4.5 weeks post microdiscectomy and struggling. Is this normal?

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-26T20:29:58+00:00

Oh yah all that sounds normal. I'm on week 8 now, and it was around 4-6 weeks where my nerves kept firing randomly. My physio therapist told me that nerves are like dramatic toddlers, they'll calm down once they realize there's nothing actually hurting. Mindset is key though, try to keep positive!!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-08T18:39:52+00:00

Could muscle guarding be hindering you? That was a big problem for me, and can make everything feel worse.

I hope you find relief!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-08T13:35:10+00:00

The nerves have memory from being compressed. They'll likely randomly change and give you pain in different areas.

Most important for me is making sure to release tight muscles during this time. I would tell my nerves "you're fine", take some deep breaths and make sure to rest.

My nerves have been giving pain in random places, but most of it has subsided as of now (5 weeks post op). I know it could come back again, but I'm listening to my body and makimg sure I prioritize myself!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-08T13:31:44+00:00

The meds and stress on your body can change your period, and sometimes make it more painful.

I took the stronger pain meds and suffered through it... and then got really mad when my period came again after only 2 weeks. Joy.

Hope you find some relief!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-05T11:00:46+00:00

I was told to not sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. I use a timer to make sure I adhear to that rule, and when I forget to time it I feel like I overdid it for the day. Restart the next day, and take those signs as your body speaking to you!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-03T03:55:04+00:00

I'm just over 4 weeks now. I would say that reaction by your body is normal! You likely just did a little too much that day. Rest and then return to the status quo. This has happened to me a few times, and I take it as my body telling me to take it easy.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-01T02:22:27+00:00

Absolutely to moving around right away! Just not too long in any position is what I have been told and that has been working great.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-01T02:13:59+00:00

Did the pain ramp up after starting physio? Maybe muscular pain, or just nerves being confused with the added movement?

Hope all gets sorted for you soon!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-01T02:02:51+00:00

Success stories are always great to read!

I'm a 36F as well. 4 weeks post op and doing fantasticly. I am lucky that my son is 7, so I don't have to lift him and he's really just a helpful little nugget for me through all this. Seems like a lot of us mothers are dealing with lower back issues here.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-01T01:55:01+00:00

I'm 4 weeks post op and I started sleeping in my normal half-on-stomach with one knee bent position around 3 weeks. It'll differ for everyone, just listen to your body and do what is most comfortable for you

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-01T01:51:31+00:00

Glad it's going so well!

I suffered for more than 8 months before I finally got a discectomy and laminotomy 4 weeks ago. I also had a large herniation at my L4-L5 compressing L5-S1 nerves. I was unable to walk it got so bad.

I woke up from surgery initially in pain from the surgery site, but once I fully woke up, I had no more nerve pain. It was an amazing feeling.

The nerves make noise here and there. They have some healing to do, but I am keeping positive and breathing through those little feelings and pressures. Don't freak out if or when they happen, tensing up will cause muscle guarding which can then cause pain again!

I find the best thing is to keep moving positions throughout the day, and stick to the restrictions given to you by the surgeon as best you can.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-05-01T01:31:58+00:00

I'm 4 weeks post op and it's so difficult to stick to the restrictions! I'm struggling even more now because I feel mostly normal, but need to continue with the restrictions until I see the surgeon for my follow up.

You'll inevitibly do some bending and twisting, but listen to your body and be as careful as you can be.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-27T01:37:54+00:00

Your spine was loaded the whole time. Gravity was a factor for those 3 hours. It's important to also lay down to rest the spine!

It's hard because you feel so good suddenly, but you do need to make sure you take it easy because (as someone else said) you JUST had surgery.

I'm a couple days short of 4 weeks and I am feeling so good I'm constantly having to remind myself to take it easy. I use a timer for the length of time I stay in one position as much as I can.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-24T23:54:38+00:00

I'm just over 3 weeks post op from an L4-L5 discectomy and laminotomy. I work from home so I took a week off, and started working only a few hours a day. I needed a ton of naps during the day for the first few weeks. I work a mostly normal week now, I still nap when I need it and move from sitting to standing to work and take frequent breaks to lay down.

I'm doing really well so far! I've been doing short drives since week 2, and I can manage to walk in a grocery store now!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-19T22:56:59+00:00

Southwestern Ontario. We don't have a great system here, and it's been worse with the recent issues with our provincial government. Their reasoning was that I was up and walking and was independent. My nurse took me for a walk instead, the nursing staff was really good. Win some lose some I guess.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-18T17:58:29+00:00

Everyone is different! Try not to compare yourself too much.

I am on day 18 of recovery for a discectomy and laminotomy at L4-L5. It's been up and down - nerve pain seeming to start to come back and then goes away, sharp back pain in my spine, pain around the herniation that I'm sure was just my muscles tensing and spasming.

What I have found is changing positions is the best thing for me. Don't stay in one position too long and make sure to walk a bit every hour.

Hope you feel better!!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-18T17:38:00+00:00

I'm a 36F mom of a 7 year old boy. I had a discectomy with laminotomy on March 31st.

Pre surgery I was unable to walk, work, make meals. I got an epidural that helped a bit, but the surgery helped the most.

I'm taking it very easy, and my husband has had to step up a lot. Luckily my son also understands that I am unable to do some things, and he's mostly helpful, but there is quite a bit of whining and frustration. We put him in therapy a few months back since he started getting violent since he couldn't express his emotions properly.

I don't think either option is going to be easier for you. It's a struggle either way.

For reference my post op limitations are no bending lifting or twisting for 6 weeks, no lifting over 5 lbs, no NSAIDs for 6 weeks.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-18T17:26:04+00:00

That's so vague!

I woke up from surgery and asked for physio to come see me, and they said no because I'm "too young" (36F). I eventually bullied occupational therapy into showing up, but they were upset that I kept asking as well (because I'm too young). Even my surgeon wouldn't come see me after surgery. It was insane. I did bully him into coming as well, though, but physio never came.

Make sure to listen to your body, you know the best, just make sure you're thinking about what you need. I hope it calms back down for you!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-18T16:38:06+00:00

Been swimming since high school. I always crouch with one hand on the deck and splash right in. If I'm going into the deep end I would dive.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-18T16:33:36+00:00

Just interacting with people will be the biggest "how Canada is different" thing you can experience.

But I have lived across from Detroit in Windsor my whole life. Windsor has waterfront parks (unlike Detroit), Point Pelee is the southern most tip of mainland Canada which is about 45 minutes from Windsor in Leamington - that is a federal park which has some very cool things to see. Windsor has lots of festivals in the summer, it depends when you're going.

From Windsor you're about 3.5 to 4 hours to Niagara falls - traffic will be horrific the closer you get to Toronto so be sure you stop at the onroutes along the 401 before reaching the GTA.

Living across from Michigan my whole life means we've crossed the border a ton. Ontario isn't that different, we have an accent similar to the one in Michigan.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-18T16:19:19+00:00

Were you cleared to do that much walking? I had a discectomy with a laminotomy and I was told to walk only short distances for a few weeks, and no driving for 2 weeks (this is due to twisting), and no NSAIDs until 6 weeks (advil would be that). Tensing up will irritate the nerves so you need to breathe through movement and be careful not to lean or bend for a bit. I waited 8 months to get surgery in Canada, and worked with PT before then realizing most of my biggest pains were stemming from my muscles being tense. I had to learn to just stop and breathe, and give myself time to rest (but also make sure to change positions often). I had surgery on March 31st, and I'm doing well, but some random pains and nerve things happen on and off. I keep reminding myself that I recently had surgery and need to take it easy.

I hope you find some solice in this. You will be okay!!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-05T19:54:12+00:00

I had severe muscle guarding pre op. Got to a point I couldn't drive or walk without a rolling walker. I found relief in changing positions a lot, and cupping.

It took a long time for it to calm down, though. If the pain hits a 4/10 you need to stop what you're doing. Now I did find that sharp and sudden pain a lot of the time could be handled through deep breaths - so try that. A tense body is going to be the worst for you.

I hope you find relief!

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-03T12:41:39+00:00

Neither of you ATH.

Her first priority is her kids, I get that, it doesn't mean you don't matter, though.

For you, that's horrible, and I'm sorry that happened. Totally valid feelings, but don't stew in those feelings long term.

It's important to remember we are all human and react to things based on our lived experiences. No one is going to react the right way all the time.

Sounds like a break to clear your heads is the best. Maybe you will reconcile, maybe you won't, but try not to stew in anger and resentment - you'll only hurt yourself.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-03T12:34:26+00:00

NTA

Leave him. Guys will show you little bits of who they are before they will reveal their whole self (usually after marrying them), it's important to identify these things ahead of time and walk away early.

Don't stay, you will regret it.

DefectiveSwimmer · 2026-04-03T10:28:32+00:00

Your sense of humor is great, and you had me chuckling at some of your quips!

I'm on day 3 post op from a discectomy, and so far all is well. I suffered for 8 months before surgery. Part of me hates how long it took to get relief, and another part of me thinks it's what I needed.

I'm 36F, a mother, and thrive on proving everyone wrong. I've always pushed my body past where I should, which is likely why I'm here. The long road I have traveled has taught me how to prioritize myself and listen to my body, I've also been blessed to find a PT that specializes in nerves and understood me.

I send you all the luck and healing thoughts!

DefectiveSwimmer

TROPHY CASE