I had L3,L4,L-5 disectomy and laminectomy in March. I couldn't drive until my post op visit which was about 2 weeks. After that I could drive. Honestly, though I didn't feel like it. I can't imagine having gone back to work either. I would say it took me 3 months to feel human again. I am 6 months now and I retired. I can't go back and sit or stand for a long time. The sciatic pain down my leg is finally gone. Once I stopped physical therapy it disappeared. When I do too much it feels like my back swells and when I sit back again the couch, it is like a slab of hard concrete against the couch. I still have back pain but as the surgeon said I do have significant arthritis. He told me prior to surgery it would be beneficial for my leg pain but wouldn't do alot for my back. I could go back for more surgery and a fusion but I opted not to.
