MicroDiscectomy - Lessons Learned

• The doctor is the GOD. Follow the instructions to the core. Do not bring in your intellectual brain into this phase.
• Have Patience during Rehabilitation. Avoid responding to any of the below 2 situations. Take recovery as per what doctor planned.
• There will be times when you will be at lows as you will not be able to do many things on day 1
• There will be times when you will feel you can do more and will want to do more.
• Have an assistant during surgery and always near you till full recovery. Do not believe that you can manage alone
• Avoid Coughing or Sneezing post surgery - take good care. Learn how to cough/sneeze properly - jist in case if you have to.
• Avoid Constipation at all costs
• Plan to have stool softeners atleast 2 days before surgery and continue for atleast 2 weeks post surgery till you are sure of normal stool discharge. Eat Lots of high fibre foods.
• Never stretch your back:
• You need to be able to sit and get up with stress on your legs and not with stress on your back. Learn how to lie down on the bed and how to get up from the bed.
• Get a "raised toilet seat", if your toilet seat is low.
• If you happen to originally sleep on the floor due to your back pain - buy a good bed before surgery. You will not be able to sit down or lie down post the surgery
• Get firm office chairs of decent height which also has a firm back support. You should be able to sit into and get up using your legs and not your back.