I'm scheduled for Sep. 1st for laminectomy and disc rupture repair. Curious about others experiences.
OT - Anyone on here had back surgery?
- Thread starter PirateDawg
- Start date
Yup. Microdiscectomy on L5-S1, nearly 12 years ago now. Did it playing softball and not stretching, but truth be known it was just due to years of neglect/bad habits in weightlifting, and the disc finally just ruptured. Mine was just removing some of the busted disc that was pressing on the nerve, so it might be a little less in depth than yours' (I just looked up laminectomy just now and saw it was removing part of the bone). I tried pain blocks and things before that until I finally just gave up and demanded surgery.
My recommendations would be to rest thoroughly and do just as the doctor says during recovery. Don't worry if your nerve pain, etc. gets a little worse during recovery either, it will subside as the inflammation dies down. Also, I had done a lot of research about how people who get these minor surgeries also end up having worse ones like fusions and such. I was determined not to go that route so I began stretching like crazy and doing much more core work, and cut out most anything that compressed my spine. Got into DDP Yoga about 2015 and still do that on and off, but not religiously.
I hardly have any pain anymore, other than a spell here and there if I gain too much weight or get lazy. I can lift just as many heavy things as I used to (albeit with strict form), and sometimes I forget I had the surgery. So if you commit to it, you can get rid of it forever. Don't be one of those people I read about on the internet, who struggle forever and eat pills all day. I'm just thankful we have these surgeries now. I asked my surgeon what they did back in the 1800s when these discs would rupture, he said, "Get hooked on opium".
Good luck, back pain sucks, and it's an unseen thing, so people don't understand how awful it is until it happens to them.
My recommendations would be to rest thoroughly and do just as the doctor says during recovery. Don't worry if your nerve pain, etc. gets a little worse during recovery either, it will subside as the inflammation dies down. Also, I had done a lot of research about how people who get these minor surgeries also end up having worse ones like fusions and such. I was determined not to go that route so I began stretching like crazy and doing much more core work, and cut out most anything that compressed my spine. Got into DDP Yoga about 2015 and still do that on and off, but not religiously.
I hardly have any pain anymore, other than a spell here and there if I gain too much weight or get lazy. I can lift just as many heavy things as I used to (albeit with strict form), and sometimes I forget I had the surgery. So if you commit to it, you can get rid of it forever. Don't be one of those people I read about on the internet, who struggle forever and eat pills all day. I'm just thankful we have these surgeries now. I asked my surgeon what they did back in the 1800s when these discs would rupture, he said, "Get hooked on opium".
Good luck, back pain sucks, and it's an unseen thing, so people don't understand how awful it is until it happens to them.
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As a physical therapist my advice would be to research and find a good therapist close to you and do therapy. Core strengthening, and mobility training will be a great investment to keep those potential long term symptoms from returning. Core strength, mobility, and proper mechanics will save you down the road from having to have a fusion or anything like that.
I had the L5-S1 disk surgery too. Limped into hospital in severe pain, walked out the next day completely pain free. Above posters are right on point. Make sure to do your therapy, don’t do anything stupid, and let yourself heal before resuming an active role lifestyle. I had my surgery over twenty years ago and have not had any further issues at all. Good luck with your surgery. Follow your doctor’s and therapist’s orders, and you should have a great outcome.
Microdiscectomy on L5 in February 2003. Best thing I ever did. Have had 1 episode of muscle spasms in that area 1 time in 18 years. Went into the operating room about 7 am and was sitting at my kitchen table at 730pm that night.
I've had 4 surgeries + a spinal stimulator implant procedure going back to 2010. All of the surgeries were necessary - and unavoidable - at the time. But, I have arthritis and degenerative disc disease, so another surgery, probably involving spinal fusion, etc. is probably in my not-too-distant future. I always had positive results, at least for awhile, after each surgery. I have to agree with others that have mentioned very aggressive post-surgery physical therapy. That goes a long way towards a positive outcome.
Stimulator help you any? I had one put in two years ago this week. Didn’t get near the benefit that I had hoped. Although I do have some neuropathy from another back surgery, stimulator helps with that neuropathy but not the initial injury/pain.
Add me to that osteoarthritis + degenerative disc disease list. Add in stenosis within the cervical spine cutting my spinal cord in half in three spots, and pretty much zero good discs left between the cervical bones. Add in Myalgia, Cervical Disc Disorder with Myelopathy, and Intervertebral Disc Disorder/cervical region with Myelopathy I had fusion between C2 and T1 along with a Cervical Laminectomy and complete instrumentation with rods to keep everything lined up. My x-ray looks like something out of the Terminator.
It took two surgeries but it's all solid as a rock. Unfortunately I have neuropathy of varying degrees in my arms, legs, hands, and feet with feet being the worst. We tried therapy for the extreme loss of balance and loss of strength in my left side and a pain doctor has helped me get a handle on my pain in the neck, back, and hands. You don't really have to worry about my issues unless this all is in your family history. MRIs are pending on my lumbar after foot drop issues. I'm would be doing better if I could keep my freeking feet healthy with the neuropathy problems and endless foot or leg infections that seem to happen at the drop of a hat.
Stay in touch with PineGroveBully. He's been through the ringer and is an awesome, empathetic ear and friend. I wish he was closer to me geographically.
It took two surgeries but it's all solid as a rock. Unfortunately I have neuropathy of varying degrees in my arms, legs, hands, and feet with feet being the worst. We tried therapy for the extreme loss of balance and loss of strength in my left side and a pain doctor has helped me get a handle on my pain in the neck, back, and hands. You don't really have to worry about my issues unless this all is in your family history. MRIs are pending on my lumbar after foot drop issues. I'm would be doing better if I could keep my freeking feet healthy with the neuropathy problems and endless foot or leg infections that seem to happen at the drop of a hat.
Stay in touch with PineGroveBully. He's been through the ringer and is an awesome, empathetic ear and friend. I wish he was closer to me geographically.
I can't remember all the technical terms you've mentioned, but they all sound familiar. Most recent issue I've developed is the foot drop issue. Awaiting another MRI to check that out, and am to be fitted with some kind of brace on left ankle/foot. I'm sure my next surgery will involve rods, disc fusion - you name it. I'm with you on the neuropathy, especially feet. Been dealing with that for years; haven't found a way to deal with it yet that helps much.
Best of luck man.
I've had 3, once for a rupture and twice on a bulge. Same disc every time. The good news is that after surgery you can start moving forward and getting healthy. Do the PT and you should have less and less pain until hopefully you have none. Also, I would echo the comments about core strengthening. I have neglected that over the 15 years I've been dealing with this stuff, and really wish I hadn't. It is not difficult and not very time consuming. Makes a big difference.
I've had 3, once for a rupture and twice on a bulge. Same disc every time. The good news is that after surgery you can start moving forward and getting healthy. Do the PT and you should have less and less pain until hopefully you have none. Also, I would echo the comments about core strengthening. I have neglected that over the 15 years I've been dealing with this stuff, and really wish I hadn't. It is not difficult and not very time consuming. Makes a big difference.
That sounds a lot like you are dealing with the things I have and I am still dealing with. Send me a DM and I'll give you my email so I can compare some notes with you and tell you what I've been through to maybe you could be better prepared. Everybody has a different reaction to this kind of surgery. Your age and physical fitness it's gonna have a lot to do with your recovery but more than that is which part of your spine you're having this problem in. Message me.
The drop foot brace is really good it's just a pain in the butt to put on.
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My mom has had 7 back surgeries for herniated/ruptured discs. I keep kidding her that she just needs to have a zipper put in instead of stitches. Also has degenerative discs and scoliosis. And arthritis. Hell, I don't know how she manages to get out of bed in the morning. Her pain tolerance has to be about double mine. I feel embarrassed when I mention to her I pulled a muscle in my back.
Good luck on that Pirate ... I'm also curious if anyone here has had their esophagus removed ? I'm scheduled in two weeks and the only thing the surgeon would say is expect at least two month recovery. - Wish I knew more of what to expect than that
My dad did but I really can't tell you much because he was in awful medical shape when it was done. He made it through the surgery just fine but severe previous complications not related to the surgery were too much. This was also 15 years ago and I'm sure they have made even more improvements.
Good luck man. Seems like the Pack is all getting older.
Laminectomy/discectomy in 2017. Did PT until therapist said "you look terrible" after several weeks of no progress. Surgery after that.
Hobbled in, walked out 2 hours later. Nerve pain gone when I woke up. 4-6 wk "FULL recovery". While it is lightyears better than it was, I'm not the same as I once was. I have to be very careful with how I bend over, pick things up, etc. Have had 2 episodes since the surgery that put me down for 2-4 days, but overall I'm fairly normal. I never regained the flexibility that I once had.
Note: I'm 32 now, 28 at time of surgery. Former athlete thru college. I no longer play anything competitive because I've learned my back will handle it well. I'd rather be able to play with my kids than crippled from trying to play something.
Edit: L5 S1
Hobbled in, walked out 2 hours later. Nerve pain gone when I woke up. 4-6 wk "FULL recovery". While it is lightyears better than it was, I'm not the same as I once was. I have to be very careful with how I bend over, pick things up, etc. Have had 2 episodes since the surgery that put me down for 2-4 days, but overall I'm fairly normal. I never regained the flexibility that I once had.
Note: I'm 32 now, 28 at time of surgery. Former athlete thru college. I no longer play anything competitive because I've learned my back will handle it well. I'd rather be able to play with my kids than crippled from trying to play something.
Edit: L5 S1
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Push through it with a program like DDP Yoga or similar. I was 28 when I had mine too, and I'm more flexible now than I've ever been. As far as overall body aches, I've never felt as good as I do now - I had no clue just how out of whack and stiff I was back then.
But yeah it did seem that for a few years I was kinda stuck, having spells and such like you describe, but again around 2015 I took a big step forward with the things I could do, and just gotten progressively better.
I do agree about not playing sports though, not worth the risk. However I do play golf and throw baseballs routinely.
Yes I have had 4 back surgeries. Last two they removed a disk and added a spacer. My most current was 2 years ago. They removed another disk and replaced 2 rods and 6 screws. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. My best advice after 4 surgeries, as weird as it sounds, is take stool softener. just sayin.
I have a mildly herniated L4-5 and L5-S1, started severe symptoms at 36 after running and bad form weightlifting. Had a surgical consult because I was so restricted in my basic range of motion without pain or causing flare-ups with any activity. I started doing beginner yoga 4x/week with a close friend who was an instructor, and she got me to a point within 6 months where I was much stronger in my core and my back pain was basically gone.
My MRI doesn't look much different than it did (and I didn't have severe stenosis at any point), but I am amazed at how just learning how to take care of my body has reduced pain and symptoms. I would go down this route first before getting cut on.
My MRI doesn't look much different than it did (and I didn't have severe stenosis at any point), but I am amazed at how just learning how to take care of my body has reduced pain and symptoms. I would go down this route first before getting cut on.
yes, I had a laminectomy last November. L3 & L4 herniated disc. Long story, long recovery. Doctor Bassett in Tuscaloosa did my surgery and afterwards told me my surgery was complicated and all mess up. DM me to discuss more and I'll be happy to discuss details. I wish someone I would have talked to someone.
Thanks everyone for the opinions and options. My MRI looked pretty bad. Especially at the herniation site. I have 3 places where the spinal nerve is compressed. Dr. Bassett has recommended laminectomy in all 3 to relieve the pressure. I have 4 bulging discs. I tried chiropractic care for a month and left each treatment bent over and hurting. I'm assuming the adjustments were aggravating the herniated disk nerve L2. I've had several incidents with my back over the last 4 or so years. About 3 years ago I went to a chiropractor for 3 months and he finally got me through that episode. My left thigh felt like it was on fire until he adjusted me through it. I don't know if it is a time factor healing or the adjustments that worked. This time it is my right thigh hurting and tingling. I am concerned about long term nerve damage.
Now you have me worried about my Meralgia Paresthetica that my doc diagnosed me with about a month ago. There's got to be a way to make this go away without surgery. It's only in my leg, no back issues, and I'm not in serious pain like it sounds like you are.
I hope you get all that managed. Getting old is a *****.
Sorry man. I wish you good luck. I hope they found your spinal cord compression quickly enough and you don't have the long term problems you're worried about.
I don’t think you’ll have long term or permanent damage from the discs compressing the nerve roots. It’s possible but unlikely. From my experience I’ve seen people go months with absolutely no feeling at all in their leg waiting on approval for surgery and after surgery still ended up having the feeling return and reduction in other symptoms. Just follow up with therapy and do what everyone says to do in the recovery process and stick with it and I believe you’ll have a good outcome with the limited knowledge I have on your situation.
I have 3 degenerated discs in the lumbar region. I also have stenosis and spondylolisthesis, which altogether creates intense pain in the lower back, hips, and legs when not treated. I had the option of surgery, but decided not to because I've seen several that just didn't go right. So - every couple of months I get epidural shots of steroids or facet joint blocks. Then, every 6 months I get an RF "nerve burning" that works pretty well. So basically, I'm managing the pain with the procedures and tramadol (and an occasional hydrocodone). The main thing that causes pain is walking more than a couple of blocks. I can handle that, and even play golf with scores in the mid-upper 70s typically.
So I'm not going to have surgery. If it was a bulging or herniated disc, I probably would. My surgical answer now would be fusion, or perhaps artificial discs (not sure of the technology status on those), but I don't want to do that. Just too much risk.
I should add that I've been to a chiropractor for some extensive procedures, and done physical therapy, and neither did any good whatsoever.
So I'm not going to have surgery. If it was a bulging or herniated disc, I probably would. My surgical answer now would be fusion, or perhaps artificial discs (not sure of the technology status on those), but I don't want to do that. Just too much risk.
I should add that I've been to a chiropractor for some extensive procedures, and done physical therapy, and neither did any good whatsoever.
Geez, you're worse than I am. I've got a friend several years older than I am who has similar issues, and especially the neuropathy and what I'll call "drop foot" - he has a brace on his lower leg that has a spring to bring his foot back up when he walks. Without the spring, he'd never be able to move around. He's tenacious though, and still drives (but he probably shouldn't be). At least part of his problem was caused when the surgeon nipped his spinal cord while correcting a blown disc. He also contracted a staph infection in the hospital after knee surgery and that contributes to his issues.
On a lighter note, my friend who has one of those braces had a screw come out one day in the pro shop of a local golf course. Also in the pro shop is a very friendly pit bull - he couldn't be a nicer dog and friendly to everyone. Anyway, my friend removed his brace to fix the screw, and the poor dog went nuts barking. He thought my friend was literally taking his leg off I suppose.
Yes, and it sucks! L4, L5, S1, C4, C5, and my T11 & T12 are wrecked, but nothing can be done due to location per my surgeon. I've had surgery on just about everything but my heart. Broke my dick and had to have emergency surgery on it. Very painful. Broke dick Bubba is what I was called. Shallow bitches, who knew. No sarcasterisks, true story.
I saw the guy who must've been 100 lbs overweight fall off the stacked crates and land back first on one of the crates. It had to do some damage.
I'm 29 days out from my laminectomy. No where near the pain or recovery time I experienced with my lumbar fusion. Follow your doctors instructions and you should be fine.
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