Hi—can anyone tell me about their Microdiscectomy? Did anyone have a first one and second one? Also has anyone had to have a fusion after on lower back as well as neck? Anything and everything anyone can tell me would be appreciated. I would love to hear about the whole process and healing as well as any obstacles and suggestions.
I had no complications, and the only thing I'd say is to follow the doctor's orders to a T. When they say no bending, twisting, or sitting, listen. They said recovery would be 6-8 weeks, so I followed the orders for the full eight weeks. Don't empty the dishwasher, don't sit upright -- nothing. The only thing I absolutely had to do was drive, because I still had three young kids who had to be transported to and from places.
The only issue I had post-surgery was a lot of muscle spasms which I think were caused by me being in weird positions and kind of tense that I'd mess things up. I had some muscle relaxers prescribed, and eventually it went away. I also had some numbness in one leg, but that, too, resolved itself within a few months.
I kick myself for not having gone to a doctor sooner, because the surgery was a lifesaver. I had no fusion, as there was still some disc left.
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_microdiscectomy-surgery-for-herniated-disc.asp
I hope you get some answers and will be following to see what I can learn about this procedure. Wish you great good luck and hope you'll update us all, because you will be expert in this once having gone through it. Good luck!