3533 Southern Blvd., Suite 3000, Kettering, OH 45429
Phone (937) 299-8242 Fax (937) 299-8245
www.advancedneurosurgery.org
SYNCROMED PUMP / SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR IMPLANTATION
Dear Patient:
The following instructions will help you in your recovery from your surgery. These are general guidelines only.
1. Remove dressings 2 days after the procedure, then once daily gently wash incision with soap & water, apply topical antibiotic and cover with new dressing.
2. You may take a shower after you remove the dressings on the 2nd day. (Then put new dressing and antibiotic ointment on incision once you pat incision dry). Do not take a bath or submerge in water until five weeks after surgery.
3. Call Dr. Taha’s office if you notice fever, chills, increased pain at incision site, pus or redness at the incisions site.
4. Call Dr. Taha IMMEDIATELY if you experience sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of the legs or arms.
5. Follow-up appointment is 10-14 days after surgery, make sure this appointment has been scheduled. Staples/ sutures will be removed at this visit.
6. You will experience pain after surgery. Use pain medication as prescribed by
Dr. Taha.
7. In addition to incision pain, you may experience discomfort around the IPG/Receiver site or pump site as scar tissue forms in the area.
8. You may use ice to the wound site for 15 minutes at a time as needed over the first 24 hours after the implant surgery.
9. For six to eight weeks following surgery do not put your arms over your head, bend, twist, stretch, or lift more than five pounds, sleep on your stomach, climb too many stairs, sit too long, drive or operate power tools or equipment.
(For SCS Patients) Turn the stimulator off if you absolutely have to drive.
10. Build up your physical strength by walking for brief periods of time each day, but expect to experience muscle pain and joint pain as you begin to increase your activity.
11. You should expect some stimulation changes when you make abrupt movements or shift your position. These changes are due to movement of the lead. After eight to ten weeks scar tissue will form around the lead, anchoring it to the body. A securely positioned lead will cause less intense changes in sensation.
These instructions have been designed to aid you in making a full and uncomplicated recovery. We ask you to follow these rules until you are seen in the office. At that time we will be able to evaluate your progress and advise you on further instructions. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Taha’s office at (937)299-8242.