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Orthopaedic Surgery Center and Scoliosis Clinic
How do they put me to sleep for
surgery?
Patients having surgery go to sleep one of two ways. An
anesthesiologist will either inject medication through an
intravenous line (IV) or you can breathe the anesthetic agent from a
mask.
How should I wear my hair on the day
of surgery?
Wash your hair the night before or morning of surgery because you
won’t be able to wash it again for a couple of days. If you have
long hair, you may want to pull it up away from your neck into a
ponytail or braid to keep it out of the way.
What will I wear in the hospital?
You will wear hospital gowns during the first two to three days
following surgery. These gowns open in the back and allow the nurses
to check your incision and change your bandages. After the first few
days, when you are able to get around better and no longer have the
catheter, you may wear your own pajamas. Loose fitting pajamas that
are not tight or fitted around the waist are most comfortable.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most patients spend five to seven days in the hospital after
surgery.
Will I have a private room?
Following surgery you will go to a room on the 11th floor of the
West Tower building. All of these rooms are private.
Can someone stay with me?
Yes, we have a daybed for one parent to stay in the room with you.
You can get sheets, pillows, towels, etc. from your nurse. Each room
has a bathroom and shower that parents may also use.
How soon can people visit me in the
hospital?
Your immediate family can visit you right after surgery. We
recommend that other friends and family wait a couple of days to
visit when you are feeling better.
Is there a limit to how many people
can visit and how long they can stay?
There is no specific limit on visitors. Depending on how you are
feeling, your family and the nursing staff can help you decide how
many people you wish to see and how much time they can spend with
you.
What is my mailing address while I'm an inpatient at Texas
Children's?
Mail should be addressed to your name at Texas Children’s Hospital,
your room number, 6621 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030. The mail will be
delivered by volunteers or returned to sender if it arrives after
you leave the hospital. Staff members cannot accept mail requiring a
signature for delivery. Your friends and family may also send you
e-mail messages through Texas Children's
Send a Patient Greeting.
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What is my telephone number while
I'm in the hospital?
Friends and relatives calling from outside Texas Children’s can
reach a patient’s room through the information desks or by calling
the hospital operator at 832-824-1000.
If they know the room number and floor, they may dial direct by
using the 832 area code and 826 prefix, along with a two-digit
number for the floor and a two-digit room number. For example, the
phone number for room 12 on the ninth floor of the West Tower would
be 832-826-0912.
What is my room number?
After surgery you will be admitted to a room on the 11th floor of
the West Tower. The room number will be determined on the day of
your surgery. Friends and family can find out your room number by
calling the hospital operator at 832-824-1000.
How long will the IV be in?
The IV (intravenous line) will be in for the first two to four days
after surgery. The IV will be used to give you adequate fluids and
medications. Once you are eating and drinking well and able to take
pain medications by mouth, the IV will be removed.
What will I eat?
Surgery causes your stomach to slow down, making it necessary to
start you back on food slowly. The night of surgery you will be able
to have ice chips. On the first post-operative day, you may have
clear liquids (water, apple juice, Gatorade, Jello or popsicles). If
you tolerate these liquids, you will be able to have regular food on
the third or fourth day.
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Can I push the PCA pump (patient
controlled analgesia) as many times as I want?
Yes. This machine allows you to give your own pain medication. It is
programmed so that you cannot give yourself too much. You should
push your button any time you feel uncomfortable. Your parents
should not hit the button for you while you are sleeping.
How long will the catheter be in?
A catheter is a tube placed into your bladder. It used to measure
urinary output during and after the surgery. It will be left in
place two to three days until you are able to get out of bed and use
the bathroom.
Can they put this in during surgery?
Yes, the catheter is inserted while you are asleep in surgery, so
you will not feel it. Removing the catheter is a very quick and
painless procedure.
How soon can I put in my contacts?
As soon as the anesthetic wears off and you are awake and alert, you
may put your contacts back in.
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How long is the scar?
The length of the scar depends on the amount of the spine to be
fused. The greater the area of fusion, the longer the scar will be.
How wide is the scar?
The incision is usually very thin, about one to three millimeters in
width.
How long is the scar on
my hip?
The incision over the hip (where the bone graft is taken) is about
five to eight centimeters long.
How long will it take
for the scar to fade?
The scar will gradually fade in color and decrease in size as it
heals. It takes about a year for the scar to fully fade.
What happens if I get a
sunburn?
We recommend that you keep your surgical incision site covered and
protected from the sun during the first year after surgery so that
it can heal properly. If you cannot keep your back covered, you
should use sunscreen during exposure to sun.
What are the rods made
of?
The rods are made of stainless steel.
How much do the rods
weigh?
Each rod generally weighs between one and two pounds. The length of
the rod will depend on your curve and other factors.
Do the rods grow with
me?
No. The area with the rods will be fused after surgery and will not
grow any more.
Will I grow anymore
after the surgery?
Yes. The parts of your spine that are not fused and the rest of your
limbs will continue to grow normally.
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Am I at more risk of
becoming electrocuted because of the rods?
No.
Will metal detectors
sound if I go through them?
No.
Will these rods make me
sit straight?
The area of your spine with rods will no longer be flexible, which
will improve your sitting posture.
How much weight will I
lose?
Most patients lose around two to four pounds while in the hospital.
This weight is regained during the first six weeks after surgery.
How far will I be able
to bend over?
This depends on the amount
and area of your spine that is fused. The area of fusion will not
bend. If the fusion is only in the thoracic (chest) area, you will
probably not notice any restriction of movement. If the fusion is in
the lumbar (lower back) area, you will have some restriction. Most
patients are still able to bend over.
What type of activities
may I participate in after surgery?
Your activity level will be restricted for at least 6 months.
If you have any questions
about scoliosis, please write them down and bring them to your next
appointment, or call the clinic nurse at 832-822-0810.
  
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