Just over two weeks ago I had a microdiscectomy at L5/S1. I had been struggling with back pain for the past 3 or 4 years and it finally got to the point were it was unmanageable. By that I mean I could barely walk and I couldn't sleep even with large amounts of pain med and muscle relaxers. Part of my problem was that my normal doc would never order an MRI. He kept trying the conservative approach (more pain meds and anti inflammatories).
When I finally got an MRI (I had a doc friend of mine refer me to someone else), I ended up getting an epidural the next day and surgery about a week later.
Now my pain is gone and I'm thinking about how to get back into shape. I am curious who else had had this kind of procedure and what their experiences where getting back to their active lifestyle. Training in the pool again, cycling or running.... How did it go? how long until they felt 100% or did you ever feel 100% again?
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.
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.
