Microdiscectomy incision in lumbar spine

From what I have been told from my doctor is that having slight sciatic pain after a surgery is a normal part of the healing process for nerves. Especially nerves, like my sciatic nerve, that has been compressed for months on end.

Because of this surgery I have been given 4 weeks off of work and one post operative visit with my doctor. The time is needed to rest, regain flexibility, and hopefully not re-injure a disc.

The first couple of days were really bad when it came to pain. I had to constantly use ice on my lower back and heat and I was very limited in mobility. Six days in and I am already able to do some stretching exercises and move around a bit. Though it is important to keep your back in a neutral position as much as possible after these types of surgeries.

I will keep you guys updated on my surgery progression.

I have my third shot scheduled in a few weeks. And the week after my third shot I have a consultation with my neurosurgeon to discuss surgical options for my herniated disc. I am feeling really positive about a minimally invasive discectomy because at this point I feel that surgery is the only thing that can heal me at this point. 90% of those with a herniated disc usually recover from a herniated disc in time….whereas I haven’t.

I wasn’t too confident going into the hospital mainly because I read so many horror story’s on the internet about having the shot going wrong and some patients ending up being worse. Luckily for me the experience I received was the complete opposite.

For one, I was sedated with low-moderate sedation’s. So it was kinda like getting my wisdom teeth taken out. I felt no pain at all getting the shot- in fact I was out. I didn’t even remember the experience. I was hooked up to a IV prior as well.

I was given two days off of work for this shot as well. And pretty much my job now is to rest as much as possible. My doctor told me that cortisone injections take 3 days to take full effect. Which is very good news for me because I already feel like money after only 20 hours or so.

The shot decreased pain from a 4 to a 1. I have no sciatic pain right now (actually very very little if I try bending down which I am not suppose to do anyway) and I’m not even sore at the incision point. I have continued to do my physical therapy exercises very slightly. The large decrease in pain has given me more mobility in my lower back and right leg then usual.

Overall, my first cortisone injection was a great experience and I can’t wait to get the other two. I’m actually feeling really good right now and in good spirits. Now do I think this is gonna heal my herniated disc? I highly doubt it….I think my herniated disc is too large to be decrease via shots. I truly believe I will end up getting surgery; however, we will see where these shots take me.

I am not too hell bent on getting surgery but if it is highly recommended and if I can get a microdiscectomy as opposed to a regular discectomy then I’ll feel more at ease with the surgery.

Hopefully I will not have to lose my job and can become physically able to perform my duties. This herniated disc can’t keep me down forever. They do naturally heal on there own after a few months and I believe mine is finally starting to make some progress.

Currently I am continuing to do back traction therapy and lately my lower back has been feeling a lot better. I have also kept strict with using ice, I have kept working out as well to keep myself in shape. I feel pretty good about everything right now and lately have been pretty positive with my progress.

I’ll keep you updated.

Copy of my herniated disc

I think it would be a good idea to show my herniated disc. As you can see there is a protrusion at the L5-S1 area that is pushing on the S1 area (which explains my Sciatica).

For lifting, I wear a really tight belt so as to prevent myself from bending over and starting up sciatic symptoms again. Two days ago was the first day I have lifted in months, since mid-January in fact. The exercises I did were incline bench press, bicep curls, tricep extensions, and the lat pull-down. For now, these seem like the only exercises I can do. I am actually pretty sore today- I feel like a new lifter all over again.

I also looked my best this morning and I attribute this to my new diet. I completely quit junk food because sugar progresses inflammation. Though my diet is mainly comprised of meats, fruits, salads, and milk. This has also helped me keep full and I am eating overall less calories and taking in more fiber to make going #2 a bit easier (this strains your lower back if you’re releasing the Kraken).

Lastly, direct ice packs to my lower back. The theory behind ice therapy for herniated discs is that this contracts the herniated disc temporarily to relieve pressure of the spinal nerve roots that are being pinched. There has to be some merit to doing this. Ever since I started doing this 2-3x a day for 20 minutes a session my pain has gotten significantly less.

That’s my post for today. My lower back has felt the best it has in Months. I have a back traction therapy coming up next Tuesday. Can’t wait for this

I’ll keep you updated. It should be interesting to see what the Neurosurgeon has to say about my herniated disc.