With any major surgery, healing requires the proper postsurgical care. This is especially true when it comes to any surgery of the neck, back and spine. Whether you are recovering from a stroke, tumor or nerve damage, there are a number of things you can do to promote healing and safety. Here are four tips to make recovery after neurosurgery successful.
1.) Go at your own pace.
The most important thing to remember following neurosurgery is that the road to recovery is different for everyone. How easy rehabilitation is depends on several factors, including:
- Age
- Type of surgery
- Patient’s overall health
- And more…
Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for two to five days following surgery. However, even this can vary depending on the type of surgery, if complications were present during the procedure and whether further treatment is required. It’s important to consult with your doctor and make plans for any necessary hospitalization after your procedure rather than rushing back to work and daily activities.
2.) Get plenty of rest.
The first step after any surgery is rest, but neurosurgery requires even more rest than you might think. While your surgical incisions may only remain sore for about a week, many neurosurgery patients require four to eight weeks of relative inactivity to fully recover. That means no working, exercising or anything that may interfere with the results of your surgery before recommended by your doctor. Your discharge instructions will detail which activities you should abstain from and when you can return to them. If you have questions, be sure to ask your doctor rather than relying on how you feel.
3.) Utilize rehabilitation therapies.
As neurosurgery has an effect on the entire body, some patients may require specialized assistance in many different areas – all of which can be addressed by rehabilitation therapy. There are several services that patients can take advantage of, including:
- Physical therapy to assess mobility following surgery and improve strength and balance
- Occupational therapy to test your ability to perform daily tasks, as well as vision and thinking skills
Be sure to complete all scheduled therapy sessions and to address any pain or concerns with your physical therapist. They can help ensure you get the most out of each appointment for optimal recovery.
4.) Watch out for complications.
Before you head home to recover, your neurologist will prepare you and your family for what to expect during recovery. Part of that entails telltale signs of complications following your procedure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately:
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- First-time seizure, more seizures than normal or different type of seizure than usual
In addition, there are other symptoms you should look out for that may not warrant a visit to the emergency room. However, they could still pose serious complications and should be brought to your doctor’s attention right away. These include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble talking, seeing or hearing
- Difficulty urinating or incontinence
- Extreme tiredness or sensitivity to light
- Increase in the frequency or severity of headaches
- Tingling or numbness in the arms, legs or face
- Confusion, hallucinations or major swings in mood or behavior
Remember, it’s always better to consult your doctor when these symptoms arise. He or she can let you know if medical attention is needed or suggest other steps to minimize symptoms and help you feel better.
Neurology Care for Northern New York
In conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan by your neurologist, these four tips can make all the difference in your recovery. At Carthage Area Hospital, our neurology department provides expert care for each patient, from their diagnosis through postoperative recovery. For more information on our neurology care for Carthage and the surrounding areas, speak with your referring physician or call 315-519-5990 today.