Maybe you’re considering foraminal narrowing surgery to help address your persistent symptoms, but you’d like to know what you’re getting yourself into first. Obviously, you should consult with your physician and surgeon to understand the full scope of your specific procedure and all the implications thereof. If you’re seeking a few quick pointers for what you should do to get ready for such a surgery, however, we can give you an idea of how you can prepare.

Tip No. 1: Get all of your questions answered early

When it comes to asking questions about your foraminal narrowing surgery, we advise asking more than where and when it’ll be. Some people feel better when they know every last piece of information they can get about their upcoming procedure — why that procedure is being recommended over another option, exactly what will be going on during the operation, and so on — and if this sounds like you, be certain to get answers to all of the questions you have. Ultimately, you are in charge of your own health care, so don’t feel strange about bringing in a list of questions or asking for a more thorough explanation if you need it.

Tip No. 2: Get a recovery time frame in mind

Although everyone heals differently after foraminal narrowing surgery, you should plan to rest for at least a few days after your operation. After that, you’ll slowly be able to ease back into regular activities, as long as you’re healing properly and your physician doesn’t advise against it. In the interim, you may not be able to work or complete household responsibilities that you’re used to handling. So be sure to ask your surgeon how much time you should plan to take off from work (as applicable) and how long you’ll need to have someone else helping you with cleaning, meal preparation, taking out the trash and other chores. Knowing ahead of time can make life easier for everyone involved.

Tip No. 3: Follow your surgeon’s directions

If you decide to have foraminal narrowing surgery, you’ll receive a list of things to do the night before your surgery. This will often include guidelines about when to stop eating and drinking and whether to discontinue medications before the operation. These instructions are intended to help the surgery go as smoothly as possible, so be sure to follow them. There may also be instructions detailing what to do immediately following surgery.

If you’re still weighing your options for foraminal narrowing surgery, think about USA Spine Care. We offer a safer and effective alternative to traditional, open spine surgery^ — minimally invasive spine surgery. Find out more information about our minimally invasive procedures by contacting USA Spine Care today.

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