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?
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Former Member
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.
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Former Member
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.
