Cervical Disc Replacement

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

· You will have a hard collar to wear after surgery for 1 week. Wear this at all times except for eating, sleeping, sitting with back support, and showering/hygiene.  

· You will be discharged the day of surgery. Plan to have someone drive you home.  

· A prescription for pain medications will be given to you. If you need a refill, please call our office 757-827-2480 Ext 365.  

· We do not recommend driving until first postop appointment which is 2 weeks after surgery. You may ride in a car, but do not ride for more than two hours continuously without getting out and walking for the first 4 weeks. If you need a temporary handicap parking permit, one can be arranged for you.  

 · Change the dressing as needed. Please check your dressing daily for any drainage. We recommend a waterproof dressing especially while showering. Keep the incision clean, dry and covered.  

· After the dressing is removed at your follow-up appointment, you may shower without the dressing on. Pat the area dry. Do not submerge your incision in water such as hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc…for 6 weeks.  

· Do not take ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve or other NSAIDs until 3 days postop. Do not lift anything greater than 5lbs.  

· Be sure to get up and take short walks 4 times per day to help avoid developing a blood clot in your legs.  

· Be sure to maintain a healthy bowel regimen while on pain medications. Opioids tend to cause constipation. Use stool softeners and gentle laxatives to maintain regular bowel habits.  

· Call the office to report any fever >101.5, progressively worsening pain that is not controlled with oral pain medications, drainage from your incision, new bowel/bladder incontinence.  

IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, please call the office for further instructions: 757- 827-2480 extension 365 from 8am until 5pm Monday through Friday. After hours or on weekends for urgent matters: 757-220-4493