how long will it be before i get feelings back in my leg after surgery?

Question

i had back surgery january 5 2007 i had mirco distesecomy i still have numbness in my leg will i ever get my feelings back.

Answer 1

It very much depends on what exactly the operation was for. I'm imagining it was for severe chronic pain.

Open discectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious) and typically requires a one-day hospital stay. It is performed while the patient is lying face down or in a kneeling position. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an approximate one-inch incision in the skin over the affected area of the spine. Muscle tissue is removed from the bone above and below the affected disc and retractors hold the muscle and skin away from the surgical site so the surgeon has a clear view of the vertebrae and disc. In some cases bone and ligaments may have to be removed for the surgeon to be able to visualize and then gain access to the bulging disc without damaging the nerve tissue, this is called a laminectomy or laminotomy depending on how much bone is removed.


So therefore- the swelling may be impinging the nerves. This will take weeks to fully subside.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery you may feel pain at the site of the incision, and the original pain may not be completely relieved immediately after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to ease you through the immediate postoperative period. You will be instructed on deep breathing techniques and encouraged to cough in order to free your lungs of any fluid buildup that may occur due to the general anesthesia. It is recommended that, with supervision, you begin walking as soon as you are fully recovered from the anesthesia to aid your recovery.

Before you are discharged from the hospital, a physical therapist may visit with you to help you feel comfortable performing activities such as climbing stairs, sitting, and getting out of a car or bed. Once you are discharged from the hospital, your physician may prescribe a physical therapy regimen suited to your condition.

At home, you may have some minor restrictions such as not sitting for long periods of time, lifting objects more than five pounds, or excessive bending or stretching for the first four weeks after surgery. Also, you should not attempt to drive an automobile until you have been instructed to do so by your physician.

What activities can I do after surgery?

Walking is the first physical activity you can attempt—in fact it is widely encouraged. Walking will allow you to maintain mobility in your the spine as well as decrease the risk of scar tissue forming at the operative site. In a few weeks, you may be allowed to ride a bike or swim. Formal physical therapy may maximize your recovery.

Most people with jobs that are not physically challenging can return to work in two to four weeks or less. Those with jobs that require heavy lifting or operating heavy machinery that can cause intense vibration may need to wait at least six to eight weeks after surgery to return to work. Again, physical therapy may have a role in your recovery.

I would suggest you provide as much stimulus and varied stimulus to your leg to encourage nerve regrowth as well as ensuring high intake of DHA OMeag-3 fatty acids (which are excellent for nerve health)- such as cod liver oil capsules.

Vary the stimulus with pricking (gently with a fork), scratching, heat, cold, massage, pressure, etc.
Stick very strictly to the rehab the Dr puts you on.

Answer 2

Don't know, I had a C-spine fusion. My arm stayed numb for about a month after the surgery. Good luck

Answer 3

My guess is that a health professional would have a better answer for you than the typical Yahoo Answerer

Answer 4

is one of those things you won't know till it happens and that could take a year or longer

Answer 5

Please talk to your surgeon on your return visit. Tell them of your problem. They can go from there.