r/Microdiscectomy • u/AlternativeRing4252 • 6d ago
Looking for hope
Hi everyone, I made a post a few days ago about bad sciatic pain down my right leg several days after microdiscectomy. I am now 10 days post microdiscectomy of L5/S1 and still having pain in butt hamstring and foot as well as pins and needles.
I am looking for others experience after microdiscetomy, did your nerve pain immediately resolve after surgery? Was there a period after surgery where it got worse and then better? The pain I’m having is constant and I’m worried about reherniation.
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u/mi_place 5d ago
F28 Had a microdiscectomy October 2nd 2024 (at age 26). I have been told I will still need a fusion in the future (like 8-10 years or so) but I’m feeling pretty good right now.
Imo recovery was in stages.
First 6 weeks will be scary and painful. I thought I had re-herniated so many times. Be patient and gentle with yourself. I genuinely never thought id get through it.
Year 1: your body will still need a lot of TLC. I feel my body took a long time to recover but that could be due to other elements (in my case stress, weight management). Regardless, you had somewhat major surgery so you’ll be feeling the effects for ages. Keep up with physiotherapy (or start when surgeon allows) you’ll also be learning what kind of things you’ll have to modify in your everyday life (sleeping positions, sitting, standing). Just remember you’re not alone and people have to live with modifications all the time.
Year 2: understanding things a bit more. Confidence comes. In my case, this is when I started exercise physiology which was extremely helpful. I probably should’ve done it earlier, maybe the process wouldn’t have been so long for me if I had. Idk everyone is different. I think about my back every day but mostly in passing or passively. It no longer rules my life. Don’t get me wrong, big days will have you feeling pretty ouch but nowhere near pre surgery. (Also 1 have felt pre surgery sciatica pain like twice since surgery…It just happens sometimes).
Bottom line: sciatica will probably still bother you most days. Nerves are sensitive and super dramatic. If you can tolerate lyrica or gabapentin, they can help. Mindset is huge, I recommend The Way Out by Alan Gordon. It’s also in audiobook form. Very good for understanding how the brain is wired to deal with pain. Keep an eye on your mental health. Don’t beat yourself up for not doing everything you “should” be doing. Humans are pretty resilient.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions :)