Activity After Surgery

[chowanteacher]

Hi, I am a 48 year old teacher, married, live in the boondox and always or usually out of shape. If I don't do things like riding my bike or weight lifting or push ups it's hard to run without losing my breath in 100 ft or to 10 push ups....

This year was bad. I had Sciatic nerve pain that became debilitating. when I finally got to see my dr. he ordered an MRI and it showed a herniated disc crushing my nerve. 7.5 weeks ago I had a microdiscectomy. Nerve pain gone and numbness is now minimal. I was told to do no exercises in the first 6 weeks except walking. So I started slow. I did 5 minutes of activity for a couple weeks then upped it to 10 then to 15. Today I raised  it to 20min. My problem is I tend to sit in front of this thing alot. I just started going back to work since all I have to do is stand, walk around and talk. No lifting , bending, twisting, etc....  

How many others have had surgery and been impatient about exercising in some way? My advice is do what the doctor says, do what your Physical Therapist says, find a hobby to fill in that time and don't  hurt yourself more. Pain is NOT gain, unless you want to gain another operation or a permanent problem. 

[lavabelle]

I wish you a full and quick recovery!

I had surgery in February 2018 and pain killers pretty much flatten me out, but once I stopped the pain meds, it took me a long time to feel normal. Being older (43), my body took forever to get back to normal...it was really hard, but I am glad I gave my body the time it needed to recover...I'm back to full load now and I feel so much stronger than I have felt in years! I also say...please please please give your body all the time it needs to heal, you'll feel stronger if you do 🙂 It makes me miss my 25 year old body, but I definitely needed more time than I would have needed at 25 to heal. I'm a huge believer in listening to your body...if it says STOP! then stop, it takes time to build fitness again once you have stopped for a while...Stay healthy!

Wishing you the best! 🙂

[WendyB]

I had surgery a few months ago.

I found some sit down boxing the DR approved me to do. I walk but not far and I'm also allowed to do my Stationary bike.

Just listen to your DR. It takes time and I cant wait until I can get back to my normal routine

[chowanteacher]

43!? You are a young'n. Lol. Walked 30 min today. Other than the pt
assessment nothing should bother my back. But the muscles get tight and so
I lay down. Only take a Napraxon once or twice a day for pain. Otherwise my
supplements and vitamins are fine. Boswellia is great for healing and
inflammation.

[lavabelle]

I had to take naproxen for weeks!!! my poor stomach...:( Glad I'm on the other side of that ordeal...compared to 25...43 is ancient... 🙂 I feel like I blinked and went from 25-43...

[chowanteacher]

Licorice root helps my stomach. Just wait till you are 48!!! Lol.😂

[Gid53]

Hi all

im 53 and currently recovering from spinal surgery (revision of previous surgery) and yes it takes time and yes you will lose fitness, most of all be sensible: light exercises and focus on core muscle stability and breathing.

Just to put my experience and advice into context I have had multiple surgeries over the last 35 years and since 2001 have had fusion and implants from L3 to S1 inclusive and at C5/6. I have two total knee replacements and bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

my normal exercise routine is 45 minutes three times per week on a statice bike, 40 minute walk 4tines per week and 60 press ups per day with some additional core muscle exercises.

from experience I know that it will be a full 6 months before I will be able to get back to my normal regime and that’s ok!