Hi,
Apart from physio, and the general exercises and walking that has been prescribed, most people who have undergone a discectomy (or fusion for that matter), must spend most of their time resting.
Now, that is well and true but too much resting can be depressing and often brings other unhelpful and negatibe things to mjnd.
When I had mybop, I had intended to watch movies, read books and listen to music. I have a Netflix account ans I can stream movies on my smartphone, but I find their UK library to be very poor. I have a lot of music on my iPod but everytime I settle down to lsiten someone comes and sees me. I then feel obliged to talk to them and sometimes I dwell on my anxieties. Reading is great but again, I think I will need to use the Kindle app on my smartphone because I cannot dog out my books. I can't ask anyone else either since my books are buried deep in storage.
I think I will start doing these things now because I have to keep my mind occupied during this period of recovery.
What other things have people been doing to keep themselves occupied? The internet can be fun, but how can one remain positive through the daily struggles? It would be great for people to share ideas here.
I A
Reading , tv, console and computer games, There are loads of ways to keep busy and occupied. I had to spend 3 days in one room . not allowed to go out or have any human contact two years ago when I had to have radioactive treatment. 'Stir crazy' doesn't even come close!!!
Keeping positive is different. I am fairly positive person anyway, so I naturally look on the bright side. Forgive me saying I don't think this is something that comes naturally to you. Your screen name speaks volumes.
Being happy and positive is a chice we make. You do have a lot to be positive about. You have had your operation, your wife is having a baby and you have a new life to look forward to.Focus on that - and you will be fine 🙂
just do what you want to do
Sorry that came out wrong just think you should do whatever that feels right
Hi,
I think the problem is that the first tqo or three weeks after discectomy, the incision pain makes it hard for you to sit for long periods and alternating between sitting and aandong for the duration of a whole day is tough. This leaves he sorts of thigs you can do in bed, such as listening to music, browsing the internet, or watching movies. My wife spends a lot of time sitting with me and helping me with eating, drinking, putting on my clothes etc. She is a real treaure and I love her to bits. When she is not there, that is when mu mind wanders off to some dark recess. I think I need to try and keep things in check. Amusements should work before the depression hits. It should not be after that.
I think preparing ahead for these things is important. Even if you are indulging in entertainment, treat it as if it is an essential part of your recovery and fit it within he syructure of your day. That way you may reduce the amount of time where you would get a chance to linger on the negative thoughts. Not everyone has them but recovery can seem so slow, and sometimes you may start to dwell on things. This thread may seem silly but it would be good for people to share their thoughts as to how they dealt with the period of recovery.
Hello,
Have you trying listening to spoken word stuff, i.e. recordings of books being read aloud or plays on the radio? When I was recovering from a concussion I used to listen to a radio play series called 'Pilgrim'. It was nice to feel that someone was reading me a story! But also distracting.
Hi Mouse,
Good tip. Will try that out.
I A