Hope After the Darkness: A Long-Term Herniated Disc Success Story
Send us a textWhen Susan first felt pain in the back of her leg in 2018, she had no idea a tiny disc herniation would nearly destroy her life. After losing 100 pounds, the 34-year-old healthcare worker expected to feel better, not worse. Instead, she found herself unable to sit, sleep through the night, or live without constant agony from sciatic nerve pain.Susan takes us through her 14-month journey of seeking help while fighting a healthcare system that initially dismissed her as "too young" for surgery. The pain became so unbearable that she contemplated suicide, revealing the profound mental health impact that chronic back pain can inflict. Though cortisone injections provided temporary relief, they became less effective over time, reinforcing her need for a more permanent solution.Following her microdiscectomy, Susan experienced what many surgical patients do - continued pain that made her question whether the procedure had worked. But after eight weeks, something remarkable happened - the pain disappeared. Now five years post-surgery, she remains essentially pain-free and has transformed her life completely. A woman who once avoided the outdoors due to anxiety now kayaks, hikes challenging terrain, and embraces physical activities she never imagined possible.This episode offers something critical for those considering or recovering from disc surgery: proof that long-term success is possible. Susan's powerful testimony reminds us not to let surgical statistics intimidate us - the 80% success rate represents real people who found their way back to living fully. If you're struggling with herniated disc pain or recovery, this conversation will restore your hope that life can indeed return, possibly better than before.Support the showWas this episode helpful to you? If you would like to support my work on the show, you can buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/bedbackandbeyond Have a positive story of recovery to tell? Head over to https://bedbackbeyond.com/share-your-story/ to apply.
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"My Tough Microdiscectomy Recovery: Why I’m So Glad I Had the Surgery | Herniated Disc Journey"
Send us a textSupport the showWas this episode helpful to you? If you would like to support my work on the show, you can buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/bedbackandbeyond Have a positive story of recovery to tell? Head over to https://bedbackbeyond.com/share-your-story/ to apply.
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Beyond the Fourth Surgery: Finding Freedom After Spinal Fusion
Send us a textPhil shares his 30-year journey through four back surgeries, from a herniated disc at age 22 to a successful spinal fusion in his fifties, proving that recovery and returning to an active lifestyle is possible with the right approach.• Developed first herniated disc at L5-S1 at age 22 despite being very fit and active• Underwent laminectomy followed by microdiscectomy at L4-5 four years later• Returned to full athletic activity after surgeries, even running the LA marathon• Successfully advocated for himself through the healthcare system to avoid lengthy delays• Experienced third herniation requiring another microdiscectomy, followed by fusion six months later• Found fusion recovery surprisingly manageable with proper preparation and the right surgeon• Achieved complete pain relief following each surgery, including fusion• Emphasizes importance of physical therapy for optimal recovery• Advises not waiting too long for surgical intervention when clearly needed• Recommends being in good physical condition before surgery for better outcomesIf you have a positive story of recovery from a serious back or neck injury, please visit bedbackbeyond.com and click "share your story" to be featured on the show.Support the showWas this episode helpful to you? If you would like to support my work on the show, you can buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/bedbackandbeyond Have a positive story of recovery to tell? Head over to https://bedbackbeyond.com/share-your-story/ to apply.
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What No One Tells You About Healing After a Microdiscectomy
Send us a textBack surgery recovery involves unexpected challenges that doctors rarely explain beforehand, from extreme boredom to the misconception that you'll immediately wake up pain-free. I share personal insights and practical tips to better prepare mentally and physically for the recovery journey following microdiscectomy.• Prepare for boredom during recovery by planning brain-stimulating activities beyond passive TV watching• Understand that waking up with pain doesn't mean your surgery failed—nerves can remain angry and inflamed for months• Expect pain to potentially return at 2 weeks (due to inflammation) and 6-8 weeks (when movement restrictions ease)• Recovery follows a non-linear pattern with many ups and downs—not a steady improvement curve• "No bending, lifting or twisting" doesn't mean becoming completely stiff—small movements are actually beneficial• Consider practical bathroom solutions like toilet seat risers and bidets for easier post-surgery hygiene• Prepare for significant mental and emotional challenges, including anxiety about reherniation• Explore resources like "New Possibilities" book and Bed Back and Beyond YouTube channel for guidance and inspirationFor more preparation tips, check out my "How to Prepare for Your Microdiscectomy" video with a room-by-room walkthrough on my YouTube channel, Bed Back and Beyond.Support the showWas this episode helpful to you? If you would like to support my work on the show, you can buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/bedbackandbeyond Have a positive story of recovery to tell? Head over to https://bedbackbeyond.com/share-your-story/ to apply.
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Healed Without Surgery: A herniated disc success story
Send us a textAndrew shares his transformative journey through chronic back pain, detailing the various treatments he pursued and the lessons learned along the way. His experience emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, promoting a proactive approach to recovery that extends beyond surgical options. • Andrew's initial injury working in construction • The emotional and physical toll of chronic pain • Various treatments explored, from traditional to unconventional • Discovering Dr. Jeff’s High Performance Spine Program • Empowerment through understanding body mechanics and movement • Andrew’s transition to coaching and helping others recover • The take-home message of hope: not all pain requires surgerySupport the showWas this episode helpful to you? If you would like to support my work on the show, you can buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/bedbackandbeyond Have a positive story of recovery to tell? Head over to https://bedbackbeyond.com/share-your-story/ to apply.
Sharing positive stories of recovery after a herniated disc or other spinal cord injury. Join herniated disc champion CK as she has informative and encouraging conversations with other back injury survivors. From people who elected to have back surgery (microdiscectomy, laminectomy, fusion, etc) to those who used more conservative methods, plus all things in between, join our podcast, and let's talk about how life can move beyond the bed after injury. If you are dealing with the isolation and despair that often accompanies a serious back or neck injury, then you'll love being a part of these stories of hope and recovery.Subscribe, and enjoy the show!www.bedbackbeyond.com
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