Spinal Cord Stimulator After Care Advice
Well done on successfully undergoing a trial and permanent implant of the spinal cord stimulator.
You might feel some pain in the back and bum wounds where the battery is situated.
Please take your extra pain killers (Oxynorm) for the next few days, the wound pain will reduce over the next week.
Your dressings initially will have a thick outer covering that is tightly applied. This is to prevent any bleeding in the first 24 hours, this will be removed before discharge. The under layer will also be changed but not the thin strips directly covering the wound. It is normal to have a bit of dried blood on the wound. You may have skin clips and these will be removed in 10-14 days. You can leave the dressing alone for the week unless it is soiled, then change it.
If the wound is very wet, please contact me.
Please keep your wound clean and dry.
You have to sponge bath for the first 7 days while the wound heals and becomes water tight. The stitches are absorbable and will dissolve in 7 days.
Alterenatively, you may have skin clips that will be removed by your GP or Dr Hu 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
Please do not stretch your back excessively or lift your hands over your shoulders for the first 4 weeks. This is to prevent the stimulator wires from moving. It will be more secure after 4 weeks as it will bed down.
The programming expert from the company will meet you in the next few days.
You will have an appointment for review in 2 weeks.
If there are any problems, please ring the office on 01 531 0079 or email philip.hu@imeddoc.net