After having a lumbar laminectomy, you will first go to the recovery room for monitoring, where nurses will check your vital signs and incision. You will most likely have a Foley catheter to drain your bladder. This will be removed as soon as you are able to walk to the bathroom safely.
You will have sequential compression devices on your legs that gently squeeze and release your calves. These help prevent the complication of blood clots. You will still have an intravenous line.
You will be transferred to the nursing unit where the staff are specially trained to care for people who have had spinal surgery. You and your family/friends will be introduced to your healthcare staff and briefed on your room. You will most likely have a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) for pain control. This consists of a button that you as the patient can push when you feel your pain is increasing. It will deliver your pain medication through your IV line. (A safety feature will prohibit you from geting more pain medication than is prescribed, no matter how many times you push the button.)
You will be started with ice chips and then clear liquids. Your diet will be slowly advanced as you tolerate the liquids and begin passing gas. You will most likely rest most of this day in bed. You will be assisted if you need repositioning in bed.
The day after your surgery is considered Post Op Day #1. On this day you should expect to:
- walk with physical therapy or nursing
- begin exercises appropriate to your surgery
- have your precautions reinforced -- remember no bending, lifting or twisting
- begin to learn how to perform your daily hygiene and activities while following your spine precautions
- have your dressing changed and possibly have your drain removed
- have your Foley catheter removed
- begin the transition to oral pain medications
- develop a plan for discharge
There are a number of goals for discharge:
- move independently and perform daily hygiene and activities following your spine precautions
- walk 50-100 feet
- understand how and when to wear your brace if one has been ordered for you
- have your pain managed by oral pain medications and be able to tolerate a regular diet