6 Ways You Can Prepare for Spine Surgery
The Team at Kayal Pain & Spine Center Has Got Your Back
Whether you are running a marathon, cooking a four-course meal or creating your retirement plan, careful preparation can go a long way toward achieving success. The same is true when you are facing spinal surgery.
First, it’s important for you to know that the compassionate team at Kayal Pain & Spine Center will be here for you every step of the way. We know that most people feel anxious or scared when surgery is looming. But it’s just as important for you to know that you will not find a better spine doctor in Glen Rock or beyond. Dr. Robert A. Kayal, founder of Kayal Pain & Spine Center, has assembled an elite team of world-class surgeons with superior training and impeccable skills.
Our team will be there for you before, during and after your surgery. We’ll do everything we can to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible. In the meantime, here are some of the steps you can take to prepare for your upcoming procedure.
- Choose wisely. Make sure your surgeon is skilled, experienced and treats you with compassion and respect. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion if that makes the most sense for you. If your surgeon tries to discourage you from getting a second opinion, he’s probably not the right health care professional for you.
- Do your homework. An educated patient is a happy and healthy patient. The surgeons and staff at Kayal Pain & Spine Center encourage you to ask questions about your upcoming surgery. Your doctor and his team will take whatever time you need to address your concerns. When you educate yourself about your surgeon, your surgical options and their outcomes, you will approach your surgery with confidence.
- Stay active. We understand that you’re in pain and you might be tempted to curl up in a ball and hibernate. But, unless your doctor advises against it, physical activity is good for you. It helps keep extra weight off, speeding your recovery. Plus, it improves blood flow and reduces your risk of blood clots or circulation problems.
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen and other NSAIDs can thin your blood and increase the chances for problems during surgery. You should stop taking them at least one week before your procedure. Heart medications, omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements can thin your blood, too. Make sure to tell your surgeon about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products.
- Keep your expectations realistic. Although surgery improves lives, it is rarely a panacea. After your surgery, you should eat right, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to help avoid future spinal problems.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Recovering from spinal surgery can take weeks or months. It’s important to have a network of family or friends in place to help you as you recover, especially in the first week after your procedure.
The surgeons at Kayal Pain & Spine Center will perform minimally invasive spine surgery for patients in Glen Rock and beyond when feasible. Compared with open surgeries, minimally invasive procedures result in less blood loss, decreased trauma to the body, smaller incisions and reduced need for strong pain medications.
Schedule an Appointment With Kayal Pain & Spine Center
The specialists at Kayal Pain & Spine Center will quickly diagnose and properly treat your spinal pain and other challenges. To learn more about our specialized care, call us at 844.777.0910 or contact us on the web. We welcome new patients and those seeking second opinions.