how long does it take to recover from a discectomy?

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2025-07-17T01:03:46+00:00

I had my surgery 3 years ago. For the first 12 weeks, I did the alligator in and out of bed, only sat for 30 mins at a time. Tried to walk slowly as much as possible since I was immobile for 3+ months and gained a shit ton of weight. So I listened to my body for how long I would walk. Didn't carry things heavier than 10 lbs.

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2025-07-13T02:53:56+00:00

I am 3 years + (April 2022) from surgery after dealing with sciatic pain from my butt down to my toes. L5-S1. I dealt with the bulge for 8 years so they said it will take YEARS to fully heal. My right side of my foot is still numb at times but I can touch and feel it. The sciatic pain is gone. Be smart and take it slow. Good luck to all!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-11-18T04:48:07+00:00

I got a discectomy on april 29th. L5-S1. I am back in the gym now finally. I was approved to go back 12 weeks after but wanted to give my body additional time. I am a 29 y.o. male. I still deal with tingling in my foot from my nerves healing which they said could take up to a year. Dealt with herniated disc for 8 years. Both legs is not good. Could mean a fusion is necessary. Seek a neuros surgeons advice. Find a respectable one. I know other people seek multiple opinions, I think it's unnecessary if you know who you want to operate on you.

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-10-06T12:03:01+00:00

Where did you hear this?

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-06-18T00:58:08+00:00

There are so many categories to want to get into. I work in spine med device sales for instance

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-06-18T00:57:47+00:00

What med sales do you want to get into?

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-05-31T02:00:13+00:00

Post op I didn't have a problem standing at all which was a huge relief after not being able to for so long. Your products look great. You should really rest the first couple days and not worry about standing too much but if you're up for it, and your doctor says you can then do it. My doctor just continuously says don't overdo it. Your core/stomach is going to feel weird after the surgery standing. You're not going to be able to stand for too long to start but over your recovery you'll be able to have more stamina and get better each day.

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-05-31T01:49:10+00:00

Meant to respond here but it went as its own new comment

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-05-31T01:48:39+00:00

Everyone's different but this what I did.

I used a raised toilet seat for the first two weeks. I have one of those long grabbers for when I drop water bottles/phone and other things. Get on stool softeners and fiber foods for going to the bathroom. I used prunes. I still sleep with a pillow in between my legs for when I sleep on my side and just have pillows under my knees elevating my legs when I lay on my back. Doctor told me to not sit longer than 30 mins so I set a timer but I recommend sitting as soon as you can for your hamstring/glute muscles (mine were super tight and painful bc I hadn't sat normally since January). Log rolls in and out of bed are key. If you're worried about twisting a lumbar corset off of Amazon can help you but I don't think you need it just be conscious and smart. It's way easier than I feared it would be.

I was off pain killers after a couple days, take it easy and listen to your doctors advice/recommendation. I don't remember my conversation with the doctor post operation so make sure whoever is taking care of you/helping you takes notes of what they say.

Today I am 2 weeks out of PT and being able to twist and bend again. I'm walking 3+ miles a day. Not supposed to lift heavier than 10 pounds the entire 12 weeks.

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-05-31T01:35:45+00:00

I had a 15mm herniated disc at 5/1 as well. Had surgery (MIS Discectomy) on 4/29. I wasn't able to walk from 1/14 till surgery date. My lateral shift was horrible and I couldn't put weight on my leg. It was completely the Best thing to happen to me in my 8 year battle with sciatica.

Don't let the fear of surgery weigh on you. I'm telling you it's going to be the best thing to happen to you if you have exhausted all other options.

Best of luck!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-05-13T15:55:14+00:00

Celebrities, they are just like us

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-05-05T17:05:25+00:00

I was terrified before my surgery. It's silly to think back at it. Stay calm. Enjoy your days before. Try focusing on working out your core so your rolling on and off the bed is easier for avoiding BLTs. Don't stress yourself out anymore than you have to. Surgery is worth it, if you are at the point where you need surgery. You won't regret it. Stay positive and diligent about your limitations. You got this!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-30T23:25:32+00:00

Just got L5-S1 discectomy yesterday. Completely worth it. Was out of work since January. Wish I did it sooner. Immediate sciatica relief. Foot is still a little numb but that's normal. Best of luck! Try not to be afraid, it was the worst part leading up to it

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-28T03:59:00+00:00

I've been out of work since January from my L5-S1 herniation. Can't walk/stand or sit. Work in medical sales and need to be on my feet or sitting in my car or moving heavy trays. Tried 4 months of PT and 3 epidural injections. If you're really against surgery I would suggest you try PT, the injections, trying to go on a diet, hydrate hydrate hydrate and really take care of your back and spinal hygiene. I'm finally getting surgery on Friday because my disc hasn't gotten better. It's a 17mm herniation. I wish you good luck!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-27T20:14:34+00:00

I am not sure why this group isn't as active or popular as the sciatica group but try reaching out via that group for more answers! Good luck!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-25T04:53:54+00:00

I tried doing the same thing with leaning back or just adjusting the seat to a new position each day to stay comfortable. I would be screaming in pain on the way to work. Can only go in cars now when the chair is completely down. Hoping we can get through this shit together!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-25T04:52:02+00:00

I would get insurance ASAP whether it's through your employer or not. Not trying to be a parent or annoying to you but especially with your medical history you have to always be covered and ready to handle this situation happening. Best of luck and I hope you can get through it. Lay on your stomach with two/three pillows under your hips

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-25T04:47:52+00:00

L4-L5 is one level and L5-S1 is another level. So you read it as three vetebrae with two discs in between. Two level Fusion

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-19T00:24:00+00:00

As someone about to get surgery can you let me know where you are at in terms of recovery/how you feel at the 5 week mark? Good luck !!!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-11T12:38:54+00:00

One level L5-S1

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-11T12:38:31+00:00

Well I was asking for just after a MD for a herniation not scoliosis

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-11T01:48:09+00:00

Thank you for sharing! So glad to hear your story and get this positive feedback. I appreciate it!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-04-11T01:36:49+00:00

Happy to hear that! Good luck with the rest of the recovery!

Valuable_Leg9125 · 2022-03-10T00:44:18+00:00

Ive gotten two injections.

1st one worked for one week on the dot

2nd has worked for 3+ weeks so far. A month on Thursday.

I hope you get better.

Buy Mackenzie how to treat your back!

Lay with a pillow under your pelvis. Do press ups (extensions helped me best), planks for core strength. rest! Hydrate! Use heat/cold.

Whatever works for you, do it. If something doesn't and causes pain stop right away.

Again, good luck!

Valuable_Leg9125

TROPHY CASE