Before Your Spine Surgery

Once your spine surgery has been scheduled, you will receive a written copy of your Clinical Pathway.

This flexible guideline will help you and your family understand the process of your treatment and anticipate your needs during  recovery.

Your care team will review the plan at each critical stage and make any necessary adjustments to make sure your goals are being met.

There is also an assessment of both you and your home environment. This will include a strengthening program to help you be in the best physical shape possible for your surgery and recovery program.

Pre-Op Educational Class

Prior to surgery, you and your family will be invited to a preoperative educational class. 

Class topics include:

• How to prepare your home for your recovery phase
• What to expect during your hospital stay
• Physical limitations and precautions following spine surgery
• Helpful exercises during rehabilitation
• Recovery at home

The pre-op education class is held every-other Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. You can register through your surgeon's office.

Care Management

Prior to your surgery, you may speak with an EvergreenHealth care manager regarding your home-care needs as well as the type and frequency of physical therapy that will be most beneficial.

Your care manager will consult with your physician, nurses and physical therapist to make sure you have access to any needed equipment and/or assistance with activities of daily living.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation

Three-to-ten days before your surgery, a registered nurse from our Pre-op Clinic will call to evaluate your health. The nurse will:

• Review your medical history and order any necessary lab or X-ray tests.
• Provide instruction for eating, drinking and medication prior to surgery; for post-op pain management; and any procedure-specific instructions.
• Schedule a visit for selected patients to the Pre-op Clinic or a specialty physician.

This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have prior to your surgery.

Your Surgery Preparation Calendar

Our surgery preparation calendar will help you prepare for both your surgery and your recovery.

View the surgery preparation calendar.