Microdiscectomy Recovery - 8 Weeks (and starting Physical Therapy)

This video has a three and a half minute-long update on my recovery from surgery followed by a description of my return to physical therapy and the explanation that was given to me about why my back broke down in the first place.

[@izzy19ize]

Hi! Could you do an update on how your spine is doing now? I would greatly appreciate it!

[@Apairoffluffysocks]

So glad you are feeling so much better.

[@mistachris818]

I think your videos where very positive and straight forward . I’m on day 5 and The pain comes and goes . The best thing that’s helping is icing it , like sleeping with it on my back. But ohh man this is pain ! Hope you are doing better and back to the grind ! God bless!

[@adriennemoore7380]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm going on 6 months of sciatica and getting my first injection next week. Praying it works but its good to hear the surgery was such a relief for you.

[@WarchiefPeebs]

Thanks so much. I go in 12 days for surgery and have been nervous. Chronic pain stinks, but the thought of surgery being more painful is scary. Thanks so much

[@matthewsmith3956]

Im in next Wednesday. Fingers crossed lol

[@WarchiefPeebs]

@@matthewsmith3956 good luck!

[@childofgodlove2875]

How are u doing now?

[@WarchiefPeebs]

@@childofgodlove2875 Good! I posted a 6 week update on my channel. I was in less pain day 4 of recovery than before the surgery. not 100% at the 8 week mark (can't lift heavy, and still sleep a little stiff) but all around? best i've felt in over a year.

[@childofgodlove2875]

@@WarchiefPeebsoh great! Whats level did u injured?

[@arico3806]

Are you okay? I've not seen anything recent from you! We're worried over here in Texas...let us know!

[@amarnadh5441]

It's almost 4 years how are you feeling now. You said that there a pain in your spine of the fist size is it still present or no issues regarding your back.

[@cartelawper3771]

Hello i cant find the 12 weeks, can you please help me please

[@biglad7527]

Does anyone know if this woman made a full recovery?

[@KayDubs77]

This is fascinating! I have super tight hip flexors too and my low back is almost always paining me. I never made the connection between the two. Sounds like I might need to work more on stretching them out!

[@amynix2632]

+KayDubs77 Definitely! No one ever mentioned this in all the years I was in pain. Google some good hip flexor stretches and get a good look at your posture from the side in your mirrors at home and assess whether your tend to tilt forward when you walk/run/stand.

[@JimBlueFitness]

Hi there Amy. Came across your video one week after my L3-L4 Microdiscectomy. My symptoms included bad sciatic pain in the right butt, mainly, but also some leg numbness, quad soreness, and inner thigh pain and a burning sensation. After considering conservative options, getting a nuerosurgeon consult, weighing second opinions, and watching several youtube videos (including the surgery itself), I opted to go for the surgery , figuring conservative methods might mask pain, but nothing would fix the blown out disc material. So, had the surgery one week ago. Initial results are mixed. On the plus side, the disc is fixed, and my leg actually feels like MY LEG again, and not some lame attachment that I'm trying to figure out how to use. Unfortunately, that is the only plus. On the downside, the sciatic pain in my rear is still there, not extreme, but a constant agitation. Additionally, the numbness and leg soreness have not changed at all. They tell me that it takes time for the nerve to regenerate, etc., but I am fearing that freeing the L3 nerve isn't going to fix the sciatic pain. I am happy and grateful I can stand and walk without massive pain and that my leg feels somewhat better, but I am feeling bummed about the remaining sciatica. Another issue is pain meds - I am trying to wean off the opioid, because I don't think I need it anymore. I made the mistake of trying cold turkey and had severe withdrawal symptoms. Now I'm simply reducing by one quarter of a pill per day, to see if that works. Lastly, I have tried to follow the rules about movement, but every time I get up or sit on the toilet, or even slightly bend over, I'm afraid I've damaged the surgery somehow. My wife tries to assure me that's not the case, but I guess I'm mentally fragile about this - I'm a lifelong athletic and active person, but the disc blew out without my having done anything. Like I didn't lift something wrong, twist funny, or anything obvious - it just "happened." Anyway, I'm rambling on, but I guess I wanted your take on all this, to see if you have experienced any of these feelings or pains, and see if you have any thoughts about it all. Let me know, if and when you have time. And thanks in advance for any wisdom you might have to impart.

[@amynix2632]

Honestly, my recovery was rougher than I expected. I was very similar. No injury...it just happened. Physical therapy post-surgery helped everything get better. I still can't lift heavy things without taking great care, but the key thing has been the physical therapy and then continuing those exercises and stretches at home for nerve health and recovery. I am now able to walk miles and miles, even up steep inclines. I can go shopping without pain (which was the big one because of concrete floors. Grocery shopping was agony). I've been able to resume a normal level of daily activity, and I can swim to muscle exhaustion without pain. It took several months, and it was frustrating. I had spasms that scared me (I was told they were "ghost pain") because they felt like sciatica in the buttock and hamstring area of my right side. It never came back as full blown sciatica and now that it's been nearly a year post-surgery, I don't have them at all anymore. I still have a "bad back." If I sleep wrong or lift wrong or overdo things, I still get reminded that I am sort of broken back there and not 100%, but the daily crippling pain is gone, and the limited mobility is improved to the point that I don't feel handicapped by my lower back on a daily basis. I sleep better. It's all good stuff. If they are not aggressively working with you in physical therapy, ask for it. It was JUST as important as the surgery in my recovery. And you want physical therapists who make you work hard during your appointments because that was when I started to see serious improvement. I wish you the very best. I know how life-altering it is to be laid low by constant back pain and weakness and nerve injury.

[@JimBlueFitness]

Amy Nix Thanks for the reply. I sort of knew, from researching it, that the recovery time was linked to the degree, location, and duration of the nerve impingement, but I "hoped" I'd be one of the "wake up and it's GONE" folks. I struck out in all three areas: nerve root ganglion, moderate to severe impinge, and over six weeks duration before surgery. So although I shouldn't be surprised, I'm nonetheless sort of ticked off at my bad luck. Wah wah wah!!! :-) Yep, I figured PT would be a key player, and I have had great results from that with previous sport-related issues. I think I don't get to start PT until the three months of super-careful are over - was that the case for you?? My initial surgery follow-up is next Thurs (Jan 5), so I guess I'll learn more there. I walked 1.25 miles twice today (day 10) - the morning felt great, the evening taxed me pretty good. Slowly weaning off the tramadol, but gabapentin will def remain! Thanks again for your video testimonies - I am going to put out a series myself, starting tomorrow, hoping to help some future patient like you and others have helped me. Keep up the great work! Sincerely, Jim B.

[@Beamlight7]

@@JimBlueFitness how r u now

[@JimBlueFitness]

Anna, passed the four year mark in December. By July after the surgery I was jogging again and back to full activity. I have never had any problem since! As a side effect of the nerve being smashed for so long (prior to the surgery), my right butt and outer leg (down through my knee) always have the feeling of being "asleep". I have full use, but it's always sort of tingly. Really only a small annoyance, but nothing to gripe about (though sometimes I do gripe about it anyway!!). 😀

[@Beamlight7]

@@JimBlueFitness awesome.... am happy for you 😊

[@luraharris0593]

Did Physical Therapy help you walk with out leaning forward?

[@Custnam]

Ive had lumbar pain for years. Just recently it started radiating down my thighs, and even to the knee and hip. I just had my 1st epidural injection yesterday for DDD, and some Sciatica. Your video makes so much sense about the abnormal posture and stiffness. Ive been told by my doctor, and a previous PT that I am WAY too stiff. So I am thinking that might be the same thing you described. I have my first PT appt next week if my back has improved enough to do it. I am really hoping with the injection and the PT my back will heal up. If not we will be looking into other options, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections if I can afford $2200 for it. My insurance doesnt cover it. Or maybe surgery if it comes to that. Im really sick of the pain, and never knowing when my back will go "out".

[@Beamlight7]

How r u now

[@Themissinghiker]

Day 8 of my laminectomy/discectomy, back is sore as to be expected but the pain in my thigh and calf is constant, just always burning. Really cant wait for this portion to be over.

[@Raivoization]

Hi, how are you now? I had mine 10 days ago..

[@Themissinghiker]

@@Raivoization im slowly getting along. Back to work now, leg pain still ongoing along with some hip & back strain. Going back at the end of month to make sure mine didn't pop back out. How are you feeling?

[@Raivoization]

@@ThemissinghikerHi, walking is relatively easy and painless, but often there is sharp pain in the hip or buttocks area when i lie down and move, feel some annoying discomfort, hope the pain develops in places other than the surgical disc area.I will meet again with the surgeon tomorrow..

[@maximus8992]

Just been watching your video which is very helpful would you be able to provide update on your back is and hope all is ok

[@pammikaur66]

Thank you mam very helpful video. I had L/3L/4 Microdiscectomy surgery for disc 3 months before but I feel same symptoms before surgery like buttok and leg pain. mam how you feeling after surgery please reply to me. Thanks.

[@moody6618]

Thank you for your video!! Very informative!! How are you doing now?

[@1002timbo]

Bottom line….would you recommend this procedure to someone suffering from a disc bulge. I’ve been suffering for almost 18 months and I’m getting a second ESI. If this one is a successful as the first I am seriously considering this procedure. My ESI only lasted for 7-10 days but boy did I feel great.

[@JD-zn5ps]

Thanks for all the videos. Will you comment on how you are doing now, in July, 2018?

[@amynix2632]

I'm doing quite well. My lumbar area is still prone to inflammation and pain, but it is NOTHING like it was before the surgery, and I am able to walk for miles at a time without pain. I have discomfort sometimes, but not pain, anymore. It was a really good decision to go through with the surgery, and it's made a huge difference.

[@amyparks8670]

Amy, how are you doing now? Are you glad you did the surgery? I have cervical issues and bad problems with my arms. Im 27, I have been rear-ended pretty hard on two occasions now. I'm supposed to get my first epidural steroid injection on Friday, I'm just nervous about all of it and don't want to have to get a fusion! 😰. Also, did you try chiropractic at all? Thanks for posting these videos!

[@emaya9200]

Ami thank you for sharing your problem and your route.I have same herniations as yours starting month 4.5. Been mostly in bed and doing some yoga .Huge sciatica pain and my body shifted on one side now. I will be having ur injection. I am following your route by the way as u are better than doctors. I think i had similar posture to yours. Can u recommend what exercises to make to avoid flare up. The flexor bit I truly wish God to be with you and cure ur problems.I truly do.

[@amynix2632]

Thank you so much, and I'm sorry you're still having sciatica. I hope very much that the injections work for you. If they do not, pursue a consult with an orthopedic surgeon and ask to have an MRI scan if you haven't had one already. The injections worked very well for me, but they only worked for a couple of months per shot. It was not enough and the herniation was not reducing on its own. I strongly recommend physical therapy. I am not really qualified to recommend exercises for you because I might end up recommending something that worked for me...but would end up getting you hurt! or making your pain worse. I would never want to do that. But ask your doctor/s if you can get some physical therapy. My surgery and my physical therapists were the best thing that ever happened for my back. Best wishes on recovery.

[@DearBasketball248]

Im 6 weeks post op.. he wants me to do physical therapy now.. i dont want too lol.. how are you doing now 6 years later?

[@niatea4026]

Hi Amy, how are you? I hope and pray that you are fine. I saw your youtube experiences about Microdiscectomy and would like to know how you are doing now. Thanks and regards, Nia

[@Luckychalmz]

Could you provide an update on your condition?

[@Raivoization]

Hi, I had operation 10 days ago. You did not walk for first 6 weeks? Doctor told you so?

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

awesome! I sure hope it helps!!!

[@progpuss]

I've just had same op but I was under for 4 hrs bcuz I had an accumulation of disc fragments that were unusual , it caused me to lose hip and knee flex so had urgent surgery. 1 week after I still have very weak hip and knee flex so hoping in 5 weeks time physio will help get my leg back .

[@slimpickins4268]

Did the area of pain on your back get better? I am thinking about getting surgery.

[@childofgodlove2875]

How are u doing now?

[@mick7870]

Do you sometimes get sciatica or is it just a back pain after your surgery?

[@user-km6sc3sg6q]

everyone says that nerves gets weak after surgery is it true.if yes how u deal it

[@EK-ck2xf]

Amy any update on your health improvements?

[@fatehranks]

How are you feeling now???

[@SandyLovesMarc]

Amy please tell us how you are now. Pretttyy pleeeeease, ☺️

[@LocalMarksFishing]

I've been given 2 days to think about the risks of surgery. My surgeon will call me on Friday. I need the surgery and will give him the go-ahead.

[@cellkingsouthafrica3765]

did you get surgery ?

[@LocalMarksFishing]

@@cellkingsouthafrica3765 Hello. Yes I had the surgery. The videos are on my channel also. it's been incredible. I was scared about the risks involved but the surgery went well. it's changed my life. I was scared that I would loose my job. The prospect of working again if that happened was zero. It was a frightening position to be in. Feel free to take a look at my vids on the channel. Thankyou for asking.

[@suhaibrahman4919]

Hi iam also done with microdiscectomy before one year but now 2to3week i have pain.. What should i do?? Waiting for your reply...

[@cellkingsouthafrica3765]

how are you doing now

[@Beamlight7]

Take b complex, vitamin d3 and calcium

[@kyleneshannon6596]

I think I have very similar exact issues to you even with my body being an S I’m at 4 weeks today and I need a good physio I want to see one before 6 weeks :(

[@childofgodlove2875]

How are u doing now?

[@sandyramirez4966]

At how many weeks were u able to bend

[@SenseofBeyond]

Drilled threw bone? Do they do that on a microdiscectomy?

[@rodordie]

Yes they do.

[@nevets7152]

@@rodordie she had a full operation not the micro discectomy see KZbin video for micro discectomy which puts a tube into the back to pass tools .

[@sofiaalmeida3770]

Maybe try yoga if you haven't already and do lots of stretching, it helps so much with basically all things body and mind! You look well and very pretty

[@amynix2632]

+Sofia Almeida They're got me on the Pilates torture plan. /grin.

[@sofiaalmeida3770]

lol pilates is great too! :)

[@cheypam]

Thumbs down. I know you think you're giving out helpful information, but what you are really doing, is rambling on about yourself without giving out any helpful information. 👎

[@amynix2632]

I do tend to babble. Sorry. It's just how I've always been. Hope you find someone else discussing their surgery and recovery that answers your questions.

[@raghaviyuvaraj9858]

@@amynix2632 hey Amy, I got my micro discectomy L5-S1 4 weeks ago, and your videos are helping me. I find solace in knowing that all the pain that I am feeling post surgery is normal, thanks to your videos.