Post op care suggestions???

ebt213 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 07:53 AM

Hi Everyone,

It's been a long time since I've posted, but I'm really glad to see the forum growing with both newbies and veterans of "other places."

Without Mark's help and expertise, my daughter Emily would not have gotten the chance to have surgery. It's a long story for another post, but right now we need some advice on caring for her post op.

She had a fusion with metal plate and allograft at C 6-7 and a Prodisc artificial disc implanted above that at C 5-6 on Thursday (1/22). She stayed in the hospital for about 24 hours and was discharged yesterday afternoon 1/23.

She has the usual post op pain in the back of the neck and a sore throat. We didn't think to ask her surgeon whether ice packs or heat packs would help the pain, and now it's late Saturday night and our trusty source for all things surgical is on the other side of the pond in Germany making surgery possible for someone else. (Thanks for the call this morning, Mark... hope you had a good flight!)

So... does anyone know if it helps to use heat or cold on the back of the neck? We definitely don't want to do anything that wouldn't be good for her.

Also, she has a hard plastic neck brace that she's only supposed to wear when she's up walking around or sitting up. But, I've noticed when she's sleeping (especially when she rolls over on her side) that her neck can be bent to one side or the other depending how her head is positioned on the pillow. Is that ok?

We sure would appreciate any suggestions or helpful tips anyone has for post op care... ASAP.

Thanks so much!

Betsy

runner · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 11:08 AM

Betsy,

You should check with a doctor but usually you do not want to put heat on a new surgical site because it can promote infection. Bacteria like warm places to grow.
The thing to do with ice is to ice for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. You do not want to apply ice directly to the skin.
Instead, lay a towel between the ice and the skin.

I am surprised you don't have post-op instructions. I know that the UHC has general instructions on line for ADR.
Maybe you can find more information there.
If you are worried about neck placement, I would attempt to call the doctor.

I don't know about your other questions. I had lumbar ADR so I cannot answer those questions.
In doubt, I think you should always contact the surgeon who did the surgery.
I am an RN and I know that different docs have different post op instructions. If I couldn't get a hold of the doctor, I would call the hospital and ask there.

runner

Justin · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 01:13 PM

Betsy,

Runner gives great advice. I hope your daughter has an uneventful recovery!

BTW... Runner do you happen to go by "Kimmers" on another site?

sahuaro · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 05:56 PM

Betsy:
Head position during sleep has been a concern of mine since my surgery. I am wondering if a soft collar for sleep would help. I also use Tempurpedic cervical and side sleeper pillows--these help but don't absolutely prevent ending up in weird positions.

Runner's advice re ice seems appropriate but at this point, post-surgery, I would wonder if your daughter's pain meds need to be adjusted. It is important to keep ahead of the pain with the meds.

Wishing your daughter all the best in her recovery.