Helping your recovery from surgery

More than any other single factor, a good outcome from surgery depends upon one person, and that is you.

This is something that is known by surgeons, recognized by scientific studies but often not appreciated by patients. Yet we should not be surprised that our attitudes, expectations and lifestyle can have such an important impact on our recovery from surgery.

Each of the sections on the different surgical techniques discusses some of the specifics about what to expect after surgery, but there are a few general principles which apply to all spinal operations that are worth bearing in mind.

Lifestyle

Sometimes the problems that develop in the lower back are a reflection of a lifestyle that may not have been particularly 'back friendly'. Thinking about these issues and committing to a healthier lifestyle is the first step inyour recovery and ensurs that further problems are avoided in the future.

Weight

Being overweight will overload the structures in your back and may offset some of the potential benefits from implants designed to reduce the loading in the spine. If you are overweight you need to alter your diet to healthier eating. There are various support groups who can help you, or we can arrange for you to see a dietician.

Your Work

Does your work keep you tied to a desk all day? Do you spend hours sat at a computer? Sedentary inactivity of this sort is bad for the discs in the spine and quickly leads to deconditioning of the muscles in our spine. You don't have to change you work, but make sure you incorporate regular breaks through the day when you get up and walk around. You could include some back exercises and maybe get out for a walk at lunchtime. Talk to your physiotherapist about sitting posture and perhaps ask for an ergonomic assessment of your work station.

Exercise

In almost all cases you will be encouraged to gradually build up your exercise level during the course of your recovery from surgery and the aim of your operation is to allow you to return to an active lifestyle. Now is the time to commit to a regular programme of aerobic exercises. Work at keeping up your level of motivation in the long term and this will pay dividends.

Mental Attitude

This can really make such a difference to your outcome. Your clear determination in going through with the daunting prospect of an operation needs to be matched by an equal determination to get better! Try and focus on the positive aspects of your recovery process, and remind yourself of the real progress that you have made. Don't allow the small set backs which will inevitably occur to become too consequential. They will pass and you will continue to make progress. Concentrate your energies on finding the ways to get better and always keep in mind your objective of getting your life back as you want it.

Expectations

Be realistic in your expectations and you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Your recovery process is exactly that, a process. It will take time and the road to recovery is often up and down. Expect some discomfort after your surgery. Be prepared for occasional setbacks. You will have some bad days, but gradually you should find that they get fewer and fewer. We all recover at different rates and this can be affected by many things such as your age and general health, your outlook and attitude and, of course, the particular type of surgery you have been through. Don't despair if your progress seems slow. Be patient but above all persevere in your programme of recuperation.

Many people are surprised by just how tired and drained they feel, often for many weeks after surgery. Be prepared for this. If you feel tired take time to rest. Although you may be physically capable of returning to work you may not be up to your normal efficiency and capability. You may want to consider returning to work on a part-time basis to start with. Give yourself time to rest and recuperate even at this stage.

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