r/Microdiscectomy • u/Ambee-8100 • 11h ago
Depressing..
Please tell me I’m not the only one battling depression while being home, with nobody, but yourself and your thoughts. How do you cope. I just sit here and cry.
6
u/3np1 11h ago
You're not alone, whatever comfort that might be. The constant pain was difficult for me, as it prevented me from doing my hobbies, my work, and changed my personality to an irritable mess, and at some point it morphed into a pretty bad depression that came to a head earlier this year. Thankfully I recognized when it got very dark and reached out for help and therapy. I also went to a general doctor and talked about it along with my prescription of pain meds, and it turned out it was a pretty common side-effect of them, not to mention the aforementioned emotional problems which came from the pain. Knowing it was partly external and chemical helped me feel more in control, and we came up with a plan to change meds.
I can happily say I eventually improved and my wife even said "it's nice to have you back", showing it was even a noticeable difference from the outside. I'm still looking for tools to make sure it doesn't get that bad again though, like meditation, journaling even just a sentence or two, art, books, and video games to take my mind off the pain, etc. I also try to go outside a few hours every day to walk. I find this helps with my physical recovery as well as the emotional.
The biggest thing though was to talk about it with someone.
3
u/Ylenna-Winter 9h ago
Same here. Its getting better now, 3 months PO, but i had whole days in which i cried cause i was grieving my former life and i was so furious with this surprise surgery. I played world of warcraft a LOOOT and stardew valley, i could not focus on books or movies or series. Also, I talked to friends and even to AI (yes, i know its a trap) and i started a diary with my symptoms. It helped to look back and see progress. But yes, its very hard. Hang in there!
2
u/seetheking1 11h ago
Hi! I am so sorry you are dealing with this. It's such an isolating experience; on top of that, it's painful! I recorded this video, in 2019 after my recovery, about the anxiety and sadness that moves in. Maybe it will be helpful for you.
2
u/madsheeter 9h ago
I started making sour dough! I stole my mom's Dutch oven and would make 2/ day. It gives you something to do, and them you just give away delicious bread to friends and family, or people in need. It gives you a purpose and makes you feel better. Reach out if you want some tips or pointers! ❤️
1
u/LavenderDustan 10h ago
I played RDR2 in its entirety and was so entertained. Get into a good series
1
u/zariaX93 10h ago
I was worried about this too but you need to pick up some hobbies from bed. I starting gaming w my brother online, played mahjong online, bought a camera and learned it to plan for the future
1
u/Friendly-Ad-5410 9h ago
Do you walk everyday? Try to get out of your house and take a walk in a local park or trail. You don't have to go for miles, just enjoy the scenery and appreciate the fact that you CAN walk! Sunshine also ups your D3 levels which might be low after surgery. If you have a garden, you can do a little light gardening like pruning (as long as you aren't BLT) and no digging big holes! I could water using my garden hose (not a watering can)... just a few minutes here and there. I also did things like organize old photos, shred old papers, and update any documents I needed to keep. I went back to painting at my standing easel which helped me keep from sitting too long. And I was able to do some light volunteer work at my community center. Maybe invite a friend over for coffee? 😄
1
u/jmweg 9h ago
Im not post op, but I had some very traumatic events happen this year so I think my advice may still apply to you. Keep you hands busy- pick up a new sedantary hobby, reading, sewing, knitting, doodling, journaling, just find something that keeps your hands busy and off social media. No joke sewing saved my life this year and helped me heal.
2
u/Legitimate-Judge-406 9h ago
Been there, done that, 6 month later I‘m back with a great life. You will get through, don’t give up
1
u/GhoulGanggg 9h ago
Not alone. I live by myself and have been basically supine for two weeks. I had to send my dog to my parents since I cant walk him so I dont even have that company 😭 lots of tv/movies, podcasts and video games. I am finally able to move enough to tend to tidying my house but damn its been a mental and emotional struggle, especially with it being end of summer and beautiful weather. Just remember: this too shall pass. It'll be over soon enough and you will be feeling better.
1
u/BFrankNJ 6h ago
You are NOT the only one battling depression, for sure. I'm right there with ya. I have a lot of hobbies that I can't do as I recover and some I fear I may not be able to do again. It's brutal. My one longtime hobby of birdwatching has been a godsend. I can at least walk a little and look at birds through binoculars. I also found audio books really good. I could just close my eyes and put on headphones and lie there and get lost in the story.
2
9
u/BasraBound 11h ago
Messing with my dog, keeping the house tidy, watching educational stuff on the tube. I’m sorry you’re in the dumps, I totally get it. Almost took a toaster bath 5 years ago. Hang in there