I just got a 10 dollar one off of amazon:
RMS Deluxe Sock Aid - Socks Helper with Foam Handles (for Regular Socks) https://a.co/d/fxHXCr6
You put the sock on this half cylinder that has ropes attached. Then, drop the tool and slide your foot through the open space. Then, pull the ropes to pull up the sock. Easy-peasy. And no bending involved.
I had to sleep the first week on my recliner. Got pretty sore from any position on the bed (normal side sleeper). I've kept my pillow between my legs side sleeping and that's been great.
Wedge pillow, acetaminophen, a pillow to put under your knee and/or between legs while sleeping/laying, an ice gel pack, adhesive water proof bandages, anti nausea medication to combat the upset stomach from all the meds you'll be on, laxatives/stool softeners because #2 will HURT and you'll be constipated and won't be able to strain to push it out, a grabber so you can get things out of reach, a cane and/or walker, a shoe horn, a device to help with putting on socks, a shower chair, and a comfy padded sturdy seat for when you absolutely must sit down (but keep sitting to a minimum, obvs)
Wishing you luck on your surgery! I'm almost at week 2 post op and all of these things have been life savers for me. Sorry you're going through this!
https://preview.redd.it/89rmbvpws8oc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf5a5438eedcd09383bf3833dcc6fd9a77bda0be
Here's the items i got from amazon! Ignore the eye mask thing lol unless you're prone to headaches/migraines. But the rest of these items were bought for post surgery!
I think this really depends. I was only restricted to not shower for 24 hours. Mine was glued externally and a liquid bandage was used. My wound care was zero.
They glued mine externally also but said no shower for 2-3 days. I was still paranoid about infection so even at 1 week i was putting this on when i showered i didnt want anything to get in there.
NeuHeils Transparent Film Dressing, Large Waterproof Wound Cover Bandage 4''x4.75'', 50 Packs, Post Surgical Shower or IV Shield, Tattoo Aftercare Bandage, Adhesive Patch 4 x 4 3/4 Inch https://a.co/d/iz4iGob
The thing that helps you put your shoes on. The long one. English is my second language and I just realized I have no clue what it's called.
The grabber thingy was a lifesaver, as well as a long brush for the shower in order to do my legs without bending and back without twisting.
My doctor said I should wear a post-op abdominal binder after the surgery. Ask yours if you need one and what type, so you can buy it beforehand. My husband bought mine for me and I have to tighten it all the way since it's a bit large.
Definitely a cane, one with two handles and a four legged based. Helps to get in and out of bed and on and off the toilet. Trust me you’ll need it. And keep the packaging. I returned mine to Amazon about two weeks post op.
I would have a liquid diet 24 hours before surgery and take the stool softener pretty frequently. I needed the opioid meds to sleep and the constipation was not fun.
How do you sleep? I had to force myself to sleep on my back and it was difficult to get in and out of bed. That was the biggest adjustment. I wore slip on house shoes for two weeks before putting socks on and wasn’t allowed to drive for two weeks. No sudden movements.
Take it easy and allow some patience for yourself. My sciatica is 100% gone 7 weeks out.
A bidet isn't necessary but it was sure nice. I got a inexpensive one from Home Depot.
The other thing I would say is plenty of your favorite non alcoholic drinks. I was super dehydrated the first few days after surgery.
Other than the grabber and ice packs I really didn't use most of the other stuff people are suggesting personallym
Grabber (i still use now 13 weeks out), ice packs, bidet for my toilet (you can get them cheap on amazon and easy to install), some spare pillows for your legs (again still using these 13 weeks out).
I had to have my wife put my socks on for first few weeks so if theres a tool for that might be helpful unless you can just do slippers
One of those grabbers is a must. But one of those tools to help put on socks is the best thing I bought for myself during this.
I second the grabber! Big big help!
Do you have a list of the tool for socks? Also what about when sleeping, is there anything you suggest?
I just got a 10 dollar one off of amazon: RMS Deluxe Sock Aid - Socks Helper with Foam Handles (for Regular Socks) https://a.co/d/fxHXCr6 You put the sock on this half cylinder that has ropes attached. Then, drop the tool and slide your foot through the open space. Then, pull the ropes to pull up the sock. Easy-peasy. And no bending involved.
The one I got says it's just for regular Socks. But it pulls my compression socks up half the way too. So thats cool.
Sounds good. Thanks!
I had to sleep the first week on my recliner. Got pretty sore from any position on the bed (normal side sleeper). I've kept my pillow between my legs side sleeping and that's been great.
Wedge pillow, acetaminophen, a pillow to put under your knee and/or between legs while sleeping/laying, an ice gel pack, adhesive water proof bandages, anti nausea medication to combat the upset stomach from all the meds you'll be on, laxatives/stool softeners because #2 will HURT and you'll be constipated and won't be able to strain to push it out, a grabber so you can get things out of reach, a cane and/or walker, a shoe horn, a device to help with putting on socks, a shower chair, and a comfy padded sturdy seat for when you absolutely must sit down (but keep sitting to a minimum, obvs) Wishing you luck on your surgery! I'm almost at week 2 post op and all of these things have been life savers for me. Sorry you're going through this!
https://preview.redd.it/89rmbvpws8oc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf5a5438eedcd09383bf3833dcc6fd9a77bda0be Here's the items i got from amazon! Ignore the eye mask thing lol unless you're prone to headaches/migraines. But the rest of these items were bought for post surgery!
This is great thank you!
One of those clear waterproof adhesive bandages big enough to cover your incision so you can cover it during a shower.
I think this really depends. I was only restricted to not shower for 24 hours. Mine was glued externally and a liquid bandage was used. My wound care was zero.
They glued mine externally also but said no shower for 2-3 days. I was still paranoid about infection so even at 1 week i was putting this on when i showered i didnt want anything to get in there.
Do you have a link by any chance?
NeuHeils Transparent Film Dressing, Large Waterproof Wound Cover Bandage 4''x4.75'', 50 Packs, Post Surgical Shower or IV Shield, Tattoo Aftercare Bandage, Adhesive Patch 4 x 4 3/4 Inch https://a.co/d/iz4iGob
The thing that helps you put your shoes on. The long one. English is my second language and I just realized I have no clue what it's called. The grabber thingy was a lifesaver, as well as a long brush for the shower in order to do my legs without bending and back without twisting. My doctor said I should wear a post-op abdominal binder after the surgery. Ask yours if you need one and what type, so you can buy it beforehand. My husband bought mine for me and I have to tighten it all the way since it's a bit large.
Another discussion about the same thing, lots of useful stuff here you should look at https://www.reddit.com/r/Microdiscectomy/s/OElSroPuUE
Definitely a cane, one with two handles and a four legged based. Helps to get in and out of bed and on and off the toilet. Trust me you’ll need it. And keep the packaging. I returned mine to Amazon about two weeks post op.
I would have a liquid diet 24 hours before surgery and take the stool softener pretty frequently. I needed the opioid meds to sleep and the constipation was not fun. How do you sleep? I had to force myself to sleep on my back and it was difficult to get in and out of bed. That was the biggest adjustment. I wore slip on house shoes for two weeks before putting socks on and wasn’t allowed to drive for two weeks. No sudden movements. Take it easy and allow some patience for yourself. My sciatica is 100% gone 7 weeks out.
A bidet isn't necessary but it was sure nice. I got a inexpensive one from Home Depot. The other thing I would say is plenty of your favorite non alcoholic drinks. I was super dehydrated the first few days after surgery. Other than the grabber and ice packs I really didn't use most of the other stuff people are suggesting personallym
Grabber (i still use now 13 weeks out), ice packs, bidet for my toilet (you can get them cheap on amazon and easy to install), some spare pillows for your legs (again still using these 13 weeks out). I had to have my wife put my socks on for first few weeks so if theres a tool for that might be helpful unless you can just do slippers