Microdiscectomy

Both husband and son have had this done successfully. Sciatic pain was very bad beforehand and wasn't helped by physio. They were sent home with strong painkillers for the start of recovery and returned to work quickly.

My DS had it done earlier this year. It went well for him and the recovery was fast. Obviously not the same for everyone but post op pain was minimal.

I had one on 24th May this year. The leg pain went straight away which meant that I could walk again - but I am still in still in pain because I have a hip problem too.

Because I have osteoporosis and my spine is degenerating, then my back is not perfect - I still get pain when I sit for too long. And putting on my shoes is a problem, both because of back pain and hip problems; but the acute pain down the leg that was preventing me walking at all has gone after the surgery so that is a blessing.

I was surprised afterwards when the surgeon told me that they have to remove a small piece of bone to get at the disc they are shaving. I had not realised that beforehand.

The pain down my leg was completely disabling so opting for the surgery was not a huge decision - I could not have continued as I was. And it was not easy, living on my own, to dress etc. afterwards. My family came to help me. You will not be allowed to bend or lift for a few weeks, so I would definitely advise getting in a grabber ready for being back home. I have 3! - one downstairs, one in the bedroom and one in the downstairs loo - this last one because I stood up from the loo and trousers and pants descended to the floor! - now what to do!!??

Ah thank you everyone. It’s nice to hear that people have been good after recovery. I’ll definitely get a grabber.
Tried doing some basic stretches today and now pain in leg throbbing. Cooking dinner doesn’t help. The thought of being out of action after isn’t appealing though.
I usually look after my 11 month old granddaughter on a Thursdays but totally out of the question now. In fact I felt my back pop while lifting her at the beginning of all this. So 3 weeks after op? Will I be up and about but no lifting?

I was up and about the same day - although there was a bit of a complication because of my hip replacement problem. If it had been only the back surgery it would have been plain sailing. The wound is small and heals quickly - I was not aware of any pain from that or indeed from the surgery - the hip pain was so awful that I barely noticed it. But I do have more generalised pain in my back since the surgery, which the consultant says is due to general degeneration of my spine.

They say that you should not bend or twist; and not lift more than 5 pounds for 6 weeks after surgery. To be honest I still do not bend and lift, and only bend when I have to - e.g. putting shoes on. I think young people without the concomitant problems of old age do recover and lift OK very quickly. I am content just to be able to walk - but I do not think I will be trying to lift anything substantial for good. I simply could not face having that dreadful pain again.

I had mine done privately as the NHS waiting list was simply laughable.

Lots of good luck.