33 Minute(s)
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Need to talk to us?
What can we help you find?
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Section Menu
How long will I be on pain medicine? You may need some form of pain medicine. At first, you will take a strong medicine, such as a narcotic. You can then change to an over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol.
How long should I take iron supplements? Four weeks are usually enough to build up blood after surgery.
What should I do about constipation after surgery? It is very common to have constipation after surgery, especially when taking narcotic pain medicine. A simple over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace) is the best way to prevent this problem. Increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet will also help. In rare instances, you may require a suppository or enema.
Can I drink alcohol? Alcohol use is not advised until you have stopped your narcotic pain medicine and are walking steadily.
I feel depressed. Is this normal? It is common to have feelings of depression or trouble sleeping after your surgery. This may be due to a variety of factors such as difficulty getting around, discomfort or increased dependency on others. These feelings will typically fade as you begin to return to your regular activities. If they continue, consult your primary care doctor.
What is the recovery time? Everyone heals from surgery at a different pace. It usually takes about three months to gradually return to normal function.
How long do I need a bandage? You should use a bandage for about one week until your incision is closed and there is no fluid oozing from your wound. It should be changed daily to a new, dry, sterile gauze. You may continue to wear a bandage to protect the incision from the irritation of clothing.
How long should I use elastic stockings (TEDS)? These should be used for the first week in order to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. You may wear them longer, especially if you find that your ankles swell without them.
Should I use ice or heat? Ice should be used for the first several days, particularly if you have a lot of swelling or discomfort.
When do I need to follow-up with my surgeon? Follow-up appointments are usually made after surgery at four to six weeks.
When can I shower (get incision wet)? It is usually advised that you wait one week after surgery before showering, or until the wound is closed. If no drainage is present at the incision, your surgeon may agree that you can shower earlier. Initially, try to keep the incision dry with a plastic wrap. If it gets wet, pat it dry.
When can I place my incision in water (bathe, swimming pool, ocean, hot tub)? You can bathe or swim after stitches have been removed or about two weeks after surgery if there is no drainage from your incision. Please ask your surgeon.
What activities can I do after surgery? You may return to most activities when you feel up to it. Please discuss this with your physician at your follow-up visit.
What exercises should I do? Walking is the preferred exercise until you see your surgeon at follow-up.
Can I have sex? For the most part, you can gradually resume sexual activity when you are comfortable.
When can I drive? You should not drive until you can manage your pain without narcotics.
When can I return to work? This depends on the type of work you do. You may return to work after about one month. If your work is more rigorous, you may require longer. Check with your surgeon.
When can I travel? You may travel as soon as you feel comfortable, but avoid long-distance travel for four to six weeks or until after seeing your surgeon. We advise you to get up to stretch or walk at least once an hour when taking long trips.
Will my spinal implants set off the machines at airport security? The increasing sensitivity of security detectors at airports and public buildings may cause your prosthesis to trigger an alert. In some situations, security guards may also move a wand up and down your back to locate your implants. They may also pat you down on the area that triggers the wand.
To learn more about spine surgery or make an appointment, please contact the Spine Center at 617-243-5777.