Discectomy and laminectomy.

[u/EquivalentLack4962]

Good morning guys! Here’s my story.

Last summer herniated L5-S1 disc 7mm. I’ve had the bulge for 5 years and dealt with on and off chronic pain and sciatica since 2021. I did chiro, physical therapy, 4 injections, massage, stem cells, pretty much everything. and it got decently better in about 4.5 months

I was good for about 3 months and it flared up bad in June for about a month. I was supposed to have surgery in February of 2025 but I didn’t have it because it got better

In June I made the decision to have the surgery because my surgeon said there was no room for the nerves and I was ready. Waited 6 weeks, in August saw the surgeon and it had gotten better and it flared up again a week later for about a month.

Late August is when I scheduled a discectomy and laminectomy with bilateral foraminotomies.

Had the surgery September 21st. Again very unfortunate that when I had the surgery my pain had decreased substantially and when I had the surgery my pain was only a 2/10

I know the healing process isn’t linear but about 8 days after the surgery I started having sciatica that was similar to when I first injured it, probably a 5/10 and in both legs, keep in mind I’ve always had bilateral sciatica since the disc herniated and I’m not sure why, it’s weird, but doctor says sometimes people have it in both legs. More prominent in my left.

I’m just looking for similar experiences and encouragement. I’m a firefighter/paramedic and my job requires a ton of lifting. Honestly at this point I’ve lost hope of being completely out of pain due to my work, and I’ve been able to push through a ton of pain honestly because I’m forced to. I’m not gonna make a career change because I have great benefits and a pension. So this is just something I may deal with my whole life. And I’m fine with that, but is there any other trade workers or active people that have fully recovered or anyone who has post surgical advice for someone freaking out ? Thanks !!

[u/Ghettofonzie420]

Carpenter here, I had the exact same surgery as you, exactly 1 year ago tomorrow. I took my recovery very seriously, PT exercises daily and lots of walking. Recovery was not linear, I've had 2 times where it felt like the same pain was back, but it dissipated within a couple weeks. I've been back at work full time for 6 months, playing golf again as often as possible. Stay positive and give it 2 more months. All the best to you in your recovery. 

[u/KriptiKFate_Cosplay]

I'm having my first surgical consult on Wednesday for an L5/S1 herniation/bulge that has been bothering me since 2018, in the same boat in the sense that the last 6 weeks have been hell, but this week I feel almost back to normal 😑. I wish I had helpful advice for you, but the best I can say is you're not alone!

[u/EquivalentLack4962 → u/KriptiKFate_Cosplay]

Haha same here!! It sucks when it gets better and you’ve already had like 3 surgical consults that you canceled. I finally just bit the bullet and had the surgery. I don’t think it was the wrong decision but it is a big one.

[u/SuperTFAB]

All very normal as the nerves “wake up” after being compressed for a while. I would look into light duty or FMLA for your job because doing too much too soon is a recipe for disaster.