https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:26:53 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2716800 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:54:20 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2716800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wanted to follow up with everyone. I had the surgery on Wednesday morning. It's now Monday, and I admit, recovery has been slower than I expected, though it's entirely possible I set my expectations too high. After I got into the recovery area after surgery (~3 hours later, including the post anesthesia "coming out of it" time), physical therapy came by to show me how I get up and walk. I couldn't even get out of bed. The pain in my mid and upper back (weirdly) was really bad and I couldn't put pressure on my feet at all. They kept me in the hospital overnight and gave me some Vicodin and Valium, after which I was able to walk to the bathroom, and get some sleep. </p> <p>Over the last 4 days that I've been home, the pain in my muscles and around the incision is going down, but my hips are hurting quite a bit. I'm walking and sitting OK for short stretches of time, but sleeping is rough because my hips start to hurt if I lay on one side or the other for more than a few hours (and I can't lay on my back because the incision is still covered and feels like there's a big bump on my back). It's really hard to reach, even just a few inches, because whatever the muscle/nerve that runs through my hip, lower back and leg starts to feel tender. I talked to the doctor today and he says that the hip pain might be because of how they position during surgery, on the table and the clamps they use, and to see how it feels over the next few days. I'm going in on Thursday for a follow up, to have the incision checked. I'm doing OK without painkillers and just taking a muscle relaxer for nighttime right now, so I guess there's improvement, but it seems to be slower than I thought it would be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710486 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 22:28:59 +0000 Coffee-lover 2710486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a microdiscetomy a few years back and it has been life changing! Before the surgery i tried pt, chiropractors, and had a few steriod epidurals. My pain just got worse and worse to the point where I was not able to walk at times, my legs gave out on me and I fell in a parking lot and couldnt get up, and I started having urinary problems. </p> <p>The surgery was really easy. They wanted me to stay overnight but I ended up going home that same night. When I woke up i was not in excruciating pain like I had been. I felt sore where they made the incision, but that was it. I did not know they put a foley catheter in when I was asleep, i freaked out when I woke up and found it. It did not hurt when they removed it, but it burned soo bad the first time I peed. They also intubated me. I only knew because I asked why my throat was sore after surgery (i was extubated by time I woke up).</p> <p>I had lifting restrictions for a couple weeks after surgery, but recovery was a breeze compared to all the pain I was in before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710150 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:59:18 +0000 MRSJX3 2710150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@krispi: Originally it was 4 weeks but then at my post-op, she said 3 weeks. She said just to use good practice for picking them up and lifting them. I think 4 weeks is pretty standard. It's hard but I'm managing it. The harder part is when I let my daughter climb all over me, she sometimes accidentally kicks my incision!</p> <p>ETA: My daughter weighs probably 30-33lbs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710115 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:37:42 +0000 krispi 2710115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: It is definitely difficult when you have little ones! I think my case is a little different, because those things did help me a lot, just not 100%. And I may never be 100% back to normal. I'm able to do most things in my daily life, and I rarely get the sharp nerve pains anymore, but I do get sore from time to time. And I probably refrain from doing as much physical activity as I should because I'm always afraid of making it flare up again.</p> <p>ETA: I do hope this brings you the relief you're looking for! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710108 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:34:11 +0000 krispi 2710108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MRSJX3: Just curious, did the doctor tell you how long until you can pick up your 2 year old? I have a 19 month old who's already 27.5 lbs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710104 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:32:10 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2710104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@krispi: My daughter is almost 4 years old, and it's hard enough to do this with a kid who isn't 100% reliant on me, so I totally understand the hesitation but I do think it'd be worth getting a neurosurgeon's opinion on this. My major reason for moving forward is that I've tried chiro, pain management, PT, steroid shots, and nothing has helped. When my neuro said that the herniation has become "huge" (his words), it sealed the deal for me. I'm afraid if I wait any longer I'm going to give myself long term nerve damage, and based on what I've experienced with just compression, that's going to be a miserable life to live. Good luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710097 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:28:09 +0000 krispi 2710097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I'll be following this thread too for updates. I have a pretty badly herniated and extruded L5-S1 that's given me problems off an on for a few years. I found out about it after I ended up in the emergency room in debilitating pain when my daughter was only 4 months old. (Pregnancy really aggravated it before that.) </p> <p>I really didn't want to have back surgery so soon after a c-section and with a baby to pick up and carry around, so I've been managing for over a year through a combination of decompression, chiropractor visits, PT, and other things. I think back surgery is probably in my future at some point, but my chiropractor advised me to postpone it as long as possible. He's a proponent of non-surgical methods though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710071 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:04:57 +0000 MRSJX3 2710071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: I was under general anesthesia and was on the ventilator! I'm curious to hear if you don't have to be intubated. I have no memory of it at all and it seemed to go just fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710064 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:00:41 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2710064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MRSJX3: This is so helpful, thank you! You had to get intubated? I though anesthesia was just an IV. That's good to know, and yeah, I'm definitely worried about overdoing it, I'm terrible at that, especially after being in pain and uncomfortable for so long. I'm going in on Wednesday next week, and plan to stay home until Monday at minimum. Thankfully I have a flexible workplace so I can work from home for as long as I need to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710059 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:58:21 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2710059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetCaroline: My current neurosurgeon is actually my 2nd opinion - the first one said the same thing but he was kind of a jerk about it (basically told me it's up to me to decide and was very nonspecific about telling me what everything involved) so I think it's probably the right move given my history, but all the outside feedback helps. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710056 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:57:17 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2710056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@GoGoSnoGirl: I saw a chiropractor before I ended up in the hospital, actually, so I definitely trust the expertise, but they weren't able to fix anything for the 6 months that I went. I've also done 6 months of PT, which helped initially but then re-aggravated again. All of which makes me think surgery is probably right, but the additional feedback always helps. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710048 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:50:38 +0000 MRSJX3 2710048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: Ha! I don't know how to PM on here so I'll just put it all here.</p> <p>My recovery has actually been super easy. I had my surgery on a Friday in the late afternoon. Saturday, I was up and moving around a lot more than I thought I'd be able to. I actually felt so good that I overdid it. I'd say the first 2-4 days, plan on doing a lot of laying in bed, making yourself relax. You do have to get up and walk around but it's also important to rest. I was off of pain meds by day 5 but really probably could have been off of them on day 3. </p> <p>With the microdiscectomy, they gave me some internal stitches and then they glued the incision closed. The incision never really hurt. It felt achy at times but never really hurt too badly at all. The whole area was pretty stiff and sore though. Not miserably so, moreso, just really kind of uncomfortable. That's a lot of why you'll want to plan on spending at least a couple of days in bed (with time to get up and move around). </p> <p>Really, my biggest problem is overdoing it. I feel so good so I do too much and I find that then I feel tired or stiff and sore. If you go into it just really knowing to listen to your body and knowing that you'll have to rest, I think you'll be just fine. </p> <p>I have a two year old and not being able to carry her or pick her up has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. When she's crying and wants her mama to carry her, it's really hard to explain that I can't. We've found a groove where I'll sit down and she'll climb into my lap and then I can snuggle her. </p> <p>Before my surgery, I found a lot of instances of people not doing well after it. I realize now that most of the people that it works for probably don't think to go onto message boards and talk about their positive experience. So far, I've had a really positive experience. The nerve damage and pain I have will hopefully go away after a while. Regardless, it is so much better than dealing with the herniation.</p> <p>I was super scared to get the operation. I didn't want to be intubated and I was convinced I was going to die (I have a flair for the dramatics). I didn't die and I am so much better. They had to wheel me into the OR with me laying on my side with a pillow between my legs because laying on my back hurt too much. That was the last time I felt that pain.</p> <p>I know this is all over the place, I'm trying to write things as I remember them! I do still feel like I'm recovering. Friday will be the two week mark for me. There is just one part of my incision that I have to keep covered. I also get in bed and rest as much as possible. I'm fortunate in the fact that since I can't lift my daughter and niece (who I watch during the week) so my husband is working from home,</p> <p>I'm seriously happy to answer any other questions you have! Sorry again about this being all over the place. I really have had a positive experience. I'm terrified of re-herniation but my surgeon said only 5-10 % re-herniate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710042 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:44:41 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2710042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: The current neuro I'm seeing is my second opinion, actually, the guy who treated me in June was terrible. I'm not really nervous, TBH, but my mom (who I think was likely in the same situation as your grandmother, coupled with not taking care of herself after the surgery) is making this out to be so awful that I wanted to crowdsource a little. I hate not being a full person, especially with an active kid, which only makes the whole thing worse cuz I can't even exercise to get myself stronger. Thank you for the note! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710018 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:17:23 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2710018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My brother has had two herniated discs repaired (in separate surgeries--happened a couple years apart) as an adult. I don't think anyone would say it was "fun," but he was so much better after both of them. He went from basically being able to do nothing, sitting with a heating pad, experiencing only minimal relief from steroid injections, etc., to being his normal self again. Obviously, you'll have restrictions for a while, but for him, it was great. </p> <p>On the other side of the coin, my grandmother-in-law had back surgery and has never been the same since then. Honestly, I think a lot of her issues were that she had had problems for years and years and by the time she finally addressed it, it was really advanced and her nerves in that area were pretty severely damaged (which is what continues to cause her pain). And of course, she was 50 years older at the time of the surgery, too, which obviously complicates things. </p> <p>I've read a ton of medical records involving back surgeries because of what I do, and a lot of how people do seems to depend on their overall health, how complicated the issue is, if they work hard to get back up and around afterwards, etc. It never hurts to get a second opinion if you are unsure, but if the disc is truly herniated and pressing on the nerve, that's a miserable existence. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2710012 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:08:10 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2710012@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MRSJX3: So glad to hear this! (well, not that you had to have the surgery, but that someone knows what this is :)). I'm in the same exact position - my herniation appears to be pretty large and is definitely affecting my nerves and pain in my back and legs, though thankfully it hasn't created too much weakness at this point. I'd love to know about your recovery - I know you're only a week in but just generally how the procedure went, how things looked for the first few days, how you're feeling now, etc. I have a call with pre-op later today to ask all my questions about moving, driving, etc., but would love your first hand experience. Feel free to PM me if that would be easier. Glad to hear you're having a good experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709897 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 22:53:55 +0000 MRSJX3 2709897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: I also should say that I had a really large herniation. It was beyond PT or injections being able to help. I could barely walk/stand. The pain relief was literally instant. When I woke up, I couldn't believe it. </p> <p>I do have nerve damage that is pretty bad. Still, it's nothing compared to the pain that I was in before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709895 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 22:50:14 +0000 MRSJX3 2709895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: I literally just had a microdiscectomy last week for my L4-L5! I have had a very positive experience so far and am happy to answer any questions you have. Mine was out patient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709859 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 20:28:42 +0000 GoGoSnoGirl 2709859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have experience with surgery or to the level of herniated disc, but I can say that I'd also get a second opinion. If there's any way you'd trust a chiropractor, I'd also consider at least some adjunct care with one. I have a bulging disc &amp; went from debilitating pain to 98% pain free after just 2 adjustments. He took x-rays &amp; was very gentle with the 1st adjustment, after which I felt 75% better. I know it's not the same as your condition, but back surgery scares me after hearing several stories of outcomes worse than the original injury. :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709714 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:18:34 +0000 Miss Ariel 2709714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: it was the month before dd was conceived and she was born December '14. I think just that says something! Ha! But yes, it made a huge difference for him. Before the surgery he was basically laying on a heating pad every night and since it's basically normal. His disc was so deteriated they think at some point they'll need to put an artificial disc in but for now they just shaved it down so it would no longer run, at least that's my understanding of the situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709527 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:42:29 +0000 walshbee15 2709527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not sure if this is the same, I think it was a more involved surgery than you are considering but my husband had a MAS PLIF spinal fusion. In simple terms, he now has an implant in his spine to stop the nerves from being crushed. The recovery was a little scary the first monthish and he definitely still has some back issues over a year later but, it has definitely improved his quality of life in regards to back pain and mobility.</p> <p>Let me know if you have any questions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709464 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:51:27 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2709464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Miss Ariel: How long ago was it? Did it make a difference for him, pain wise, recovery wise, etc? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709463 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:48:06 +0000 Miss Ariel 2709463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Dh had a similar surgery. It was on a Friday and because he's stubborn was back at work Monday. Granted I had to drive him into work Monday and Tuesday but he managed. He also teaches so he's on his feet a good portion of the day, although I think he tried to write on the board while sitting? It's college kids so they were at least a little more understanding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709451 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:38:00 +0000 SweetCaroline 2709451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Chronic pain is awful. Have you gotten a second opinion? My mom received a very similar diagnosis (more involved surgery), but after getting input from other doctors did not move forward with the surgery. She is so thankful she didn't as she had also heard several horror stories re back surgery.</p> <p>I don't know your situation at all, but best of luck to you in making a decision. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/experience-with-back-surgery-adult#post-2709374 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 09:48:50 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2709374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been dealing with a back problem for about a year - landed in the hospital in June with horrendous pain, which was diagnosed as inflammation due to a bulged disc, but not considered surgical. With PT and meds, I've been fine since summer, and then in January the pain spiked, and my neurosurgeon told me on Friday that I need to have surgery ASAP because the disc is now fully herniated and is pressing on my nerves across my lower back (L4-L5). </p> <p>Wondering if anyone has any experience with this - what your recovery was like, etc. The doc told me it's a fairly small procedure (possibly even an outpatient procedure), and that I should be on my feet in about a week (with lifting and bending restrictions for a few months). My mom had the same surgery 10 years ago and had a terrible experience so she's convinced the doc is giving me too rosy a picture. Would love any feedback folks may have. Tips for keeping an almost-4-year old from climbing all over me would also be welcome. That part has already been the hardest as it is. </p>