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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Athletes and Microdiscectomies
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Athletes and Microdiscectomies
by Kaytea, Jul 23, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 46 yr old female, marathon runner (9) and triathlete (7). I had an microdiscectomy 4 days ago for a large sequestered L3 disc which was severely compressing the thecal sac. At this early stage, my pre-op symptoms of calf fasiculations, groin pain, weak left hip flexor, and intermittent ACHING(claudication?) of left lateral hip/leg persist. Plus now I have numbness down the lateral left lower leg and big toe. I assume these symptoms will change and subside as the nerves settle down.
My question is....how will I know when it is wise to increase my activity level and whether to (weeks or months from now) restart biking and running? Should all the symptoms be gone/ Are fasiculations a "bad sign," etc. My identity as an athlete is important to me and most of my social circle is made up of the people I work out with, so returning to an active lifestyle is important to me.
My question is....how will I know when it is wise to increase my activity level and whether to (weeks or months from now) restart biking and running? Should all the symptoms be gone/ Are fasiculations a "bad sign," etc. My identity as an athlete is important to me and most of my social circle is made up of the people I work out with, so returning to an active lifestyle is important to me.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jul 26, 2004 12:00AM
It is to early to determine if the surgery was successful. Your surgeon is the best person to answer the questions regarding your activity. He performed the procedure, and therefore is aware of the size and type of removal you had completed. The risk with returning to activities in the future is that this area could re-rupture and require more surgery. Again, these are questions best answered by your surgeon. Good luck.
