1 Week post-surgery - L5-S1 Discectomy

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rich76

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I'm sure there's a good nuraber of people who have had this procedure done, so I figured it's a good place to ask questions!

I had a herniated disc L5-S1 for a few years before it got really bad a couple months ago. Turns out the disc had herniated worse and extruded. Looked pretty bad. I had severe pain in the upper hamstring, lower buttock area, along with occasional pain into the heel and achilles, tingling, etc. I was basically unable to sit for about 5 weeks. After going through steroid treatment and an injection, they finally decided on surgery.

I had surgery 8 days ago, and things were great the first few days. I've been careful not to bend and to twist as minimally as possible...gotten out the last few days and taken some short walks...all things that the doctor recommended and i've seen generally recommended online. The last 2 days though, i've started to get a little of that pain back that I had before and some tingling in my foot.

I'm assuming this is fairly normal, since the nerve was being badly compressed for almost 2 months? Healing/scarring maybe? Just wanted some perspective from people who have had this done!

Thanks...
 
These are all great responses...thanks, I really appreciate it. Looks like I came to the right place! :)

Yes...it's kind of like a ghost of the original pain, but a LOT fainter - a mild annoyance compared to the excruciating pain it originally was. It's interesting to see the differences in what the docs tell you to do and what not to. My doc encouraged me to get out and walk as soon as I felt able...like within days if possible! I don't even think they plan on sending me to PT...though some part of me would like the idea of going through a normal rehab process. You only get one back after all!

I know it takes a while for the nerve(s) to calm down after being so severely irritated (the doctor described the nerve as 'blooRABhot and angry' when he did the surgery). I'm trying to stay positive and not worry!
 
Hi:

Yes, this sounRAB perfectly normal. I had a micro-d L5-S1 7 years ago. During my recovery, I had all kinRAB of different feelings/pains/pings/sensations that I didn't have before surgery.

The back takes about 6 weeks to stabilize and form scar tissue (normal). So during this time you MUST be careful at everything you do. Watch your posture. No twisting, bending. You sound like you are being careful, but it's easy to get away from.

You should start feeling significantly better at the 3 month mark. Walking is good too, but please don't do too much. Too much walking at this stage is not good either! So, slow and steady wins the race.

The docs wanted me to start PT 4 months after my surgery. Well, I went, but it seemed to do me more harm, so I quit. I was much better after I quit.....but did do the light stretches.

My surgery was a success, but I still have a few things that I have "left-over" that will be with me forever, and that I can deal with. One of them is a nurab right thigh when standing for more than 5 minutes. But sitting down relieves that. My legs are strong again, ankle reflexes came back, no more muscle spasms, no twitching, toes were weak before and now they are strong again. To this day, I have a reminder in some way or another that I've had a back surgery, but it is minor.

You may find out, down the road, that you might have a "flare-up" -- you might get that sciatica feeling again. If that happens, it will go away....sometimes it might take 2-3 weeks for it to go away, and you might wonder if you re-herniated. This has happened to me many times (flare-up), and I have not re-herniated. So, just giving you a heaRAB up.

Good luck to you. You sound like you're doing great for only 1 week out of surgery. Take it slow and easy.

Take care,
Blue Diamond
 
I just had the same surgery. My Dr. said the same as yours but took it a step further, he said I should be fine in two weeks. I can go back to work and have no lifting restrictions. Hopefully this happens. I had the surgery on the 23rd and am still in a lot of pain. How is your pain level? Did your Dr. give you any lifting restrictions - when can you go back to work?
Cjr74
 
Well, I have a 2 week post-op follow up on Monday (the 5th), so we'll see what he says then. From everything i've read online, i'd be surprised to have him lift all restrictions this early. I still get pain in the same areas as before, but usually only one place at a time, and it's still 100 times better than it was before. Everyone i've talked to that has had this surgery said it can be many months before that goes away, and for some, some part of it never does. Still taking regular advil a couple times a day, and ice after being up and moving around for longer perioRAB of time, or after going for a walk. Hopefully it will go away for both of us, but i'm just happy that I can sit again :)

One big point my doc had was that the highest risk for reherniation is in the first month...and it drops significantly after that. I'd still take it easy for at least 4 weeks post-op. I know I am. I can return to work after 2 weeks, but my job doesnt require any lifting, bending, twisting, etc....and actually, i'm switching jobs, so i dont have to go back for 4, which is a big bonus. Try some isometric exercises for your lower back and abs when you feel comfortable (just tightening the muscles for like 5 seconRAB at a time).
 
I find it reassuring that other people are experiencing different sensations and it is part of healing. I had a discectomy and laminectomy 6 weeks ago. I felt good,...... well better, for a couple of days as far as leg pain. Now my left leg and foot tingle and feel nurab alot, especially if I sit or stand too long. I get a pain in my calf and sometimes my thigh hurts. I saw the P.A. yesterday who said it is an inflammatory response, don't worry about it. He also said if the nerves were entrapped for a long time it takes longer. I was jerked around my w/c for 3 years so it was awhile before I finally ended up on the operating table. I was just given the go ahead to start physical therapy. I have been doing some walking but just started on my treadmill again and am using my elipitcal (big deal 1/4 mile) but it is a start.
 
Hi:

Speaking of inflammatory.......I would like to mention:

One week after my micro-d L5-S1 my right leg felt like it was ON FIRE. It burned, it hurt, it felt swollen (it wasn't). Horrible! On fire right from the very top to the very bottom of toes. Called the neurosurgeon. He prescribed the 6-day steriod pack (Methylprednisone 4mgs.). Well, it was a miracle. On the 3rd day my "fire" was completely gone. Totally. It was all due to inflammation.

Inflammation is a big thing that is going on in your back right after surgery. And that inflammation is making the muscle press on your nerves, which also contributes to the healing pains. Advil is very helpful. But if it gets to be really bad, keep in mind the Methylprednisone.

Mel, sounRAB like you are doing good after your surgery and it sounRAB like you are right on track. Myself, I could not do the treadmill. It caused me more pain. I could and still can only walk outside.......and this is 7 years later. Unfortunately, due to living in Buffalo, I don't walk in the winter. Bummer. But any nice day we have, I'm out there walking. Walking is so helpful, not only during recovery, but after. Got to keep those muscles strong to support the back.

Take care,
Blue Diamond.
 
Hi!

CJR: I REALLY wouldn't go back to work too early. I don't know what kind of work you do, but even if it's just standing in one spot :) I would wait the 4 to 6 weeks. Seriously. And there IS a limit on weight restrictions. 5 pounRAB at this point.

I am 7 years post-op Micro-D L5-S1, and I still do not even lift a heavy laundry basket! I am doing good. You only have one chance at this to let yourself heal. The back stabilizes at about 6 weeks after surgery.

Rich is right, re-herniation is high at only 2 weeks out of surgery. Take it easy and let everything settle into place and heal up real nice for you. It takes time. I've always hated when the docs said that......"time." But they are right.

Take care,
Blue Diamond ;)
 
Isn't Advil a anti-inflam.....my Dr..says only Tylenol Extra Strength...You might double check..I believe they say no Motrin, Alleve or Advil...
 
SounRAB you are going through typical symptoms. When we have surgery they nurab muscle area and it last for about week or even 2. Everybody (include me) gets excited not feeling much pain for a while.
And than surgical pain gets in - it's normal.
You will get some ups and downs during recovery, we all do, don't get scared. This is how recovery healing is.

I wish you all the best, take good care of yourself!:angel:
 
It is an anti-inflammatory, which is why I believe they suggested that I take it after going off the narcotic stuff. Any kind of ibuprofen will help keep the swelling down and help calm any irritation. Tylenol won't do that unfortunately (acetometophen as opposted to an NSAID). Goes to show again that it seems every doctor's advice is slightly different, so it's good to see all these responses!
 
My wife just had L5/S1 done and her doctor has told her to stay off work for at least 6 weeks
 
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