Post-Op Spine Recovery Tracker | The Doctor Teacher

Part A. Recovery Progress

Check off the recovery work you actually did today. This measures how well you did your recovery work today. It does not mean you are safe or healed.

Days since surgery:

I walked my target short walks today. I did my breathing / incentive-spirometer exercises. I took my medications on schedule. I kept my incision clean and dry. I stayed hydrated and used my stool softener. I rested and did not bend, lift, or twist beyond my limits.

0 / 100

Recovery Progress: how well you did your recovery work today. Not a measure of whether you are safe or healed.

Part B. The 5 Red Flags

These escalate on their own, no matter what your score is. Check any that are true right now.

Emergency

New loss of bladder or bowel control, trouble urinating, new numbness in the groin or inner-thigh saddle area, OR worsening leg weakness. This can be cauda equina. Calf pain or swelling in one leg TOGETHER WITH chest pain or shortness of breath. This can be a clot that traveled to the lungs.

Call your surgeon now

A fever of 101.5F / 38.6C or higher, especially with chills. The incision is opening, leaking pus or cloudy fluid, spreading redness, or smells foul. New calf pain or swelling in one leg without chest pain or shortness of breath. Possible DVT.

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Disclaimer. This tool is for education only. It is not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. Your surgeon's own post-op instructions always win over anything here. This checklist covers 5 emergencies, not everything that can go wrong, so when in doubt, call your surgeon or 911. From The Doctor Teacher.

Part A. Recovery Progress

Part B. The 5 Red Flags

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