Hello everyone,

I had a microdiscectomy on 9/2/03 at L4-5. I used to do showroom sales for a living. I only had that job because my back pain wouldn't allow me to take more physically-demanding jobs. I would like to take anything BUT a desk job at this point.

What I would like to know is if you've had a microdiscectomy, when did you return to work and what type of work do you do?

I'd really appreciate anybody's help. Thanks for reading!

Sioux-z-q

Hi Sioux. I returned 4 weeks post op to a sit down job. Sitting and driving were hard for me for the first 3 months. But I was told no bending/lifting/squatting for 3 months also, so doing physical labor would have been out. How are you feeling since your surgery? Take care. ~Daubie

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Car Accident 2/2/02
Herniated disc L5/S1
Epidurals x3, PT 4 mos, some relief, but constant foot pain and numbness continued
Microdiscectomy 6/6/03
9/5/03 still have foot pain and numbness but recovered fine from surgery
9/22/03 huge improvement in foot pain in the past 2 weeks, woohoo!!!

Hi daubie!
Thanks for replying!

Just within the past week or so, the area around the incision (3 inches and 11 staples) has stopped spasming, which is wonderful.

I've been walking 1/4 to 1/2 mile every day and that seems to help. I went to the mall and walked over a 1/2 mile and knew by the end of the day I had gone too far. I have a lot of tailbone numbness after sitting for more than ten minutes at a time (like when I'm in front of this computer). Do you get that too? Other than that, I feel okay. I stopped taking Vicotin all together. Now I only take Naprosyn twice a day.

Since you're just at about the 3 month mark, have you begun lifting/bending/twisting etc.?

As a stubborn, active 25 year old newlywed woman, I find it very hard to "take it easy". My husband and I enjoy riding 4-wheelers, fishing, and I also weld. So, just sitting inside all day, except for my walks is getting very depressing. So the sooner I can ride/fish/weld etc., the happier I'll be and the better I'll feel.

I'm sorry to hear about your car accident, but I'm glad to hear you're getting better!

Thanks again for letting me vent! Sioux-z-q

Sioux-z-q,

I hope your doing well. I just wanted to chime in here. I've had 3 disc/laminectomies over the past 6 years. 2 of which were in the past 2 years and I was back to work each time within 2 weeks part time and 4 weeks full time. like you, I'm very active and know what it's like. Also, I know what it's like to be your age having this. I'm 30 now and was 24 when I had my first operation. To go one step further, I had a 2 level 360 degree fusion with hardware on Sept 2nd of this year - 3 weeks ago and I am already back to work (from home) but back to work and tomorrow I'm going to take a stroll to the office and work for a couple of hours from there.

Each person is different but all I can say is, think positive, push yourself mentally and work hard at getting back to normal...

SHG

Hi Sioux~ how are you today? Regarding tailbone. I bought this cushion called a tush-cush (look it up on-line). Although I didn't have tailbone problems, so many people on the boards said it was great. Well, it is! And I bet if you have tailbone problems, it would even be better for you as it has a hole where the tailbone goes, so you put no pressure on it.

Regarding lifting/bending/squatting. Yes, I've been doing more and more. I try to squat instead of bend, and when I do bend, I try to keep my spine straight by lifting my leg behind me. I haven't done too much lifting, but I am carrying my clothes basket to the laundry room instead of dragging it behind me like I was doing! I know what you mean about taking it easy, but it's a MUST! After the first month, the time just flew by!

Hi SHG. Wow, you've really gone thru alot! Congrats on being able to return to work so soon after your surgeries, expecially the fusion! How are you feeling? Are you glad you did the fusion? Well, take care. ~Daubie

Sioux-
I had a micro-d at L4/L5, and returned to a desk job after four weeks, but did work part-time for a while. I had no staples, however. In fact, they used that 'glue' stuff, so no stitches of any kind.

Hope that helps, and glad to hear that you're healing!

O'Girl

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20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Oct 2003 - 2 level 360 degree fusion to be scheduled

Hi!
Thanks everyone for replying! This site is certainly helping me during my time of healing.

Daubie~My tailbone pain seems to decrease a little bit each day, so I'm feeling better. The tush-cush sounds delightful, so I will be looking into that. And don't worry, I'm definitely taking it easy. It's a lot better now that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank God I have a wonderful husband who does all of our laundry, housecleaning, etc. Every once in a while, I'll cheat though and wash 3 or 4 dishes, just for the sense of accomplishment.

SHG & Oakleygirl~I'm sorry to hear about both of your situations, but both of you have made me feel better. You've given me hope that I won't be out of work forever, which is spectacular.

Thanks again guys! ~Sioux-z-q

Daubie, Siux and all others,

I am glad I went through my operation. In fact, I went to work today. Come by my thread "SHG" and see the story. Also, there are quite a few people who recently had the operation, are going to, etc and we're all sharing our stories. Also, see Brooke's threads as well as Magnets and you'll get everything you need on procedures, aftercare, a great support - YOU HAVE TO BE POSITIVE WHEN YOU COME THERE. In fact, on my thread, a person once challenged us and I let him have it...if you want help and you want great, positive, caring people, you'll find it on these 3 threads...come aboard all of them, say hello and watch the warmth.

SHG