life after discectomy (L5-S1)

[RobertMH]

I am 30 years old and am back in a normal routine after having a discectomy approximately one year ago.  My life before the surgery largely consisted of working out, jogging, doing work outside in the yard, etc.  I now find myself constantly worrying about reinjuring myself.  I was off of work for about four months and it was a miserable time.  I was told that the next step (if reinjured) would be fusion surgery.  I am just wondering if anyone has success stories or even any productive exercise regiments that were helpful post-surgery.  Thank you!

[cherbencosme]

HI MY NAME IS CHERILYN, LAST YEAR IN JAN OF 07 I HAD A DISECTOMY, THE DOCTOR TOLD ME IT WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST HERNATIONS HE HAD SEEN IN THE OR.  I HAD BACK PROBLEMS A YEAR PRYOR THAT HAD GOTTE WORSE.  SO WHEN I WENT IN TO HIS OFFICE WITH MRI FILMS HE SENT ME TO THE HOSPITAIL FOR EMERGANCY SURGERY.  THEN IN MAY A YEAR AGO I HAD REHERNIATED MY DISK AND IT COLLAPSED AND I HAD NERVE DAMAGE DOWN THE LEFT LEG.  I STARTED TO LOSE MUSLE MOVEMENT IN MY FOOT.  SO THE NEST DAY I WAS BOOKE FOR THE OR FOR L4 L5 SPINAL FUSION.  THE SAID MY NERVE WERE SO DAMAGED I ALSO HERNATED BONE,  THEY CLEANED EVERY THING OUT PUT A SPACER INBETWEEN MY DISKS THEN I HAVE 2 TITANIUM BARS ON BOTH SIDE WITH SCREW IN THE BONES AND BONE MATERIAL TO MAKE IT FUSE.  IT IS A RUFF SURGERY, BUT I WAS SUPPOSE TO BE OUT OF WORK FOR 3-6 MONTHS AND I WAS BACK TO WORK 2 MONTHS LATER.  AND NOW A YEAR LATER, I FEEL GOOD AND CAN DO ALMOST ANYTHING.  THEPROBLEM I HAD WITH WAS COMING OF THE MEDS THEY HAD ME ON OXY CODINE, AND THEY SHOULD OF PUT ME ON DIFFRENT PAIN MEDS AFTER 10 DAYS, BUT THEY DIDN'T SO IT TOOK ME 3 MONTH TO WEEN OF THE OXY.  IT WIL E VERY PAINFUL FOR THE FIRST TWO WEEKS, BUT I AM 32, AND IT WAS SO WORTH IT, I HAD TO HAVE MY HUSBAN PUT ON MY SHOES FOR ME.  NOW I FEEL LIKE I CAN DO ANYTHING.  IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTONS OR ANY THING YOU NEED LIKE SUPPORT LET ME KNOW I HAVE BEEN THROUGH IT AND YOU NEED SUPPORT FROM PEOPLE, FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH IT.

[cabkrun]

An L5-S1 discectomy is not that terrible of an operation.  Is there a reason you had it?  I am not a doctor, but there is little risk to you in terms of exercise and in fact it's better than sitting around.  I've had two major spine surgeries for a different reason and still run, cycle, etc. with no problems.  Private message me if you need more encouragement :)
Good luck.

[TomNixon]

A related discussion, Back Pain Left Upper Leg was started.

[boldasbrass]

I had a discectomy 2 years ago and am now 36, I still have frequent days of back ache and I too am scared of doing anything that seems a little too energetic just in case I cause myself damage. I would like to know what excercises I could do to 1; get fitter and 2; prevent further damage. I have three children all under the age of 2 (twins girls and a boy) and just carrying the 2 year old around the shops really does hurt my back.
Any suggestions anyone?
Many thanks

[bowhunter0310]

Please see my post below listed as "What could this be"  by bowhunter0310.  I have been waiting a long time for a response by a neuro here.  Thank you, Jen