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?
Parents
Former Member
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.
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.
