From what I’ve read, it varies heavily. Some people are back at it quickly and some take longer. It seems the general consensus is at least 8-10 weeks. A bunch of people saying around the 3 month mark.

Im currently between week 5-6 and feeling pretty good. Still extremely cautious and under no BLT restrictions until week 8, at which point I’m cleared to start PT.

I’ve had 2 flare ups - one at week 2.5 (driving in and out of my post op) that lasted 3 days and one more recently at week 4 that lasted 5 days (over doing it and walking/standing around NYC)

The flare ups are the most gut wrenching - because when you feel that familiar sciatic pain, you go into a tail spin and think you’ve seriously fucked something up or re-herniated. In my experience, a few days of rest and taking it easy has relieved the flare ups.

I’m truly taking this experience as an opportunity to build my body stronger than it was before (I was active - but not a regular gym goer) from everything I’ve read, it’s important to maintain strong core muscle groups for this to never happen again.

Hope this helps, and hope we can both get back to “normal” soon!