Originally Posted by mleess

Best of luck to you. I had the same surgery last year. Micro-diskectomy at L4-5. They didn't even keep me overnight. Just a couple hours in the PACU (post anesthesia care unit) to make sure you wake up properly. I warn you -- the first few days it hurts like a M-F'er. You will be able to walk, but it will be painful and slow. Sleeping was difficult because of the pain. Percocet helps nicely. It starts feeling better after about a week so hang in there. I was back at work after about 1 week but you still have to watch how much you lift, how you bend, etc. for a few weeks and ease back into life. Don't try to do too much too soon, but do stay active. Walk a lot if you can. Don't just lay on the couch all day watching t.v. After the recovery time, the stabbing pain that had been shooting down my leg for almost a year was entirely gone. Like magic. So I recommend it. Gentle riding on the trainer should be permissible as long as you are supporting your back when you do it.