POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Kyphoplasty
You will be discharged the day of surgery. Plan to have someone drive you home.
You may take ibuprofen, Motrin, or Aleve per the recommended dosing to help with your post operative pain as long as you do not have any kidney problems, stomach problems or have been told by your primary care doctor to avoid these medications.
It will be determined at your follow-up visits when you are allowed to resume driving. You may ride in a car, but do not ride for more than one hour continuously without getting out and walking for the first two months. 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/incisions clean, dry and covered.
Do not lift anything greater than 5-10 lbs. - 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 over the counter stool softeners and gentle laxatives to maintain regular bowel habits.
Call the office to report any fever greater than 101.5, progressively worsening pain that is not controlled with oral pain medications, drainage from your incision site, 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