10 Days Until Go Time

Hey everyone!

I'm getting a microdiscectomy next week on my L5-S1 because of a bulging disc pinching my sciatic nerve going down my left leg (too much leg press in the gym). This is my first ever surgery with anesthesia.

Naturally, I'm anxious and have a ton of questions. Some simple, some weird, etc. I'm going to list as a stream of consciousness below and welcome any and all answers/advice if anyone has any. Thanks in advance!

1. PAIN: Regarding pain during recovery, is ibuprofen sufficient? Should I be prepared to ask for something stronger? What about ice and/or heat?

2. SHORT TERM: Should I begin to take short 10-minute walks the following day, or should I wait? Should I stay horizontal for the first day? What about the stairs?

3. TIMELINE: How long was your recovery? Can you break it down for me in stages (ex: bedridden for x days, short walks for x days/weeks, able to sit after x weeks, able to run after x weeks, etc)

4. FITNESS: When will I know it's ok to get back into the gym? I don't plan on doing any lower body lifting for a few months, but I'd like to know when I can do upper body work, walk uphill, etc.

5. BED: The pre-op info sheet said I can sleep on my side or on my back. Should I try to sleep primarily on my back? What about the bending when getting into/out of bed? Should I get a rail or cane to help? What about a wedge to put under my legs in bed/on the couch? Should I put a pillow under my lumbar?

6. BATH: How was the showering process? Any issues stepping into the tub? What about getting off of and sitting down on the toilet? Mine is fairly low to the ground – Should I get one of those toilet seat risers with arms?

7. DAY-TO-DAY: I see the grabber canes on the list. What about if something is low but not on the ground? Is a slight bend in the knees (ex: opening up a lower drawer) ok if I keep my back straight? What about my shoes? If I have some pre-tied shoes that I can wiggle my feet into, is that ok? What about getting dressed?

8. OTHER: My L4-L5 disc also has a minor bulge, but isn't causing any issues. Do you think I should ask the doc if they can take care of that at the same time while they're fixing my L5-S1 to be safe? Is that worth it/doable?

Am I missing anything here? Any secret sauce that people often forget? Thank you!