Getting Ready for Your Discectomy? Here’s What You Need To Know

Discectomy is performed to relieve the pressure and pain caused by a herniated disc. Discectomy isn’t normally the first line of defense against back pain, but if conservative treatments 一 including physical therapy, medication, and steroid injections 一 don’t provide the relief you need, you may benefit from a discectomy at Spine Group Beverly Hills. 

Below, Dr. John Regan discusses what you need to know before your discectomy.

Preparing for your surgery

As with any type of spinal surgery, Dr. Regan only recommends surgery when the pros of surgery outweigh the cons. Before you receive any type of surgery, you’ll have to prepare your body. This may include:

• Stopping or altering certain medications (like blood thinners) before surgery
• Changing dosages on certain medications
• Refraining from eating or drinking for a specified length of time before surgery
• Stopping smoking 

Don’t stop or change your medication schedule unless directed to do so. Dr. Regan will discuss your current medication with you during your consultation and let you know if changes need to be made and when you can resume your normal schedule. 

In addition to preparing your medication regimen, you can also prepare for your discectomy by preparing your home. Keep these tips in mind when preparing for this surgery (or any other type of surgery):

• Stock your fridge with ready-to-eat meals (e.g., lasagna, pre-chopped salads, soup)
• Keep your essentials within reach to avoid using any step stools after your surgery
• Review your pantry inventory and other staples and go shopping before your surgery (you won’t feel up to it right after your surgery)

Be prepared to take some time off of work. Depending on how labor-intensive your job is will determine how long you’ll need to stay home. Regardless, you may find that this is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite books. 

What to expect after surgery

Immediately, after your surgery, you’ll be monitored and provided with pain medication. Although surgery is designed to combat back pain, it’s normal to feel some discomfort after surgery. Take your pain medications as directed and know that this pain improves with each passing day after surgery. 

Minimally invasive surgery requires smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. This means that it’s easier to care for your incisions (since it’s smaller), and you’ll have less bleeding and pain. Typically, recovery from minimally invasive surgery is faster and easier. However, you can continue to support your body as it recovers by following all post-op instructions, keep your incision clean and dry, eat nutritious foods, and avoid foods known to cause constipation. Constipation is a common side effect from the anesthesia used during surgery, but you can mitigate this side effect by walking, eating fiber-rich foods and fresh fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated. 

If you feel nauseous from the anesthesia, eating bland foods (like crackers, bone broth, or toast) can help settle your stomach.

Questions about your upcoming surgery?

Discectomy can improve your quality of life by reducing the pain of a herniated disc. Even though surgery provides many benefits, it’s okay to have questions or feel a little nervous. If you have any questions about your upcoming surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Regan. Preparing for surgery can help you feel confident as you approach your surgery date. 

To learn more about your discectomy, call or schedule an appointment at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, California office.