wound care after back surgery?

Question

my mother had back surgery a month ago for spinal stenosis. After they went in they realized it was a pinched nerve and corrcted the problem (so they say), So far she has had the same pain in her back and lower extremities, she can barely walk. To add to the inconvienance, her wound is not healing up ....has anyone ever had back surgery with these problems? I feel sorry for her, but i think she's given up, she wishes for a miracle but with every surgery, she seems to get worse.

Answer 1

If the wound does not heal, she needs to see her doctor ASAP; because she can get an infection.


In addition to following the doctor’s post-surgical recommendations, such as rehabilitation and physical therapy, it is a good idea for back surgery patients to examine areas that are under his or her control that will help with their post-surgical recovery process. Here are a few lifestyle changes for patients to consider:

Avoid smoking. Smoking is a known contributor to back pain and any form of nicotine will hurt the post-surgical healing process. This is especially true for fusion, as nicotine is known to inhibit the bone growth necessary to achieve a solid fusion.

Avoid drinking excess alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are a depressant, and patients will benefit from keeping a positive frame of mind during their recovery process. Alcohol will also significantly increase sedation when consumed in combination with narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants. Because alcohol may interact unfavorably with other medications, read the medication instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist with any questions.

Use lumbar support, ergonomic chairs, and correct posture for back support. Avoid placing undue strain on the structures in the back and neck by using low back supports, ergonomic seating and good posture to keep the spine in proper alignment.

Avoid sitting for prolonged periods. Prolonged sitting can create strain on the low back because it is difficult for most people to maintain good posture when they sit for long periods of time. Although sitting will not cause damage after back surgery, during the first few weeks, prolonged sitting is usually uncomfortable and people do best if they get up, move around or change position on a frequent basis (e.g. every half hour).

Achieve a healthy weight. Excess weight means excess stress on weight-bearing structures, including the discs in the low back. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight will help minimize loading on the spine.

Eat nutritiously. Healthy foods will nourish the entire body and help with the healing process. Patients should ask their doctor if there are any nutritional implications of post-surgical pain medicine that they should be aware of. For example, some narcotic agents lead to constipation, so eating plenty of foods with high fiber content (e.g. bran and fruit) is important.

Drink plenty of water. Staying well-hydrated by drinking several 8 ounce glasses of water each day will help with overall nutrition, as well as help reduce the risk of constipation.

Get enough continuous sleep. It is well known that surgery, postop pain and the medications used to treat it will certainly disrupt the normal sleep cycle. Frequently, people rest and nap more than usual after surgery which contributes to the problem of wakefulness at night. It may take some time for things to get back to “normal” and this can be frustrating to patients and their families. When possible, take medications that cause drowsiness before bedtime and minimize their use during the day. Practicing good sleep habits will also make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night. It is suggested that people establish a comforting evening pre-sleep ritual such as reading a good book or doing something else relaxing. Going to bed at about the same time each night, avoiding caffeine and meals in the hours leading up to bed time may also help. For those who have chronic difficulty staying asleep, there are prescription medications available but healthcare providers may or may not wish to rely on these in the early postop period.

In summary, Research has shown that having a positive attitude enhances the patient’s overall experience and leads to less pain after surgery and a faster recovery process. Feeling well prepared for surgery will help foster a sense of control and confidence. Patients and caregivers who have a thorough understanding of what to expect before and after surgery, and most importantly, know who to call with questions, will have less anxiety in the days and weeks surrounding the event.

Answer 2

I've had back surgery twelve times now, in five years, both laser surgery and the old way. Crushed disc, stenosis. multiple discs, you name it. All from osteo-arthritis in the severe degenerative stages. I have 32 wires, twelve cadavar bones and twelve of my own bones, three cages, I guess some other things I can't remember what.
If done correctly, by the right surgeons and under the right conditions, there shouldn't be any problems. I've had cervical stenosis with three vertebrae crushing my spinal cord, I was having spasms and in extreme pain, I walked out of the hospital he next day, six hours after surgery. I had coffee with the doctor three hours after surgery, he let me go.

There will be pain, a lot is in the attitude of course, there's pain to be sure. It hurts like hell. I'll never be the same, I have to live, for my wife, if for anyone. There shouldn't be any, hardly scaring. Of course there's going to be nerve damage, it may never go away, mine didn't. She may have to be on drug control, like I am. My nerve damage is beyond repair. I'm on pain patches. . Good luck