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General Fitness & Nutrition: Microscopic Lumbar Discectomy - Recovery Stories

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    LadyFingersFred

    I am looking for feedback from anyone who might have had microscopic lumbar discectomy surgery for disc herniation.  It will help me get through my recovery to hear how others have done with this procedure. 

      I have just undergone the surgery a week ago and currently convalescing during a two week post-op period where I more or less need to lay flat on my back for the entire day.  After that, I will have a post op follow up with my neurosurgeon and expect he will get me into a 6-8 week rehab/PT program.  What I am interested in the most is to get anyone's experience on how they felt during this first two weeks. I have heard some report no pain, others still feel a muted pain  but after the 6-8 week rehab they recover fully.  

     In my case, when not on painkillers, I do still feel the very recognizable pain down the back of my leg/buttocks that got me here, but it is not as severe.  It almost feels like the nerves have forgotten what it feels like not to be impeded and are finding out how to function fully again.   My doc said all results immediately after surger vary. I of course was hoping for the magic results of no pain immediately after, but know that is unrealistic given I lived with it for 10 months.  Anyway, if anyone has gone through this procedure and cares to share what their recovery was like (both the immediate 2 weeks after and the longer 6-8 week rehab) I would be interested. There seems to be a lack resources on the net with such a forum. 

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdrchapman
    • CommentTimeJul 2nd 2009
     
    drchapman

    Well, I don't know that I can offer comment on microscopic discectomy but I have had the full blown open you up and dig around version.

    Leaving lengthy details out, I had multiple injuries over the years that I glossed over using NSAIDs and cyclobenzaprine.  Four years back (in my youth, 45 yr/old at the time) my neuro MD said it's now or later, surgery will be required.  I figured I'm young and in shape, let's get it over with.  In process while shiny side up on the table with my back open, he determined I blew two discs and over the years the disc material had scarred into my nerves (not evident in MRI) thus my ongoing pain and hip/leg issues.

     First suggestion, listen to your doctor and don't push the 6-8 week rehab period beyond what he recommends, I found this time frame accurate.  I was told no lifting beyond 10 lbs. during that 6-8 week period, this I followed albiet hard to do.  I was prescribed to begin therapy at 6 weeks.  Per your comments "doc said all results immediately...vary"  results are subjective.  On the 0-10 pain scale at times pre-surgery when having acute blow out symptoms, I couldn't move so post-surgery results were truly immediate for me.

    I'm trying to recall when I got back on the bike, I'm thinking it was 4-5 months post-surgery after doing prescribed rehab strength and stretching work.  I began slow, starting with short 10 mile rides.  Over the past four years I find my most comfortable distance to only be back up to 60-70 miles.

    If you're a runner as your icon suggests, I can't offer any advice on the relationship of impact  (foot/road) to lumbar surgery. I have funky feet, running and I just don't get along anymore.

    Lastly and to forward my surgeons comments "Once a back patient, always a back patient."  He warned that he has had many a return patient due to their lack of attention to remaining fit and continuing on with suggested back care.  I've continued daily therapy (at home) and stretching as prescribed and feel that continuing to do so has really helped.  All that said, don't push it too early, do your therapy religiously and you will more than likely feel much better in short order.

    Good luck,

    DC

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