exercise after surgery for slipped disc

[flower68]

What kind of exercise can I do to strengthen my back after surgery for removal of a slipped disc (L4/5 S1). I had this done in February this year and feel much better but would like to start trying for another baby asap (I'm 40 this year so don't have much time!) I would like to make sure I don't have anymore problems with my back!
Thank you so much for you help,
Andrea

[flower68]

Thank you!
I'll make a private appointment with the doctor who operated on me in the hope that he can give me some answers.
Thanks again,
Andrea

[Zak_Han]

I am limited in not having the opportunity to perform a full  examination on you, nor am I able to review the pertinent imaging. it probably is time to consult with a your own physician. You can start with them, whose can help you determine your next step or how long you need to wait. Sorry about that!Good luck!

[flower68]

Thank you!
I had a laminectomy/discectomy but no fusion. I'll have a C section anyway as my last baby was delivered that way. Thank you again for your kind reply - it's much appreciated. I can't seem to get any concrete advise here. Every doctor I see tells me something different!
I wonder how long I have to wait before I get pregnant. Do you think a year is long enough?
Thanks again,
Andrea

[Zak_Han]

If you have not had fusion, and only had discectomies, the pregnancy is not as complicated. If a you have had a fusion, then some doctors would recommend a C-section to avoid the stresses on the SI joints and coccyx during the birthing process.
another thing is , epidural catheters for pain control during labor may not work as well if one has had spine surgery.
So you should go to see your doc for second opinion
Good luck!

[flower68]

Hi there,
thank you so much for your kind reply,
I did yoga before my surgery and was planning to go back to it after the summer. I got conflicting advice from my doctors here in Italy - some saying no yoga or pilates, others saying do yoga and pilates. My yoga teacher told me that her husband had the same op as I had and does yoga three times a week and has never felt better. I really am confused about this!
I'm not overweight, I don't smoke and I walk a lot. I really want to get strong again quickly as I'm desparate for another baby. Do you think that having a baby after this type of surgery is asking for trouble?
Thank you so much for you help,
Andrea

[Zak_Han]

I would agree that walking and mobilization exercises can be helpful.
New research: best things you can do when you know what is causing back pain are to give up smoking, lose weight and walk, or participate in some kind of aerobic exercise, such as walking on a treadmill or swimming — not twisting, yoga or Pilates, which can injure the back.
Good luck!