Advice after surgery for a hernia in the thoracic spine

Advice while you are in the hospital during the surgery

• You received a thoracic drain, which is a flexible tube inserted through your skin. This tube helps remove air or fluid from the chest cavity. The drain usually remains in place for 1 to 2 days after the surgery. It is important that you take deep breaths and exhale fully every hour after the surgery. This will help your lungs function properly as quickly as possible. Perform this exercise especially when you are still spending a lot of time in bed.
• Pressing a rolled-up towel against the incision often helps alleviate pain. It reduces discomfort and facilitates easier breathing.
• Try to contract your leg muscles regularly. Then, make circular motions with your feet. This will help prevent stiffness and improve blood circulation throughout your body. Perform this exercise especially when you are still spending a lot of time in bed.
• You can start sitting more upright in bed 4 hours after the surgery. You can use the bed remote control to adjust the position. If the doctor or nurse has instructed you not to sit upright within 4 hours, please follow their guidance.
• If sitting upright goes well, with the assistance of a nurse, you can try sitting on the edge of the bed. The day after the surgery, a physiotherapist will visit you. The physiotherapist will guide you on the best way to get out of bed and take your first steps if possible. It is important to be prepared for this. Therefore, make sure you have sturdy slippers or slip-on shoes without laces in the hospital.
• Try to alternate between lying down, sitting, and walking as much as possible. Take it easy if you experience too much pain.
• A few times a day, try stretching your arms above your head. Stop if it causes excessive pain.

Advice after returning home

• Regularly alternate between walking, sitting, and lying down.
• Gradually increase the amount of stress you put on your back.
• We recommend that you do as much as possible as long as you feel well. Try to do a little more each day than the previous day. Listen to your body’s signals. The physiotherapist will assess your mobility during your hospital stay. Based on that, the physiotherapist will determine whether you need physiotherapy at home. Physiotherapy may be recommended if your legs are weak or if you’re afraid to move.
• If you have confidence in your back and legs, you can start cycling again gently after 2 weeks. Gradually increase the distance you cycle.
• You can resume driving after 2 weeks. However, this is only allowed if you don’t have any issues with your arms and legs. Start with short trips and gradually increase the duration. If you have doubts, consult with your doctor and/or the Central Bureau of Driving Skills (CBR).
• You can go swimming once the incision has fully healed. Alternate between the breaststroke and the backstroke.
• Avoid engaging in intensive sports for the first 2 months. This includes activities such as running or contact sports like football. Consult with your doctor during the follow-up appointment to determine when you can resume sports.
• Avoid heavy household chores such as vacuuming and mopping for the first 6 weeks.
• Do not bend your back too often and avoid sudden movements that involve bending your back.
• Try to maintain an upright sitting posture (active posture) as much as possible. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods.
• In many cases, you can return to work after 2 weeks. However, this depends on the nature of your work. Consult with the occupational health doctor to determine when you can return to work.
• If you have returned to work and experience excessive back pain, stop working. Consult with the occupational health doctor to determine when and how you can resume work.

Questions?

If you have any further questions, please call the Physical Therapy department at HMC at 088 979 23 23.