Before your spinal surgery
Planning ahead before your surgery helps make your hospital stay and return home after surgery easier to manage.
Understanding your surgical journey
Learn what you need to understand and do throughout the different stages of your surgical journey.
Packing for your hospital stay
See what to bring to hospital. Remember to bring prescription medications in their original container or blister pack.
Keep fit and healthy
Preparing your body and mind before your surgery sets you up for a quicker recovery and better outcomes. LifeFit-SurgFit encourages you to be in the best health possible before coming to hospital by:
- eating the right food
- exercising
- reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking
- doing pre-surgery assessments
- understanding the risks and benefits of your surgery
- preventing lung complications after surgery.
Watch short videos on simple health and wellbeing activities that you can integrate into your lifestyle in the lead-up to surgery to help your recovery.
You can also minimise your risk of catching colds or flu by washing your hands regularly.
Plan for your return home from hospital
It is important to start planning for when you are discharged from hospital. Read things you need to consider for your return home.
Get your house ready for your return
To reduce your need to shop and cook when you first return home, stock your freezer and pantry with pre-prepared meals.
Follow these tips to set your kitchen and bathroom up before you go to hospital to minimise bending, twisting and lifting once you are home:
- Place kitchen and bathroom items, such as utensils, plates, cups and toiletries on counters so you can reach them easily.
- Place regularly used fridge and pantry items on the middle shelves.
- Try to do as much of your house cleaning as you can before your surgery or arrange for some short-term assistance after surgery.
After your spinal surgery
Most patients return home the day after surgery, although others may stay for another day or two.
Read more about what to expect in hospital after spinal surgery.
Fiona Stanley Hospital patients requiring more information about their spinal surgery are asked to phone the Fiona Stanley Hospital Helpdesk on 6152 2222 and ask to speak with someone from their treating surgeon's team.
More information
Learn more about understanding spinal surgery care.