Most patients go home the day after surgery. If your surgery was complicated, you are in excessive pain, or you are older, you will either stay an extra day or be considered for an inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Program.
Questions About Your Surgery
How long am I in the Hospital?
When do I see the Surgeon after Surgery?
Follow-up visits are at 7 – 10 days, one month, three months, and one year. X-Rays are done at each visit.
Our goal is to have patients off pain medication by the first visit (7 – 10 days).
We offer Physical Therapy at the one-month visit.
When can I shower?
You can shower the day after surgery and then every day. Keep the dressing on for the first 48 hours and then remove it. No baths, hot tub, pool, or swimming for 4 weeks.
When can I get back to normal activity?
At each visit after surgery, we will increase your activity back to normal condition. Most patients achieve normalcy by 3 months after surgery, unless you are an avid athlete, it may take 6 months.
When can I drive?
Patients usually start driving 5 – 7 days after surgery depending on the pain.
Will I need to do Physical Therapy after surgery?
If you do not have a weakness in your lower extremities, then Physical Therapy will be optional. We will offer the program four weeks after surgery, and it will be up to the patient to decide whether they feel it is helpful.
Will I go home or to a rehab facility?
Most patients go home after surgery. For those patients over 75 years of age, there is a chance they will go to an in-patient Rehabilitation Program.
How much pain will I have?
Most of the pain is severe on the day of surgery. You are placed on a muscle relaxant and pain medication with the goal of discharging you the day after surgery.
How long will I need pain medication for?
Our goal is to have patients off pain medications by the first post-operative visit if possible (7 – 10 days).
Will I have to walk with a Cane or walker after surgery?
Approximately 20 – 40% of patients use either a walker, wheeled walker, or cane after surgery. Most patients do not need the device after a few weeks.
Does someone need to stay with me after surgery?
We recommend that you have someone nearby during the first few days after surgery.
Can I do damage to the hardware?
We prefer that you do not bend at the waist after surgery. For instance, if you are sitting in a chair and drop something between your feet, please do not bend to grab to object. Ask for help, use a grabber, or stand up and squat to pick up the object.
Angelo TroianoNovember 14, 2022Very professional and thorough with my surgery.
Faith SchwenkerMarch 22, 2022Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen CullyMay 28, 2021Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen DarcyFebruary 22, 2021My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
Xavier MasiFebruary 15, 2021Dr. Abrahams is the best, very caring and takes time out to listen instead of rushing!!! thanks Doc.. I might have to come see you again. Anthony
DaleFebruary 15, 2021😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
Helena MattisJanuary 12, 2021Dr. Abrahams literally saved my life. I went to him back in 2004 in horrible shape after being misdiagnosed by my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond in saving my life. I highly recommend him for his skills, ability, his humanity and love he demonstrates for both his patients and his work. Helena Edwards
Farah RubeoSeptember 13, 2020Dr. Abrahams performed back surgery on me 6 years ago . I was 38 yrs old and in excruciating pain, not able to walk for longer longer than 5 minutes, sleeplessness nights and constantly being put on pain medication , including countless rounds of PT. Surgery was my only option to return to the quality of life I had before my injury and I am beyond grateful for Dr. Abrahams and his team. I have been playing softball, exercising , walking my dog and enjoying everything that I have missed for years! Dr. Abrahams to me Is a lifesaver! The best of the best !