhere to the post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare team. - Take Medications as Prescribed:
Follow the prescribed medication schedule, including pain medications and antibiotics. - Monitor for Complications:
Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgical site. - Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Consume adequate fluids and a well-balanced diet to support healing. - Gradual Increase in Activity:
Gradually resume normal activities as advised by your healthcare provider. - Attend Follow-up Appointments:
Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments for monitoring and assessment. - Communicate with the Healthcare Team:
Report any unexpected symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.
Don'ts:
- Avoid Heavy Lifting:
Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous activities until cleared by your healthcare provider. - Limit Physical Strain:
Avoid activities that strain the surgical area or cause discomfort. - Don’t Skip Medications:
Stick to the prescribed medication regimen; do not skip doses without consulting your healthcare provider. - Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:
Smoking and excessive alcohol can hinder the healing process; try to avoid them during recovery. - Don’t Ignore Signs of Complications:
If you experience unusual pain, fever, or any signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.
Drains, Catheters, and Monitoring Equipment
- Follow Care Instructions:
If you have drains or catheters, follow the specific care instructions provided by your healthcare team. - Monitor Output:
Keep track of drain or catheter output and report any significant changes to your healthcare provider. - Maintain Hygiene:
Keep the area around drains or catheters clean to prevent infection. - Ask Questions:
If you are unsure about the purpose or care of any monitoring equipment, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team.
High Dependency/Intensive Care:
- Recovery in a Monitored Setting:
If your surgery requires high dependency or intensive care, expect close monitoring of vital signs and specialised care. - Follow Team’s Recommendations:
Adhere to the recommendations of the healthcare professionals in the high-dependency or intensive care unit.
Wound Care
- Follow Wound Care Instructions:
Adhere to the specific wound care instructions provided by your healthcare team. - Keep the Area Clean:
Keep the surgical site clean and dry; follow any guidelines for dressing changes. - Watch for Signs of Infection:
Monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.
Post-operative Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy:
If prescribed, participate in physical therapy to aid in the recovery of mobility and function. - Gradual Increase in Activity:
Gradually increase physical activity levels as advised by your healthcare provider.
Return to Work
- Consult with Your Employer:
Communicate with your employer about a gradual return to work, considering any physical limitations. - Follow Recommendations:
Adhere to any restrictions or recommendations provided by your healthcare team.
Return to Sports
- Gradual Resumption:
Return to sports or strenuous activities gradually, following clearance from your healthcare provider. - Listen to Your Body:
Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon.
Taking Care of Your Spine in the Longer Term
- Maintain Good Posture:
Practice good posture to alleviate stress on your spine. - Regular Exercise:
As recommended by your healthcare provider, engage in regular exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles. - Follow-up Imaging:
Attend any scheduled follow-up imaging or appointments to monitor the long-term health of your spine. - Avoid Excessive Strain:
Be mindful of activities that may strain your spine excessively, and take precautions to prevent injury.
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice, as individual recovery varies based on the surgery type and overall health.
Table of Contents
Why choose
Dr Sherief Elsayed for neck pain treatment in Dubai?
Dr Sherief is one of the most renowned spinal surgeons for cervicobrachial pain treatment in Dubai. He is a comprehensively trained and highly skilled spine surgeon in Dubai, known for treating a range of spinal conditions with effective treatments.
He is also one of the rare surgeons who is trained in robot-assisted surgery. His patient reviews are a testament to his effective treatment techniques and discreet, caring, and comforting approach. You can read more about Dr Sherief or book an appointment to consult him personally.
FAQ
You’ll wake up in recovery with monitoring equipment attached. Pain is managed with regular medication through a drip initially, then tablets as you start eating. Physiotherapists help you sit up and walk, usually within 24 hours unless otherwise advised. Your wound will have a dressing that’s checked daily. Nurses monitor your temperature, blood pressure, and wound for any problems. You might have a catheter temporarily if you struggle passing urine. Feeling tired and sore is completely normal. Most people stay in hospital two to four days, depending on the operation and recovery progress.
Keep the dressing dry until your follow-up appointment or as instructed. Modern dressings are usually waterproof, allowing quick showers, but avoid soaking in baths for the first two weeks. Don’t apply creams or lotions to the wound. Watch for signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or warmth. The wound may feel numb or tingly around the edges; this is normal nerve healing. Stitches are often dissolvable and don’t need removing. If you have visible stitches or staples, these come out at your first follow-up, typically 10-14 days after surgery.
Most surgeons advise waiting four to six weeks before driving, though this varies by procedure. You must be able to perform an emergency stop without hesitation and turn your head to check blind spots comfortably if you’ve had neck surgery. Pain medication that causes drowsiness means you shouldn’t drive. Check your insurance policy, as some require medical clearance after surgery. Start with short journeys when you do resume driving. If you’re unsure, your surgeon can provide specific guidance at your follow-up appointment. Never drive if you’re not confident about controlling the vehicle safely.
Heavy lifting, bending, and twisting are restricted for at least six weeks, often longer after fusion surgery. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle initially. Don’t reach overhead or vacuum. Activities like golf, tennis, or contact sports wait until your surgeon confirms the fusion has healed, usually around three to six months. Gentle walking is encouraged from the start. Sexual activity can usually resume after four to six weeks if comfortable. Gardening, DIY, and similar tasks should wait at least three months. Your physiotherapist provides specific guidance for your operation and progress.
Physiotherapy is crucial for optimal recovery. Exercises strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent stiffness. Your physiotherapist teaches you safe movement patterns and helps you progress activities gradually. Starting with gentle exercises and building up prevents doing too much too soon, which could cause problems. Some people attend outpatient sessions whilst others manage with a home programme. Even after formal physiotherapy ends, continuing regular exercise maintains your spine health long-term. Think of rehabilitation as important as the surgery itself for achieving the best possible outcome.