I am going for mine on Jan 18 this year. (L4 L5 )Thanks for the honesty of your recovery. You give me hope. I too was at a dead end on options . I just want to be able to go on long walks and do things with my wife. We are active hikers and I can't even go shopping. Good tip on pain meds. I have become highly dependent on the Oxycodone. Good luck .
Robert, I am glad it helped. Try your best to work with your doc and see if you can reduce your pain medication intake. I was hopeless for over a year, but you will start feeling better 1-3 months after your surgery. Just take it day by day. I am excited for you, keep pushing and let me know how it goes!-d
I just had my surgery. Man why did I wait so long. I got in a day early at Laser Spine Institute in Scottsdale. The night after my Surgery I walked .25 miles and man I wanted to do more but still felt a deal of pain. Surgeon said he did make a lot of trimming, freeing up the nerves, and cut some bone spurs. Your videos was a the decision maker for me to get it done. Good Luck Man. I hope to be back at the gym in . . 6 months?
Great news. I know it feels like you have a new lease on life when you get some relief from the constant pain. Please give me updates and let everyone know how you are doing!
how u doing know hopefully ok. can anybody told me if u had back pain problems also am having pain on my lower back sharp pian when I move on certain positions. not all day but still hurts and makes me worried this is before surgery
hi Alejandro- this pain may be your body letting you know you need to start paying more attention to taking care of it. Consult your primary care doctor. Look into changing up your diet to cut out inflammatory items. See what your pcp says about adding some low impact exercise and walking to your daily routine. Try things before you jump into surgery.let us know how It geos
+Back Health 101 yea definitely I'm going for the surgery is been 7 months but my question was if u remember to have lower back pain also. I been having sharp pain for las 3 months it's just only on certain movements and makes worry thanks for responding I'm saw ur last video take care
Thanks derek for the update. I know my job is too look after my back happy your doing so much better iam 6 months post op yahoo, better than pre surgery, that pain is torture I would, d rather be dead than walk around in agony when I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes. Slowly for me but I guess it healing still. No narcotics, jusr neurotin, accupture, and water therapy. Derek you look well look forward to the next update.thanks jenx
Thank You!!!!! For being brave enough to even get in a camera.....hence I'm camera shy.... I'm looking into getting. Back surgery and all of you videos are helpful as for what I'm looking at when I do get my surgery so again thanks but also email me if you have any other tips *****
Tina Suchil push off surgery as long as you can. Glad the videos helped. I wouldnt call it brave I just wanted to see if i could help some people. Try everything else first for 8-12 months. (Massage,Acupuncture, PT, Weight Control, diet, water, nerve blockers, yoga, stress reduction etc). Keep pushing and good luck. ill try and help if you have any questions. GL!
I've maxed out every method possible for about a yr now.....I know It's time....if this Google would let me I'd post a pic of what my MRI looks like. The last three Yes 3 disc are black... first into has a tare n the last 2 bulged... hitting and hurting my scatic nerve.....
hey derek... I too is looking into getting the back surgery .. I've been in so much pain and i have 2 little kids and work and its hard to have to clean after my kids and work.. I'm a manager at a retail place.. and i have to walk up and down too much walking.. anyway... its very depressing .. my leg pain is horrible.. i cry everyday ..I've had this pain for about a year and half and i cant bare it any more... and so i was looking online and came across to your your tube video.. it helped me.. and started googling and you tubing other as well just to help me understand whats going to happened and hows it gonna feel.. yes everyone is different ... but I'm hoping a speedy recovery i mean at least for my kids and work and family.. but i want to thank you for doing these little videos updates..it helped me a lot.. i wanna know how long have you had this pain before surgery.?. and were you working will with pain.?. and when did you started thinking enough is enough? thanks again and hope to hear from you soon.
How are you doing derek 1 year update I hope.wlw Florida sounds beautiful nice and warm. I doing a whole lot better, aqua therapy everyday, accupunture 3 times a week, my pain seems more muscular now, I remember that pain for 7 months I am a zillion times better thank your lord, so i just popped my head in and hope for your continued recovery, I am down to 1 neurotin at night thanks derek again you helped me get through this x
jennifer Demir That sounds great. Happy your recovery is coming along well. Keep at it and always be thankful for a pain-free day. Any tips that you know let me know im sure other ppl would like to know. Florida is great. Keep going.
Thanks a lot Derek for sharing all this. I am getting ready for my L5/S1 surgery next week. my case is pretty different. I have been in pain for some periods of time in last one year. but it has never been in a way to interfere with my routine life. However MRI shows very serious condition as the extruded disk has almost blocked a whole nerve root. but amazingly, I don't have much pain or that numbness in my leg. I do have some weakness, tingling and slight numbness in my left foot. I had some physiotherapy some months ago and then was advised by 4 neurosurgeons to go for surgery. I have been damn afraid of it and am still afraid of that. not afraid of pain, but of the consequences. that I am just fine now, some pain now and then, some discomfort, but i'm Ok! what it is worse post surgery ... anyway. thanks for all videos. they do help :)
Thanks derek, yes its slow even tiger woods I have heard is still struggling with all his money, he had the same op as you i had a fusion eek keep posting I think you will be even more better in one year out thankyou jen
Thanks for the insight. I decided to go through with a laminectomy back in June. The pain I had in my leg is no longer there. I couldn't imagine being without that pain since I had been dealing with it for like a year with it getting progressively worse. As you mentioned, I would (and every doctor I spoke with) advise trying all other methods of relief first. They made me try physical therapy, traction included, spinal injections, and then placed me on pain meds until I could no longer cope. I could barely walk the day of surgery for example. 2 months later I have some tightening in my lower back. I stretch when I feel pain coming on from standing or sitting too long. I expect it to get better with time though. I am not taking anything for the pain I do have. And at night I use icy hot to help me get to sleep.
Zach MC that is great. I'm very happy for you, and your experience helps add more information for other people with back pain. Let me know how your recovery is going, and if you come up with any extra tips!
I'm 15 and I have the same issue. I don't know if i should go through with this. I have leg weakness and Sciatica, it hurts a lot. It's been 3 months now.
Had my opp 12 months ago had two ruptured discs and was reduced to a wheelchair two and a half weeks before surgery 12 on and my left leg still gives me a bit of pain now and again lower back still a bit sore and my left shin is still numb I haven't needed to take meds as the pain isn't bad enough to take any I put on quite a bit of weight and lost a lot of leg muscle being in the wheelchair it is a slow process and it can get you down I seem to struggle towards the end of the day.....
lee churchman keep pushing . I will post another video soon.. I ran only 1/2 a mile yesterday and i was feeling bad pain today. We can continuously find ways to get out of the pain. it is very difficult to reduce weight while you are in pain, or are limited to physical activity. Water, diet, stretching, walking, try them all. be very strict with yourself and realize you can only help yourself. keep pushing
Thanks I will have a surgury nex moth l4l5 herniated disc and I m very scary bicause I like to work out so so what's going to happen after the surgery .
IamWayside Tell you one thing. I am 33 year old use to be active male climber hiking ect. last 3 years my sciatic had been the worst. last year I could only work for Uber and Lyft. It's now been 2 days and you can see my video of the night of my surgery. I was walking old town in Scottsdale. for me . I say yes. L-4. L-5 was my main problem. and they cleaned up a lot more then that. prevention issues for future.
Thank you Derek for your valuable updates. I have a similar problem and am due to have my laminectomy anytime soon in Nigeria. I want to ask you pls that after two years post-op, did you get your life back? like in bending, twisting, lifting and sex. pls updates. thanks my brother.
no problem . It took me about 2 1/2 months to really start feeling better, and no longer need any medication. Remember they are cutting into your body, so the body needs time to heal. Take it slow and let me know how you are doing!
Hi Nasrat- I still have some nerve feelings in my feet depending on what I do at the gym, or how much I sit. I am not sure if that is normal, but in my experience and speaking to other individuals that have suffered from back pain and have had surgery, it is prevalent. follow up with your surgeon/pcp and keep trying different methods of recover. Sorry for the late response~!
I am going for mine on Jan 18 this year. (L4 L5 )Thanks for the honesty of your recovery. You give me hope. I too was at a dead end on options . I just want to be able to go on long walks and do things with my wife. We are active hikers and I can't even go shopping. Good tip on pain meds. I have become highly dependent on the Oxycodone. Good luck .
Robert, I am glad it helped. Try your best to work with your doc and see if you can reduce your pain medication intake. I was hopeless for over a year, but you will start feeling better 1-3 months after your surgery. Just take it day by day. I am excited for you, keep pushing and let me know how it goes!-d
Your videos are Awesome man! Thank you you are helpful & inspiring..Hope you keep getting better & stronger Every day. Cheers Tony
I just had my surgery. Man why did I wait so long. I got in a day early at Laser Spine Institute in Scottsdale. The night after my Surgery I walked .25 miles and man I wanted to do more but still felt a deal of pain. Surgeon said he did make a lot of trimming, freeing up the nerves, and cut some bone spurs. Your videos was a the decision maker for me to get it done. Good Luck Man. I hope to be back at the gym in . . 6 months?
Great news. I know it feels like you have a new lease on life when you get some relief from the constant pain. Please give me updates and let everyone know how you are doing!
.25 miles lol. Not 25
how u doing know hopefully ok. can anybody told me if u had back pain problems also am having pain on my lower back sharp pian when I move on certain positions. not all day but still hurts and makes me worried this is before surgery
hi Alejandro- this pain may be your body letting you know you need to start paying more attention to taking care of it. Consult your primary care doctor. Look into changing up your diet to cut out inflammatory items. See what your pcp says about adding some low impact exercise and walking to your daily routine. Try things before you jump into surgery.let us know how It geos
+Back Health 101 yea definitely I'm going for the surgery is been 7 months but my question was if u remember to have lower back pain also. I been having sharp pain for las 3 months it's just only on certain movements and makes worry thanks for responding I'm saw ur last video take care
Thanks derek for the update. I know my job is too look after my back happy your doing so much better iam 6 months post op yahoo, better than pre surgery, that pain is torture I would, d rather be dead than walk around in agony when I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes. Slowly for me but I guess it healing still. No narcotics, jusr neurotin, accupture, and water therapy. Derek you look well look forward to the next update.thanks jenx
I agree. It the pain is truly life changing. I'm glad you are healing. Take it slow.
Thank You!!!!! For being brave enough to even get in a camera.....hence I'm camera shy.... I'm looking into getting. Back surgery and all of you videos are helpful as for what I'm looking at when I do get my surgery so again thanks but also email me if you have any other tips *****
Tina Suchil push off surgery as long as you can. Glad the videos helped. I wouldnt call it brave I just wanted to see if i could help some people. Try everything else first for 8-12 months. (Massage,Acupuncture, PT, Weight Control, diet, water, nerve blockers, yoga, stress reduction etc). Keep pushing and good luck. ill try and help if you have any questions. GL!
I've maxed out every method possible for about a yr now.....I know It's time....if this Google would let me I'd post a pic of what my MRI looks like. The last three Yes 3 disc are black... first into has a tare n the last 2 bulged... hitting and hurting my scatic nerve.....
hey derek... I too is looking into getting the back surgery .. I've been in so much pain and i have 2 little kids and work and its hard to have to clean after my kids and work.. I'm a manager at a retail place.. and i have to walk up and down too much walking.. anyway... its very depressing .. my leg pain is horrible.. i cry everyday ..I've had this pain for about a year and half and i cant bare it any more... and so i was looking online and came across to your your tube video.. it helped me.. and started googling and you tubing other as well just to help me understand whats going to happened and hows it gonna feel.. yes everyone is different ... but I'm hoping a speedy recovery i mean at least for my kids and work and family.. but i want to thank you for doing these little videos updates..it helped me a lot.. i wanna know how long have you had this pain before surgery.?. and were you working will with pain.?. and when did you started thinking enough is enough? thanks again and hope to hear from you soon.
How are you doing derek 1 year update I hope.wlw Florida sounds beautiful nice and warm. I doing a whole lot better, aqua therapy everyday, accupunture 3 times a week, my pain seems more muscular now, I remember that pain for 7 months I am a zillion times better thank your lord, so i just popped my head in and hope for your continued recovery, I am down to 1 neurotin at night thanks derek again you helped me get through this x
jennifer Demir That sounds great. Happy your recovery is coming along well. Keep at it and always be thankful for a pain-free day. Any tips that you know let me know im sure other ppl would like to know. Florida is great. Keep going.
Thanks a lot Derek for sharing all this. I am getting ready for my L5/S1 surgery next week. my case is pretty different. I have been in pain for some periods of time in last one year. but it has never been in a way to interfere with my routine life. However MRI shows very serious condition as the extruded disk has almost blocked a whole nerve root. but amazingly, I don't have much pain or that numbness in my leg. I do have some weakness, tingling and slight numbness in my left foot. I had some physiotherapy some months ago and then was advised by 4 neurosurgeons to go for surgery. I have been damn afraid of it and am still afraid of that. not afraid of pain, but of the consequences. that I am just fine now, some pain now and then, some discomfort, but i'm Ok! what it is worse post surgery ... anyway. thanks for all videos. they do help :)
Thanks derek, yes its slow even tiger woods I have heard is still struggling with all his money, he had the same op as you i had a fusion eek keep posting I think you will be even more better in one year out thankyou jen
Thanks for the insight. I decided to go through with a laminectomy back in June. The pain I had in my leg is no longer there. I couldn't imagine being without that pain since I had been dealing with it for like a year with it getting progressively worse. As you mentioned, I would (and every doctor I spoke with) advise trying all other methods of relief first. They made me try physical therapy, traction included, spinal injections, and then placed me on pain meds until I could no longer cope. I could barely walk the day of surgery for example. 2 months later I have some tightening in my lower back. I stretch when I feel pain coming on from standing or sitting too long. I expect it to get better with time though. I am not taking anything for the pain I do have. And at night I use icy hot to help me get to sleep.
Zach MC that is great. I'm very happy for you, and your experience helps add more information for other people with back pain. Let me know how your recovery is going, and if you come up with any extra tips!
I'm 15 and I have the same issue. I don't know if i should go through with this. I have leg weakness and Sciatica, it hurts a lot. It's been 3 months now.
Hey man thanks for posting the video, did you go to a chiropractor at all?
about to have this done tomorrow :) hope I recover well , thanks for sharing your journey with your surgery
did you loose weight after the surgery?
Had my opp 12 months ago had two ruptured discs and was reduced to a wheelchair two and a half weeks before surgery 12 on and my left leg still gives me a bit of pain now and again lower back still a bit sore and my left shin is still numb I haven't needed to take meds as the pain isn't bad enough to take any I put on quite a bit of weight and lost a lot of leg muscle being in the wheelchair it is a slow process and it can get you down I seem to struggle towards the end of the day.....
lee churchman keep pushing . I will post another video soon.. I ran only 1/2 a mile yesterday and i was feeling bad pain today. We can continuously find ways to get out of the pain. it is very difficult to reduce weight while you are in pain, or are limited to physical activity. Water, diet, stretching, walking, try them all. be very strict with yourself and realize you can only help yourself. keep pushing
Thanks I will have a surgury nex moth l4l5 herniated disc and I m very scary bicause I like to work out so so what's going to happen after the surgery .
Do you think i should go through with surgery?
IamWayside Tell you one thing. I am 33 year old use to be active male climber hiking ect. last 3 years my sciatic had been the worst. last year I could only work for Uber and Lyft. It's now been 2 days and you can see my video of the night of my surgery. I was walking old town in Scottsdale. for me . I say yes. L-4. L-5 was my main problem. and they cleaned up a lot more then that. prevention issues for future.
I am in day 5 posy l5 s1, what's the best way to sleep, I am a stomach sleeper, !
Hey. Sleep was tough. Pillow between the legs. Rotate if you have to. I was a stomach sleeper too. Try different types of pillows. Try elevated legs.
Thank you Derek for your valuable updates. I have a similar problem and am due to have my laminectomy anytime soon in Nigeria. I want to ask you pls that after two years post-op, did you get your life back? like in bending, twisting, lifting and sex. pls updates. thanks my brother.
no problem . It took me about 2 1/2 months to really start feeling better, and no longer need any medication. Remember they are cutting into your body, so the body needs time to heal. Take it slow and let me know how you are doing!
hey its been 8 minths since my surgery i am doing good except there is some bothering sensation/needling in my left foot isthat normal?
Hi Nasrat- I still have some nerve feelings in my feet depending on what I do at the gym, or how much I sit. I am not sure if that is normal, but in my experience and speaking to other individuals that have suffered from back pain and have had surgery, it is prevalent. follow up with your surgeon/pcp and keep trying different methods of recover. Sorry for the late response~!