Originally Posted by
ML67
I thought I’d post my experience w/ 2-level laminectomy and facetectomy (L3-5) early recovery and return to lifting. I haven’t seen much on this and wanted to share my experience as well as solicit input as I return to lifting.
I’m a 62 year old male, 5’ 7” 205 lbs. Younger days I was a competitive gymnast and dabbled in submission grappling and arm wrestling. After too many years of sedate living and fits of lower back pain, I discovered SS and the concept that a strong back is a healthy back. (discectomy ~ 20 yrs ago for bone spur / herniated disc). I bought a power rack, bench and bar, and started the program in my basement gym July 2017. My starting lifts at a bodyweight of 210 were: Squat – 135x5; Benchpress 175x5 and deadlift 275x5. Presses were problematic after 4 shoulder surgeries. On my 60th birthday, my weight had increased to 225 and lifts progressed to (all singles): Squat: 375; Bench 302.5; Deadlift 435.
Injuries (pulled glute/hamstring; hernia) since those peaks have limited further progress, and worse, my lower legs and feet began to get numb and tingly, along with increased lower back pain beginning about 18 months ago. This worsened to the point I could not be on my feet, either walking or standing for more than 10 minutes at a time. By this time I had stopped squatting; deadlifts were much lighter and had to benchpress w/ legs up on the bench. An MRI showed severe stenosis in 2 levels leading to neurogenic claudication. Subsequent meetings w/ GP and 2 independent neurosurgeons recommended decompression laminectomy, which after much research, I agreed was the best way to proceed.
In preparation, I dropped bodyweight to 195 lbs and had the surgery April 13, 2021 after a month delay due to contracting Covid. Recovery was much less painful than expected – I walked 2 miles 2 days after surgery and 8 miles 7 days after – something I definitely could not have done before the procedure.
I had my follow-up after 4 weeks and expressed my desire to resume lifting. My neurosurgeon, who agreed before the procedure I would be able to lift again, was cautiously supportive. I began a very conservative NLP in May 11 as follows: Squat – 45 x 5; bench 95x5; deadlift 135x5. My current lifts are: squat 275x5; bench 225x5 and deadlift 325x5. It will be exactly 4 months since the surgery in 3 days.
My back pain is nearly 100% gone although I feel “tight” from time to time at the location of the procedure. Ibuprofen is very effective here. My lower leg/foot pain and numbness has improved, but definitely has not abated. The only times it worsened was during a 4-hr flight to visit grandchildren, and more recently, after kayaking for 2 hrs. Otherwise lower leg and foot pain is constant, but much less than before the procedure. And unlike before, it doesn’t worsen w/ standing or walking. I’m glad I had the procedure, and my quality of life has significantly improved.
I’m curious if anyone has had similar “work” done, and what your recovery was like? I’m transitioning to a HLM program and plan to continue making progress as long as my lower back and legs/feet tolerate it. Ideally, I’d like to get back (and exceed) previous levels, but very curious to hear of others that may have been through related work, and if there are any "gotchas" I need to be aware of.
Moderators – please move this to the appropriate forum if this isn’t the correct one.
Thanks