Interactive Post-Op Care Guide
Patient Recovery Milestone Calculator & SMS Guide
Select your scheduled procedure and surgery date to generate a personalized calendar of recovery milestones, return-to-driving dates, work clearance, and SMS alerts.
Hospital StayDay Surgery or 1 Night Stay
Return to Driving14 DaysFri, 23 Oct 2026
Return to Light Duties14 Days
Full Physical Clearance3 Months
Filter Milestones:
Sat, 10 Oct 2026Day 1 Post-OpWOUND
Early Mobilization & Wound Care
First day after surgery. Focus on gentle walking in the hospital or home ward.
Recommended Actions (DO)
- Perform short 5–10 minute walks every 2 hours while awake.
- Keep waterproof dressing intact and dry.
- Log your pain levels and take prescribed oral analgesia on schedule.
Restrictions & Cautions (AVOID)
- Do NOT bend forward at the waist (use log-roll technique to get out of bed).
- Do NOT twist your lower back or lift objects over 2kg.
- Do NOT soak in a bath or swimming pool.
Automated SMS Reminder Preview:"Neurosurg Alert (Day 1): Focus on log-rolling out of bed and 5-min walks every 2 hrs. Keep dressing dry. Hotline: 03 9000 0000."
Fri, 16 Oct 2026Week 1 Post-OpEXERCISE
Gentle Walking & Wound Inspection
Building walking endurance while protecting nerve root healing.
Recommended Actions (DO)
- Increase walking duration to 15–20 minutes twice daily on flat surfaces.
- Inspect skin around dressing borders for redness or discharge.
- Practice neutral spine posture while sitting.
Restrictions & Cautions (AVOID)
- Do NOT sit continuously for longer than 30–45 minutes.
- Do NOT drive a motor vehicle while taking prescription analgesics.
- Avoid vacuuming, gardening, or heavy housework.
Automated SMS Reminder Preview:"Neurosurg Alert (Week 1): Walk 15-20 mins twice daily. Avoid sitting >45 mins continuously. Dressing check due today."
Fri, 23 Oct 2026Week 2 Post-Op (Milestone)DRIVING
Driving Clearance & Return to Desk Work
Key milestone for returning to light daily duties and driving.
Recommended Actions (DO)
- Resume driving once full foot control and emergency braking reaction are confirmed without strong pain meds.
- Return to light desk-based work (utilize ergonomic sit-stand desk setup).
- Dressing removed; keep scar clean and dry.
Restrictions & Cautions (AVOID)
- Do NOT resume gym weights, running, or impact sports.
- Avoid lifting objects greater than 5kg.
Automated SMS Reminder Preview:"Neurosurg Alert (Week 2): Driving permitted if off narcotic meds & full brake control achieved. Desk work may resume with regular stretch breaks."
Fri, 20 Nov 2026Week 6 Post-OpFOLLOWUP
Post-Op Consultation & Core Rehab
Clinical review with Dr Aliashkevich and commencement of formal physiotherapy.
Recommended Actions (DO)
- Attend 6-week post-operative clinical review with Dr Aliashkevich.
- Begin supervised lumbar core stabilization exercises (hydrotherapy / physio).
- Gradually increase lifting threshold to 10kg.
Restrictions & Cautions (AVOID)
- Do NOT perform high-impact jumping or heavy deadlifts without physio clearance.
Automated SMS Reminder Preview:"Neurosurg Alert (Week 6): 6-Week review appointment scheduled with Dr Aliashkevich. Core physiotherapy clearance begins."
Thu, 7 Jan 2027Month 3 Post-OpEXERCISE
Full Unrestricted Activity
Disc annulus healed; full restoration of physical activity and heavy duties.
Recommended Actions (DO)
- Resume full sports, gym training, and heavy manual labor.
- Maintain lifelong lumbar spine hygiene and core strengthening.
Restrictions & Cautions (AVOID)
- Avoid poor lifting mechanics (always flex knees and keep load close).
Automated SMS Reminder Preview:"Neurosurg Alert (Month 3): Full physical clearance milestone reached! Continue daily core stability exercises."
SMS Recovery Alert Registration
Receive automated SMS text alerts on your phone for key recovery dates (driving return, dressing check, 6-week review).
Questions About Your Scheduled Procedure?
Contact Dr Aliashkevich's rooms for personal assistance with your post-operative recovery timeline or hospital admission.