POST OPERATIVE CARE FOR SI JOINT FUSION SURGERY
UVNN patient’s will receive SI joint fusion postoperative instructions following their surgery to ensure a full recovery. Healing occurs much more quickly if patient’s maintain a positive attitude and set small goals for continued improvement. A focused approach to individual care and working steadily towards accomplishing each goal results in faster patient recovery.
Our team of dedicated neurosurgeons will discuss your post operative care plan with you following your surgery and are here to answer questions or discuss concerns every step of the way.
If you have questions about your neurosurgery post operative care plan, call (603) 448-0447 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In case of any emergency during non-business hours please dial the same main number and follow the prompts to page the neurosurgeon-on-call.
PAIN
It is normal to have pain after your surgery; this does not mean that the procedure was unsuccessful or that your recovery will be delayed. For the first 48 hours, and then intermittently, keep ice to the surgical site as much as possible for pain relief and to minimize swelling. Medications will be given to control pain and decrease spasm intensity. Take this medication as directed, and taper down as pain begins to resolve.
NUTRITION
Resume your normal diet as tolerated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, and eat whole grain cereals, fruits and fruit juices to combat constipation that is sometimes caused by pain medications. You may take Colace 100mg, twice a day, as a stool softener if tolerated. Contact our office if constipation becomes an issue.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
You will need to refrain from impact activities until cleared by your provider. Sexual activity can be resumed a few weeks after surgery. No unnecessary walking for 3 weeks.
DRIVING
Consult your surgeon regarding your current driving status. There are no set time restrictions. Use common sense and do not attempt to resume driving until you feel completely comfortable to drive in an uninhibited manner. It is recommended that you do not drive for the first 1-2 weeks while taking high doses of narcotic pain relievers.
BATHING AND WOUND CARE
You may shower after 24 hours. You may remove the paper tape from your incision after 10 days. Do not:
- Use soap on the incision. Instead, allow the soap to run over it.
- Scrub the incision. Pat the area try with a towel after showering.
- Soak the incision should be avoided (i.e.: baths, swimming etc.) until you are approximately 2 weeks out from your surgery and the tape has been removed.
CALL YOUR NEUROSURGEON IF….
- You develop a fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- You have redness, swelling, pain and/or drainage from your incision.
- You experience urinary problems.You develop worsening pain.
- There is persistent bleeding from the incision.
- You notice a foul smell coming from your incision.
- You are unable to keep fluids down due to nausea.
- Any other worrisome condition, questions, or concerns.
The nursing staff at the hospital will review SI joint fusion postoperative instructions with you and answer any questions prior to your discharge. A follow-up appointment with a neurosurgical PA will be arranged in 10-14 days following surgery. If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please contact Upper Valley Neurology Neurosurgery at (603) 448-0447 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In case of any emergency during non-business hours please dial the same main number and follow the prompts to page the neurosurgeon-on-call.