[Micodiscectomy, Laminectomy & Laser Decompression] Recovering from L4-5 medial facetectomy

[m22phelan]

Hi - I just had L4-5 medial facetectomy and L5-S1 foraminotomy (which formerly had a micro-discectomy 2 years ago). I feel much better than before surgery but when i bend forward I still have some nerve pain in the left outside calf. Anyone have any advice on how to best relieve this pain? My surgeon still thinks its the nerve recovering (has been about 6 weeks since surgery).

Curious if anyone else has gone through the same thing - Thanks.

[Justin]

Hi m22phelan,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society! It's great to hear that you are feeling much better after your surgery. Your surgeon is right--you are only 6 weeks out from surgery and it's going to take some time for things to calm down. Gentle hamstring stretches can help as can massage.

During my most recent surgery in May 2009, my nerve roots were manipulated quite a bit (they had to be due to the nature of the surgery) and it took a good 3-4 months for the nerve pain / tightness to subside. Everything is a-OK now...your still very early in your recovery. The coming months will prove to be better.

Once again, welcome and I wish you the very best.