Preparing for Spine Surgery

Before surgery, you'll need medical clearance to ensure you're healthy enough for the procedure:

• Primary care visit: Your family doctor will perform physical exam, EKG, chest X-ray, and blood work
• Cardiologist (if needed): Patients with heart conditions may need cardiac clearance
• Medication review: List all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take
• Pre-operative appointment: Meet with the surgical team to review the procedure, sign consents, and ask final questions

Medications to Stop Before Surgery:

• Blood thinners: Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Eliquis—typically stopped 5-7 days before surgery (follow Dr. Rastegar's specific instructions)
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve—stop 7 days before to reduce bleeding risk
• Herbal supplements: Many affect blood clotting; stop 1-2 weeks before
• Some diabetes medications: Your doctor will give specific instructions

Medications to Continue:

• Blood pressure medications (take morning of surgery with small sip of water)
• Most other chronic medications as directed

Important: Never stop medications without discussing with your doctors. Bring updated medication list to pre-op appointment.

Make your home safe and comfortable for recovery:

• Remove tripping hazards (rugs, cords, clutter)
• Place commonly used items at waist level (avoid bending or reaching overhead)
• Arrange bedroom on main floor if possible to avoid stairs
• Stock up on groceries and prepared meals
• Set up recovery area with phone, medications, water within easy reach
• Arrange for help at home for first 1-2 weeks (especially if living alone)
• If you have pets, arrange for assistance with their care

Stop Smoking (Critical):

Smoking dramatically increases complication rates and impairs fusion healing. Stop at least 4 weeks before surgery (ideally longer). Nicotine testing may be performed. Consider nicotine replacement therapy with your doctor's approval.

Optimize Weight:

If overweight, losing even 10-15 pounds reduces surgical risk and improves recovery. Discuss weight loss strategies with your doctor.

Control Diabetes:

Good blood sugar control reduces infection risk. HbA1c should ideally be under 7%. Work with your endocrinologist to optimize control before surgery.

Stay Active:

Maintain physical activity as tolerated leading up to surgery. Better conditioning leads to faster recovery.

• Shower: Use antibacterial soap the night before
• Fasting: Nothing to eat after midnight (or as instructed); small sips of water up to 2 hours before surgery
• Preparation: Have someone ready to drive you home and stay with you for first 24 hours
• Pack bag: Comfortable loose clothing, slip-on shoes, insurance cards, ID, list of medications
• Remove: Jewelry, contacts, nail polish, makeup
• Sleep well: Get adequate rest

Arrival: Arrive at hospital 2 hours before scheduled surgery time

Pre-op: Change into gown, IV placement, meet anesthesiologist, final questions with surgical team

Surgery: Duration varies by procedure (typically 1-4 hours)

Recovery room: 1-2 hours monitored closely as you wake up

Hospital stay: Typically overnight (some procedures are outpatient same-day discharge)