Preparing for Your Spine Surgery (Ages 50–65)
What to do in the six weeks before spine surgery — nicotine cessation, medical optimization, medication review, and the day-before/day-of routine.
Pre-OpUniversal
Reviewed 2026-07-12 · v1.0
New patients & second opinions welcome — call (785) 368-0767
Patient Education
Patient education you can read
Read our growing library of guides on surgical preparation, recovery, medications, and caregiving — right here on the site. Every guide is reviewed by Dr. Tuchek before it is marked published, and any draft you read is clearly labeled while it awaits his review.
Document type:
Anatomy:
Available to read
Draft
Day of Surgery
What to do the morning of surgery — Hibiclens shower, what to bring, what to expect at check-in.
Pre-OpUniversal
Pending physician review · v0.1
Anticoagulant & Antiplatelet Medications
When to stop and restart blood-thinners before surgery — aspirin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Coumadin.
Quick RefUniversal
Reviewed 2026-07-11 · v1.0
GLP-1 Medications and Surgery
Pre-operative timing for Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Quick RefUniversal
Reviewed 2026-07-12 · v1.1
Draft
Spine Surgery Recovery (Ages 50–65)
Recovery guide for patients in their 50s and early 60s — pacing, PT progression, sleep and pain management.
Post-OpLumbar Spine
Pending physician review · v0.1
Draft
Caregiver Preparation Guide
For family members and friends caring for a patient after spine or brain surgery — practical setup, warning signs, when to call.
CaregiverUniversal
Pending physician review · v0.1
Caring for Your Incision
How to care for your surgical incision while it heals — dressings and closures, showering vs. bathing, and telling normal healing from a problem.
Post-OpUniversal
Reviewed 2026-07-11 · v1.0
Recovering After Brain Surgery (Craniotomy)
A general guide to the first weeks after a craniotomy — the fatigue arc, medications, incision and activity, and warning signs for patients and caregivers.
Post-OpBrain, Cranial & Nerve
Reviewed 2026-07-11 · v1.0
In production
These handouts are planned or in draft and are not yet available. Drafted ones are being reviewed by Dr. Tuchek before they publish; call our office with questions in the meantime.
Coming soon
Preparing for Spine Surgery (Active Adults Under 50)
Age-specific pre-op preparation for younger patients with higher activity baselines.
Pre-OpUniversal
Coming soon
Preparing for Spine Surgery (Ages 65+)
Age-specific pre-op preparation emphasizing fall prevention, medication review, and recovery support.
Pre-OpUniversal
Coming soon
Post-Op Medication Reconciliation
How to safely restart your home medications after surgery, and what to do if anything was held.
Post-OpUniversal
Coming soon
Spine Surgery Recovery (Active Adults Under 50)
Recovery guide for younger patients — return-to-activity timeline, exercise progression, when to call.
Post-OpLumbar Spine
Coming soon
Spine Surgery Recovery (Ages 65+)
Recovery guide for older adults — fall prevention, home setup, when caregivers should be alarmed.
Post-OpLumbar Spine
Need something specific?
Our office can answer questions specific to your case and point you to the right resources.