Is “back to normal” in 6–8 weeks realistic? (L5-S1 microdiscectomy, mom of littles)

I’m a 34F with a herniated L5-S1 and surgery scheduled for next Monday. I’m feeling pretty nervous about recovery, especially the fear of reinjury. Even small things like using the restroom or turning over in bed feel scary in my head right now.

I really tried to avoid surgery, but I can’t lift up onto my toes on my affected side and my neurosurgeon said with weakness like that, the sooner we decompress the nerve the better.

My surgeon has been very reassuring and says I should be “back to normal”, meaning taking care of my kids, house, and regular daily life, within 6–8 weeks and at worst three months. (Not talking about heavy lifting or extreme workouts, just normal mom life.) But when I read through recovery stories online, it feels like I see so many people struggling for much longer. It’s making me doubt whether that timeline is realistic.

Has anyone been back to normal daily activities in 6–8 weeks? When did you feel comfortable bending, moving, and just living life without constant fear?

I have a five year old and a seven week old and it’s been incredibly hard and heartbreaking not being able to care for them the way I want to for the past six weeks. I’m so ready to get back to being their mom fully. The fear sometimes tells me that won’t be possible, but I know that’s probably anxiety talking. I would just really love to hear that it’s possible to feel like yourself again in that 6–8 week window.

Thank you for any experiences you’re willing to share.