More back stuff

[simonDyna]

Having had an encouraging response from people in January about the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion operation I was facing and subsequently had, I thought I would ask another question. The disk in my neck was removed the the vertebrae fused, its all been ok.

I am about to have another operation, this time on my lumbar ( L5-S1 ) and either a replacement disk or another spacer and fusion job. Again, they are going in from the front but until I see the consultant I dont know which procedure they are going for. I'm booked in for the op on the 30th so not long to go now.

I was wondering if anyone had a neck and lumbar op and still been able to ride?

Thanks in advance.

[robbiemac]

can't answer your question Simon but i wish you all the best and a speedy recovery after your op.

my dad had something similar done to his lower back, and apart from being told not to ride for a few months until he healed properly (in case he dropped the bike and wouldnt be able to pick it up), he has no probs. in fact as soon as the three months were up we went on a trip to belgium and france, and apart from a little stiffness from readjusting, he was fine.
i think the dr said that because you are in a comfy sitting position on these type of bikes, your not putting any more strain on the back than you would be if you were sat on a chair.

Next thing you know, the docs will be offering all Harley riders a pipe and slippers with the operation!

Good luck with the op, Simon.

[dexter]

I had discectomy L4/L5 about 10 years ago and was extremely worried bacause all ops carry a risk and especially one near the spinal cord. Best thing I ever did! Before, I had constant nagging pain and sometimes so bad I was in tears and could not move. Back always going into spasm as the nerve was trapped, referred pain all down my leg. This has now disappeared and apart from a bit of a tweak where some scar tissue developed and hardened, it is in excellent order. Riding no problem at all, in fact if it gets a bit stiff sometimes I go out for a ride, seems to do it no end of good!
Best of luck, mate. I'm sure it will be a big improvement.

[willy_warmer]

Good Luck with the op.They say "once youve done your back you'll always have problems" I fractured my lower back 10yrs ago and still have problems,but it wont stop me from doing stuff.You just manage the pain.
My advise is stay off the drugs and go for acupuncture for pain relief.I still ride,just stop more often

[BigKev]

Like Dexter, I had a lumbar discectomy around 20 years ago.
I have the occasional aches and pains and am prone to the odd problem (about every 2 years) where something slips out and my osteopath pops it back together again.
Other than that, no trouble and certainly no problem riding.
Good luck with the op - you'll soon be back in the saddle
Kev

[BigKev]

Having just read through that reply - I have realised how rude it all sounds.
Or is it just me ??

[simonDyna]

Thank you all for your kind regards, reflections and encouragement. The thing that stands out is an attitude to want to ride. I'm lucky I have that in abundance and so do a lot of you by the looks of it.

Having had my neck fused I really was concerned that this op would be a step too far. Looks like I should be ok.

I'm having an Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Bone Marrow Harvest. I've seen the device that goes replaces the disk and does the fusion bit. Apart from thinking "nice piece of engineering" and then realising they will be hammering the bugger into my spine, I think I'm ok about it all now.

Got the pre-op assessment on Thursday and the main event next Tuesday.

[Oilslick]

All the best for Tuesday Simon.

Let me know when you are ready for a beer and I'll bring some round.

(That's if you are still in Warwick of course)