Back surgery

Hello Kevin, Unfortunately I've had back surgery twice. I had the same microdiscectomy L5/S1 about 8 years ago. It felt great for 5 years until I had a ruptured disc that required fusion. The good news is I'm pain free. I'm very active. I still play basketball, tennis, golf, etc. It's very easy for me to forget I had back surgery. I decided to try swimming again as way to help recover from the surgery (after a 31 year break). I wish I could swim a little faster, but I can't blame my back for my times. Good luck with your recovery.

I have had the same surgery about ten years ago, on L3-L4 and L4-L5, the latter of which was actually ruptured. I too could not walk much, had crushing, takeyourbreathaway pain radiating down my left leg, then it would turn to the pins and needles feeling and go numb (still had excruciating back pain though). My surgery was very successful but it took a while before I could do much. I remember I was not allowed to lift my elbow above my shoulder, so I started back in the water just walking, no arms. After months of struggling with pain and trying to get through daily activities much less any exercise, it felt good to be back in the water. I actually started coming to a water aerobics class, just didn't do the arm stuff. Once I was allowed to raise my arms I started some conservative swimming and a lot of kicking - I kicked on my back mostly, with and without fins, some board kicking - LOTS of kicking. This rehab time is when I really developed my underwater dolphin kick. After a summer of that I can say I had much better strength and flexibility in my lower back. But it took about eight months. I also made friends in the aerobics class and it improved my relationship with those I always considered noodlers, and they had a better appreciation of what I do in the water. An unexpected plus!

I have had the same surgery about ten years ago, on L3-L4 and L4-L5, the latter of which was actually ruptured. I too could not walk much, had crushing, takeyourbreathaway pain radiating down my left leg, then it would turn to the pins and needles feeling and go numb (still had excruciating back pain though). My surgery was very successful but it took a while before I could do much. I remember I was not allowed to lift my elbow above my shoulder, so I started back in the water just walking, no arms. After months of struggling with pain and trying to get through daily activities much less any exercise, it felt good to be back in the water. I actually started coming to a water aerobics class, just didn't do the arm stuff. Once I was allowed to raise my arms I started some conservative swimming and a lot of kicking - I kicked on my back mostly, with and without fins, some board kicking - LOTS of kicking. This rehab time is when I really developed my underwater dolphin kick. After a summer of that I can say I had much better strength and flexibility in my lower back. But it took about eight months. I also made friends in the aerobics class and it improved my relationship with those I always considered noodlers, and they had a better appreciation of what I do in the water. An unexpected plus! I can relate. I lost feeling in my left foot and patches in my left left leg that hasn't come back yet. I guess that can take up to a year or more for the feeling to come back. After the first of the year I plan to get in and start with mostly kicking. Flip turns are out for a while Freestyle is okay as long as I am not twisting. It definitely helps to hear positive stories of how others have recovered from this type of surgery. Thanks!

The surface of the left side of my shin is still numb, it never came back. Just right at the skin surface, may be an effect of scar tissue. I don't worry about it too much, I have my life back. I really only notice it when I shave my legs!

If my ex girlfriend can till pull out a 6 minute 500 with scoliosis, then you can definitely swim now... I hate my ex

I had the same L5/S1 problem and the same symptoms (incredible pain down my left leg, can't sit/can't stand). The first surgery was apparently a failure -no relief at all. The second surgery removed scar tissue from the first surgery among other things, but I had to lay on my back for six weeks before returning to work. That was three years ago and only this year did I get back into swimming. I would be very careful about attempting too much too soon. If you're not healed completely you might not be healed ever. I still have a terrible problem with cramps in my calf and arch (all part of the L5/S1 sciatic nerve) and usually can't get past 2500 yards before having to end my workout, but I am so grateful I can get that far after once worrying I might have to endure a lifetime of pain. So go slow with the comeback, please.

I would estimate a minimum of 6 weeks, though your doctor would be the best person to ask as this surgery has different implications depending what was done. Microdiscectomies are less invasive which means less chance for inadvertent and unnecessary tissue damage and therefore faster healing time. A couple years ago I had a relatively minor surgical procedure. I had to sit out of swimming for 4-5 weeks while the 1/2 inch incision healed on my abdomen. I know your pain. Wanting to swim but knowing you can't... with the thought in the back of your head that a month later you'll completely out of shape. It's tough to get back in shape but you can find motivation in the thought of "now I can do this again". The most important thing is that you heal with no problems. You don't to damage the healing tissue or get some nasty infection. If you're 2 weeks post-op and feeling good, that's great. I know for some people it takes months for the pain to subside. I forget the exact statistic and it obviously varies depending on the type of procedure, back surgeries are usually very successful in restoring range of motion and function (80%?). On the other hand, something around 50%-60% of surgeries actually heal the pain associated with the problem. I've got to commend you on being assertive in your medical issues. Doctors are such highly regarded figures in our society that people assume they are always right and are afraid to challenge them. All to often people stick with unhelpful doctors and as a result suffer for too long. It sounds like you're doing well. Hang in there and good luck with your healing. You'll find your way back into the pool and into the groove of things in no time.

Last Thursday was my two week post op. That was with the Physician's assistant to remove the staples. I asked him how soon I could go in the water. He told me the incision has healed really well and in one week I can treat the incision like normal skin, getting in the pool would be ok. kicking and easy freestyle should would be good for me. No flip turns, though. Our master's team has a swim with Santa party today and I'm thinking of getting in. Just take it easy and see how I feel. Maybe put on a water proof bandage just for extra protection. Although I probably don't need it. If anything I can just jump in the spa. :banana:

I had the same L5/S1 problem and the same symptoms (incredible pain down my left leg, can't sit/can't stand). The first surgery was apparently a failure -no relief at all. The second surgery removed scar tissue from the first surgery among other things, but I had to lay on my back for six weeks before returning to work. That was three years ago and only this year did I get back into swimming. I would be very careful about attempting too much too soon. If you're not healed completely you might not be healed ever. I still have a terrible problem with cramps in my calf and arch (all part of the L5/S1 sciatic nerve) and usually can't get past 2500 yards before having to end my workout, but I am so grateful I can get that far after once worrying I might have to endure a lifetime of pain. So go slow with the comeback, please. That's terrible. I did swim Friday and again yesterday. Just nice easy with the best technique I could. Both times were long course, which I think is much better. The walls are a little tricky and I need to take my time and care there. I swam mostly with a pull buoy and worked on keeping my shoulders and hips rotating together so I'm not twisting. I also had the coach watch a bit to make sure everything was in line. It felt great and relaxing.