Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is a surgery to join two or more spinal bones -- vertebrae -- so that they eventually grow into one solid bone. Take these steps to help your surgery and recovery go better:
- Stop smoking. If you smoke, try to stop prior to surgery. Non-smokers have fewer complications related to surgery. More importantly, smoking slows bone healing and could cause your fusion surgery to fail.
- Stop certain medications. Stop taking aspirin two weeks before surgery. Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) one week before surgery. If you take blood thinners, ask your doctor when to stop taking them. You can continue to take most of your other regular medications. Tell your doctor everything you're taking so your doctor can help you know what to stop.
- Ask for time off work. Ask your doctor how long you may need to be off work and make arrangements with your employer.
- Ask for someone to drive you home. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital and to help you at home for the first few days.
Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is a surgery to join two or more
spinal bones -- vertebrae -- so that they eventually grow into one
solid bone. Take these steps to help your surgery and recovery go
better: Stop smoking. If you smoke, try to...
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Intermountain Healthcare answered:Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is a surgery to join two or more spinal bones -- vertebrae -- so that they eventually grow into one solid bone. Take these steps to help your surgery and recovery go better: