Back Surgery |Laminectomy L4-L5| Recovery part 1

Sharing my recovery experience from an L4-L5 laminectomy.

[@TacomaRodeo4]

Hey Joe. Thanks for the content. I'm heading into a multi-level laminectomy tomorrow (L2 - L4 inclusive) and you give me hope that I am heading in the right direction to clear up pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Take care and I hope you're doing well post-surgery.

[@BackcountryTreks]

I wish you a speedy recovery 🍻

[@palguy64]

72 years old male, very physically active 3 weeks post op from a L3-L4-L5 laminectomy and I've never felt better in as long as I can remember. Walking 3 miles a day with no leg pain whatsoever. First couple of days are a little rough getting in and out of bed but the more I walked the better I felt and by day 3 I needed no assistance at all. Off prescription medications in 7 days. Can't wait to get back to enjoying life again.

[@BackcountryTreks]

That’s great! Glad you’re getting your life back! 🍻

[@samconway5288]

How you doing now?

[@palguy64]

@@samconway5288 I am 12 weeks out and as normal as normal can be. I do everything I ever did before the surgery but with no pain. I was told to never lift any more than 50# or you will just stress the other vertebrae so I'm not doing anything to compromise that. No more jumping off the back of a pick up or hard jogging but I can't tell I ever had surgery except for the scar and absolutely no pain ever again. A little muscle pulling to the left and right of the surgery site until I got those muscles built back up but it was a minimal distraction and no pain at all. Core exercises and walking fixed the muscle weakness.

[@jacknicholson5794]

Good deal getting that fixed Joe! I'm sure it'll be a huge relief not having to deal with it anymore.

[@BackcountryTreks]

For sure Jack Nicholson!😎

[@msdella4253]

Thank you for your video. Im due for the same procedure shortly and I m very anxious. Thanks for the the encouragement

[@pileodirt3212]

Had my surgery 2 weeks ago, l5-s1 laminectomy. Feeling much much better, and my god the relief of having no nerve pain is so awesome.

[@BackcountryTreks]

Glad to hear it!🍻

[@freddygomez296]

After how long was your nerve pain gone. I had laminectomy 10 days ago and still pain shooting down my legs, especially my shin. Thanks

[@BackcountryTreks]

I have heard of many people that have had lingering (phantom) leg pain for several weeks after the procedure. Be sure to follow the surgeons instructions to a tee. Don’t stay sedentary. Walking every hour or two and nerve glides can help a lot during the healing process. Best of luck!👍

[@72danmarie]

I am getting the exact same surgery on June 27th. I cannot wait to be pain free and back in the gym full force! Thank you for all the info.

[@BackcountryTreks]

Best of luck!🍻

[@72danmarie]

@@BackcountryTreks Thank you so much! I've had surgeries before but this one makes me nervous because its the spine. I am so over being in pain though

[@BackcountryTreks]

If good physical therapy won’t correct it, it may be time. I was worried too. It’s natural. Glad I made the decision though. I got my life back!💪

[@devildog713]

@@72danmarie how you feeling? pain went away right away? mine did but on day 8 idk what i did but i have the exact same pain on my leg before surgery its terrible pain pills aint really helping...i see surgon tomorrow

[@72danmarie]

@@devildog713I'm so sorry. I had it done June 27th and these past 2 weeks I have been hurting but it's localized I was thinking I would be 100% pain free by now. My sciatica pain is gone. Recovery was rough. I've had 15 different types of surgeries including 3 C Sections and this recovery was worse lol The first day I felt great right after (due to the drugs of course) day 3 was THE worst ever I couldn't move at all. Pain meds made me sick so I didn't take anything and couldn't eat either. I have another appt Monday so I need to let dr know. I think we are at the same number of weeks. I've been taking naproxen and that usually works for everything for me but not this back pain. Keep me posted on what your doc says!

[@arod6980]

Had a laminectomy microdiscectomy on my L5 S1 today and I'm feeling great. Leg pain dissapeared right after surgery. Back is stiff but is expected. I can deal with that but da leg pain was nutz.. dealt with this of and on for about 9 months. Last two months got to the point where i couldn't work. So far soo good. Quality of life is everything. I tried therapy, chiropractor, pain management etc.. it really didnt do much... my hearniation was very large. I say do some Google, find yourself a good hospital and doctor and get it done! Hope you all healed up by now buddy and thanks 4 da video.

[@BackcountryTreks]

Thanks for sharing. Best of luck🍻

[@samconway5288]

How are you feeling today? I'm trying to decide to go with the surgery or not.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

DOOD! Looks like you have slight central compression fractures also. Have them checked out.

[@BackcountryTreks]

No compression fractures. Just a serious L4 L5 herniation.

[@kataclysmickatastrophickha6506]

Hello! I'm going to get the same thing done on October 04th 2024 and I have a few question if you could answer please. 1. Do you remember how it felt after you came to after surgery? 2. How long were you in the hospital for before they allowed you to leave? 3. How long after surgery until you should have enough strength to go to physio? Thank you in advance!

[@jackieb8265]

TWO AND A HALF WEEKS OUT FROM L4/L5 LAMINECTOMY AND MICRODISCECTOMY SOME RESIDUAL SYMPTOMS` BUT MILD AND MORE ANNOYING AT TIMES THAN PAINFUL I AM SURE SOME OF THOSE WILL RESOLVE OVER TIME......THE MORNING "BEING CRIPPLED" IS GONE...NO POST OP PAIN WHATSOEVER...PRAYED THAT WOULD BE THE CASE AND THAT I WOULD FEEL I WISH I HAD DONE IT SOONER......AND YES, I WISH I HAD DONE IT SOONER...MICRO SURGERY IS THE WAY TO GO ..LESS THAN 1 INCH INCISION

[@DOCREAL1118]

If I may ask a question. I have a bad sciatic nerve, about to go in for an MRI. I am a bit apprehensive about getting a laminectomy but my doc thinks this will cure it. I am 53, quit active and did karate on a regular basis until the leg hurt so bad I can barely put weight on it until it works itself loose. My question is, should my diet stay the same before surgery and since I am having a hard time working out is there anything I should do to prepare myself for surgery? My diet consist of grassfed meat, eggs, protein shakes and vegetables and fruits. I try to eat as clean as possible. I realize this is an older video but anything you could offer would be helpful. Thank you sir

[@BackcountryTreks]

I feel a high protein diet helped me with my recovery. Can’t say for sure though. I have heard of many cases where the disc bulge or herniation recessed or healed itself without surgery. Surgery is an absolute last resort when all other options have been exhausted. Physical therapy, time to heal, etc. Ultimately, I would get a second opinion unless you fully trust your specialist or whoever’s care you’re under.

[@momof2njs169]

Hey Joe any more back updates looking into L4-5 laminectomy and would like to hear more about your healing journey i have done it all 20 years chiropractic , accupuncture, PT , therapeutic massage and shots - i hurt all the time and i am exhausted - i am 63 and was very active until 2 years ago i go to bed in pain wake up in pain it is physically and mentally exhausting - meeting with surgeon 7/27 to explore options

[@BackcountryTreks]

It’s been about a year and a couple months since my surgery and I’m feeling great for the most part. Once in a while it reminds me it’s still there but I’m back to enjoying all my physical hobbies and good quality of life. Get an updated MRI so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. Then it’s up to you and the surgeon. For me, I’m glad I went through with the procedure. I wish you all the best!💪

[@katinabotten]

I have L4-5 laminectomy surgery on September 13, 2024, at Riverside Regional Hospital in Newport News Virginia andDr William McAllister will be my surgeon. My diagnosis is spinal stenosis

[@BackcountryTreks]

@@katinabotten I wish you the best!

[@kadijaish]

Read Back Mechanic by Stuart McGill, you will learn how spine functions. Herniations and disc bulges happens for a reason

[@BackcountryTreks]

I’ve read Stuart McgGills material. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@kadijaish]

@@BackcountryTreks listen to his podcasts. A lot of wisdom there! Good luck on your journey

[@BackcountryTreks]

I’ll check it out. Thanks!🍻

[@trippmehew]

So, are you saying that during this video timeframe you still dont know about bending or putting your shoes on? I am at week 5 and still feel pain when I even start to bend. Although I am not suppose to for another week.

[@BackcountryTreks]

I had to keep a straight back putting my shoes on until at least week 6. As time went on I felt it loosening up. I walked a lot and that helped me.

[@counselingtime]

I’m scheduled to have the same done in July. Serious question - What about sexual activity? Are followup instructions provided, or is it more “just use common sense” type of instruction?

[@BackcountryTreks]

I believe my instructions were to wait a minimum of three weeks. Honestly it was the furthest thing from my mind while my body was trying to heal. How well you follow instructions and allow yourself time to heal will most likely give you the best long-term results. Best of luck!🍻

[@yatman67]

You seem like a guy who works out regularly; did you find any restrictions in getting back into the gym after the recovery period?

[@BackcountryTreks]

Yes I had to change the way I work out a little. I no longer do any heavy exercises that put top down compression on my spine. So no more back squats or heavy deadlifts. Other than that I’m pretty good to go.

[@markmedina5232]

Did you have weakness in your legs? If so, did you get back your usual strength after surgery?

[@BackcountryTreks]

I didn’t have any weakness in my legs that I can remember. I did have bad sciatic pain from time to time. But that is gone now.

[@RoBDeeZL42]

Do you have leg weakness and getting surgery?

[@ulisesgomez1424]

I barely had my laminectomy discectomy and they have me using compression stockings so I don't get blood clots. Did you ever need compression stockings? I'm scared I don't want to get a pulmonary embolism I am walking every hour for like 30 minutes now and I'm at the first day of surgery. Also did your genitals ever go numb after the surgery? Because mine are numb and I don't know if it's normal or if it goes away with walking and time. I'm just asking for advice bro kinda scared of those blood clots I'm not ready to leave the earth yet I am 21 at the moment. I'm glad you saw improvement with your pain I hope mine is somewhat similar but everyone is different.

[@nildadel9795]

How are you doing now ?

[@ExorcistRecords]

@@nildadel9795 Much better the wound closed at about 4 weeks after surgery. The numbing of the genitals only lasted till the anesthesia left my system. The beginning you will have to walk as much as you can not to the point that it hurts but just to let the body adapt again. I still get ghost pains but nothing painful to the point you can't walk or do regular things. I function normal just take extra care of the spine after surgery because it's more fragile.

[@tomasranta6154]

Where are the follow up videos

[@BackcountryTreks]

There is a part 2 follow up on my channel. Hope it helps👍

[@tomloebenstein3037]

How are you now??

[@BackcountryTreks]

Mostly good. I have rare days where I feel tightness or pain but proper stretching and strengthening helps mitigate those symptoms significantly.

[@halit6407]

How are you know ?

[@BackcountryTreks]

It’s been about 10 months since my surgery and I’m mostly pain free. On occasion I still get tight in my low back. But I’m active at the gym and hiking hard again.

[@halit6407]

@@BackcountryTreks happy to hear that, how do you plan your workouts, when did you start going gym and did you go do PT

[@BackcountryTreks]

My workouts normally consist of two push/pull upper body days and two leg days per week. I went back to the gym around six weeks post op (with restrictions of course). PT was minimal as I have a background in personal training. My physical therapist and I came up with a plan together and I executed that on my own. PT can get very expensive.

[@halit6407]

@@BackcountryTreks Thanks a lot ! In my country PT and the surgery (basically everything before and after surgery) is free. So I am probably going to take 3 months of PT and after that ı am planning to go swimming. Currently ı am on day 16 and ı am trying to walk 5 km per day. Wish me luck ! I would love to go back to the gym. I am only 23 :/

[@BackcountryTreks]

Sounds like you’re progressing very well! I wish you all the best!