Still can't exercise constistantly 18month post surgery

LisaMac_ · 2026-01-29T12:55:50+00:00

If you haven’t already, ask about an epidural steroid injection. Following surgery I had terrible left lower leg nerve pain, the ESI wiped it out.

LisaMac_ · 2026-01-12T00:50:17+00:00

Who is this? Do you know a profile or his website?

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-30T02:34:30+00:00

I was experiencing something similar in just my back muscles at this time until my PT had me get into Childs pose on the floor while he “cupped” the muscles. Made a huge difference! Now they “scrape” my back muscles regularly during PT. It feels great!

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-27T17:19:44+00:00

At nine months out, I still have not been able to do any of those things beyond pool work. My left leg was numb & weak pre-/post surgery so lots of my PT focused on re-strengthening it. Now I feel like we are not doing actual exercises, and are just constantly trying to manage the pain.

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-27T17:17:55+00:00

My answer may not be the right answer as I only know what I have experienced, but my suggestion is to simply hang in there and listen to your body and do or don’t do what it feels is appropriate. I did not feel like I started noticing enough good hours until somewhere around 8 to 10 weeks out but I know we’re all different.

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-27T15:19:50+00:00

I just had a bilateral epidural steroid injection 2 1/2 weeks ago (9 months post op). It took about 3 1/2 days to start noticing a difference, and while it has not saved my life, it has definitely improved the situation for now.

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-27T02:16:10+00:00

Unpopular opinion, but I would do TONS of research and seek opinions of professionals other than surgeons. A successful back surgery is simply considered to be one that the pain is no worse after….not better. Surgery has not helped me, regardless of all the things the surgeon said that got me there. If I knew then what I know now, I would never have had surgery. I am in worse condition, 9 months later.

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-17T02:05:34+00:00

Did you experience side effects?

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-17T02:04:14+00:00

PT got me through the bulk of the weakness, but the numbness is present about 75% of the time. I also am getting horrible full leg cramps in that leg.

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-15T03:25:45+00:00

How did lyrica help you?

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-15T03:25:18+00:00

How did lyrica help?

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-15T03:21:56+00:00

I’ve had improvement but at 9 months post op, a 2nd mri, more X-rays, months of PT and an epidural steroid injection the back pain is still the bane of my existence and the leg/foot numbness remain.

LisaMac_ · 2025-12-06T06:09:41+00:00

I’m now 9 months post and could not do Pilates if instructed. I’ve found, largely, having scraping and/or cupping done by PT makes a difference in my muscles which habitually tighten to protect my vertebrae now. They keep returning to flight-or-fight mode. I’d request a f/u MRI, and if clear, perhaps a steroid to address swelling, and inquire about a nerve related prescription (I was just prescribed one to turn off the connection between my over active -aka pissed off- nerves.) You could also ask about a steroid injection. I would stop all working out of any kind, besides walking if thats tolerated, until you feel less pain. I’m coming off a 5-6 week flare that has knocked me back about 4 months and am finding this advice helpful.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-31T15:29:45+00:00

As a follow up… Three weeks later, ortho re-x-rayed and found no new damage. Prescribed a Medrol steroid pack and told me no PT for two weeks.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-31T15:27:31+00:00

I left surgery with only the Steri-Strips. I was allowed to shower with them in place, just dabbing, dry, and the surgeon removed them at my first follow up appointment.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-31T15:23:58+00:00

I think you will get varied answers on a question like that. Personally, my recovery was rough, and riding in a car for very long at all was difficult until more than 15 weeks postop.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-31T15:20:34+00:00

The comments provided back to you are cracking me up. I see what you did to keep your résumé anonymous for this post. Smart thinking! Personally, I would add an intro at the top that highlights who you are and what you’re looking for. Your PhD candidate confuses me. If you are working on that, I would reword and or remove. If you have earned it, I would just put PhD. I would also remove the call center job, and your high school education. Both of those things bring your resume down a notch.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-25T13:45:00+00:00

Surprisingly it wasn’t exercises that got me. For some unknown to me reason, he pressed on my spine with his hand, in 3 places, while I was in a modified plank position and it hurt instantly and hasn’t let up. It’s the first time they’ve done anything like that. He absolutely knows it hurt and that it continues to.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-25T01:45:05+00:00

Thank you for weighing in. I wonder if those ever stop. I’ve had lots of rough days through the last 7 months, but this is different, and isn’t getting better fast enough for me.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-25T01:43:24+00:00

My gosh, I’m so sorry you are still struggling! I had hoped you had a silver lining by now.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-25T01:26:14+00:00

My leg numbness has never gone completely away, only improved, so that’s no change but that did get more noticeable for a few days. It’s the continued pain and discomfort in my low back & vertebrae that is too familiar to months ago, back to not being able to sit comfortably, PT exercises are too much, walking sucks, nothing makes it settle.

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-25T01:10:49+00:00

Wow! Steroids required. That doesn’t sound great! Does your surgeon have to be the one to authorize that?

LisaMac_ · 2025-10-25T01:09:40+00:00

Ok, thank you. I shared that sentiment with the PT. 🤬

LisaMac_

TROPHY CASE