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The First Year After My Microdiscectomy
I want to write about my recovery and lifestyle during the first 12 months after my microdiscectomy (L5S1) for those of you who are curious to know how things turned out. If you haven’t already, I recommend checking out my posts detailing my life with sciatica before surgery and the two videos I made while drugged up on painkillers during the three days after surgery (both are linked in this post). This will give you a better idea of my condition and the severity of my sciatica before the operation.
See all my microdiscectomy recovery posts here!
Again I need to note that I am not certified to give you medical advice so please consult your healthcare professional for your own specific situations! I just want to share my experience!
You could consider this series of posts to be my microdiscectomy success story! I also address the microdiscectomy recovery time frame, and the long term effects of a microdiscectomy.
My Post Surgery Goal
The night before the surgery I wrote out a list of things I wanted the surgery to accomplish. Here they are:
- To be able to stand for more than 15 minutes at a time.
- The ability to play my musical instrument without pain.
- The ability to have a routine of physical activity and a general level of physical fitness.
- The ability to be less fearful, more confident, and, above all, to be able to be more creative and spontaneous in personal and social contexts.
My Promise to Myself:
I promised that I would NOT push myself after my L5S1 microdiscectomy. More specifically, I promised myself that I would not even attempt to start a running routine or intense physical exercise regimen until 12 months had passed.
I was quite active before my surgery and I really missed that lifestyle, and so I knew I was at risk of overdoing it to soon! I address microdiscectomy recovery exercises in this post and also in my second-year post (linked at the bottom of the page).
The First 60 Days of my L5S1 microdiscectomy recovery:
The first month after my microdiscectomy was pretty much all about recovering from the surgery itself.
If you haven’t seen them, here are two videos I made in which I explain how I feel during the first day and third day after surgery:
I took muscle relaxants for the first two weeks or so for the initial microdiscectomy recovery period. I stopped taking painkillers relatively early because, well, trying to poop after spinal surgery is enough of a chore, and prescription painkillers make you super constipated….I’ll let you do the math.
I had strict orders not to lift anything. I was able to shuffle around/ sort of walk during the first week after my L5S1 microdiscectomy, but I spent the first two weeks pretty much on the couch. I had to really limit my time sitting up straight in chairs during the beginning of my microdiscectomy recovery as well.
Pain?
I still had pain, but this time I had all this microdiscectomy recovery pain in addition to my sciatica pain. I had a lot of anxiety-ridden panics and thought that the surgery hadn’t worked.
BUT there was a good sign, well two good signs during my initial microdiscectomy recovery:
- I woke up from surgery laying flat on my back with my legs extended. I was still able to do that when I wasn’t on pain pills a few days later! I hadn’t been able to lay flat for over two years!
- The first post-surgery SNEEZE… I started panicking. I had a surgical wound in addition to lingering pain… Oh no it was gonna hurt…I braced myself… and ….ACHOO. I reflexively winced since every sneeze during the past 2 years was absolute hell. BUT THERE WAS NO SHOOTING SCIATIC PAIN!!!! That enough made me feel, well, jubilant. Even that meant, to me, that my microdiscectomy was a success!
After my two-week checkup, my surgeon told me that a lot of the pain was from post-surgery scar tissue. The nerve also had been pinched for a long time and needed to heal. He told me to BE PATIENT.
I HATE BEING PATIENT. The microdiscectomy recovery time frame lasts months.
At the end of the first month, I took a long-haul flight back to France, where I normally live.
I am a musician and I was not allowed to lift my instrument in its case for a few more weeks. I became that person who looked perfectly healthy but had to be wheeled around in a wheelchair in the airport. I took a painkiller before the flight and cried my way through every episode of Modern Family and even When Harry Met Sally.
I technically wasn’t supposed to take that flight, mainly because I wasn’t supposed to be sitting upright in a chair for a very long time. I did it anyway oops. I wouldn’t have been able to do it immediately after my L5S1 microdiscectomy, though. I recommend being really careful when you travel to avoid microdiscectomy complications.
I had a connection and the German lady who wheeled me around parked me in the duty-free to try perfumes.
Upon arrival my angel roommate drove and picked me up from the airport. Then he carried my instrument for me to school every day with me for a few weeks because I had to be so careful to not lift anything heavy during my microdiscectomy recovery. I basically owe him free pain au chocolats for the rest of his life (I hope he isn’t reading this…).
The rest of the month was spent taking it easy and just doing my school duties. It was amazing to play music again without so much pain- I had never realized how much pain I was putting up with during my performances with my herniated L5S1 disc before my microdiscectomy. I was seeing the results of my microdiscectomy immediately!
Physical Activity-Wise:
I was limited to just walking during those first months of recovery after my L5S1 microdiscectomy. They recommend that I walk on uneven ground (within reason) in order to try and strengthen my sense of balance.
Also, they really advised me against sitting up in a chair for long periods of time. That puts a lot of pressure on your spine. I decided to do my computer work (like writing my master’s thesis) while in a semi-reclining position on my bed.
2-7 Months After My Microdiscectomy
Once I recovered from the surgery itself, the hardest part was to take it easy. OK, cliche, I know, but I felt like a butterfly that had just come out of my cocoon!
Now let me be clear: I still had a lot of sciatic pain. I still had to be sure to keep my torso straight. I still made everyone carry things for me. I still felt fragile, and, above all, I was terrified that I would just stop feeling better and reverse back into the pit of pain. It felt like I was slowly climbing out of a tunnel: you’re so excited as you see the light at the end of the tunnel (aka relief from pain), but at the same time you are terrified you will fall back down to where you started.
There were some moments when I really doubted if my L5S1 microdiscectomy really was a success story. What would be the long term effects of my microdiscectomy?
My pain mainly was from when I tried to bend my torso to pick something up off the ground and also when I needed to adjust myself while laying down. There were still moments where a slight movement of my hips in the wrong direction would send shooting pain down my leg.
But there was another pain I didn’t expect…
Sorry, boys, this doesn’t apply to you. It’s just a detail, but when you take pain meds every day for 2+ years and then suddenly stop, well, enjoy your first bout of MENSTRUAL CRAMPS. I did NOT miss those. But I would take a successful microdiscectomy over period cramps any day!
Hello, Mobility!
After my microdiscectomy, I was so happy that I could finally stand for long periods of time. It felt amazing to spend an afternoon at a museum without having to search for a chair every 15 minutes. I could go to bars or concerts where I needed to stand all evening. I could DANCE (albeit very badly and carefully). So, yes. This was a wonderful time where I was able to piece a social life back together. Even more, it was a time when I started to separate and move on from my old self: the “girl with really bad sciatica”.
8-12 Months After My Microdiscectomy
I was starting my final year of school and I felt ready to take on the year with, well, less pain.
That’s the thing: I still had moderate pain even 8 months after my microdiscectomy. Sometimes the pain was rather severe. Sometimes it was less frustrating. Regardless, it still was there. It is all party of the microdiscectomy recovery experience.
So, if you had the surgery and still aren’t seeing the results you want even after 8 months, don’t lose hope. You will see the long-term effects of your microdiscectomy, but you just need to keep waiting.
I joined a gym! Exercises after my microdiscectomy:
I joined the cheapest gym in pretty much all of France. BUT… I still stayed true to my promise of no running or ultra-intense fitness regimens during the first year of microdiscectomy recovery.
I went nearly 6 days a week. I only used the elliptical or stationary bicycle at low resistance levels. Sometimes I did very low-intensity strength training. I was sure to stretch, but I still stayed away from yoga because I just didn’t feel ready. I think I still had the memory of my worst pain fresh in my head because just the idea of doing certain yoga poses made me cringe. They may have been ok at the time, but I just couldn’t try.
It was so thrilling to experience my first “exercise high” in years. I was literally bouncing off the walls with energy for weeks on end.
I also got this balance disc to keep my core muscles engaged while sitting at my desk. You just sit on it and wobble around. I love “exercising” while just sitting around haha!
12 Months after my microdiscectomy, I was already feeling like a completely different person. I was so thankful that the operation was a success and reduced so much of my pain.
I still had a lot of healing to do, but I already felt like I had gotten my life back. My L5S1 microdiscectomy was a success and that would become more apparent during the second year after my surgery.
I am extremely lucky and thankful for my positive experience after my microdiscectomy, and I hope that this was somewhat informative for those of you out there who are suffering from sciatica. Don’t give up!
I am going to be leaving for my microdisectomy is about 20 minutes. Thank you so much for your videos and blog on how this went for you. It gives me some hope. People don’t understand the joy I would feel at being able to just go on a short walk but I think you do. I know it is different for everyone but thanks for giving me an idea about how things might go.
Wow Mike I hope your surgery went well and that you will find relief!! I understand completely! Your comment made me really reflective yesterday when I went on a walk. It made me remember the time when doing that wasn’t possible. It is totally possible right now and I know it will be possible for you too!
hello Babeesh, tho this is probably a looong tie since you wrote the article, I just want to thank you for sharing your story, as although my operation was not the same at all (I had a tibial osteotomy) after a year of not walking … well now it’s nearly 2 years (only 5 minutes a day) I could really identify with not being able to stand up for long periods of time (back and leg)
I was someone so full of confidence and energy, and now I am a virtual hermit.. with low confidence… I used to enjoy being physically fit, but now I find myself struggling to get off the floor and so many exersises the kiné gives me I cannot because I am so stiff and still in pain…
People tell me to be patient; maybe but I am seeing summers come and go, people out there having fun and I’m still stuck in .
However seing your article gives me a little hope …so thankyou
Hi Cary-
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I cannot imagine how much you must be struggling, and I admire your ability to continue to do your exercises and not give up! I hope that you will continue to find whatever works for you in your path to recovery.
Hi Mike! I hope your surgery went well. I had my surgery about 2 months prior to yours and it went well. I am recovering well and discovering that the healing process slow requires patience especially to avoid a relapse. I still haven’t returned to work because my work requires hours of consistent sitting and is very stressful and I will do anything to avoid a relapse. The slowness of the healing process is well worth the wait.
Thank you so much, I am only two weeks post surgery and I have been walking daily around our neighbourhood, I am so keen to return to the me I remember but have terror of relapsing, and will I always feel fragile and frightened of movement. It has really given me hope reading about your experience, long may you remain healthy. I hope it has gone well for you too Mike, and wish you a speedy recovery.
Thanks so much for your kind words Karen! I hope you continue to improve and I am so happy you already feel better! But of course taking it easy is the most important thing, but you know that already! Now for me I am much less afraid of relapsing, but I remember feeling really afraid during my first year! All the best to you!
Thank you so much for your videos and sharing your experience with us. I’ve just come back from receiving the results of my MRI scan which indicate two prolapsed discs with a recommendation of surgery. I’ve had this pain on and off for over 10 years now, with constant pain for 14 months. I can’t imagine being ‘pain free’ and whilst I don’t necessarily expect that, any pain relief is welcomed! I can’t sleep, I can’t walk, I can’t do anything without feeling some sort of pain – so being able to get a decent sleep and walk from the bedroom to the kitchen without being in pain is something I still can’t imagine! Ha. Thanks again, maybe I can leave another comment after my surgery!
Grace I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. Know that I have been there too and it is just so hard. I really hope that your surgery goes well and that you will find the relief you need! Thanks for stopping by and my best wishes for a smooth recovery!
Best of luck. Please let us know how you are feeling. I had a relapse last year where I couldn’t sit or lie down without pain. I had to take opioids for about a month to get through it. I’d take one before bed and would wake up in the middle of night when it wore off. Then I had to wait an hour for it to kick in before I could get more sleep. I hope you are feeling better and best of luck with your surgery.
Hi Kenny, I am experiencing the same thing and was wondering if it resolved without surgery? I am 15 months post surgery and have suddenly woke one day with horrible back pain. It’s been about 2 weeks and I’m terrified it will never end or I will end up under the knife again. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated. I am feeling so afraid and depressed.
Just had an L5S1 surgery 3d ago and I feel fragile AF 😀
I’m 20 years old. I’m told not to sit at all for 4-6 weeks, and that includes the toilet seat.. . I don’t know when shlould I start physical therapy and swimming and going to the gym. God, I miss gym, I haven’t been at it for 3 months now. Pain started about 4 months ago and slowly started desending down the right leg. Surgery went perfect, scar is 4cm long and already healed quite a bit. No pain with strict movement, except where the scar is and a bit around it, but i do feel numbness in my right leg. I hope that’s all normal. Also, i can kinda lean at side when standing and click/crack the hip bones or whatever near kidneys which before surgery gived me releaf but now it’s the opposite maybe, i don’t know, it’s strange, i really dont’t know if I should do that… Anyway I do feel some kind of pressure in lower back when standing for a few minutes.
I love your website and wish you all the best. Cheers 😀
Hey thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience! I remember when I first went to the gym 8 or so months after surgery I felt the best exercise high ever! I hope your healing goes smoothly and that you will get back to doing what you love to do! All the best to you!
Thank you very much ^_^
Hi Jennifer. May you tell me what was your disks re-herniated? Please talk more details. I am 3 weeks after my discectomy on L5-S1. I think something has been wrong with my Op. Hope you feel better now. When I prey to good I will think on your name.
I’m scheduled for my lumbar microdiscectomy next month besides my fears of surgery in Hefner’s and this not working, I have a 23 pound 8 month old and a 28 pound 22 monthnokd that I am solely responsible for taking care of 24 hours a day. I’m very worried on how I will be able to safely do this.
Hi Suzanne thanks for stopping by and sharing your situation. I am so sorry you are going through all of this and I do hope your surgery goes smoothly. I would be sure to check with your doctor about what cautions you should take with your responsibilities and I hope you have a very quick recovery!
Just got home a couple of hours ago from my procedure. I thought I’d be in more of a fog. Some mild pain from the procedure. Instructed not to lift more than 10 lbs. Fortunately the electric guitar that I play daily is 7-8 lbs. The biggest thing that came out of this more me was a greater sense of empathy for others. So I have a more visceral feeling of happiness when I hear success stories like yours and a deeper sense of sadness for those still struggling with pain. If you are reading this, are still struggling, and have avoided the surgery due to your apprehension, I encourage you to work through it. It is a scary notion and can be a little stressful when you show up at the hospital, but they’ll give you a sedative that relaxes you in a big way (hey look at all these machines!). Then you have a nice nap and can get on with your life.
Thanks Kenny for sharing your experience! You are a wonderful writer and I can’t agree enough with what you wrote. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to share. Best of luck with your recovery 🙂
This is what I should have read 4 weeks ago! I’ve unfortunately been a bit ‘gung ho’ about my return to boot camp and running after my microdiscectomy surgery in September- actually my surgeon said it was ‘okay’ but I’ve experienced acute back pain in the last ten days and have been petrified to do more in case of a total relapse. I too am a runner but have now sensibly pulled out of 2 runs I had planned for March and April, I’m going back to pilates , walking and swimming for 3 months to see how it improves. You have encouraged me to ‘slow down’…thank you!
Hey Sara thanks for sharing your experience! I hope you continue to recover and ease back into your active lifestyle! I do recommend to take it slowly, but you know yourself best! Listen to your body and ENJOY 🙂
Hi Babeesh, Thanks for sharing your view. I just had my microdisktogamy on 2 weeks before. Dr prescribed only small walking. Sitting is allowed only during eating and toilet. I worked in IT, so sitting is the main. How long will it take any idea. When I will be back in my IT? Please suggest.
Hello!
Thanks for stopping by. I hope your recovery is still going well! Only your doctor will really be able to help you decide when you will be ok. Also you will know! It’s important to listen to your body and not sit up in the same position for too long. I was able to sit up for short amounts of time after two weeks, but again everybody’s recovery will be different. I recommend looking into good posture and seating positions that would help your back. Good luck!
Well, hello For weeks ago I had my microdiscectomy on L4/L5 after suffering with back pain and sciatica for almost 1 year. I must confess I’m still very afraid to move and sometimes I doubt if I’ll ever be able to do all the things I used to do. I feel extremely stiff and lots of pressure on my lower back and hips. It makes me happy when I sneeze and don’t feel that “pinch” on my lower back but I feel my muscles are totally out of balance (it seems like my muscles are pulling up my right hip a little be so I feel a lot of discomfort). Can anyone relate to that? According to my doctor, the neve takes a while to heal and gradually as it heals the muscles will relax and I’ll be able to feel balanced again. I’m not in terrible pain but my rende of motion because of all the stiffness is very poor Any advice or suggestion?
I agree…I had horrible balance when I was recovering! For me doing gentle, core strengthening workouts allowed me to regain back some balance! Good luck and I hope you continue to recover well!
Bingo… you nailed it. I am having the same pain… like I pulled muscles in my back.
That’s what happened to me five months ago. After 3 epidorals PT worse. My operation is Sept 21 and even with anxiety I cannot wait. So happy I stumbled on this site.
Hi sweetie! Thank you for your encouraging story!
My daughter is 18 & had a microdisectomy almost 6 weeks ago.
She has been off pain meds since after the 1st week but still lays in bed a lot.
She gets out of bed often to walk but still is nervous to get in a car for a ride let alone take a flight to France! Wow!
We have our follow up with the doctor in 5 days but from the sound of it you still had pain at her stage & for several months after…I was discouraged that the surgery hasn’t worked well for her but reading your story I’m hoping her journey is fairly normal?
So happy you’re living life again!
Hi Nikki! Thanks for sharing your daughter’s experience. Don’t feel discouraged! You’re right- I felt pain for months and was worried that it hadn’t worked also. But now I’m A-OK! Of course everybody is different and her doctor will know best, but I don’t think you should worry! Thanks for stopping by and I hope she has a quick recovery.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I am 30 and have had pain for 8 months now which originated from lifting my 4 month old baby (now she’s one year) out if the car in her car seat. I tried a lot of the same things you mentioned with similar results, except I had to take it easy on pain meds since I’m still nursing. Your story is so relatable – the crazy chiropractors, the people who comment about how they had back pain and what they did even though they don’t have the same underlying issue, and how much I complain about my back (nonstop at times-it’s all I can think about at times). I just saw a new doctor today who recommended I get the mictodiscectomy and I’m scared but also hopeful. I used to run outside all the time and it’s been almost a year now since I’ve been able to (I currently couldn’t run across a street to avoid getting hit by a car to save my life) and your story has really made me feel hopeful that I’ll be able to run again someday. I sure hope so! I’m nervous about the recovery because I always try to do too much, but hopefully I can just lay down and stay put. Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Angela!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I am so sorry you are going through all of this! I can’t imagine having this and a child dependent on you! If you do choose the microdiscectomy, I hope that you won’t be afraid and that you will get the results you are looking for. I agree! Taking it easy is hard when you suddenly have way less pain, but in the long run it’s going to help you out! Thanks for stopping by and all the best to you!
This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. We are in 3 weeks post surgery and having so many of the feelings you describe.
Thanks and I hope you have a good recovery!
Thanks for this post.
I had a micro 8 weeks ago. I am really scared if my disc reherniates again. I couldn’t feel my right leg for about a month and finally had to go for the surgery.
I don’t know what to do. Sometimes I feel a vague pain in my foot and also my outer thigh is feeling numb….I am scared as hell. My doctor said I have to be paitent but as you said, I feel horrible if I fall into that tunnel again….
Hi Paray! I’m happy the microdiscectomy went smoothly. I agree with your doctor! Be patient! I was in the exact same position as you and I was so scared the microdiscectomy didn’t work. Even 8 months out I still felt some pain and was so afraid, but now three years later I feel great and although I am careful I don’t feel actively afraid of re-herniating my disc anymore! Hang in there!
Hey, I’m 12 days post op L5/S1 microdiscectomy, all has been going well til today. I’m having back pain to the bottom left of incision about 2 inches below. Left side of the crack of hiney. Sore to the touch, but no leg pain. Taking Percocet and muscle relaxer. Walking 10-15 min 3 times a day, outside if weather is good or inside house, can walk up and down 2 steps. Eating normal and drinking lots of fluids. Is this pain normal healing? I’ve had to sleep in recliner bc wasn’t able to lay down til last couple nights for about 4 hrs. Surgeon said that was fine. I’ve done everything right so far.
Hang in there Wendy! If the surgeon says you’re ok I think you’re fine! I still had pain for months after my microdiscectomy. It is a very gradual healing process but it seems like you are on the right path!
Hi
I am 67 yrs and 4 weeks post op . I still have numbness in buttocks and legs worst on left side . Still using crutches and have physio every week. My wound was healing lovely but a bit of the soluble suture exposed caused problems so have dressings changed every other day. The severe pain I had before has gone but I have different pain now which I’m sure this is the healing process . I am doing my exercises as recommended and can do a fair amount of walking . My worry is I have been told by my manager I should be fit to resume to work 4 to 6 weeks after surgery because they are going by the recommendations and policy . I am a nurse and on my feet all day . Does anyone else have this problem . By the way I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is suffering severe back pain. I will have to be patient and hope that all post op pain and loss of sensation will improve with time.
Good luck to you Linda! I hope you have a smooth recovery! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Hi, thanks for this post! I am 3 weeks post op and I actually felt great until I woke up with too familiar raw sciatic pain that I haven’t felt for three weeks. I’m scared I may have reherniated already but it seems you had bouts of this as well? It’s so scary because I’m not ready to give up my relief already
It is so scary! I am so sorry you are going through this, and I did have moments like you described. But you will have to talk to your doctor to get a better idea of what to do! It may just be part of your recovery!
Thank you for your posts! I am 2 months post Micro discectomy and while I do feel much, much better I am still having slight discomfort in my leg. Extra strength Tylenol takes care of it where as a couple of months ago even narcotics would barely touch the pain. My foot is partially numb which wasn’t an issue before. Your posts about being active prior to and now acting like an old lady hit home! I will be glad to get a couple more months under my belt and hopefully a little less discomfort and a little more strength.
Thanks for sharing your experience Carin! Best of luck to you and I hope you continue to recover!
Probably the most supportive post I’ve ever read on the internet, thank you! I’m a 40 year old male and am currently on day 14 post-op following an L5/S1 micro-discectomy. It is my second operation have had an L4/L5 discectomy 4 years ago. Interestingly, the L5/S1 was showing signs of herniation during my MRI 4 years ago, so I guess I’m lucky I managed to hold it off for so long without pain. My main worry (and why I’m encouraged by this post) is that upon waking from surgery I had no pain, just numbness. 2 days ago however, the sciatica returned; no where near as bad as before surgery, but probably more worrying; as one of the others commented in this thread: I’m terrified of ‘going down the tunnel’ again. I hope it’s just the healing process and that the nerve is recovering but still with swelling hence the pain. I’ll try to be patient!
Be patient Blair!!! I hope you will continue to recover and that the pain will diminish! Thank you for your compliment! I was just frustrated that a lot of blog want to sell tons of dubious products when talking about health issues! All the best to you!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I can relate to the fear element post surgery. I am almost two weeks post op and my left foot pain is really intense along with tingling in my legs. I see my doc in two days but it’s hard not to panic like so many folks have said. Hoping for the best!
I’ve got my fingers crossed, Tiff! All the best to you and thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for this blog. It’s so hard to find good things about this surgery. I’ve read all your blogs about it now and it’s gives me hope. I am 7 months post-op from L5-S1 microdiscectomy, it was very large causing muscle weakness in my leg. Strangely, I didn’t have a ton of nerve pain & was able to function somewhat (I say that loosely) normally after about 3-4 weeks of onset. I definitely have had more pain after surgery but it is improving slowly, oh so slowly. I am ‘glad’ to hear you still had pain after 8 months & that I’m not alone & it’s ‘normal’. With lots of help from PT, I am able to do a calf raise now, which I haven’t been able to do in a year so there is hope & improvement with time, patience & hard work. I’ve been tracking my progress & considering posting a blog myself. I only want to do this if/when I feel very positive about my experience as I don’t want to add to the terror online about this surgery. LOL. I need to try that balance disc as sitting is the worst for me still. Thank you again
Hey! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and I am so happy you are making progress. I agree! There are so many negative things online related to this surgery, but I get it because if it didn’t work for me I would be finding ways to vent my frustration as well! But I hope that you will continue to recover and have a more active life!
Hi this is Shibu George from India.. Last week I have gone through endoscopy discectomy. From several years I was going through bad back pain and was not able to stand for long. Last week had the worst pain and got admitted. Had no option but to go for the surgery. Since the time I have gone through surgery I was not feeling good in myself bcoz of sciatica pain and I felt as if I should not have gone for the surgery but instead should have taken some more opinions. But after going thru your post I am feeling very comfortable in myself that time will heel me n I have to keep patience. Thanks a lot for your post.. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Thank you for sharing your experience Shibu! I hope you will continue to recover and live a life with less pain!
Hi babeeshthank you so much for sharing your experiences .I am about 2 month post op l5 s1 and I was really disappointed cause I still have pain, but yesterday I sow your page and after that I felt a huge happiness and good feel and started crying because of that .
And then Isow you start travelling around the world I wish some day I will be able to do the same
If you come to Iran I can be your host ❤❤
Best wishes….
Aw Tara I really hope that you will fell less and less pain. I hope you have a smooth recovery and that by this time next year you will feel like a new person. Also, I dream of visiting Iran! I hope to go one day 🙂 I hear so many wonderful things about Iranian hospitality!
Thank you so much I found you’re instagram page and that was so good to see all beautiful places that you have visited . I hope you can come one day and I see you in iran
🙂 Looking forward to visiting Iran one day!!
Hi Babeesh,
impressive all that people trying to find support in their MD treatment and recovery. I am a 65 years old man cyclist and developed pain in my back. It was a foraminal herniation that was removed with PTED or TESSYS microendoscopic procedure. It s now 3 weeks ago and still have needle ans pins in my right thigh and knee L3L4 bulge.
I feel so insecure about the outcome like anyone else that has this injury, that it makes me feel depressed. Do you have a good advice for me? I am still using paracetamol and tramadol for the pain, maybe that makes me feel depressing? Lots of success and keep up the good work giving people hope and comforting them in their struggle.
Hi Martin! Thanks for your kind words and I appreciate you sharing your experience. I can’t speak to your situation individually since I’m technically not allowed to give any sort of medical advice, but for me it took months before a lot of the pain went away. I know it’s so scary at first but I think being patient and waiting was the best thing I did for myself! I hope you have a smooth and happy recovery and that you will soon be able to live with much much less pain!
Thanks a lot. I am now near my 6th month after the microsurgery, I am feeling much much better but still have some mild leg pain every day with periods of better/worst pain depending on the day.
You have helped me to see this does not mean the surgery went wrong and the hernia will come back.
Hi I am 7 days out L5S1 and I am still experiencing sciatica pain. Had been in pain for over 12 months. I am still taking my muscle relaxant at night. As I still am in pain when rolling over. Gained a huge amount of weight due to the tablets. I am so scared and worried as I still have pain. Thank you for you post. Really know I need to rest.
I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope that you will improve!
I’m so happy to have found your blog! I just had a microdiscectomy 4 days ago. I was only in severe pain for a month before the surgery, but after so had an MRI, two neurosurgeons said I needed the operation asap because of how large the herniation was. I’m still fairly young (30), very active and travel frequently, so even after a couple weeks of pain, I was becoming very depressed from basically being a shut in. I had sciatic pain in both legs, with the left hurting more but weakness in the right. Since I woke up after surgery, I have had almost no pain in my left leg, but my right leg starts to ache/cramp after I’ve been up for a bit. After hearing about people who were either a okay after surgery or had no relief/reherniated, it was very comforting to hear your recovery was a process. It’s so easy to think any pain sensation means the surgery failed. Googling “pain after microdiscectomy” just makes it worse. Thanks for giving all of us hope for getting our lives back!
Hi Mary! I know it can be so scary! But thanks so much for sharing your experience and I really hope you continue to feel better every day!
Hi Babeesh. Currently recovering from microdisectomy, in my 2nd week since operation. Really great informative website you have made, and good to read about yours and others experiences. On my own, have spent the first week lying down mostly, but making sure i get up and walk often as possible, and even if only few steps. For me, the pain has been manageable, and its more like a kind of “dull ache”. However, in the last few days, have been getting some occassional pains in my buttocks/leg which are reminiscent of the pre-op pain. That has worried me a little, however reading yours and others experiences, is does seem to be a common thing. I had a good day yesterday, then today, not as good, but again, others seem to have experienced that, and i guess it will be “par for the course” as they say. Anyhow, hope you and all others who have had this operation are doing well. Thanks. Neil.
Hi Neil!!! I hope you will continue to improve! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi did your pain come and go… as mine stays with me for about 2 years goes and then returns with worse pain and symptoms .I am asking as pain at moment gone apart from when I bend lift or exercise and I am due for an operation next Thursday and don’t want to waste there time and money if I am getting better …i still have muscles weaknesses in legs neck and back .But not sure what to do …
Hello! My pain was pretty constant but would vary in severity. But my situation my be really different than yours so I really recommend talking to your doctor!
Hi Wayne
Did you end up having the surgery?
Hi everyone. I had my microdiscectomy March 2018 and still fell horrible as nothing has changed, the pain in my back my hip down my left leg is horrific, feeling so frustrated. I know I must be patient many people I spoke to who had same procedure had immediate relief. I had 2 Dr opinions and have been dealing with “growing pains” since I was a child, I’m 48 now and have always been involved in sports including gymnastics. They both told me that because I had had this pain all my life which was on and off all my life until the last 3 or 4 years where the pain was constant that the surgery may not be 100% successful. I have had other health issues being diagnosed with severe diabetes that i didn’t even know I had and was forced to go to ER to find out had I said any longer I would have been in a coma, my BS 500 and admitted. Anyway I’m thinking I have some kind of nerve damage as I have absolutely no relief and will be seeing the pain management dr who works with my surgeon. I’m miserable. By the way I reversed my diabetes by having procedures done by one of the best drs, thank God! And now I’m dealing with this and has totally turned my life upside down. And i do stay physical by walking 5 to 10 miles every other day.
So I’m happy to hear everyone has been successful and I’m really trying to stay positive. NV
Hi
I am 4 months out of a MD and get occasional glute/butt pain especially after walking on inclines etc… Did you also had similar pain and does it improves…
Thanks for the information on your blog and very helpful…
Hi
I am 4 months post-op and get random glute/butt pain, luckily no back/leg pain… Did you also went through the same and if there was something that helped to improve it …
Hello!
Yes I experienced that as well. I just had to do light exercises and be sure to take it easy and not overdo it! I also had to be patient and that was the hardest part! Thanks for commenting I hope you find relief soon!
Thanks for the encouragement¡ I am 70 and had micro disectomy/laminectomy on L3-L4 and L4-L5 on May 14th
Not sure which on what level. But was told to be patient…#$@&. My walking with a walker produces pulled muscles…was told to really take it slow $#@&. Still have burning in right leg but not as severe. Still trying to be patient.
I hope you are feeling better! Being patient is the hardest part!! Fingers crossed!
It’s great to read your post, thanks so much for sharing your experience. I have been put on an urgent list and expect to have this surgery at L5/S1 in the next couple of weeks. It’s been such a difficult time coping with the pain and you’ve given me some hope. I’ve been in tears watching your videos (I’m a bit of a pansy too!! Thank you and wishing you lots of joy on your many exciting adventures. Adam
Hi Adam! I really appreciate your kind words! I hope the surgery gives you the relief you need!!!
I Loved hearing all the comments.I thought I was alone for so long ..I suffered for 10 months intense pain and swallowing enough extra strength Tylenol to kill a horse to fake my way through work.The pain absolutely monopolized my every thought ..I would have to wake up 2 hours earlier every day before work because that’s how long it took me to get walking enough to hide the limp..The last two months I couldn’t walk anymore and had no choice but to go on disability and I had to start using pee bottles because I couldn’t make it to the washroom in time ..And when I did get out of bed I had to crawl on my knuckles and even developed calauses on them ..The other thing was I was on soo much morphine that I was literately stoned all the time..The day of my surgery I didn’t even think I could make it to the hospital and would need an ambulance ..I was wheeled into the surgery room at 8:00am for my L5S1 herniated disc surgery..I remember waking up at 10:30am completely pain free!! I was able to stand up for the first time in 2 months and I Literately walked out of the hospital and was home by 12:30…I am almost 6 weeks and I can drive and walk for miles..I still have numbness down my calf and foot and some cringes of pain the odd time but this surgery saved my life!! And yes the hardest part right now is taking it easy because I feel like takeing on the world..I hope this encourages anyone who is worried about the surgery! All the best
Yes Dustin I am SO happy to hear you are doing great! I do know that surge of energy to want to take on the world! Or my first exercise high after years of just wobbling around in pain. You expressed it so well and I hope you continue to do well. Thanks for sharing your amazing experience! Woooo! It makes me so happy to hear about people getting their lives back!
Hi babeesh I’m glad to find your post ..im 6 weeks since my L4L5..L5S1 surgey..the past weeks went well with mild pain in right leg ..after 4 week i felt pain in my lower back when im getting up form bed its like weakness and Cramps in lower back muscles and its disappears after walking in 2 mins and even when im turns from side to another ..now im walking an hour a day but im so disappointed and anxious if my surgery failed or something..☹☹
How are you doing now? I hope you will improve!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am just shy of 2 weeks post L5S1 microdiscectomy. i am 31 years old and had a herniated disc for 5 years. I still have the nerve pain down the leg and was starting to worry but I have been told that since my nerve was compressed for so long it could take a while to get back to normal. My incision isn’t giving me any pain at all anymore just a bit of itching. Looking forward to a pain free future.
Hi Megan I hope you are doing well! Thanks for reading and sharing your experience. In my case it did take a long time to get back to normal but I was happy I waited! All the best to you!
I actually wanna thank you again and again for your posts,i am 25 ,it’s my 5th day after the surgery and every day i keep reading your articles as it gives me alot of hope,i still have horrible pain in my right leg it keeps increasing the doctor says that is because the nerve was very much pinched and this should improve,no back pain which is amazing,but weakness also exist in my right leg,wish the best for every one has done the surgery and thanks again.
Yahya From Egypt
Hi Yahya,
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment! I hope your recovery will continue and your pain will diminish!
Hi read your complete post..suffered from sciatica since January.. tried acupuncture and cupping in USA.. tried steroids and painkillers.. nothing worked.. reached India and tried all sorts of alternate therapies .. no relief .. had a microdisectomy on 25 may .. no change in pain .. waited fir 5 weeks and had an mri again .. showed slight reherniation.. had another surgery again .. I’m now 5 weeks past op . .. but sciatica nerve pain is still bad .. doc prescribed Gabapentin but it did not suit me .. back is extremely stiff now . .. I don’t know when I’ll get relief from this nerve pain.
Hi Gurdish-
I am so sorry to hear about your situation and I hope that you will eventually find the relief you are looking for! Was the second surgery a success?
Hi… back in USA again … I’m now 3 months post op .. I can walk now .. I have pure neuralgia only now ..it’s a burning achy kind of pain … like a bad toothache…
I’ve had a slipped disc now since November and I’m in constant pain when standing and walking. Lots of sciatica in my leg ( not as much back pain tho) infact hardly ever feel it in my back but the pain in my leg is awful and stops me walking and doing normal activities. I’ve been offered the surgery but I’m so scared to say yes because of the recovery time and the stories of people saying it didn’t work. I also want a baby soon and can’t decide if I should do that with a slipped disc or after the surgery. Life’s a mess!!
Hi Lucy,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and point of view. Of course only you and your doctor will be able to make the best decision for you. Although everyone’s experience is different, I had a very positive experience as a result of the surgery. But there are also lots of other ways to try to find relief to your pain. I am so sorry you are going through this!
Hi there, I’ve just discovered your story whilst researching the surgery- I have L4/5 prolapse and completely compressed L4&5 nerve roots.. I’m in month 16 of this injury! So we’re now looking at surgery. I used to be a gym bunny- tough mudder etc and now without the exercise high I’m putting on weight and making worse food choices- I feel like I’ve lost part of my identity! I also have a 27 hour flight to the UK to look forward to at Christmas and am hoping that I can be sorted by then- I did a flight to the US 8 months ago and that was hell! Thank you for sharing your story I really appreciate it.
Hi Sasha-
I am so sorry you are going through this and I hope you will do what is best for you! Those flights are the WORST!!! Good luck!
Hi there, I had my l4-l5 microdiscectomy on July 11. Had this pain in my left leg for last 11 years and never took it seriously. Now i am 51 days post surgery and thank God it was complete success. Before surgery i was not able to walk even half a mile. Yesterday i did 6 miles with no pain what so ever. I do get some pain from time to time after walking for over 20 minutes but that is understandable as my nerve was being pinched for 11 years and will take time to heal.
Thanks Babeesh for your post. The only positive post i noticed while thinking about foing for surgery. Keep up the good work and anyone in new york city, who has this problem please consult Dr Baaj at weil cornell. Excellent neuro surgeon.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Syed! I am so happy you had a successful surgery and I hope you continue to heal!
Hello!!! I am 30 years old and I had microdiscectomy L4-L5 in December 2017 after 3 months of terrible pain at the back of my left leg. Wasn’t able to sleep and changing position was just an agony. Never thought I will sufer such a terrible pain in my life… 🙁
I have been doing exercises to improve the strength of my core and back muscles and improving day by day! Still feeling weak and having some tightness in the scar site…obviously nothing similar as before!!
The first night after surgery I had 10 hours of sleep without interruption, that is the most similar thing to heaven for me!!
Now I am 13 weeks pregnant and my Surgeon said everything is going well and keep doing as it is for now!
I am happy for you and your fast recovery. Thank you so much to share your experience.
Hi Patricia! I am so happy to hear things are going well, and congratulations for your baby! I’m happy that you won’t have sciatica when you are busy being a mom! Thanks for sharing your story and I hope you continue to heal smoothly!
Hello,
Wow! Thanks for such a great blog. I’m so happy for you. I also had an L-5 S-1 discectomy. I am now 3 weeks out of surgery. Most of the pain is gone, but I am still having trouble lifting my foot. Did you have trouble with yours? It is maddening. When I go walking, I concentrate very hard to lift my foot, but it will only move a little. I did notice some of my strength returned and almost no leg pain! I feel like a blob. I can’t waiting to start running and lifting again. Hope you are still doing well.
Hi Jim! I’m happy that most of the pain is gone for you! I didn’t have trouble with my foot but I had all sorts of weird strengths and weaknesses during my recovery. I felt like I had no sense of balance, but that eventually returned. Hang in there!
This is really what I needed to read today.I m 40 years old and It’s been two months since my L4-L5 microdiscectomy and I feel ftrustrated. My doctor said still feeling pain at my leg is not normal, that I should be ok by now.He recommended physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs.After surgery I felt better but now there seems to be a relapse.Some times I feel I rested more than I should and sometimes that I overdid it. I fear that the surgery was not successful. I also have another herniated disc in L5S1 but the doctor chose to operate L4L5.I think that being so discouraged doesn’t help at all. Thank you for sharing your story with a happy end!
Hi Alexandra-
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry you’re going through this! I hope that things will improve for you!
I will be thinking in your name when I pray today. Hope you got well after all. Please! let me know how you feeling at this point of the line?
Hi Babeesh, thanks for sharing the recovery experience. I had the same operation and 2 weeks post op I’m already feeling 10-20% of the initial sciatic pain. After reading your blog, I think I’m fine. It is assuring of the light of the end of the long tunnel, and not run for it. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your story! I am almost 8 weeks post microdiscectomy and I refer to your page all the time to compare my symptoms and see if they are “normal,” haha. I am so glad you were able to get your life back! I am also starting to feel quite good after surgery, but I have constant paranoia that I’ve somehow reherniated. Hope this doesn’t last forever.
Hi Olga! I’m happy you’re feeling good and I’m flattered that you find my posts helpful! Don’t worry, the paranoia doesn’t last forever!
Hi, I loved your post and I can totally relate to everything you wrote. I have been having symptoms for almost a year and all started after delivering my son. After one year of struggle and bunch of doctor visits I have tried everything possible. Twice epidural steroid, manipulation, exercise etc with some improvement. However, I was still not able to sit more then few hours , walk or stand for longer period of time. I have decided to undergo surgery since I was falling into depression and not being able to care for my kids. I had endoscopic surgery and was able to walk 4h after and go home the next day. Recovery from surgery is very fast and I was allowed to sit the next day but in moderation. Today it’s been 9 days post surgery and still have the same pain only when standing, sitting longer. Pain is only in leg and there is now some new numbness. Today I ll see surgeon and take the stitches out. I hope that he will say that this is all normal and there is hope. I am afraid that I will stay with this pain forever and doubt if they have diagnosed me properly. I give hug to all who have been going through the same or similar problem. Thank you for reading.
Hi Sandra!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m happy you are recovering quickly and I really hope that you will be able to be the best mother you can be when you recover!
Hi. I just had a microdisecetomy l4-l5 on Monday, 5 days ago…it was the best desicion I made. My pain actually started from just a back pain I had in July…then slowly the pain started going down my left leg…then sharp radiating pain…then the first Saturday in November, my body was really crooked and I was in pain…Sunday pain all day…Monday went to work…half way through my shift my leg pain was something I’ve never experience ever…the pain would not go away…i wanted to die. I managed to drive home…but the pain wouldn’t go away…i couldn’t handle the pain that I finally said ok to going to the ER…first time at the ER, not a good experience…left the ER still crying like when I first went in. The next day I’m still in pain…seen my doctor but also went to ER but this time to a different ER…much better experience but all could be done was pain meds. I had to wait 72 hours to get a MRI…then see a surgeon on Thursday and surgery scheduled for Monday. The month of November I wanted to kill myself. I was going insane. I guess as depress. I just wanted to die…I would be pain free. I wouldn’t be a burden on my family who tried to help me. Well it’s saturday after my surgery…pain is almost gone…I can walk, stand, and I’m not crying or wishing I was dead. But recovering and healing has me with mixed feelings…I’m excited and happy that I’m not in the pain I was but at the same time I’m frustrated, exhausted, irritable, not motivated to do anything at all.
Hi Sheri-
I am so sorry you went through all of this. I understand that feeling to- the guilt for being a “burden” and the idea that the pain could end. I really really hope that the surgery will help you get out of this mess. Thanks for sharing your story and I hope you will find ways to manage your pain!
Thank you for the information! I am 3 weeks out and had higher hopes than what I’m feeling but it sounds very familiar to what you went through. It’s so nice to have someone document what they went through and gives me hope. I have sciatic pain yet but I also have had 2 reasons why I think the surgery did work and I’m hopeful….getting out of bed used to be a “hobble” to the bathroom and struggle to get ready until I had enough ibu. and tylenol in me. Now, after the surgery, getting out of bed and the first 2 hours of the day are great. No pain. It slowly comes on, sciatic down in my calf, around my knee and in my ankle. The 2nd reason: There are moves or leg lifts that I couldn’t do before without a shooting pain and now i can do them without pain. I think I have to be patient, like you and it may take months, maybe a full year. I had suffered with this for 1 year. Thanks for listening and for the posts!!
I had l5 s1 surgery in November 2018. The pain is Gone now and I am at almost 5.5 months but I still feel weaknesses when walking. Lateral movement is not ideal. Unable to really jog or attempt to run. Was trying to do some reading about anyone else who experienced these type of symptoms and was wondering if it just takes more time. Would like to return to playing golf and doctor advised 6 months. No pain in back other than morning soreness. Started some Pilates and physical therapy. So was wondering since you have been through it – is it just patience to get back to full strength in your opinion or this is my new normal of weakness in leg strength? Look forward to your reply.
Hi Jason-
I didn’t start running until a year had passed after my microdiscectomy. Your doctor knows best, though! For me it took a while to regain back my strength on both sides since I wasn’t using my right leg correctly for several years to compensate for the pain. It took me personally a long time to get my strength and balance back…the healing process took a few years for me.
Hello!!! I had a microdiscectomy Dec.7 2018 and I had been feeling very good until recently. I started with the leg twitching and numbness once again and now I have hip/buttock pain only when I sleep. I hate going to sleep now because of the severe pain I am in when I do. Any feedback? I keep thinking this whole thing was a waste of time. I am very discouraged at this point.
Hi everyone, I’m 2 weeks post 3rd op, on L4/5,
My 1st op was in 2006, the 2nd not long after in 2007, after a few months of the 2nd (after the op I was still in excruciating pain) but after a couple of months, all pain had gone, and I felt great until about 14 months ago when it returned, so just 2 weeks after my revision surgery, I actually feel pretty good, no nerve pain but that dull ache that a lot of us seem to refer to, and still some tingling in my leg, but hey, the nerve still has to wake up properly… So pleaspleaseKnow that it is absolutely possible for that pain which you sometimes think will last forever, can actually disappear, and what a feeling when it does, I wish this for all of you…
1 wee question for everyone, after my 1st 2 surgeries I was told not to sit or bend for 6 weeks, after this one I was told I can sit for 20 minutes or so then get up and walk around, and I can bend if pain allows, now I know my previous op was 10 years ago and things move on but anyone else been given the same advice??
Best wishes
Catherine
Hi, Thank you for your post. I am crying at the moment because I am happy for you and pray I feel that too. I am 6 days post-op and am in awful pain. It is in the exact same place as prior to surgery, but even more intense and deeper. Prior to surgery I could barely walk, so life was pretending to be happy and survive work without making my students worry about me and then going home and taking pain meds and crying? And cuddling with my kitties….
I miss my old self and pray that this surgery works and awakens the old me.
Your post really gives me hope and reminds me to be patient, very patient 🙂 Thank you and I pray you are still feeling great!
Thanks Jennifer I really hope that you will have a smooth microdiscectomy recovery!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am undergoing the same surgery in the same L5S1 location in 10 days. You touched on something no one has been able to articulate for me, and that is the support at home. My best friend is my roommate (and a nurse!). She is prepared to care for me, but we have no idea what to expect. I’ll come home the night of my surgery (assuming no issues arise). She goes to work the next day, which means I’ll be home alone. I’m a bit nervous about this. What did your parents help you with? Why was having them always there necessary? Was it exhausting for them? There’s a lot out there about what the patient can expect, but almost nothing for the caretakers. Any insight you can provide would be very much appreciated! Cheers!
Hi Aubrey! I hope your microdiscectomy goes smoothly! I think I needed help getting up and moving around the first day. If your best friend is a nurse I think you should be fine! It was just for me getting off the couch to use the bathroom was hard, and then I couldn’t really move around and prepare food for myself etc. I think if you have food ready to eat and maybe not drink too much so you won’t have to pee you may have an easier time!
Hello I’m 4 weeks post op micro discectomy . The incision pain is starting to get better. But the leg pain is the same as before the surgery . So that’s really frustrating since that was the main reason for the surgery. Take gabapentin to help with the nerve pain and sleep but I need some sleep aid to get to sleep. Just hoping the nerve pain will better as time goes on bug a lot of ominous talk out thr saying if u don’t get relief right away the percentages r low..I pray for great relief for everyone.