Microdiscectomy anyone???

[N&B'smom]

My DH found out he has a pinched nerve and they are saying he could have this procedure to relieve the pain. We're just wondering how long the recovery is afterwards.....and how painful it is! Anyone know?

 

[luvmy2sams]

I had this done in July 2005. After dealing with two herniated discs and excruciating pain for a year, the surgery was my last resort. I woke up from the anesthesia and was walking around within the hour. I wasn't in any pain after the procedure and would have been released that evening if not for the mandatory time period that I had to stay under observation following anesthesia (my surgery wasn't until almost 6pm). I was painting my living room two days later. My surgeon prescribed 6 weeks of physical therapy, and I didn't have any trouble with the sessions. The pain is gone, and I hope I never have to go through anything like that again.

I know people have differing results with this procedure, but it was the best thing I ever did.

 

[bicker]

I had this done in 2001. I was in a lot of pain for a week afterward, but it turned out to be that someone bound my wound too tightly!

 

[N&B'smom]

Thanks for the info! I'm going to pass this along to my hubby.

About the wound being bound too tightly!!

 

[beckyb29]

I had a microdiscectomy in July of this year. I was in excruciating pain for a long time before the procedure, and nothing else was working. I don't regret it for a second!

My procedure was in the morning, and I was home by dinner time that night. Prior to the surgery, my worst pain was when I was lying down or sitting. I woke up in amazement that I was lying in a hospital bed with no pain(other than a little from the incision.) I went home and walked around my neighborhood that night. Walking is supposed to be very good for recovery. Lying around, on the other hand, is discouraged. Was it painful? Yes..but totally worth it. 2 weeks after the surgery, I was moving into a new apt. While I wasn't carrying boxes, I made tons of trips up and down stairs without a problem. I had to take it slow and easy for about a month-doctors orders. Apparently the risk of re-herniation is really high for the first few months after the surgery. Bending over, tying my shoes, picking things up off the floor caused some problems for a few weeks. Now, I tend to forget I had the surgery. Six months later, I still experience some twinges of pain occasionally, but a few ibuprofen clear it right up.

My incision looks like a cat-scratch, and took basically no extra care after the surgery. No stitches, no nothing. I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat!

Hope this helps!

 

[Sailorwife]

I had this done last November. It was the best decision I ever made. As soon as I woke up, I was had no pain except for the surgery site. I had to spend the night but they had me up walking a few hours after I got out of recovery. I was down for about a week and then I started to get around better. I was off for 3 weeks but I could have gone back a two weeks. Just remember to watch what you are lifting for about a month and even after you should take it easy!

Good luck to your husband. I hope he finds relief soon. I have never been that miserable before in my life!!