Thank you for doing these videos!! You have given me a lot of hope and understanding of the process.

I had mine in 2005 and got mine glued shut . I was back working in month and playing softball in 3 months . I barely had any discomfort after surgery and went home within huge bandage with small gauze pack and felt great . 19 yrs later still not even an ache

Hey man, thanks so much for sharing. I'm about to have this surgery and you helped me with knowing what to expect. Thank you so much.

Thanks for the videos! I am having this surgery next week, not a lifter but looking forward to more pain free life.

Hey glad to see you were doing well after 4 months. Was wondering if you could give us an update on how you’re doing now. Thanks man!

Hey man thanks for the videos you helped me get thru the fear of going to get surgery . Today July 11th I just got home from microdisectomy . I am happy your feeling better now cause it gives me hope for my future . I own a wrestling school and it’s sucks I won’t be able to teach for a while but I got great coaches to help me . Thanks for all the info and inspiration.

Tf dude. I went to basic training came back and tried to find you brother. Your channel and IG is awesome. Thank god this KZfaq channel is subscribed. Congrats on recovery

Great video just been told by the specialists I need surgery I’m not keen on it but your video gives great insight

Thank you and to God for these videos!!! Giving me hope is bring me out of a scary place! Thank you Ryan! You are a beast. 18 days out of exact same surgery.

You totally inspired me to go through with my microdiscectomy! Thank you for sharing all of this! 🤘🏼

Thanks for doing this update!!!

Thank you for your information. I’m at week five and still dealing with pain but on my opposite side before surgery. It definitely is a roller coaster because I had pain free the first three weeks. I’m at week six with therapy starting this week. So thank you for taking time it helped the emotional discouragement.

Hey don’t need to apologize I’m right there day 14 I’m a emotional reck because same thing no pain then after first 5 days my sciatica started hurting worse , so glad light at the end of the tunnel ! Been watching to get an idea thanks

I had L4 L5 S1 discectomy 2 days ago. Since then I don’t take anything for pain. A little sciatica once in a shine but it goes away quickly . Still wearing my back brace they gave me . So far so good

I am a yoga instructor and was devastated at my diagnosis of surgery. I appreciate these videos so much as I am about to go under in about 2 weeks. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs!! Your first video scared the crap out of me lol but your right GOTTA BE PATIENT!!

I’m about to have this surgery in two weeks and seeing your videos of how you recovered gave me a lot of insight. It’s made me a little less nervous to know what to expect. Thank you for making these!

Great to hear about your physical ability four month after surgery.

Your videos are so helpful! I’m glad you pointed out the roller coaster ride to recovery. I’m at 4 weeks and so anxious to get back in the gym, but so afraid of reinjury. Did you struggle with fear of reinjury? It really gets in my head sometimes. When did you stop the gabapentin?

I’m one week post-op and I feel better and stronger every day. Walking around definitely helps. Still feel a bit of pain on my right side but I think just normal swelling from surgery. Hoping it gets better with time. I’ve heard best thing to do after this type of surgery is to get up and get moving. Don’t over due it either , but getting up and walking for a few minutes definitely helps. Just listen to your body and do what you can, everyone is different. Hope your doing well brother! Thanx for the video

Thank you for the information, I was terrified about having the surgery, and felt like I was never going to be able to have a productive physical lifestyle after watching your video gave me hope and you been a inspiration. Thanks again

Hello thank you for sharing your story. I’m two weeks post surgery have some pain in my leg in buttock. Trying to stay positive.

I’m at Day 8 and I’m getting some of the pain like you had. I think I’ve been going too heavy helping around the house. And twisting too much. I was worried maybe I reherniated.going to start taking it slower and easier again and hope things calm down again. Thanks for posting your video as it does give me hope that all is going as the process should be. And to just be more patient.

Hey!! These videos are amazing. I’m about 5 days out of microdiscectomy, coming from a super active CrossFit/weightlifting life style. Could deff understand the ups and downs with the pain and your videos definitely have helped keep me patient and understanding that this is a process and not to take anything too seriously so early in the recovery time!

Hey brother so glad I came across your videos. I am a Counterterrorism officer for the NYPD and I wear the heavy vest, carry the M4 and other equipment. I have been out of work since the beginning of April due to 2 herniated discs. In the beginning it was sciatica and then it got worse. I did the 3 injections and have been doing physical therapy and I still do not feel back to normal. I have some good days and some bad. I am having the microdiscectomy on July 25th. I hope it works brother. Thank you for being so informative. God bless 🙏🙏

Thank you for sharing I will get the same operation

Going next week, thanks for your post

Thanks buddy very useful. I have to do the surgery.

Right now, I am facing my second disk herniation. Last time I went the natural route, and as most of the literature suggests it took me about two years to be fully recovered. This time around, I don't want to wait that long. I have a surgery consult set up in the next few days. Recovering from this in six months sounds like a dream come true. I hope to have a similar outcome.

You give me hope man. I have mine in 2 days

I feel you! I'm 7 days out with 14 staples and soo bored laying around

Much appreciated. I'm at 2.5 weeks with continued sciatic pain that I think is slightly diminishing. This gives me hope.

It's too bad he never posted another video but this was still a pretty informative video.

Hey man, very grateful for the insight. I think I have a minor herniation and I am growing inpatient, and I am curious if I wanted to explore this option. Have a good one!

I’ve been off work for 3 months now with the same issues... I’m trying to get the surgery ASAP ... thank you for your vlogs as it’s helping me see light at the end of the tunnel. Most days I’m in so much pain and if I don’t get it done I’ll lose my job as a cop...

Just checking in brotha seeing how you’ve been?? So far I’m still good to go thank god. I hope all is well.

Awesome to hear mate. Nice one.

I had my surgery 5 weeks ago. Microdiscectomy between L4-L5. After the surgery there was some tingiling but it relieved after a while. 2 weeks after surgery, I start working out because I thought I was up to, but I got a pain in my lower back and leg so I think I reherniated a little disc. I talked to my doctor and he told me to take it easy and take a rest. Then in the second day I started physical therapy for my lower back. I worked out about like 5 different exercises 2 times per day. so after at maximum 3 days every thing is relieved. But now I got some pain in my leg just when I sit down (as before the surgery), though I can sit down but with some pain. and I think exercises for your lower back is really crucial to return to normal, thank you.

6 months after surgery. Recovery is hell. Use to doing 2 jobs plus kickboxing. Now can't even pick up 4 dishes.!! Same leg pain back again!! Sometimes feels worse than before the surgery. Don't know if I should wait and be patient more. Or go back to the doc. Which honestly don't have guts to do. Scared of what he gonna say. Glad u doing good. All of the best.

I’m 4 days out from 8mm herniated discectomy, thank you for this video! I put my socks 🧦 on today for the first time in 6 weeks 😅😊I’m 37 years old lost some size in my left leg. All your tips and suggestions would be amazing.

I had my microdiscectomy L4-L5 now 4 weeks ago, and they put en implant in as well , because the disk is really little now. I have to say I do feel soooo good, only sometimes little pain in operation area. Now ciatic pain anymore since I waked up from the operation.The worst after the operation was the first week. Had to rest for 10 days , only bed and armchair. First two days nearly only in bed. I started already with physiotherapy once a week and I do since a little more than one week my walking every morning. I hope do go back to work in 2 weeks time. So my operation was a good decision .

This guy still alive??? Id love to hear how hes progressed in the last few year's. It would be super helpful to all us suffering. Best wishes

Getting ready to consider this surgery 40yo who has a passion for lifting and being fit and do not want to continue going through this back pain without being able to do what I love. Thank you for making these videos from someone with a similar lifestyle and physical activity level. Did you ever post the PT exercises you did post op. I can’t seem to find that video. Thanks again!

5 days post op and I’m feeling amazing.

Thanks for all your vids and info I been thinking bout getting a discetomy for my L5 s1 buldging disc and back pain I'm scheduled at 3pm tommorrow to get my first ever steroid shot I been in pain 10 months I've tried medicines, physical therapy, chiropractors, decompression stretches, etc I want this pain to go away

Searching KZfaq for what to expect after surgery, I also have a large l4-5 herniation and have done ALL the things. Looked into decompression therapy as an alternative to surgery being 31 yrs old it really makes me nervous. I had a consultation with a surgeon and he advised against that option due to the herniation size and how long it had been out and said it could do permanent damage if the hernia landed on the nerves wrong after a session. Other chiropractors backed up what he said so that did make me feel more confident with going the surgical route. I'm about 2 weeks out from my microdisectomy and I am terrified but so ready to be done. Between pain and no sleep emotionally I am ready for it to be over. Your documentation has helped me so much!

I just had mine done today, worst pain I’ve ever had! So ready for healing!

I've followed your back videos from the start, thanks for putting them out man. I'm 35 days post op and feeling good. I'm excited to get back to training again. I'm a firefighter and I can wait to get back to kicking in doors.

i might be getting this procedure done here in a few weeks. Hope it helps me. Mine is in my lower back so i wonder if thats going to be a different story.

I am a PT and hurt myself with a morbidly obese patient with a lose of balance. I used to run 4 miles a day 6 days a week and walk my beach, kayak, motorcycle and active. Two months after that injury I am limited due to pain and left leg weakness. Scheduled for diskectomy on L3 herniated disk and nerve impingement early nest month. Gained about 15 pounds due to inactivity. Thank you for your videos. Wish you had done more as I would have watched them all. I live alone and don't own a car, just motorcycles and feeling like I have to find someone to assist me as I am almost 50. How long were you out of work? as I have already been out 2 months and surgery next month. Just preparing.

glad you getting better

What is your pain level (if any) on a regular basis? I have a herniated disc L5S1 and I’ve done PT and my pain still isn’t going away. Stumbled upon your videos because I’ve been researching the surgery you got to see if it’s the answer for me.

Hi Ryan. Just came across your post discectomy videos. Did you ever have any sciatic pain on the opposite (unaffected) side to your surgery/ affected leg?

Great you're on the mend! I've created a few KZfaq videos to help others out too as I had an L4/5 microdiscectomy last February ! Hope you're still doing well

Thanks for the update - how many days after the operation did u get to start runninng? (road or treadmill and for how long when u started?)

Ciao brother , any chance you will share an update after this 3 years , how you are feeling now ? Sending you love blessing and gratitude 🙏

Thanks for the update! I'm currently having issues with my L2-L3 disc. I had a second block on Thursday and although I feel better, I don't think it will fix my problem. At what point did you decide to do the surgery?

Hay man so when do you start hitting the gym again was it @4 months? Did you ever get numbness in your legs if so how long till it went?

Great news, so I will be able to run and lift again!

I will be doing the surgery soon so I need an update from you please 🙏

I did this 4 weeks ago OCT 12 2019. I am impatient as well. I have peaks and valleys. Good days and bad days.

Just came across these videos; might have to have this surgery myself. Any way we can get an update on how you are now? Pain free? Scar tissue pain? Appreciate it man

What was your diet recommended after surgery 🤔

Hey man I appreciate the videos, i have a question... Did you have any chronic lower back pain prior to your surgery Other than the sciatica? If so for how long and did surgery help with that. I only ask because I too have sciatica, but I've also had lower back pain for quite a long time( soreness, stiffness, spasms). I've heard the surgery is only for the leg pain but have also heard that it could help lower back pain, just curious to hear your experience in this. Thank you again!

Thanks for the video. I just had my l5-s1 discectomy about a week ago and noticing the same trend with sciatica pain coming back on the right side. I have my post op meeting next week and wanted to ask about the medication you mentioned that was to calm down the nerves. Thanks again.... how are things going now? How are the workouts? I have been a gym owner since 2007 so looking to see what is possible post surgery.

How u feeling in 2020 ? Any updates? I'm keen to know.

Another question did you have foot drop before or after surgery and did it go away after surgery?

First off thank you for making the video and being honest. I just got physical therapy and I haven'st started it yet its been almost 3 months since surgery. I can't touch my toes like you. There is no way I would even squat with weight. I can't even do it with weight. Basically all I can still do is walking. Which seems to help after half a mile.

Im getting my surgery set up. Im tired of dealing with the pain for years

How you feeling now and how's your training.Are you squating again.

How is your back now bro? I am have bulging disc L4L5 and my right hip and right leg is in pain, lot of people telling me not to go with surgery but sometimes I get so pain pain that I need this to go ways, I did cortisone injection didn’t help, physiotherapist, Chiropratic nothing is working 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ one Question If you go back would you do the surgery again ?

How long did it take you you to get back to work? Just L4 L5 fusion ?

Hey any updates on how your doing? My story is almost identical to yours how it happened, lifting numbers, career. I haven’t had surgery though. Thanks.

Please do a update man

i was wondering how your 2 month mark went, I am 2 months out myself and am planning on playing full contact college soccer at the 2 month mark

I'm 16 days out and starting physical therapy in 2 days ,still feeling like I have a 2x4 on my lower back if I sit too long, so far no legs pain

Hey Ryan, how's your back now? Seriously. Do you have pain 4 years later?

Ryan, any chance you could give an update several years later?

Hi IronOne, After watching your videos I underwent the surgery. (You made me strong). Unfortunately my surgical wound got infected after one month and I'm again on anti biotics. I need to know with the wound (which is not completely healed) should I start physiotherapy? My srugeon is not very much encouraging in the physio therapy, as he feels its not necessary. My background is swimming and calisthenics. L5-S1 was my issue

I also had an L4L5 microdiscectomy. It was on 10/19/2023. Just started physical therapy 2 weeks ago. Feeling well with the exception of my left big toe and the 3 middle toes in my left foot. The only symptom that refuses to go away is numbness and burning. Still take a prescription anti inflammatory or a Norco here and there. Question: Did you also experience any pain or numbness or burning in your feet? My dad had this same surgery 25 years ago and everything went perfect for him. I'm slightly depressed also because I used to work out 5x per week but am not yet cleared to work out yet. I'm considering acupuncture and/or nitric oxide for increased blood circulation. What are your thoughts? Please advise. Thanks!

@IronFive0 how's your back doing now six years later?

Hey been watching your update videos. Extremely similar lifestyle/ situation and was hoping to get some more information. I’m also a cross fitter/athlete who plays every sport, runs etc. actually funny similar lifting numbers as well as you were giving. Been about 8 months since I hurt myself deadlifting (only 225 was just warming up, just a week prior was lifting 500+) I’ve tried everything therapy, multiple shots, chiro, massage the works. I’m finally at my mental breaking point because the pain won’t go away. I have an appointment tomorrow to possible schedule surgery. Any advice? After 8 months nothing has given me any relief. Someone recommended decompression traction from a chiropractor and was wondering if you ever tried that?

How are you still having nerve pain???

Hey…how are you now. Have you recovered completely. How was the journey over the years

I had a double discectomy L4/L5. 4 and a half months ago. Unfortunately due to corona I wasn’t able to do physical therapy. I’ve been tasked with doing that alone.

i have had 2 disc. i was wondering.. do you have any back pain.. cuz all though my leg pain is minimal now.. my back pain is horrible with every step i take....

Worst thing after a discectomy..... COUGHING

Is sneezing affects your recovery or it cause reherniation??

What's your current state with the back? Updatetime.

Hi, I had L3-L4 microdiscectomy at the end of sept and started the police almost exactly 4 months later, for the most part everything feels good, honestly better than it has felt in over 10 years. how long did it take you to not think about it and fully trust it more? During defensive tactics training Im constantly nervous about all the take downs, but so far ive been alright, just a little achy for the next 24 hours but no pain. I'm 3 weeks into my academy. Any feed back would be appreciated. Thank you in advance

Hey man hope all is well.. Please hit us up with an update video. This will guide and help us a lot. Cheers!

@ryan paschke where is the video with physical therapy exercises?

Please be careful with the deadlifting. I’m going for my 3rd spinal surgery. It can have a domino effect. You’re young and need to consider the effects it will have later in life. Thanks for sharing.

@Ironfive0 I have been suffering from a disc bulge on my S1-L5 since 2017. Did Physiotherapy for 3 months and the pain went away but for the last few months the pain has started again and it’s now down my leg. Since 2/3 months I had to take medication but recently I have stopped taking any. My MRI shows a disc herniation in the L5-S1 and a bulge in L4. I have been going through physiotherapy, as in traction, cupping therapy, decompression traction but the pain is still there. The pain did lessen and now it’s a 4/5 but only on my left buttock and left shin. There’s no numbness or tingling sensation anywhere. Few doctors said I should do the surgery & just one said to do muscle strengthening exercises and be careful during postures. What do you think I should do as I’m in a big dilemma?

How do you feel today? Arent deadlifts forbidden after back surgery?

Hey Ryan how are you.? I’d like to know how are you doing now after your surgery. Can you give us an update.? I’m debating about getting that surgery. Thanks, i hope you’re doing great.

Did they do a laminotomy on you or was it an endoscopic discectomy?

So how’s it doing now after all this time?

I dont think you ever said how large your Disc Herniation was? What'd your MRI report show that they agreed you needed surgery??

the plant didn't die !

How are you doing now man ? Its my 4th week after a discectomy at l3 l4 and l5 levels . I used to lift weights and loved to workout im 20 years old and worried if ill ever workout again .i feel like my life has ended before it had even started.