I am scheduled to have a microdiscectomy on july 3 for my herniated l5-s1 disk. I have read of all of the possible complications and whatnot, but have some questions about recovery.

Is the surgery itself painful after you wake up?

The doc said a week off of work would be fine, and then only light duty for the next three weeks. And full activity can continue in as little as 4 weeks. Does this sound correct? Seems quick to me. By full activity I mean that I am a bmx rider, and ride hard, how long till I can continue to do this? I am not prepared to stop all together, not getting on my bike for the past six weeks has given me a little depression.

What would be a good workout regimine to start during/after the healing process in order to strenghten my back so this hopefully doesn't happen again? I am only 22 years old. My back is pretty strong considering how active of a life I lead, other than the past 6 weeks of course.

Lastly, who on here has had one? How was your experience from start to finish?

Thanks for all the help and support

peace