Recovery at Home

• You can do several things to make your recovery at home easier.
  
  
  • Move groceries, toiletries, and other supplies to places between the level of your hip and shoulder where you can reach them without bending over.
    
    
  • Make sure someone can drive you around for 1-2 weeks after surgery and to help with chores and errands.
    
    
  • Buy a pair of slip-on shoes with closed backs to make dressing easier and to minimize bending over.
    
    
  • Short frequent walks each day may reduce your pain as well as speed your recovery.
  
  
• Normally, if you have a sedentary job, you may return to work in 1-2 weeks. A person with a more strenuous job may have to remain off work for 2-4 months.
  
  
• As your back heals, you may feel ready to have sex. This is normally fine. Choose a position that puts as little pressure on your back as possible.
  
  
  • Side positions or lying on your back are generally acceptable.
    
    
  • Avoid putting pressure on your back or arching your back during sex.
  
  
• Do not drive a car for 1-2 weeks, or as long as you are taking any medication that makes you drowsy.