[Mr T]

Hi guys had lumbar discectomy for a herniated disc 10 days ago anyone else had a similar surgery and if so how long did you take off work. First time off work in 18 years and it's hateful being off. Cheers

[Spruce]

Hi guys had lumbar discectomy for a herniated disc 10 days ago anyone else had a similar surgery and if so how long did you take off work. First time off work in 18 years and it's hateful being off. Cheers

What did they tell you?

Depending on the seriousness of the condition and what they had to do, I'm told that it will be at least 8 to 10 weeks before you can get back to doing a manual job if the op was successful. They recommend getting going and walking about and exercising almost straight after the op.

One of my ex customers had that op about a year ago and still hasn't recovered to his expectations. He is back at work but he is trying to strength his back muscles at the moment with exercises. But he is unable to do what he used to do.  His was an emergency op as he had the more serious condition of loss of bladder and bowel control.

Another had that op about 4 years ago and still has a numb right leg and little control over his foot. He sometimes just collapses to the ground as his leg gives way. He now drives an automatic with left foot braking. Apart from a reduction in pain, he feels the op didn't really work for him.

No matter what the outcome, you will be better off than having that herniated disc cut your spinal cord and leave you paralyzed.

According to the NHS back clinic, surgical intervention is a last resort in most cases of back issues. Nowadays, the new thought is the follow the Australian's lead and help you manage your back issues. Even some slipped of herniated disc suffers are not given a surgical option.

Anything less serious than your situation is to help the patient to manage their own condition. In other words, a fob off.

[Mr T]

I slipped end of December doing kettlebells reverse lunges been training for years never had an injury like this. Tried Physio, sports massage, chiropractor then went private for the surgery ten days ago. I had no back pain just hip/butt leg pain. Surgeon said it was a success and should recover 100% still young and fit 34. Still got hip,butt pain.  He said it'll take few weeks for the nerve to settle down. I asked him how long to take off he said I could back in 4 weeks seems a bit soon have Physio tomorrow

[Dave Willis]

Dazmond had a Labotomy and came straight back to work.

[Smurf]

Hi guys had lumbar discectomy for a herniated disc 10 days ago anyone else had a similar surgery and if so how long did you take off work. First time off work in 18 years and it's hateful being off. Cheers

Sorry to here that Mr T.  Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[steve rix]

Dazmond had a Labotomy and came straight back to work.

Before he started work

[Spruce]

I slipped end of December doing kettlebells reverse lunges been training for years never had an injury like this. Tried Physio, sports massage, chiropractor then went private for the surgery ten days ago. I had no back pain just hip/butt leg pain. Surgeon said it was a success and should recover 100% still young and fit 34. Still got hip,butt pain.  He said it'll take few weeks for the nerve to settle down. I asked him how long to take off he said I could back in 4 weeks seems a bit soon have Physio tomorrow

I concur with Smurf and also wish you well and hope you have a speedy recovery.

Yep, they get you working straight away.

[Pete Thompson]

I had L5 lumber discectomy about 4 years ago.

Doctor said don't drive or work for at least 6 weeks, but realistically I was good to go at 4 weeks.

I hesitate to use the word "cure", but to all intents and purposes this is what it was.  I am very careful about lifting stuff now as I know how easily your back can be damaged.

A slight annoyance was that I had to declare it on my life and critical illness policy that I took out a couple of years later, and initially they added an exclusion relating to ANY spine injury!

I moaned, complained and threatened, and they withdrew it. 

[rich fraser]

I had a microdiscectomy almost 2 years ago. Had 2 months off from driving and 3 months off the tools. Still have slight numbness in left foot and butt cheek. Plus a little discomfort in my lower back. As long as I keep up with core stability training and stretching it's not to bad. Don't expect to be 100% but I personally still manage to do everything I used to do other than running.
Best of luck to you.

[Mr T]

Thanks for replys guys