Riding after back surgery

[KeysRider3]

In November 2003 my ortho surgeon spent 9 1/2 hours rebuilding my L4, L5 and S1. He recommended wearing a custom-fit brace for the first 60-90 days, so I did. After 60 days I had laid down enough new bone that I only had to wear it at times when I felt it would help maintain my posture, or prevent fatigue. I chose to wear the brace as back armor for the last 30 days when I went walking or running. I could have ridden after 60 days, but decided another month was an investment in the future I could well afford. Follow your surgeon's instructions, and don't cheat. Think of him/her as your body mechanic. BTW, the position of the back when you're on a sport bike provides a much more natural curve than when riding upright. However, the position of the head/neck in relation to the back is seriously out-of-whack, and is responsible for the arm and hand tingling and numbness most sport bike riders experience. One last thought: You're going to love sitting up for the first time after your surgery!

 

[txjames]

I had my surgery on February 1st and have been in and out (mostly in) the hospital since with some complications, mainly a CSF leak. That has been the most miserable and painful thing I have ever gone through. In short until today I have felt like my head was going to explode, nauseous, and dizzy. I was in the hospital all of last week and back in the ER today. Long story short, something called a Blood Patch was done three times and on the third time, I instantly felt great.

Now, back to the original intent of this thread... I talked to the doctor and he said I should be good after the 20th (three weeks post-op) though I will certainly only do so if I feel like my back and legs are up to it and only on a short ride at first. I cannot wait to get back out on the road.

Just in case you're wondering about this blood patch business... it goes something like this: They give me a few xanax, use lidocane as a local anesthetic, and then insert a 10 gauge needle all the way to my spinal cord. they then draw 20 ml of my own blood from my arm and immediately inject it into my spine. Here's a picture I talked the nurse into taking for me:

 

[99vengeur]

Sorry to hear about all the hospital visits. Heal up quick and take it easy when you get the chance to ride again.

Sent from my spirit fingers using Tapatalk.

 

[Nastybutler]

Glad to hear you got some relief finally. I hope that's the end of your complications, and you're back in the saddle again soon. I wish you well in your recovery.

 

[fz6rwolf]

So glad mine went as well as it did. I see complications w/ neck and back surgeries all the time in my job.