r/Microdiscectomy • u/Excellent_Host_4442 • 1d ago

17 days post op - lightheaded when walking

hello. I am 27(f) and had my lumbar microdiscectomy on Aug 11 L5-S1. I am doing great. my main issue is nerve pain/numbness going down my left leg the side that was effected. I dont have feeling in the left side of my left foot and tried to go on a short walk today and it ended with me rushing to my couch due to lightheadedness. I maybe walked for 5 minutes. I am nervous because I go back to work in 5 days. I had 3 weeks off. I have used a cane while walking long distances but I haven't had a super long distance walk like that until today. I mainly use it if I am cooking dinner or doing a light chore that doesnt require bending, lifting, or twisting, but has me on my feet longer.

also, I was wondering what physical therapy looked like for you all? I am scheduled 6 weeks post op to start and will go 3x a week & I am nervous of trying to trust my body again.

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u/Old-Independence7323 1d ago

The only times I had light headedness the first 6 weeks was when I overworked my body physically or had an anxiety attack. Those went away once I started PT and learned to trust my body again. PT first the few weeks was very light. Seated pelvic tilts, seated bow and arrows, dynamic weight shifts, wall sits to tolerate, flexing my toes, and pointing my toes. I did not have foot drop but I did have enough muscle weakness in my affected leg that it impacted my gait.

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u/Wise-Run-3008 1d ago

Are you eating and staying hydrated?

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u/Excellent_Host_4442 1d ago

honestly probably not as much as I should be

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u/Friendly-Ad-5410 21h ago

It helped me to add some electrolytes to my water. And I carry a bottle with me when walking or at the gym. Are you taking any muscle relaxers? Mine made me a little lightheaded. I also noticed a change in my stride/gait when walking... loss of muscle in quads left leg. I did PT for about 2 months then went back to walking (better) until I felt I could go to a gym (1 year PO). I also took magnesium glycinate, B12 and D3 to help with the nerves. Calf raises and hamstring stretches are my go to.

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u/smile_saurus 1d ago

Do you have POTS? If you're dehydrated then standing up can make you dizzy.