Post Implant

Post-operative management post permanent implant

You will receive local anaesthesia during your procedure but it is normal to expect soreness and meaningful discomfort from the procedure site. This can intensify the night after the procedure and the next day. The soreness should improve by 48 hours post procedure. You will be given enough oral pain medications to treat your post-operative pain according to severity. Avoid using aspirin to treat acute pain as it will increase the risk of bleeding.

In the post-operative stage, your nurse will provide an ice pack which you can apply for the first 48 hours. Do not directly apply ice to the skin or bandages (use a towel or cloth). Severe 10 pain after the procedure is not normal. If this occurs please contact us.

Wound management:

Mild oozing from the wound, especially post-operative day 1 or 2 is common. Same is true about some blood stain in dressing. Some blood is expected and normal in the gauze, but it should not be completely soaked. Call us immediately if you notice complete saturation of blood on your dressings.

Keep the dressings on and dry for the first 48 hours. You may remove the tape, tegederm and gauze after 48 hours while showering. After removing the surgical dressings, you may allow it to air out for a couple hours in a clean environment. While having a shower, don’t scrub the surgical area, with soap and water. Dry tap the surgical area after that and keep it dry.

Make sure to wash your hands whenever handling the wound. Re-dress with a clean set of gauze and tape for another 24 hours. On day 4 after your permanent implant, you can remove dressing.

Avoid swimming for the first 6 post-operative weeks to avoid battery damage.

Sutures:

You will have sutures in place to close your incision. These will generally be taken out 10 days post operatively. Removal will take place in clinic and we coordinate your appointment accordingly.

Infection control

You will be administered IV antibiotics during your procedure to prevent infection. In some cases, prescribed antibiotics starting the day of your procedure maybe required, if so we will inform you to take them as ordered. Contact the hospital directly with that contact details provided if you notice excessive discharge, redness, tenderness or raised temperature around the wound.

Your stimulator:

Post procedure, you will meet the vendor who will provide a booklet/ leaflet, card, and a remote. The vendor will work closely with the surgeon to find out the right program to control your pain. You must collect their contact number before discharge. If anything is not clear do not hesitate to ask. If your pain increases or you experience any uncomfortable sensations from your device inform us so we can organise a visit to clinic to adjust settings.

Activity/ exercise

Do:

Light exercise such as walking, with assistance (if required) is encouraged. Regular physical activity helps prevent constipation, makes you feel better about yourself, helps manage your weight, improves large back muscle tone and core strength and can prevent future episodes of back pain. Lying in one position for long periods of time can exacerbate your pain and cause stiffness.

Avoid:

Lifting heavy weight, over stretching and twisting.

Road to recovery

Discuss symptoms or concerns with the pain management team.

Remember everyone recovers differently. Allow yourself time to heal.

Adjust, find an easier way of doing things if you still have pain as inactivity will cause you to stiffen up and lead to more pain. The goal of your device is to reduce the harmful side effects of analgesic medication and help you live a healthier life with reduced pain.

Do not become discouraged STAY POSITIVE!