16 hours post op - L4/5 decompression
Spending a night at the hospital after a laminectomy and open bilateral microdiscectomy to decompress my nerves. I’m 31F and have been dealing with low back pain for the last decade. However, debilitating sciatica (severe glute pain, calf pain, and tingling down to my toes) developed in the last 4.5 months after a seemingly minor thing - getting startled by my dog barking and jumping out of bed and twisting my body awkwardly.
It took many sessions of failed PT and an ER visit before I was able to get an MRI, which revealed a large herniated disc at L4-L5 causing severe spinal stenosis. Sitting brought some relief while walking and standing was painful and triggered my nerve pain and tingling.
I am so happy I decided to opt for the surgery despite so many people telling me to avoid surgery. It was getting to the point where I didn’t think I could go on any longer living with this pain. So if you’re reading this and are debating surgery, I say don’t just rule it out without talking to a surgeon and getting other opinions.
My surgeon came to visit post op and he said that it was one of the largest herniations he’s seen in his career—3 cm!! I woke up from surgery with no nerve pain or tingling it felt like a miracle! I felt like I was on a high, and as the hours go on I’m starting to really feel the pain at the surgical site.
I had to fly interisland to get the procedure done and am flying back home to my island tomorrow after discharge. I’m nervous about the plane ride (and 45 min drive home, but it’s unavoidable.
I’d appreciate any tips on sleeping positions that helped you and how I can give my body the best chance at healing. I understand everyone’s healing journey is different and our bodies are different, but I really value this sub and getting to learn about different experiences.