Has anyone had back surgery

[latexeses]

L-5 S-1 in 1994. Suffered for 6 months at work before I went bedridden. Unbelievable blinding pain with my back spasms. Like a flashbulb going off in front of your eyes. Couldn't lay down and straighten my legs. Would have jumped in front of a bus if I could have moved that fast.
When I woke up in the hospital and saw my legs straight, at that moment I didn't care if I could walk. My legs were straight without pain.
Would have had the surgery the day after the injury if I would have known how much better I would feel.
Hunt up the best surgeon you can find and trust him. AND DO WHAT THE THERAPIST TELLS YOU.
Rodger

[crazy steve]

I've struggled with my back for 40 years, but managed to get by till last year.

You sound just like me...

I had major surgery on both knees when I was 13, and was told then by the surgeon that I'd 'eventually' have back trouble because of my knees which have never been right since. Like you, I had issues off-and-on over the years and my back lasted 41 years before finally going south. I won't say it's all good, but it's way better than it was just before the whittlin'...

[DenyP]

You sound just like me...

I had major surgery on both knees when I was 13, and was told then by the surgeon that I'd 'eventually' have back trouble because of my knees which have never been right since. Like you, I had issues off-and-on over the years and my back lasted 41 years before finally going south. I won't say it's all good, but it's way better than it was just before the whittlin'...

I've slept in a easy chair for 16 years - it would be nice to be able to enjoy a bed again!

Deny

[xsilerating]

Deny;
First let me say "Good Luck". You'll need all you can get.
While I can't claim to be an expert in the matter, I can state that, I've been through much of what you're headed for, having undergone 3 back surgeries, the last being an 'instrumentation fusion' from L4 to S1.

As for the question "can I ride OK?", let me just say that yes, I can ride. Prior to that surgery, I couldn't stand, let alone walk so, being able to ride at all is a big plus. That being said though, I must add that, if it wasn't for some pretty powerful drugs, neither standing, walking or riding would be possible. On the other hand, I'm one to push myself to the limit so, consequently, I tend to 'pay' for much of what I do including extended or, lengthy rides. And, while I may make it to the occasional rally and, back home again, it's rare to be able to partake in the 'rally rides' (and/or other activities) as well.

Additional comments are highlighted as follows:

boy you guys aren't that positive about it
and I can understand why
my doc says there is a 70 percent chance that surgery makes you 100 percent If I had a Dr. make that claim to me, I'd get another doctor. It is extremely 'rare' to expect anything close to 100% when dealing with back surgeries.

I'm having some back pain currently and saw a doctor yesterday
my MRI is today

hoping there is not surgery in my future If you're only having 'some' pain, you should not be in any way, a candidate for surgery.

my old man had back surgery a few years ago due to a few ruptured disks in lower back from a car accident... he is fine but he has an electric thingy he hooks up to his back with 4 stick pads and it jolts his muscles... dont know what is called. (It's called a TENS machine and delivers an electric pulse to the affected muscular region) he is on some heavy pain meds still to this day but he says it feel better then it used to be. and he rides a softail and also a volunteer firefighter and he doesnt complain much till he lift heavy items... (How 'fine' is he if he requires the 'TENS' machine and some heavy pain meds?)

Thanks for all of your responses! I have the adjustable back rest/luggage rack. I have never used it as such. (Any support you can provide for your back will be helpful. If you don't have a back rest and, for that matter, even if you do, get yourself a back brace/support and, wear it when you're riding. It will make a substantial difference to your ability to ride for longer distances and periods of time.)
I've struggled with my back for 40 years, but managed to get by till last year. I am 6'2 and 240 pounds so ya, I have a gut, but I have shed 30 lbs and continue to work at it. (Every little bit helps!)It is a NEUROSURGEON I am seeing and from what I hear a good one. (If it deals with bones in your extremities (arms, legs, feet, hands, ankles, wrists) see an orthopedic surgeon. If it's nerves or, nerves and bones, see a Neurosurgeon... If in doubt... go NEURO!)
I feel much more positive - thanks again folks

Deny

Hey Deny,

Well, I've had only 1 disc worked on, due to a ruptured disc after a tae kwon do incident! It was my L5-S1. However, my bones were and still are okay. SO..I only had the simple laminectomy, with NO fusion of the bones. I then had neck surgery some 6 years later, same laminectomy type, no fusion on the C6-C7 joint. So...I have essentially full range of motion and function, can lift weights, run, and ride. (A fusion is entirely different and, will restrict your range of motion and function ability.)
//
The fusions of the lower vertebrae can cause a bit more stiffness in the lower back, but folks can usually still sit because it's their legs and hip joints that flex to allow sitting moreso than the hips flexing. The fusions might prevent or reduce your PELVIC thrusts actions!

T.C.

I had a fusion of L4-L5 back in July of 2010. I did manage to get a few short rides in before winter. As of now I felt great until I blew the L3-L4 disk. (Hmmm... sounds like you didn't give yourself enough time 'to heal' before getting in a few rides! A back surgery requires a minimum of 12 months and, more likely 18 months to adequately 'heal' before undertaking ANY strenuous activity. Your spine is the core to your being... respect it! - remember, I speak from experience.) So all I can suggest to you is to take it easy on yourself until you are fully healed and have done enough therapy to strengthen the muscles in your back. I had to wear a large brace for 6 weeks after surgery and when I finally got to go without I actually struggled to hold my own weight. Fusions are no joke but when done correctly and given proper time to heal and strenghten you should be fine to ride ride ride. (Very well stated!)

... back surgery seems to be a bit of a crapshoot. You don't say how old you are (and that can make a difference), and how well you 'rehabilitate' will tell the story. DO listen to what they tell you, as the temptation to do things because you feel better can be a bad thing. I had a friend that had the same as what you need, and decided he play golf after surgery. He's now totally disabled and further surgery will be of no benefit. (Reinforces comments above.)
...//

I'm 60 going on 61. I had a hip replacement several years ago and healed great from that. (Hips are a breeze compared to backs.) At this point I really don't have much of a choice as I'm pretty worthless the way I am. (Maybe more 'useless' than 'worthless'??? JAT

Thanks for the info and yes it is encouraging!

Deny

John had a fusion after his accident in '05. He was still able to ride some distance but usually not without pain. (Get used to it!) ...//

Kind of what Steve had mentioned already...
John already has a backrest that I made him a few years ago but it didn't offer any support in the lumbar region. My daughter and I made him a temporary lumbar support that he liked so much it's still on there. Really seems to help with the longer rides.
JAT

Best of luck with your surgery and please keep us posted.

Deny,

Another question is what kind of surgeon are you seeing? An Orthopod, or a NEUROSURGEON? ... / /
They will usually get you up the same day after surgery to start walking/shuffling across the floor. Getting the muscles moving and working quickly will help the recovery. It also helps to promote the peristalsis so you don't get too locked up in the bowels from all of the pain meds!

Sitting is usually the worse/hardest on your lower back ... / / ... I wasn't permitted to drive my car for 4 weeks or so after surgery. I could NOT do any kind of heavy lifting/pulling/pushing for about a year, and I could feel it IF I tried to. (Don't even THINK of it, let alone doing it! Again, see previous comments.)

If you CAN, try to do a lot of walking now before your surgery to try to TONE your stomach and back muscles...the stomach actually supports your back provided they are not too loose/weak (Good advice. The surgery will greatly reduce muscle control and usability. As for the 'gut', keep working on losing it. You won't regret the effort you put forth before the surgery.) ...

Good Luck!
T.C.

Deny,
Good luck. I screwed up the L2,3,4,5.I was able to do occupational therapy and was taught how to do everything.Stretching and building up the core muscles(stomach) worked for me,I was lucky.Nerve damage in left leg and foot is always a sleep for lack of better term.I can ride for about 45 minutes before I need a break,functional almost normal,do nothing stronger than motrin now but I know one mistake will put me right back where I was.
Good luck again and keep us posted,friend had back surgery about six years ago...she was perfect after that and happy as a clam.

I've slept in a easy chair for 16 years - it would be nice to be able to enjoy a bed again! (The 16 yrs in the 'easy' chair did you far more harm than good, even though it felt 'better' at the time!)

Deny

L-5 S-1 in 1994. Suffered for 6 months at work before I went bedridden. Unbelievable blinding pain with my back spasms. Like a flashbulb going off in front of your eyes. Couldn't lay down and straighten my legs. Would have jumped in front of a bus if I could have moved that fast. ... / / ...
Hunt up the best surgeon you can find and trust him. AND DO WHAT THE THERAPIST TELLS YOU. (Absolutely! The recovery is at least as important as the surgery. Don't screw it up!)
Rodger

My lower back is toast and am due for major back surgery. My lower three disks are gone and I've some nerve damage in my left leg. They are going to open up the vertebrae making room for the nerve roots coming out of the base of my spine, and fuse the back where the disks are ruptured/bulged ("L4-L5, L5-L6 and L6-S1") The surgeon says my back structure will be stronger then ever in 6 months. (I think that is optimistic but, then again, what do I know???)
Anyone here been through this and can you ride OK?

Thanks

Deny

(Deny, If you would like any additional information re: my experience, please send me a PM

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

Ron)

[petejw]

ive never had the surgery,
but wishing u all the best for it.

[DGXSER]

All I'll say is if the doc says there is a 1/1000 chance of something going wrong, and he has done more than 1000 with nothing going wrong, get a new doctor!!! He is overdue for a screwup!!

[DenyP]

When I returned from my trip to Utah two years ago, I was going for a ride with my wife, who is a big person. While getting on behind me she had a leg cramp up. Not thinking, she put all of her weight on my shoulders. I felt part of my lower back collapse. I am 1/2 inch shorter then I was as measured at the doctors office. Where a shot in the back use to take care of it in the past, it no longer works. My MRI clearly shows why. I have no illusions about what is in front of me. When I go out into the garage to work on my bikes, at best I can take 2 hours then I am done for the day. I can no longer work - like I said pretty much worthless. I really don't have much to loose, and everything to gain.
I do feel much encouraged from what you kind folks have shared with me. I don't expect to do a iron butt ride afterwords. I will be happy just to ride period.

Thanks Again

Deny

[crazy steve]

I have no illusions about what is in front of me. When I go out into the garage to work on my bikes, at best I can take 2 hours then I am done for the day. I can no longer work - like I said pretty much worthless. I really don't have much to loose, and everything to gain.
I do feel much encouraged from what you kind folks have shared with me. I don't expect to do a iron butt ride afterwords. I will be happy just to ride period.

Yep, you're ready for surgery. Believe me, I know exactly how you feel (as do the others who have went through this) and at this point any improvement will be a good thing. A good nights sleep will be a revelation...

A few tips; first, you can pretty much kiss off riding this coming season other than very occasional easy short hops. Not so much because you can't do it, but because you want to be fully healed and any sort of miscue could be a disaster. Next year you'll know what you can do and will be much less likely to do permanent damage in a screw-up.

Second, if you like working on stuff, 'fix' your work area. I've got a limited number of 'bend-overs' in me on any given day, so I've arranged my shop so as much as possible is at waist level. If you don't already have a bike lift/jack, get one; I find mine indispensible. Put the bike as high as it will go on the jack, and you can sit in a chair and work on it (it also works great for washing/waxing). I've also put as much of my shop equipment on wheels as possible. You'll have to learn to 'adapt' your work practices to your abilities. My bad knees complicate things for me, but I think this is still good advice.

Next, when you need to move something heavy, suppress your manly pride and get help! It took me a year to learn this, but learn it I did... the hard way. Yeah, it's a PITA when you have to have SWMBO come out and help you move/position stuff (be patient with her!), but you may not get much sympathy if you don't...

This will be a life-changer for sure, but there's work-arounds for nearly all of it and it's all better than the 'other' choices....

[DenyP]

Yep, you're ready for surgery. Believe me, I know exactly how you feel (as do the others who have went through this) and at this point any improvement will be a good thing. A good nights sleep will be a revelation...

A few tips; first, you can pretty much kiss off riding this coming season other than very occasional easy short hops. Not so much because you can't do it, but because you want to be fully healed and any sort of miscue could be a disaster. Next year you'll know what you can do and will be much less likely to do permanent damage in a screw-up.

Second, if you like working on stuff, 'fix' your work area. I've got a limited number of 'bend-overs' in me on any given day, so I've arranged my shop so as much as possible is at waist level. If you don't already have a bike lift/jack, get one; I find mine indispensible. Put the bike as high as it will go on the jack, and you can sit in a chair and work on it (it also works great for washing/waxing). I've also put as much of my shop equipment on wheels as possible. You'll have to learn to 'adapt' your work practices to your abilities. My bad knees complicate things for me, but I think this is still good advice.

Next, when you need to move something heavy, suppress your manly pride and get help! It took me a year to learn this, but learn it I did... the hard way. Yeah, it's a PITA when you have to have SWMBO come out and help you move/position stuff (be patient with her!), but you may not get much sympathy if you don't...

This will be a life-changer for sure, but there's work-arounds for nearly all of it and it's all better than the 'other' choices....

Hey Steve,

I don't expect to ride much if at all this year. But I will be working on my bikes. My oldest son gave me a bike lift for Christmas. Not the ramp type, it's like a transmission jack.
I have 4 Sons who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Three live close enough to give the old man a hand when needed. I am hopping to do the dog fix on the tranny, (will pop out of 1st under power some times) and do some detailing and a complete paint job on the TimeMachine.
I want to rebuild the forks with progressive springs and replace the rear shocks with progressive units and install a heal / toe shifter. I have a project bike as well to tinker with. As you said, I need to give some thought towards making my shop more user friendly.

Thanks Again

Deny

[DenyP]

Hey Deny,

... The fusions might prevent or reduce your PELVIC thrusts actions!

T.C.

Dee said to tell you I won't need to worry here, she has got that covered

Deny

[b.walker5]

I have a torn disc between L2 and L3 that rubs on the nerve column every now and then. Gives me absolute hell and I need surgery to fix it, have done for years, but I'm not game enough to do it. Heard too many horror stories for my liking so I've just stuck with pain meds to manage it. Got used it so much over the years that only 3 or 4 paracetemol a day is needed now to keep it manageable. I have ridden with it for years but I gotta tell ya, buying the XJR was the best thing i've ever done for it. Infinately more comfortable than the XS and I can ride for 300k's without a break now, instead of the 100ks before. (Could go further but 300ks is the fuel range of the XJR )

[mack]

Back Pain.

Yes I've had surgury about three years ago. Spent the year before that completely bed ridden. Couldn't sit, couldn't stand let alone walk. Use to have rolling contraction that would start in my calf's and roll all the way to the base of my skull. One would stop and after about 20 seconds another would start. my skin burned to the touch. Couldn't reach the gun or I wouldn't be writing this right now. Saw several surgeons and they said it was too bad, nothing they could do for me but get me hooked on Oxycoden. My wife saw and ad on TV for spinal surgery in India. She sent away my Cat scans and MRI's. They called me after about a week and said that they do this type of surgery everyday that it was pretty routine. Turns out they're 25 years ahead of North American for spinal surgery's.
It was a huge leap of faith to go to a third world country for sate of the art procedures, but it's true. Worst part was my flights. The morning after my procedure the whole surgical team came into my room and said OK' Get up and walk to the door", I just laughed at them. They said it again and so I tried. When I got to my feet I couldn't believe it. No Pain at all. I walked out the door and all over the floor of the Hospital. My legs were weak from lack of use but I had no pain at all. I left there after the stitches were healing good and was back in a week. Round trip was 13 days total. Only cost me 16 grand and the best cash I ever spent. I still have some issues but not in the location of the surgery. I still have 4 other herniated disc's but I can ride and rebuild XS 11"s. If you want more info send me an E-Mail address and I'll pass you all sorts of info.

[DenyP]

Wow Mack, you have been through hell! I am in no way as bad as you were, not even close. I am comfortable where I am and believe in the surgeon I am seeing.
I had heard all horror stories regarding back surgery. This is why I came to my fellow XS nuts to give me some feed back.

Thanx

Deny

[mack]

Funny Thing

While I was laying in bed all that time, I was thinking about all the stuff I wouldn't be able to do anymore. It crossed my mind that I had left my 79 special laying in behind my Dad's garage 16 years ago and if I ever got back on my feet , I swore I'd put it back on the road for at least one more ride no matter how much it hurt. When I got back in august I was toast for that season but my brother in law and I went and pulled the bike out of the raspberry patch in late September and by late October/November I was good enough to start work on it. Had it fully restored by June and was riding everyday. I usually only travel about an hour one way as I'm out of the riding comfort zone. I find it stressful being unusually alert for the caged drivers with blue hair who's response to killing a rider is,"gee I didn't see him". Like I said I still have some issues with my bacvk but I'm no were near as bad as I was, even on my worst days. PM me your E-mail, I have something you may find useful during your rehab.

[xswilly]

well i had my mri wed and got the results today
looks like a bludging disk pressing against my sciatic nerve
they are talking surgery
going to a specialist end of next week