Questions about my hospital stay:

1. How do they put me to sleep for surgery?

Patients having surgery can go to sleep generally through one of two methods The anesthesiologist can inject medication through an intravenous line (IV) or you can breathe the anesthetic agent from a mask.

2. How should I wear my hair on the day of surgery?

We generally recommend that you wash your hair on the day of surgery and put it up away from your neck.

3. Am I going to be wearing pajamas most of the time?

Yes. We prefer that you wear the hospital's gowns during the first two three days after surgery, as these open in the back, allowing us to change the bandages on your back. After the first few days, you may wear your pajamas if you like.

4. How long will I be in the hospital?

Most patients spend five to seven days in the hospital after surgery.

5. Will I have a single or double room?

All of our rooms are single or double rooms and what type of room you will have depends on availability on the day of your surgery.

6. Can someone stay with me?

Yes, we have facilities for one parent to stay in the room with you.

7. How soon can people visit me in the hospital?

Your immediate family can visit right after your surgery. We suggest that other friends and family wait for two or three days to visit. After that time, you may have visitors (age 10 and above), from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

8. Is there a limit to how many people and the time they spend visiting me?

Depending on how you are feeling, your family and the nursing staff can help you decide how many people you wish to see and how much time they can spend with you.

9. What is my mailing address?

Your friends can write to you in care of the Orthopaedic Surgery Inpatient Unit, University Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

10. What is my telephone number?

Your friends can find out your room number by calling University Hospitals' main number, which is (319)356-1616.

11. What is my room number?

Your room number will be determined on the day of your surgery. Friends and family can find out your room number by calling the University Hospitals' main number (319) 356-1616.

12. How long will the IV be in?

The IV (intravenous line) will be in for the first two to four days a surgery. The IV is used to give adequate fluids and medications. Once you are eating and drinking well, the IV will be removed.

13. What will I eat?

Surgery causes your stomach activity to be slowed, making it necessary to change your diet for a brief time. During the first few days after surgery you will not be eating or drinking. All fluids and nutrition needed will come through your IV line. Usually between the second and fourth day after surgery we will begin giving you liquids to drink, followed by a soft diet, and then regular food.

14. Can I push the PCA pump (patient controlled analgesia) as many times as I want?

Yes, this machine allows you to give your own pain medicine without having injections (shots). Any time you feel uncomfortable you can simply push the button and you will receive the appropriate amount of pain medicine.

15. How long will the catheter be in?

A catheter is used to measure urinary output during and after surgery. It is usually left in place two to four days or until you are able to out of bed and use the bathroom.

16. Can they put this in during surgery?

Yes, the catheter is inserted while you are asleep, so you will not feel it. Removing the catheter after surgery is a very quick and painless procedure.

17. How soon can I put in my contacts?

Once the anesthetic wears off and you are wide awake and alert, you'll be able to put your contacts back in.

18. Can my parents take me out of my hospital room?

Yes. The usual post operative course is that you'll be sitting up in bed the first day after surgery, up in a chair the second day, and up walking on the third to fourth day. Once you are able to sit in a chair, your parents will be able to take you out of the room in a wheelchair.

19. How many days will I have physical therapy?

You will probably start physical therapy on the fourth or fifth day after surgery. Most patients require one or two days of physical therapy prior to leaving the hospital.

Questions for when I'm home:

1. How long is the scar?

The length of the incision depends on the amount of the spine to be fused The longer the area of spinal fusion, the longer the incision.

2. How wide is the scar?

The incision usually is very thin; approximately one to three millimeters in width. In some patients it can increase to four or five millimeters' depending on healing.

3. How long is the scar on my hip?

The incision made over the hip (iliac crest region) is approximately five to eight centimeters long.

4. How long will it take for the scar to fade?

The incision goes through various changes in color during the healing period. It will gradually decrease in size over a period of six months to one year after surgery.

5. What happens if I get a sunburn?

We usually recommend that you keep your surgical incision site protected during the first year after surgery to allow for good healing. After that time, we recommend standard skin protection measures during exposure to sun.

6. What are the rods made of?

The rods are made of stainless steel.

7. How much do the rods weigh?

The rod that is inserted generally weighs between one and two pounds, depending on the type of rod used. The type of rod used depends on your curvature and other factors.

8. Do the rods grow with me?

No, the rods do not grow. The portion of the spine that is fused will stop growing within approximately one year of the time of fusion.

9. Am I at more risk of becoming electrocuted because of the rods?

No, there is no greater risk to you than if you had not had scoliosis surgery.

10. Will metal detectors sound if I go through them?

No.

11. Will these rods make me sit straight?

The rods are rigid and the portion of the spine that is fused underneath the rods will be rigid and help improve your sitting posture.

12. Should I continue taking the iron pills?

Yes, the iron pills are used to build up your blood count after surgery. These are usually necessary for four to six weeks after surgery.

13. How much weight will I lose?

Most patients generally lose two to four pounds as the result of the hospitalization, but this is usually regained during the first six weeks after surgery.

14. Am I a restricted height?

No, the remainder of the spine and the rest of your limbs will continue to grow.

15. How far can I bend over?

If the fusion is limited to the thoracic spine (chest region), you will probably notice no restriction of motion. If the fusion extends into the lumbar spine, minimal restrictions of motion can occur, but most patients are able to bend over considerably.

16. How soon can I take a shower?

You can begin showering two weeks after surgery. Until that time it will be necessary for you to take sponge baths.

17. During the restricted period (first six months after surgery), am I able to: 1) ride a bike? 2) swim? 3) run? 4) give bear hugs?!

You should not swim, run, or ride a bike during the first four to six months after surgery. You can give and get lots of bear hugs whenever you want!

18. Can I go sailing on smooth water?

You can go sailing once you are able to swim, which is usually four to six months after surgery.

19. When can I travel in a car?

You can travel in a car when you're ready for discharge from the hospital. Driving is usually permitted approximately five to eight weeks after surgery.

20. Can I climb mountains, ride a ski lift, and ski? ;

Once the healing period (six months) is over, you will be able to resume normal activities, including skiing.

21. Can I do sit ups?

Sit ups can be resumed approximately six months after surgery.

22. Can I still have back rubs and massages?

Yes.

23. Can I go on an elevator/escalator?

Yes.

24. Am I able to fly on an airplane?

Airplane travel will be permitted within the first few weeks after surgery, once you are comfortably able to sit.

25. Can I ever jump on a trampoline again?

Yes, after six months you may resume all activities, including trampoline jumping. However, jumping on a trampoline can be dangerous for anyone, and it is not recommended.

26. Can I sleep in a waterbed?

Yes, after your surgery you may sleep in any type of bed.

27. How soon can I resume all physical activities?

The majority of activities can be resumed six months after surgery. Eight months after surgery all activities can be resumed.

If you have any other questions related to surgery or post surgery recovery, please write them down and make sure that you ask Dr. Weinstein.

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