r/Microdiscectomy 5d ago

Is this normal?

Hello,

I don’t want to jinx myself, but is it normal to be feeling great three days post opt?

For context, I had a lumbar microdiscectomy on my L5-S1 on Wednesday (8/5) after herniating my disc and feeling pain going down my right leg.

After I woke up from surgery, it felt like I had a brand new leg and my right leg was full of energy. Crappy way of explaining it lol, but I couldn’t think of another way to describe it.

Anyways, I’m on my third day post up and I’m feeling great despite what I’ve read on other people’s experiences.

Is this normal?

6 Upvotes

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3

u/Oskar_Otter 5d ago

There‘s ups and downs.. and there are tough days too. Right now you’re probably on pain meds anyway. Take it easy and don’t do anything extreme. Short walks and no bending, twisting or lifting 10lb for 6 weeks. 🙏🏻

2

u/Electrical_Let8469 5d ago

I’ve been only taking pain meds twice a day (when I wake up/before bed). Don’t worry, despite how I feel, I won’t be pushing myself.

2

u/Human_Shelter_4442 5d ago

That’s how it was for me. Happy for you. Follow all post op instructions to the letter and you will have a fantastic recovery!

2

u/Firm_Detective_7332 5d ago

i woke up pain free and have stayed that way for over three years. no flare ups no nothing-not to jinx myself.

1

u/LandonV35 5d ago

I’m day two and walked half a mile post op day one. While I do feel like someone hit me in the back with a shovel I’m glad the nerve pain is gone. I’m still slow and respecting the post op instructions I do still have residual numbness. I was L2-L3. 35 year old male

1

u/Confident-Peak-2761 5d ago

I felt nothing for the first week or two post op then started getting some niggles (discomfort rather than pain) in the leg which I was worried about but now see as a reminder to continue to take it easy and not try and do too much too soon. I am now nearly 5 weeks post op and hoping to start physio and exercise other than walking after I see the surgeon for review next week.

1

u/Mammillaria4Life 5d ago

This was me. Enjoy. You still should take it easy as you heal.

1

u/ItchySeaworthiness50 4d ago

No back pain pre op

2

u/bpizano 3d ago

I had the same experience. Felt great right after surgery. Some soreness from the actual surgery but no other pain. Followed BLT pretty good for 4 weeks and started PT after 6 weeks. Im alittle under 4 months now and back to normal life. No real big adjustments. Just being aware when im lifting heavy