- The day of the intervention
- The first day after the intervention
- The second day after the intervention<
- The third day after the intervention
The day of the intervention
You will be monitored closely and treated in the recovery room before being transferred to your room. The health care team will answer your questions, and coordinate and provide care related to your health condition.
You can have something to drink two hours after your intervention based on the anesthetist’s orders. The nurse will regularly assess the pain with you and adjust your medical treatment based on the pain's intensity. However, do not hesitate to report any pain to the team.
Every four hours, day or night, over the course of 48 hours, the nurse will test your sensitivity and motor skills in your legs.
After the operation, you will lie on your back for at least six hours. Then a member of the health care team will help you to turn on your side, as in the positions shown below.
Relaxation position with a pillow
under the knees
The first day after the intervention
Usually you can eat the next morning, if the neurosurgeon agrees. After you eat breakfast, a nurse or physical therapist will help you to sit on the edge of the bed, then in the chair (1st time to get up). Then you will be accompanied to the sink to wash up.
Only the movement explained below is allowed. This exercise is intended to protect your back when you get up. It is important to do it throughout your rehabilitation.
Turning your body sideways
Keep your back straight, lower your legs and
push with your arms to sit up
Keep your back straight when you stand up
A physical therapist will accompany you to take a walk down the hallway and instruct you about the movements and postures you should use.
The second day after the intervention
You can take a shower after 48 hours, making sure you do not wet your dressing. A carer will assist you with the hygiene of your back.
You can get up by yourself and walk around the unit. You will do the exercises explained below for the first time with the physical therapist.
To strengthen the posterior muscles of the back
Support your head, both arms, your right foot and your left leg while exhaling; then relax your muscles while inhaling. Repeat the same exercise with your other leg. If possible, repeat each exercise 10 times.
To strengthen the abdominal muscles
Push your right knee with your left hand while exhaling; then relax your muscles while inhaling. Repeat the same exercise with your other leg. If possible, repeat each exercise 10 times on each side.
The third day after the intervention
You will repeat the exercises with your physical therapist. They will accompany you to walk up the stairs.