What to buy before a microdiscectomy: The Ultimate microdiscectomy prep guide

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The first tip is a mindset tip. Instead of a "woe is me" mindset, look at this as "a challenge you can overcome!" On top of being physically challenging, this can be an emotionally challenging time. Having the right mindset will be a great help to your recovery. Your mental health is just as important as your physical so please don't be embarrassed to take care of it. I can't stress enough the importance of mindset with this herniated disc injury and recovery. You must look at this as a challenge you can overcome! 

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Second, have the right expectations. Many people wake up pain-free from surgery, while others take months for all of their symptoms to go away. You don't know how you will feel until surgery is over. Also, understand that the healing process is not linear. You will have nerve pain flares, random muscle spasms, post-surgery inflammation, and other experiences that can be disheartening if you aren't prepared for them. It can feel like two steps forward and one step back for a while.

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Third, rely on a community! You are not alone in this. Your questions or fears are not silly. Want to know about pooping? How about sex? Ask! Most everyone going through this has had the same questions as you.  Communities are there to support each other.  You can find a Microdiscectomy community on Facebook, or here on Reddit.

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Fourth, get your home ready. Meal prep ahead of time and keep them at an easy-reach location in the fridge. You want healthy meals with fiber for ease of pooping. Consider a meal prep service with premade meals, just to take the worry of what to eat away. Make sure your floors are clear for a safe walking area. You will be required to walk often after surgery. If you have a recliner, claim it as yours for the first few weeks after surgery. Make sure your bathroom is stocked with all the toiletries you will need for several weeks in a reachable location.

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Fifth, you may need to have help at home. This varies from person to person. Recovering alone is possible, but can be difficult. If you have a spouse or older children that can help you move around for the first two weeks after surgery, that is great. Your back muscles will feel weak but you need to be sure you are moving around. If you live alone, ask a family member to stay with you for the first few days. If you have no one, reach out to a local church or the community website "Nextdoor" to see if there are any people willing to stop over to help. You can also go on to care.com and find "home health aids" or "post-surgery help" for hire in your local area. Some people just use this for paid rides to and home from the hospital, and that is it.

 

Sixth, have a plan in place to keep your mind occupied. Try to avoid dwelling on your situation or letting yourself get bored. New TV shows or movies are great but also try learning something new or reading different genres of books. Master Class is a great place to find new things to learn online.   

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