Back Pain Forum - Anyone Had a Discectomy ?

I have have leg pain in my right leg for quite a while so I had a discectomy on my L4 six days ago. The first two days I was pain free (save for some soreness at the surgical site of course). Then, on the third day the pain and numbness came back. I called the doctor and he said it's probably just swelling of the nerve and to give it a few days. It's been a few days and it hasn't subsided. Has anyone else had this problem? How long does it take for the pain to go away usually? Is there something else it could be?

Replies(6)

haileybabcock

replied on June 3rd, 2007

New User

Discectomy

Hi, My name is Hailey. I just joined this site tonight. I had a discectomy when I was 17 years old (am now 29) L4-L5. I was pain free for about ten years before I had any trouble whatsoever. I remember having numbness and pain down my right leg for months after my surgery and my doctor said it was normal because my nerve was damaged and pinched for soo long. It DID go away 100% after about 2 1/2 months (maybe a little sooner). I think you are fine. Glad to hear that the surgery went well! Good luck

matey56

replied on June 4th, 2007

New User

Thanks

That's very reassuring to hear. Thanks for your input.

messenms

replied on February 1st, 2008

New User

I too had surgery 4 months ago and had numbness in my foot for almost three weeks after the operation. I now am completely pain free and even ran last week. Don't despair just yet.

forest12371

replied on April 22nd, 2008

New User

lower back pain

I am a 36 year old woman and am due for a l5s1 discectomy on thursday, please could you tell me how long i will be in hospital and also the recovery period? many thanks michelle

messenms

replied on April 22nd, 2008

New User

I was in hospital for 2 days (they sent me home becasue I refused a catheater and wanted to use the toilet on day 1!) They do get you up and about immediately but will not send you home until you feel ready and can walk unaided. -good luck it was worth it for me. Chellie

eeyore46

replied on April 22nd, 2008

Experienced User

I had a discetomy surgery L4. I put it off for about a year, until I could not longer stand up straight and had pain in my left leg and hip constantly. I was prescribed one week of steriods before surgery and one week. I was pain free immediately after the surgery and have been pain free since. My scar is only about 3 inches - and it was done as an outpatient surgery.

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