How to Mentally Prepare for a Triple Spinal Fusion

When you have severe back pain that does not respond to more conservative approaches, you may need to have a spinal fusion. This procedure will weld multiple vertebrae together, stopping the motion that is causing your pain. It can take several hours, and immediately after the surgery you may face a high pain level. It will take at least six weeks to heal, and the Mayo Clinic says that the process might take even longer. Because of this, you will need to mentally prepare yourself before your triple spinal fusion.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your suitability for a triple spinal fusion with your doctor. If at all possible, it's advisable to try alternatives first and save a triple spinal fusion as the last resort. The doctor may do a test called a diskogram, which requires him to inject dye into your disk. This allows the injury to show up more clearly on an X-ray, and you may feel pain that helps to narrow down the problem disks. It is easier to accept this major surgery mentally if you know you've exhausted other options.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to explain the surgery and what you can expect. According to the Mayo Clinic, a triple spinal fusion can take from two to 12 hours to complete. Some techniques involve a large incision, while some surgeons use a different technique that uses smaller cuts. Knowing the time frame and the type of surgical wounds you can expect after the surgery will help ease your mind. It's easier to mentally accept a procedure when you know the details.

• 3

  Get a second opinion. If you have any mental doubts about whether this surgery is your best option, consult another doctor. Even if you have confidence in your own physician, having her opinion confirmed by another medical professional can set your mind at ease that you're making the right decision.

• 4

  Get preapproval from your medical insurance company. If you are worried about medical bills, the worry can negatively affect your mental state. Most insurers will preapprove surgery and give you an estimate of how much they will pay. It will help your mental preparation to know there won't be any financial surprises after your triple spinal fusion.

• 5

  Create a pain management plan with your doctor. A triple spinal fusion can be extremely painful after surgery. Fortunately, physicians can use a number of medications to keep you comfortable. You won't mentally fear the pain so much if your doctor assures you he will take steps to minimize it as much as possible.

• 6

  Create a plan with your family and employer for your recovery period. Recovering from a triple spinal fusion will take at least six weeks, and the Mayo Clinic says it could run even longer, depending on your individual situation. When you know that your family is supportive and details like sick leave from your workplace have been worked out, you won't have as much mental pressure. This will support a faster recovery, since stress can inhibit the process.