L4 L5 Decompression Discectomy Success Story

I am a 36 year old male who had a L4 L5 decompression discectomy 4 weeks to the day. Background: British Army then Police firearms officer; long history of pushing through back pain. Summer 2015 lifted sofa in kit, then months of sciatica. November 2016 coughing fit left me unable to stand for days; MRI showed large L4 L5 herniation. Surgery only option.

Woke with no sciatic pain, only surgical pain. Walked out Friday on crutches after Wednesday op. Used both crutches ~2.5 weeks then one; now walk without crutches, no pain. Had some facet joint sacrificed and muscles prized for possible fusion consideration so recovery longer than pure microdiscectomy. Off pain meds. Message: be positive, listen to body, do physio stretches, keep moving carefully. Will update after surgeon review.