Most patients go home the day after surgery or at the most, 2 days after surgery.
What to Know After Surgery
Do I go home the same day?
Wound Care
The incision is usually 1 ½ inches long, horizontally placed in a skin fold of the neck off to the left or right. The incision is closed with subcuticular sutures that dissolve and do not need to be removed. We place steri-strips over the incision and then cover with a 2 x 2 in gauze pad and adhesive. You can shower the day after surgery and every day thereafter, but the shower should be quick. You can remove the adhesive and 2 x 2 in gauze pad on Postoperative Day Two. Leave the steri-strips on and your surgeon will remove them when you come to the office for your first visit after surgery.
Pain Medications
During the hospital stay, you are placed on a narcotic and muscle relaxant. We convert the medications to oral rather than intravenous as soon as possible to make sure the medications will work while you are at home. We prefer to reduce the narcotic as soon as possible and maintain the muscle relaxant as long as you need it. Not only that, but we will review your medications at each visit.
Driving
Most patients wait at least 7 – 10 days before they begin driving. We will review it at your first post-operative visit.
Work
Depending on the rigors of your employment, most patients are out of work for 2 – 8 weeks. Anyone with a desk job, or work from home, can return whenever they feel they are ready to do so. If your job requires heavy lifting, it may take longer and will be reviewed at each visit after surgery.
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 !