Cervical Fusion, Care After
This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE
After your procedure, it is common to have:
• Incision area pain.
• Numbness.
• Weakness.
• Sore throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Medicines
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including pain medicines, only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel
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Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep the brace clean.
Incision Care
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your incision. Make sure you:
○ Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
○ Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
○ Leave stitches (sutures), skin glue, or adhesive strips in place. These skin closures may need to be in place for 2 weeks or longer. If adhesive strip edges start to loosen and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove adhesive strips completely unless your health care provider tells you to do that.
• Keep your incision clean and dry. Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves.
• Check your incision area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
○ More redness, swelling, or pain.
○ More fluid or blood.
○ Warmth.
○ Pus or a bad smell. Activity
• Rest and protect your back as much as possible.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg) or as told by your health care