Successful Recovery from Back Surgery - Patients' Advice: Part IV

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Patients share tips on achieving a successful recovery from back surgery
In this section, patients share tips and advice about what helped them most during their post-surgical recovery.

I had a microdiskectomy march 2007 and have had amazing results I am not what I used to be, but at least I can walk without pain. I have for the most part full range of motion and feel that I made the right choice to have the surgery. Words of advice: Never over do it! when someone ask you to lift that 100 pound dryer say no. And I am not ashamed to. Lay down your pride and say no to something that you are no longer capable of doing.

From: Anonymous

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I had a microdiscectomy 2 weeks ago and wanted share the progress to date. Had the surgery 10 weeks post herniation. I herniated the L4-L5 disc by running and wieght training too much for years. I was out of the hospital same day and felt better immediately after surgery. A few days later some of the pain came back but after 2 weeks it has diminished. I have been walking 2-4 miles per day and started walking the day after surgery. I was told the numbness and nerve pain will continue to diminish.

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Back/Neck Surgery Intro

Microdiscectomy

Lumbar Laminectomy

Cervical Spine Surgery

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

From: Michael – Texas, USA

After months of failed conservative therapy and a laminectomy/discectomy, I finally had an L5/S1 fusion. It has been 8 weeks since the surgery and my back feels great. I still have lingering leg pain down my leg due to some nerve damage but my overall pain level is much lower. My advice to anyone considering a fusion is to make sure your surgeon gives you realistic expectations about your recovery. Be patient, don't over exert yourself, and learn a craft because you will get bored. Don't let all the "horror stories" scare you because every case is different. I put off the surgery because of all the scare tactics out there, but I would do it again in a second.

From: Dbheli01 – North Carolina, USA

Hi everyone. Your postings have been so helpful for me and I hope I can help someone else. I had a microdisectomy for L5-S1 exactly 4 weeks ago (Oct 23, 2007) after suffering for 8 months with a herniated disc. I tried physio, chiro, stretching, exercise and all kinds of pain medication. I was functioning okay, but living only a half life. I finally made the decision to have surgery after finding a surgeon that I liked. I had heard so many good things about the surgery and also that I would be back to normal in just a week. The surgery was longer than expected and my recovery from the anesthesia was not so good. I felt okay the next day and unfortunately did not take it very easy as I should have. Then I experienced leg pain as bad as when the sciatica first started. My neck had been twisted during the surgery and for 4 days I was incapacitated by excruciating migraines. I made slow progress over the next week. At week 2, I started to get depressed thinking that the surgery didn't work. Around week 3, I started to feel a slow improvement. At week 4, I finally feel like I am on the mend, however, still cannot live without the pain medication. I have started walking a little and remain hopeful that my recovery will continue. My best advice is to "TAKE IT EASY". It will take time to heal, as I have discovered and pushing yourself too soon will not help. I wish anyone who has had surgery or is considering it the best of luck. We all feel your pain.

From: Anonymous – Toronto, Canada

I had a laminectomy (had a large synovial cyst) and fusion of L-4 and L-5 with instrumentation. I am less than three weeks post surgery and do not need any pain meds at all. I walked several miles a day pre surgery which prepared me for recovery. I started walking the day after surgery because it helped with the soreness around the incision. I have continued walking short, frequent walks in combination with rests in between. I used a plastic trash bag on the car seat for the ride home from the hospital and used it on furniture at home to more readily slide on and off chairs that I sat in. I purchased a long handled grabber which has enabled me to pick items up without bending or twisting. I purchased silky pajamas which also allowed easy sliding into and out of bed as well as easier position change in bed. Get lots of pillows for under the knees, behind your back, etc. I was most comfortable sleeping on my back with two pillows under my knees and several pillows under my head and shoulders. A physical therapist came out to my home a couple days a week for the first two weeks to teach me a few simple exercises. They really helped with the muscle soreness around the surgical site. I keep a positive attitude and follow the surgeon's instructions to assure a full recovery and successful bone graft. Because the pain in hip and leg was gone the morning after surgery I knew I could make a full recovery provided I followed the surgeon's directives. Most of all, be patient and know that every day is a little better than the previous one.

From: Pain free in PA – Pennsylvania, USA

It has been 11 months since my back surgery-2discs replaced and fused and 2 rods and 8 screws. It was extremely hard and painful the 10 months. I summoned strength I didn't know I had. I know I can't ever lift 20 lbs now. I lost my job due to the length of recovery and lifting requirements. Many thanks to my surgeons and my children and mostly my wife/caregiver. Walking, family, friends, hobbies, attitude, and patience are the keys to a great recovery. Still not back to work but my attitude is better. 10%PAIN and I was nearly wheelchair bound before my surgery.

From: K. McConnell – Georgia, USA

I had posterior lumbar interbody fusion 6 days ago after years of trying less invasive procedures and I ask myself why I didn't do it earlier. The worse level of pain post surgery has not been as bad as the pain I used to get before. I had grown so used to live in pain I had gotten used to it.

The day after surgery I was walking and today I walked for 30 minutes, much more than I could walk before.

For this kind of surgery stay away from neurosurgeons as there are many mechanical implications; go with a good orthopedic surgeon that specializes in spine problems. My surgeon only does back surgeries and he did a great job with me. All the best.

From: Giovanni - Florida, USA

Had a double open discectomy in April of 1995. Life was great the last ten years, then after a couple years of abusing my back I blew one of the discs again. This time I didn't try all of the quacks that said they could help me. I went straight back to the orthopedic surgeon that took care of me 12 years ago. After initial consultation, x-ray's and MRI I went back in for a microdiscectomy. Had the surgery September 4th 2007, went back to work the 16th. The doctor said to walk every day and to walk further each day. DO IT! It makes the pain go away faster. The less you do the more scar tissue builds up but don't overdo it. Now, instead of taking 8 Percocet a day I can get get away with a couple Advil. If it hurts really bad for more than a month, get the surgery. Good luck to all.

From: Doug – Ohio, USA

It has been 6 months since my back surgery-3 discs replaced and fused and 2 rods and 8 screws. It was extremely hard and painful the first couple of months. I summoned strength I didn't know I had. I know I can do anything now. I lost my job due to the length of recovery and that led to depression. My surgery was 100% successful due to my fantastic crew of surgeons and my children and mostly my husband/care giver. Walking, PT, family, friends, hobbies, attitude, and patience are the keys to a great recovery. Still not back to work but my attitude is better. NO PAIN and I was near wheelchair bound before my surgery.

From: Monica Johnson

I am 5 days post-op of an L4-L5 microdiscectomy. I am a 48 year old male who is very active. My problem started one month ago with a squash game and continued with too much off road motorcycle riding on a disc that had already been damaged. I returned home from the riding trip with a VERY sore back that I thought was just muscular. However, over the course of the next week, it got worse each day until the disc finally ruptured. The rupture was big--blocking 90% of the spinal canal. I don't have to tell you guys of the resulting pain. Long story short: one week after the rupture I had the surgery. In my case there was no other alternative and I'm glad I had it done right away. Yesterday I walked 2.5 miles pain free and straight. I expect full recovery within 3 months. It pains me to hear your stories where you suffered for months/years before opting for surgery. I think this is one of those surgeries where the benefits far outweigh the risks, and in fact a person can risk permanent nerve damage if they don't get the surgery soon enough. Best of luck to everyone.

From: Ross – Nevada, USA

I lived with a big herniated disc (L5-S1) for 3 years during college. I was always very athletic. Sports were my life and I couldn't understand the reasons why I had so much pain. I tried the conservative treatment for over a year and it was a waste of my time. Finally, this past June I had "an open surgery" which is a very common procedure use here in Europe for bigger hernias. I loved participating in sports very much and my main concern before surgery was if I could go back to playing tennis, running and fitness. I can assure you that YOU CAN HAVE A NORMAL LIFE AFTER SURGERY. It is all up to you, try to keep your weight low. In the first month after surgery take it easy, then start PT. My surgery was 3 and a half months ago and today I walk an hour every day, I also swim 3 times a week, I drive everywhere. Can't play tennis and run yet but I am sure that it will happen soon. I wish I could help you all more. Peace and all good to you!

From: Pat - Netherlands

It has been two weeks since my third and fourth microdiscectomy surgeries. 3rd on L4/L5 and first on the disk above. My neuro said if I were 57 instead of 37 he would have fused all three vertebrae without a second thought. As I have been through this several times I would encourage microdiscectomy patients to take their time. Take your Dr seriously about not trying to recover too fast. Walk as much as you can, as balanced as you can. Rely on others if possible, excessive pride is a negative in this situation.

The meds can be an attractive crutch after the first surgery or two. I agree with others I have read on the site that the quicker you can get off them the better. PT and swimming help tremendously. My issue centers around weight loss (around 25 lbs), increasing flexibility, and torso strength. I have a four year old and a 3 month old and the pain of knowing I can't carry them inspires me to make the lifestyle changes necessary to ensure I will be around and healthy to enjoy their lives with them, even though I won't be able to carry them on my shoulders again.

Great site. Just what I needed after 13 days of feeling self pity.

Good luck to everyone!

From: Jeff Hays

I'm a 39 year old in good shape. I play competitive baseball and golf on a regular basis. I've never had any back issues. Last year I twisted my back while running the bases in game. I was sore for a couple of days but rest, ice and celebrex relieved the pain. Over the next 9 months I suffered 3 bouts of sciatica. My back never really hurt but the pain in my right buttock that extended to my right heel and outside of my right foot was unbelievable. I had an MRI in January 07 which showed an L5 herniation. Two spine surgeons recommended surgery. One of them suggested I try pain management. Prednisone pack worked for immediate but temporary relief. I had 3 epidural 2 works for about 4 months the last did not. I decided to have the microdisectomy surgery. I am 2 days post op and am amazed at the results. Aside from the slight pain from the surgical site the pain in my right buttock and leg is 95% dissipated. The remaining 5% is much more dull then before. I have not taken any of the pain medicine (oxycotin or flexaril). I've been advised that I might have residual pain as the nerve heals. I am being extremely cautious about bending or twisting since recurrence is most likely to happen in the first 3 months. This is the first surgery I've had where the results were immediate. I am very happy I chose to do it so far. And look forward to getting back to activities in 6-10 months.

From: David - Virginia, USA

It started with pain in my hip, then radiating to both legs. I tried chiro, exercise, drugs, all to no avail. Finally after seeing a surgeon, he told me spinal fusion of L4 L5 was my only option. I am 45 and fairly healthy. I used to go to the gym 5 days a week, but was unable to do so because of the pain I had. The surgery was done July 2007 and it is so far the best thing I have done. I was walking 2 days after surgery and climbing stairs, slowly, but moving good. Of course you move slowly. After a couple weeks I had absolutely no pain in my legs. I had a bit of surgery pain, I had 18 staples in my back and all healed very well. Vitamin E cream works great for the scarring. I am off work for 3 months and every day I can feel myself getting stronger. I still can only lift about 10 lbs, and cannot yet bend. Sleep was difficult going from side to side and on my back. A pillow helps also. I totally recommend the surgery, and if you have tried everything, get a C/T scan, MRI, whatever it takes to get a surgeon's opinion. If your disc is gone, like mine was, then all the exercise and pills are not going to help. I am waiting to see my surgeon in October to get the go-ahead to get back to the gym. I am using a stepper at home, and walking as much as possible to gain strength. My surgeon was out of Hamilton Ontario Canada and I think he did a great job!!

From: Donna Morris - Ingersoll, Canada

Communicate with others in recovery.

* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

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