Below you will find some frequently asked questions.  We hope that these will provide some answers for you. However, it is always good to write your questions down and bring them to your appointment with you so your doctor can address them for you during your visit.

TESTS

1. How long should I wait to hear about any appointment that is to be scheduled for testing?
    A. It usually takes about 24-48 hours to hear from the facility that will be scheduling your test.

2.  How will I get the results of my test?
   A.  Once your tests have been scheduled, please call our office to schedule your follow-up
       appointment.  Your physician will go over your results at that appointment.

SURGERY INFORMATION

1. How long does it take to schedule surgery if it is needed?
   A. It can take from 2-6 weeks from the time of your appointment to schedule a surgery date.  It is
       based on a combination of the doctor's schedule and the availability of the hospital operating
       room.  Emergency cases are handled accordingly.

2. Can I shower after surgery?
   A. You can shower after surgery, however- NO baths and try to keep the water from hitting the
       incision area directly. 

3. How much should I be walking after surgery?
   A. For back surgeries; short walks of 5-10 minutes at a time and as you feel better the walks can be
      longer.

4. How long should I expect to be out of work after surgery?
   A. This varies according to your case. The physician can answer this better for you.

5. What is the hardware the doctor will be using in my surgery made of?
   A.  The hardware will depend on the type of surgery you are having, but most instrumentation is
        made of titanium. As always check with your doctor.

6. When will I be able to drive?
   A.  Again, this is determined by your doctor and the type of surgery you are having.
       Here are a few examples: For a Lumbar Fusion it can range from 4-12 weeks.  Again this varies by procecdure and physician and will be addressed after the recommendation for surgery.
7. How long will I have to wear this brace?
   A. This is patient specific, only the doctor can answer this for you.

8. Are there any general post-op restrictions I need to be mindful of?
   A. NO bending, lifting OR driving.  These are common precautions and will each be assessed at your
       post- op appointment and adjusted accordingly.