Son’s in Back Surgery as I Type

[Coach13]

24yo son is in back surgery as I type this. He is having a 2 level discectomy. I’m assuming he won’t be skiing this year or at least not until very late season.

Any experience out there with the rehab of a similar issue?

 

[Jim McDonald]

Can't help, but best wishes for his quick & complete recovery.

 

[cantunamunch]

Best from me as well.

 

[Ron]

depends on the surgery, is this a microdiscectomy or an open procedure? "most" folks who have micro's have an excellent recovery/success rate. I had an extruded disc annulus repair and a laminectomy and went home the same day and was in far less pain than prior to surgery. I had the surgery in August (~20 years ago) and skied that december.

Hopefully, its a fast and full recovery.

 

[Coach13]

depends on the surgery, is this a microdiscectomy or an open procedure? "most" folks who have micro's have an excellent recovery/success rate. I had an extruded disc annulus repair and a laminectomy and went home the same day and was in far less pain than prior to surgery. I had the surgery in August (~20 years ago) and skied that december.
Hopefully, its a fast and full recovery.

Basically 2 microdiscectomies, 1 each on 2 different herniated discs. One 3” incision in the center of lower back. Procedure took about 90 minutes. He has some pretty significant localized muscle/lower back pain after surgery. Surgeon said other than walking, zero activity for 3 weeks then not much more for about 4-6 months.

BTW, thanks all for the well wishes. He should be fine but it’s going to take some time.

 

[Chef23]

I had a micro in October a few years back and skied in January. Took it very easy but was able to get on the snow. Hope things went well good luck to your son.

 

[Nancy Hummel]

Hope he heals quickly!

 

[Coach13]

Hope he heals quickly!

Thanks! He’s still pretty sore but a little better each day. He will start PT at 3 weeks post op and should be in pretty good shape at 6-8 weeks. He needs to get healed up so he can get back to being active and before he starts med school this upcoming year.

 

[Muleski]

Best of luck with his recovery and PT...and congrats to him on med school! Patient to doc!

 

[Pat AKA mustski]

Pretty much this ^^^ - here's to a very quick, and very complete, recovery!

 

[Coach13]

As an update, my son missed the entire ski season but was cleared a few weeks ago for full activity. He’s been working, playing golf and running as he did before the surgery. Timing is everything. He heads off to med school mid July so he’s healthy just in time.

 

[Jim McDonald]

Glad to hear it

 

[Tricia]

As an update, my son missed the entire ski season but was cleared a few weeks ago for full activity. He’s been working, playing golf and running as he did before the surgery. Timing is everything. He heads off to med school mid July so he’s healthy just in time.

Thanks for the update.
Sending good vibes!!

 

[Big J]

Best wishes and an excellent rehab.

 

[Pat AKA mustski]

The timing is perfect and congrats on the med school acceptance!

 

[LiquidFeet]

So glad to hear the good news.

 

[Coach13]

Thanks everyone!

 

[James]

Glad to hear he's ok. Good luck with the med school!
Was there a single event that caused the back injury?

 

[Coach13]

Glad to hear he's ok. Good luck with the med school!
Was there a single event that caused the back injury?

Thanks! Yes he had a pretty traumatic fall playing college basketball. There were multiple injuries but the back thing lingered and then got worse.

 

[crgildart]

IIRC he was a top level baller. Wishing you and him the best. Good that he's probably still in great physical condition otherwise. Make sure he doesn't over do it while rehabbing and listens to the docs.