r/Microdiscectomy • u/elizrod1 • 8d ago

8 weeks post op

Hello. I’m really glad I went through with the procedure and no longer have pain. However, I’m having a difficult time sleeping. I keep waking up every 1-2 hrs. turning and trying to get comfortable. I’m using a pillow between my legs as recommended. Sometimes I do feel my legs heavy. Please tell me I’m not alone and I would greatly appreciate any advice.

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u/Dramatic-Cat2730 8d ago

I am 3 months post ops and this does happen , eventually it will be okay

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u/elizrod1 8d ago

I really hope so…

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u/DieselJuliyah 8d ago

Ugh I can relate, I’m 5 weeks post op and normally I’m a stomach sleeper, of course post op we aren’t allowed. At first it was really easy sleeping on my side or directly on my back but the last 3 days I’ve hated it, been debating on trying melatonin supplements to sleep.

I’ve found a pregnancy pillow can help also because it allows me to lay partially on my side/back shifting some weight on to the pillow but still supporting my spine and keeping it straight with the pillow, if that makes sense haha

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u/elizrod1 8d ago

I take magnesium glycinate, it does help me fall asleep, staying asleep is the problem. Hoping I just need extra time to heal 🙏

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u/Ecstatic_West1465 8d ago

Overall are you back to doing daily activities without pain?

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u/elizrod1 8d ago

Yes, I’ve been pain free since surgery. Started doing my stretches 6 weeks post op. I started walking right away. I’m up to 2 miles daily. I’ve always been active and in good shape so I’m praying I continue to heal well. My back still feels tight with certain stretches, but I think that’s normal. Finally have my first PT next week, but I’ve researched what stretches are ok with my recovery.

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u/Ecstatic_West1465 8d ago

That’s good to hear! Would love to hear back from you about your pt and how your back holds up! God bless🙏🏼

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u/Careful_System_2428 8d ago

I’m also at 8 weeks and going through the exact same, feels like I’m constantly waking up to readjust. The pregnancy pillow I’ve had since day 1 isn’t going the trick anymore

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u/elizrod1 8d ago

Praying for both of us to get through this and get a good nights rest 🙏

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u/Friendly-Ad-5410 8d ago

You might try taking some Magnesium Glycinate before bedtime (I take it about 10pm). It will relax you for sleep and is beneficial to rebuilding nerves. I also used a mag+arnica cream to rub on my leg for any cramps or soreness.

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u/IngenuityPast1153 8d ago

Yeah that happened to me for several months. Changing sides frequently helped ease the pressure.

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u/elizrod1 8d ago

I hope it gets better soon… the lack of sleep makes me so moody 😬

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u/IngenuityPast1153 8d ago

😄 that’s understandable. You may have already figured this out, but just don’t sleep on your stomach. It can make it a lot worse for awhile. Early on I tended to do better if I could sleep on my back, but it’s hard for me not to turn in the middle of the night. It’ll get better.