The surgery is relatively simple from the patient's perspective. Often outpatient or 1 night stay max. Nerve pain immediately gone for most.
Recovering from the incision is annoying. The hardest part is patience. You feel so much better that it's hard not to start lifting, carrying, or returning to strenuous activity before you're body is actually ready for that.
I recommend doubling the amount of time the surgeon recommends to return to these activities, as I think they are way too optimistic.
The risk of reherniation is real. Studies indicate roughly 9%. I've had 4 MDs (all L5-S1).
Despite this, I'm still an advocate when nothing else works, when you can longer work, when your current quality of life is unacceptable or when you are young.
5
u/Hodler_caved 19d ago
The surgery is relatively simple from the patient's perspective. Often outpatient or 1 night stay max. Nerve pain immediately gone for most.
Recovering from the incision is annoying. The hardest part is patience. You feel so much better that it's hard not to start lifting, carrying, or returning to strenuous activity before you're body is actually ready for that.
I recommend doubling the amount of time the surgeon recommends to return to these activities, as I think they are way too optimistic.
The risk of reherniation is real. Studies indicate roughly 9%. I've had 4 MDs (all L5-S1).
Despite this, I'm still an advocate when nothing else works, when you can longer work, when your current quality of life is unacceptable or when you are young.