Post fusion - 1st time spinning!

[buddybikes]

4 weeks ago, L4/L5 fusion and today happy, got on a bike at the YMCA and did 15 min of spinning. 10mph, but my legs went round and round. Water therapy begins next week. Dr. said I will be riding on my FF for Geekhouse in 2 more months.

[thwart]

Glad to hear it, I hope things continue to go well. :beer:

Fellow fusion patient (neck, C5-C6-C7, October) and no road miles for me 'til March.

Never thought I'd appreciate the trainer like I do now. ;)

[NHAero]

Would you say something about what prompted the fusion? I have both L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniations, and have lost some leg muscle use in left leg from the consequent nerve damage. Is the fusion a way to guarantee no further degradation in the joints fused? What are the trade-offs/downsides?

Thanks!

[katkeeper36]

Congrats on getting back in the saddle. - spinning and grinning! Just take your time and let your body heal...here's my story.
***********************

I got in an accident in 1991. Fractured T5, T6, and L2 - hip to neck brace for about 6 months....total loss of nerve response in left foot, and lost ALL skin down the right side of my body. It took about 2 years but my left foot nerves regenerated, no major lasting problems (after about a year of chiropractor visits.)

Ah, my beautiful Torpado!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1676/23975878869_82563e0c8e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CwEDtT)

[buddybikes]

In my case spondylolisthesis and stenosis, was a clear cut decision. End of Oct, and Nov could only walk out to the mailbox in deep radiating pain right side. Could ride my bike about 4-5 miles tops, bending over on bike actually felt better because it stretched out back to give some space in canal.

I had ongoing lower back pain and saw the neurosurgeon as a "just in case" and turned into a savior situation, as I was able to get cut in 4 weeks, by a world class surgeon/hospital. This is a key - find the best. I ended up making decisions and scheduling before my primary care even said "I agree" which he did after seeing me in Nov. I found the surgeon on my own, fortunately a good friend had similar surgery successful by same doctor.

[buddybikes]

If your spine is straight and it is disc degeneration, a full blown fusion probably not warranted. There are out patient procedures if required if just disc.
Hard core PT (resistance training) however is the first line treatment - 3 mos.

[rwsaunders]

Rapid healing and good karma to all of you folks out there who have had recent injuries. May there be many good miles in your future. :banana:

[ariw]

I have had fusion at l5-s1 after 2 micro discectomies, this was 5 years ago now. Full recovery takes a while, be careful and build back up slowly.

Ari

[buddybikes]

Did 20 min of walking in a pool, some kicks and leg movements, walked out of water and immediately felt legs weak. Then look in the mirror and see my hamstrings half of what they were. Yes I will be a good patient, remember what i went through before the surgery.