Dr. Birney's Post Op Instructions

10. Please refrain from sexual activity for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. At the endof that time if you desire more specific information regarding appropriate sexualactivity, please request from Dr. Birney the pamphlet, "Easing Back Pain DuringSex".II. WOUND CARE1. During the first two weeks after surgery, all patients should shower facing theshower spray. A dry sterile dressing is required for your incision only if you haveongoing wound drainage.2. After two weeks from surgery, patients may shower and get the incision wet. Theincision may be gently washed with warm soapy water and then dried immediately.3. Please make a follow-up appointment at two weeks post-op for a wound checkand/or suture removal with Dr. Birney, one of his associates, or your localphysician. Subsequently all patients may shower normally. Submerging theincision, such as when bathing, should be postponed until 21 days or later postop.4. Signs and symptoms of infection to be aware of include increasing incisional pain,increasing wound swelling, increased incisional warmth, redness and/or purulentdrainage. Occasionally such signs may also be accompanied by fever or chills.Should any signs or symptoms of infection arise, please contact Dr. Birney promptlyfor re-evaluation.