How To Help Your Spouse After Spine Surgery
Category: Spine Surgery | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
Spine surgery can take a big physical and emotional toll on the person undergoing surgery, but it can also put extra stress on their spouse or immediate family. If your spouse is undergoing a spinal operation, even if it’s on an outpatient basis, you are going to need to take on added responsibility while they allow their back to heal. Today, we share some things you can do from a rehabilitation and familial standpoint that can help your family thrive while your spouse recovers from spine surgery.
Helping Your Spouse After Back Surgery
There is going to be an adjustment in your immediate day-to-day life after your spouse undergoes a back surgery, but you can help your spouse and your family prosper if you keep these tips in mind.
From A Rehab Standpoint
From a recovery standpoint, you are going to want to ensure your spouse has the best chance at making a full recovery. This will include things like:
- Making sure they stay hydrated
- Helping them change their surgical dressing
- Helping them stick to a healthy, nutritious diet
- Encouraging them to do their physical therapy exercises
- Watching for signs of a problem
- Keeping them from being overly active or inactive, based on the doctor’s wishes
- Helping them get to and from appointments and follow-ups
From A Familial Standpoint
Each family is different, but if your spouse is recovering after an operation, you are likely going to need to take on a bigger role within the family. Ahead of surgery, do some shopping and prepare some healthy, easy-to-reheat meals. Also, pick up around the house so there are no tripping hazards, and help get the house in order before your spouse goes under the knife.
If you have kids, you’ll also need to make sure their needs are met. Make sure they have rides to and from school or practice, and don’t be afraid to call a family member or friend to see if they can lend a hand while your spouse is recovering. There’s no perfect playbook for life after a spouse’s spine surgery because every family is so different, but if you plan ahead and prepare for potential obstacles, we’re confident that you’ll be able to keep stress levels lower, and that’s important for everyone while a family member is recovering post-op.
It’s also important to take time for yourself. You are going to be taking on more responsibilities, and that will be stressful. Don’t neglect what needs to be done, but make sure you take some time for yourself, even if that’s just 30 minutes to run on the basement treadmill. It’s easy to neglect your physical, emotional and mental health when you’re so focused on helping others, but they will be better off if you also care for yourself.
At the end of the day, if you prepare as best as you can and you aren’t afraid to ask for help when needed, we’re confident your spouse and your family will thrive following a spinal operation. If you have any questions or would like to have your spine examined, be sure to reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today!
