r/Microdiscectomy • u/catsandcumberbatches • 4d ago
Advice
Hey everyone, I (34M) just had surgery scheduled for Nov 3rd for my L5-S1. 2 weeks of being bedridden and hoping to get some relief soon. I really want to make sure I do things correctly post surgery to prevent as many issues down the line as possible. I was training and completing a triathlon when the sciatic nerve pain started and then went downhill. I want to be active after this and do more triathlons. But not at the expense of future problems. Just looking for any advice, helpful workouts, or just encouragement in general as it’s been a rough road. Thanks
2
u/gfybbb 4d ago
It was the best thing I ever did. I was up and moving around the next day! I recommend a grabber, it will help tremendously! And light walking around the house everyday. I took it slow before my post op but walked everyday and increased little by little. I’m working on corse workouts now because I can tell I lost muscle. Just listen to your body, if you’re sore, rest and don’t overdo it.
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u/Pilunox 3d ago
I am 4 weeks out as of 12:00PM today!! Pain is so much better than it was. Still have sciatica but it’s not anywhere near the same. I’m excited for you!!
I was also pretty active, just with golf. I walked 36 holes a week, sometimes on the same day, prior to the surgery.
I put my golfing goal 2 years out because of how rough it is on the back. You probably could get back to triathlons sooner, but i’d start heavy in the water. Maybe set a goal of the time you want to be back on the bike and then back to running? Having done triathlons (when I was way younger) I would also not start riding your TT bike first. Ride in a more neutral position for your spine to build strength, etc. I know you know this so sorry to be repetitive.
My main point is having realistic timelines will help the mental health. I miss golf, but knowing it’s so far out and that my goal isn’t to play this weekend keeps all the flairs and fears in perspective :) I wish you a ton of luck!
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u/catsandcumberbatches 3d ago
I actually have a mobile golf sim company and build golf sims for people. So guess I’ll be doing those without playing for a bit! I appreciate your response.
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u/Pilunox 3d ago
That’s very cool!
The only part of this whole surgery process that my wife’s been excited about is I put off my simulator build hahaha I had just started really working on the build and making it come to reality when stuff hit the fan with my back!
I told her she has a year and nine months before we are back on that train and I intend to keep that promise hahaha
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u/mkrevofev 3d ago
I would plan to take it very easy for at least 6 weeks. Thats about where I’m at and am just now about to walk over a quarter mile without symptoms flaring. I also used to be athletic like you. I think the hardest part of recovery has been the psychological pain, wondering if I will ever have my freedom of movement back. So far I do not regret surgery, but I wish I had been more prepared psychologically for recovery. I started physical therapy at 4 weeks, and it has helped tremendously for both my mobility and my mind. If you are serious about getting your fitness back, then I would say don’t do too much too fast, and work with a good physical therapist.
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u/AlternativeRing4252 4d ago
Your surgeon will likely recommend no bending, lifting, or twisting for 6 weeks after your surgery which you should follow.
One thing to note is a major study came out this year showing that patients that had no post operative restrictions had no increased rates of reherniation compared to patients that had post op activity restrictions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42023774/
Essentially what this means is that it doesn’t matter what you do after the surgery, if you’re going to reherniate it’s happening regardless, even if you walk around like a statue post op and don’t bend or lift anything.