After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

• You should move around as much as is comfortable for you
  
  
• You will be given analgesics (Oxycontin, Endone, Morphine, Pethidine etc.)
  
  
• You will be given intravenous antibiotics for 1-3 days
  
  
• The nurse will conduct spinal observation in the first 24 hours
  
  
• The wound drain and urinary catheter will be removed on the day following your surgery
  
  
• You will be able to move around from day one unless instructed not to. Your dressing will be changed into a waterproof dressing. You will be able to shower with the dressing on and after 5 days you can remove the dressing and shower with the wound exposed. The stitches are dissolvable. Allow the steri-strips (adhesive) to fall off. You will be given a prescription for analgesics on discharge. The average hospital stay after fusion is 5-7 days
  
  
• You will need to visit your family doctor in one week to check on the wound and to see Mr Etherington in 4 weeks unless informed otherwise
  
  
• You can walk as much as you want after surgery. You should avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 kg and should avoid bending and twisting your back for a few weeks. Mr. Etherington may refer you for physiotherapy 4-6 weeks after surgery