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Lami/Disc Discharge Instructions

Laminectomy/Discectomy Discharge Instructions

This information is being given to you to at the time of your discharge from the hospital to provide you with generalized instructions for your care at home.  If you did not have surgery by Dr. Shim,  your own Physician may have other instructions.  Please follow your Surgeon’s specific instructions.

  1. A post-operative follow-up office visit should have been scheduled for you at the time you set up your surgery. It is generally 10 to 14 days after surgery. If you are unsure of the date and time or just need to move your appointment, please call our office at 813-814-9251.
  2. We now use a dressing called Silverlon.  It is made to get wet.  Please shower with the dressing, and pat it dry.  Do not remove the original dressing, it will be removed in the office on the followup visit.  Your incision is usually closed with dissolvable stitches that are under the level of your skin. You will notice a few white strips over the incision. We will discuss care for your incision on the followup visit.
  3. At the time of discharge, you will be given a prescription for pain medication for use at home. Follow the instructions given when taking this medication. Do not take more than is prescribed. If you feel that you don’t need the medicine, simply avoid taking it. If the medication makes you sick in any way or is not working for you, please call our office during the day to change your medication.
  4. It is not uncommon to have any of the following symptoms after surgery:
    • Residual back and / or leg pain
    • Tingling in the legs or feet
    • Discomfort in the low back
    • Muscle spasms and tightness
    • These symptoms tend to resolve over time. Please let Dr. Shim and/or his staff know if you have any of the above symptoms during the first post operative visit.
  5. If you experience any of the following:
    • Fevers (above 101.5 degrees), chills, or continuous sweats
    • Drainage from your surgical incision
    • Redness around incision site
    • Loss of bowel or bladder control
    • Increasing pain or numbness
    • Please call the office and speak with our clinical staff to inform them of your symptoms.
    • IN RARE INSTANCES,  you will be directed to the emergency room.
  6. You may do light activities until your first post-operative visit. Avoid any lifting, repetitive bending, heavy pushing or pulling. Let pain be your guide. If an activity causes or increases your pain, avoid that activity.
  7. Most importantly, RELAX….. give your back the chance to get better!

Last modified: October 22, 2019