Pain after microdisctomy

Hello, I was reading everyone’s replies and loved the site so I joined.

I have had a herniated disk (L5 S-1) for years. I have tried physical therapy, injections, decompressions, and finally agreed to a microdiscectomy. Prior to surgery I had severe back pain and stiffness, and leg pain radiating down my leg. Post surgery I felt great. My doctor advised me to walk 30-60 minutes a day. I did, even pushed it to 90 the first few days then I started to experience, minor calf burning so I gradually scaled it back. I am now 11 days post surgery and I am having difficulty when I walk. The pain is better than it was, the stiffness in my back is better, but I am still having leg and calf burning. Around the house I am okay but once I walk the pain begins at the top of my buttocks and down to my calf.  Lying down I get sporadic pains in my calf.  I was wondering is this normal, how long does it last, what can I do for it? The walking will help with scare tissue, should I stop the 30 minute walks? Pres surgery I was on Celebrex, for inflammation (works great) post surgery, the doctor prescribed Percocet. I was off all meds for a while and now I need them again, I was wondering what should I be taking?



This discussion is related to leg pain after microdiscectomy.

[Strap82]

I just had l5 s1 right side microdiscetomy and I was very scared! I didn't sleep for 4 days prior to sugery. I had the surgery on June 15 2009 and the procedure took about 1/2 hour and when I woke up I had pain where they cut me thats it!! The pain in my right side and down my right leg was gone immediatley! I highly recommend this to anyone who has suffered as long as I did. I'm 5 day after surgery and my life is coming back and everyone says that theres a shine in me again! I'm 26 years old and for anyone that has this knows just how much it controls your life! Do alittle research find a good Dr and make sure you ask him how many times a year he does the procedure. My Dr said he did a couple thousand a year. After seeing the Dr I was in surgery 1 week later and out of the Hospital the next day! I hope my story help someone cause I was on here looking for advice and help also! Anyone may contact me anytime and ask any questions! Dan    

[pearl92]

On February 15, 2010 I had microdiscetomy on L5S1 (there was a cyst and herniated causing inflamation (inflammation) on nerve root) on an out-patient basis.  I'm not one to sit down and would like advice on what is too much to do in recovery.  Today is the 5th day out.  I walked about 2 miles on second day out and have been doing 5 miles a day for the past three days.  I am tolerating everything very well shy of stiffness r/t surgery and untreatable arthritis in the facet joints, spondyloisthesis and spinal stenosis.  Please let me know what you think -- I am very good about not twisting, bending, etc, really babying it to secure success.