Patients who lose sensation in their nerves or have difficulty with the nerve pressure as advised to go for Nerve decompression surgery. Even the top surgeons will advise you the same because they know that only surgery can help in decompressing the nerve. So, all you have to do is to know Occipital Nerve Decompression Surgery near me and read the step-by-step guide to know how to stay prepared for it. You read it, understand it properly, and then make the decision.
Understand The Procedure
Nerve decompression surgery is advised in case the patient has compressed nerves caused by spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and carpal tunnel syndrome. In this procedure, the doctor tries to relieve the pressure on the nerves, and during it, he may remove some tissues, and bone fragments to restore normal function.
Moreover, before you make the decision, you must ask your doctor about the exact cause behind the nerve compression, why is surgery the only option in your case, what will be the risk factors and potential outcomes and what to expect after the surgery.
Read All The Preoperative Instructions Clearly
- After consulting your surgeon, he will provide you with some preoperative instructions which you must understand clearly. The reason is that all these are tailored according to your condition and it will give you an exact idea if what is going to happen next. In most of the cases, the instructions include:
- The details of the medicines that a patient is taking at the moment and in case there is any medicine that contradicts the treatment process, the doctor advises to stop taking it before the procedure. You can take the example of the blood thinners and anti-psychotic drugs.
- If a patient is having occipital release surgery the next day, he/she must fast for attest 9-10 hours before the procedure because of the anesthesia.
- Patients who smoke or drink daily must say no to their addiction because it will hinder the process of healing.
- If you do not have an active lifestyle, you should start maintaining it because it will help you recover better post-surgery.
Be Prepared Mentally & Emotionally
There is no denying the fact that surgeries can be stressful but you have to handle yourself emotionally as well as mentally because you have no choice except being strong for it.
- To clear the air, you can talk to your doctor and ask anything if you still have doubts and you are overthinking about it.
- Try overcoming your anxiety with breathing exercises and have a positive mindset.
- If you know any support group, you can join it to get emotional support and talk to people who have gone through the same and gain some motivation.
- Also, you can call your loved ones and say to be with you if in case they are far away. To be close to the people you love is like therapy in such a situation.
Pack All your Essentials for the Hospital Stay
Even though sometimes you may not be staying in the hospital for the night, you have to pack a bag that you can take to the hospital for the stay. To be precise, you must pick
- A comfortable set of clothes that you can wear post-surgery
- Take all your important documents like the insurance cards, and your ATM cards in case of any emergency.
- Keep your mobile charger and other necessary electronic items with you.
Stay Prepared for Recovery at Home
If you are alone at home, you should call someone from the family to stay with you and if you have a partner, make sure that he/she is there during the surgery and recovery period. You should avoid handling these things alone because its good if there is someone for you to take care of. In addition,
You must set up a comfortable space at home where you can rest after coming back from the hospital. Also, you will need some assistance with cleaning, cooking, and doing other household chores. Thus, you have to enlist people who can handle this thing while you go for the surgery.
Never miss the post-operative schedule
If you are thinking that surgery is the last point here, then you have to be ready for the post-operative schedule which includes,
- Proper follow-up from your surgeon to know about your healing and recovery process
- Physical therapy to improve your strength and mobility after the surgery
- Take all the necessary medicines advised by your doctor.
Wrapping Up
Thus, in the end, all we can say is that nerve compression surgery will help you get rid of all that pain but you have to keep all these factors in your mind before you decide on the day. You have to be prepared for everything because, after the surgery, you will need help and people who can take care of you. If you have any doubts, you can call the experts at Migraine Surgery Speciality Center and ask them about it. They have top surgeons who are experienced with cases like migraine headaches & Occipital Neuralgia and they can tell you everything you want to know.
