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.