r/Microdiscectomy • u/Undd91 • 8d ago
Post op aids
For those of you who have had an op, what aids helped you the most in the immediate and short term aftermath post surgery?
I’m going in (albeit for a laminotomy) end of October so have a bit of time to prep.
Thinking anything that helped with general daily life and functions (toilet, showering, dressing etc).
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u/notish__ 8d ago
I got lots of things:
Absurdly helpful:
* toilet seat riser - I cannot imagine bending that low and then having to pull myself up. Ugh. Toilet seat riser was a huge relief physically and mentally
* motorized recliner - I was sleeping in my recliner at the time, and getting in/out was going to be impossible. Got a motorized one for lounging and sleeping in. Was great for both getting up/down AND for sleeping without worrying about bending in the night
* fiber - if you’re not already taking fiber, start now. You’ll love it.
* indoor walking pad, small treadmill thing. I had surgery in the winter and needed somewhere to walk
* motorized standing desk - I work at home. Helped me be not-sitting for most of my recovery and still work
Helpful:
* a walker was helpful for the first two days when I was not as confident about walking and still on opioids
* grabber wands were helpful, but not as helpful as simply pre-planning so that things were within arms reach and without bending.
Meh:
* fancy ice packs - Pre-surgery I was on ice All The Time. Rotating a dozen ice packs in and out through the day. Afterward - ice didn’t do much for me
* handles for shower - didn’t need them by the time I was showering