[Victoria]

I had the same surgery almost 3 years ago now. Except I had mine after suffering for 12 years with pain and numbness down my left leg. But, I had a similar experience, the chronic pain was suddenly gone. It was an incredible relief. I, too, was up and walking within hours of my surgery. I went in at 12:00 pm, and was back in my hospital room by 4:00pm, up and walking, albeit very gingerly, to the bathroom, hallway, etc.

It was my first surgery and it was a completely positive experience for me. The first few weeks were a bit sore, especially at the incision site. But, I was amazed at how quickly, overall, I recovered. Truly amazing. I still have numbness which I think is permanent after all these years, no ankle reflex, and some loss of strength in my left calf, but the pain is completely gone, and my general mobility and overall attitude and emotional state has improved greatly since (years of chronic pain really messed with my head).

I have my limitations with certain exercises and heavier weights, but I make appropriate substitutions that, for my purposes, which are primarily general health and fitness, are more than enough. And, I remain very mindful of my limitations and try to focus on what I CAN do rather than what I cannot.

My best advice, work with a qualified, skilled physical therapist who can assess your situation and abilities and make recommendations on exercises to build up your core and make sure your form is spot on before anything else. That’s where I started. And, now I’m able to do full resistance workouts, BW circuits, HIIT, even ride my bike again comfortably. I’ve never been fitter…or happier and I feel 99% functional again. Not a bad percentage.

Good luck!