Spinal fusion?

[Kelem]

Hi,
I'm booked in for a L4/5 fusion on thursday, just wondering if anyone has had one or similar and if its had an impact on their ability to ride in comfort and stuff like that.
(althought its not that easy at present)

Cheers Kelem

[Phurrball]

(I'm typing what Mrs Phurrball says to me here - she's the expert on this having had an L4-L5 fusion in 2006)

If you're coping riding before riding at all before surgery, you'll be fine once you recover.

Was back on the bike about 3 months after - better overall. I think that you'll want a comfortable seat/riding position though as there is a small loss of flexibility. A Monster should be sweet :yes: Back is much better overall after the surgery!

The worst pain after the surgery was the graft site pain (where they take the bone chips to 'seed' the fusion). Make sure you've got a comfortable bed - more important than a comfy bike (Had to change our bed when I got home)

Hope this helps - good luck!

(You'll be fine - they dish out plenty of drugs)

BTW Who's your surgeon? Mike Barnes did my fusion.

[Kelem]

Hey thanks for that, Yes same surgeon.

I can ride no problems we often do 300 - 500k days, giving the the old monster plenty of luv.

I feel it for days afterwards, a numb foot and leg pain i am just over.

You have helped relieve my sanity somewhat i have been packing that i wouldn't be able to get back on my bike.

I guess i will find out if my bed is comfy or not.

Cheers Kelem

[DMNTD]

I have 4 vertebrae fused plus have titanium rods,plates and screws holding me up right....without them I'd basically be in a wheel chair.
I utilize a back protector which not only gives me protection if (lol) bin, but also keeps my spine warm(stops seizing) and gives me support.
I recommend salmon oil as well. It's like Motor Up for the body and lubes ya joints.
I've just completed a 5 day tour on a bike and have done more than a few track days so it hasn't exactly held me back.

Oh...my spine was created by a Mr Robertson

[peasea]

Hi,
I'm booked in for a L4/5 fusion on thursday, just wondering if anyone has had one or similar and if its had an impact on their ability to ride in comfort and stuff like that.
(althought its not that easy at present)

Cheers Kelem

Your sex life is over.

[Kelem]

Thanks DMNTD, if you can ride those sports bikes after that many disks fused then theres hope for me.

I will definatley be looking at a back protector any recomendations?

Cheers Kelem

[DMNTD]

I will definatley be looking at a back protector any recommendations?
I have a Quasimoto back protector and it works well for me.
I do however recommend that you acquire one with shoulder straps as it helps support the whole back

[peasea]

I have 4 vertebrae fused plus have titanium rods,plates and screws holding me up right....without them I'd basically be in a wheel chair.
I utilize a back protector which not only gives me protection if (lol) bin, but also keeps my spine warm(stops seizing) and gives me support.
I recommend salmon oil as well. It's like Motor Up for the body and lubes ya joints.
I've just completed a 5 day tour on a bike and have done more than a few track days so it hasn't exactly held me back.

Oh...my spine was created by a Mr Robertson

You could always try the real thing. Massey rates it quite highly.
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-us/news/article.cfm?mnarticle=salmon-outranks-fish-oil-pills-for-omega-3-and-selenium-05-12-2008

[DMNTD]

You could always try the real thing. Massey rates it quite highly.

Damn straight but I noticed that Kelem is from Auckland therefore I foolishly made the assumption that he would not know of these things known as real food :drool:

[Phurrball]

Hey thanks for that, Yes same surgeon.

I can ride no problems we often do 300 - 500k days, giving the the old monster plenty of luv.

I feel it for days afterwards, a numb foot and leg pain i am just over.

You have helped relieve my sanity somewhat i have been packing that i wouldn't be able to get back on my bike.

I guess i will find out if my bed is comfy or not.

Cheers Kelem

Good stuff - Mike Barnes is very good.

The leg pain and 'being punished' for days afterwards sound familiar... Both were better after the op.

Oh - say "Hi" and "thanks" to Mr Barnes from Ingrid Harrison too. (Who is 'All decent now' ;))

If you're bored in hospital, try and get Barnsey to crack a smile - he stuck us as very serious (We think there's a sense of humour in there somewhere...A very dry one...)

Maybe it's just life as a spinal surgeon...

Keep us posted on your progress.

Ross and Ingrid

[Kelem]

Your sex life is over.
oh well, If i can get on a Busa or Gixxer in relative comfort, its a sacrifice i'm prepaired to make.

[Ixion]

Your sex life is over.

Wait, what - they fuse the arsehole closed as well?

[YellowDog]

Hey, that's an excellent article. I have always taken raw cod liver oil for lubricating the joints. I also take Glucosomine and Chrondroitin.

I asked my surgeon and he said that the vitamin industry is just one enormous ripoff. There is no clinical evidence to support any of the claims made by the companies selling them.

Though he did say that in his opinion, Fish oil certainly wouldn't do any harm and he has met many patients whom swear by Glucosomine.

IMO - If you believe it is doing you some good, it probably is.

[CookMySock]

Fish oil is damn good for wrecked joints. You need large quantities of it though - 8 grams a day ish.

Steve

[YellowDog]

Hey Steve,

If you take the capsules, they contain so little of the substance that you need to take a bucket load a day.

If you take the raw stuff, a tea spoon is more than the daily dose that the body can utilise. $17 for 500ml is pretty good value compared with the capsules.

Obviously kissing stray women is right off the menu and if you need to burp whilst riding, flip up your helmet first!

[Kelem]

If you're bored in hospital, try and get Barnsey to crack a smile - he stuck us as very serious (We think there's a sense of humour in there somewhere...A very dry one...)

I noticed the same thing - Phew! it wasn't just me.
I will say Hi to him for ya.
I see your local i'm in woodlands park, i walk my dogs (Huskies & baby shepard when im able) around Hiua road and back along scenic - shout out if you see me. I'm the one with the limp

Craig

[alanzs]

I had a C4/5 spinal fusion last July. Like said before the graft site was more painful than the neck incision. Also had a discectomy at the same location you mention, just not the fusion, in '06. Took about two months to get back on the bike.
I'd highly, highly recommend doing some type of core strengthening exrcises amd by all means, get heaps of good phyiso after. Pilates, yoga, whatever.

I am glad I had both procedures. I am pain free my friend, imagine that!

Good luck and keep us posted...

[Kelem]

Thanks, you have all helped ease my mind.
Craig

[SixPackBack]

I had a C4/5 spinal fusion last July. Like said before the graft site was more painful than the neck incision. Also had a discectomy at the same location you mention, just not the fusion, in '06. Took about two months to get back on the bike.
I'd highly, highly recommend doing some type of core strengthening exrcises amd by all means, get heaps of good phyiso after. Pilates, yoga, whatever.

I am glad I had both procedures. I am pain free my friend, imagine that!

Good luck and keep us posted...

I also had a C4/5 fusion and would take your post one step further,without regular excercise I cannot ride!

Suffering saspmodic residual pain and migraines; I keep both under control with a low alcohol intake [seems to affect me badly], plenty of exercise, regular visits to a magic chiropractor and probably most importantly, a positive attitude.

The surgery was not that bad and the difference was magic, you'll be back on the bike before you know it.

[LilSel]

Don't mean to thread dredge here but found via search.
Am waiting to have spinal fusion at the moment n was worried it might mean I can't ride anymore. Glad to have read all the feedback & others experiences!! :D Cant wait to get back on two wheels again!

Not sure what numbers they are but is lumbar, have two herniated discs. One putting quite a bit of pressure on spinal cord n what not. Been taking morphine for pain relief n a shit load of other things to help with mobility/nerve pain etc. Pills to help reduce side effects of another pill that was given to stop the side effects of a diff pill lol! Crazy! Should be going in for op in the next week or two. Gonna have alot of spare time, thank goodness for the net!!

Piccy of my mri here, what numbers are these if anyone knows??

[Mom]

Don't mean to thread dredge here but found via search.
Am waiting to have spinal fusion at the moment n was worried it might mean I can't ride anymore. Glad to have read all the feedback & others experiences!! :D Cant wait to get back on two wheels again!

Not sure what numbers they are but is lumbar, have two herniated discs. One putting quite a bit of pressure on spinal cord n what not. Been taking morphine for pain relief n a shit load of other things to help with mobility/nerve pain etc. Pills to help reduce side effects of another pill that was given to stop the side effects of a diff pill lol! Crazy! Should be going in for op in the next week or two. Gonna have alot of spare time, thank goodness for the net!!

Piccy of my mri here, what numbers are these if anyone knows??

Hey there, we were talking about you just this weekend, and wondering where you were. Bummer about the back, that picture is pretty scarey. Good luck with your surgery, keep us posted.

[LilSel]

Hey there, we were talking about you just this weekend, and wondering where you were. Bummer about the back, that picture is pretty scarey. Good luck with your surgery, keep us posted.

Hope it was good stuff lol :p Yeah have been kinda laying low I guess, been having pain since Feb in back (hurt riding FB's bike) n the last straw was a slip down the back stairs beginning of August. Been in court a few times since end of June, adjourned on Tues till just before xmas, so I can get fixed up first n off such high levels of Morphine etc. Not such a fabulous year one could say!!

Just got surgery date today - 14th October, couple weeks away! Glad to know when it is now. Will be back around soon due to all the free time I'll have lol.

Hope you are all well :) xx

[Mom]

Hope it was good stuff lol :p Yeah have been kinda laying low I guess, been having pain since Feb in back (hurt riding FB's bike) n the last straw was a slip down the back stairs beginning of August. Been in court a few times since end of June, adjourned on Tues till just before xmas, so I can get fixed up first n off such high levels of Morphine etc. Not such a fabulous year one could say!!

Just got surgery date today - 14th October, couple weeks away! Glad to know when it is now. Will be back around soon due to all the free time I'll have lol.

Hope you are all well :) xx

Of course good stuf :lol: I hope all goes well with that surgery too, you will be back on your feet in no time.

[crazyhorse]

I had a disc replaced in the L5/L6 region. Depending on kind of bike you ride, you should be able to ride it after the recouperation time.

I actually find putting on my socks and shoes the hardest task of all. No discomfort on the back at all.

All the best for the operation :hug:

[Edbear]

Hope it was good stuff lol :p Yeah have been kinda laying low I guess, been having pain since Feb in back (hurt riding FB's bike) n the last straw was a slip down the back stairs beginning of August. Been in court a few times since end of June, adjourned on Tues till just before xmas, so I can get fixed up first n off such high levels of Morphine etc. Not such a fabulous year one could say!!

Just got surgery date today - 14th October, couple weeks away! Glad to know when it is now. Will be back around soon due to all the free time I'll have lol.

Hope you are all well :) xx

You could check my thread, 'Edbear in hospital' if you like. I had surgery two weeks ago and I'm hoping to get the before and after scans. I shattered my L1 in a car accident on 12th May and after taking the brace off on 18th Aug due to the x-ray looking good, the spine collapsed, crushing the vertbrae and twisting 32 degrees out of alignment. So had to have the op. I had two options and the first was very scary so chose the second which only opens up the back. So my spine was rebuilt and realigned and fused. NOt sure how much titanium I've got in me now so keen to see the results on scans.

The bone graft site, (which you may not require), I can hardly feel despite some saying the graft site pain is worse, it's not in my case. I am in considerable pain but as long as I continue the take the cocktail of Panadol, Tramadol and Morphine, I can cope well. Quite stiff at mo, too.

The surgeon was Angus Don, one of the best, I'm told and he did a good job. He and his team were pleased with the results and reckon I'll recover well. My situation was complicated a bit by having Osteoprosis from Cushings disease so my bones are very weak. As regards riding again, normally not an issue but unless I can strengthen my bones with the meds and supplements I'll have to think carefully as it could mean fracturing is more likely in my case.

You scan appears to be the L4/5 area, the most commonly damaged after the L1. I tore the ligaments around my L4/5 vertebrae back in '82 on jackhammers. I know all about back pain!

[onearmedbandit]

I've got fusion in my upper vertebra from my spinal injury. It stops me from comfortably tucking right in, but otherwise no problem whatsoever.

[LilSel]

You could check my thread, 'Edbear in hospital' if you like. I had surgery two weeks ago and I'm hoping to get the before and after scans.

You scan appears to be the L4/5 area, the most commonly damaged after the L1. !

I will have a search n read thru for sure!! Also pretty keen on having the after ones too :) Titanium must be ok in the MRI machines?! I had to take every single piercing out for my MRI (was such a hassle, there is a fair few of em lol).
A mate of mine has had fusion done n they went in thru her tummy to do it, I asked already about what mine will be n they will be going in from the back (she has her disc at home in a jar!!), also asked if I will need graft from hip & he said no so I guess thats a good thing eh :)

Thank you for the numbers!! I have no idea which end to count from or which bits to count n people ask me n I just kinda shrug, show them pic n say 'that one' lol. The surgeon said I need multi level fusion however is going to do the lower one first & see how things go recovery wise as it will either make the above one better or worse, possible that will need second op but we'll see how we get on after the first. Is reluctant to do both at the same time due to my age (26).


Will be checking in on your thread to see how things are going for you!! Wishing you all the best in your recovery!! :hug:

[DMNTD]

I had a disc replaced in the L5/L6 region. Depending on kind of bike you ride, you should be able to ride it after the recouperation time.

I actually find putting on my socks and shoes the hardest task of all. No discomfort on the back at all.

Same...and lacing up my shoes :facepalm:
TBH I'd much rather have a couple of problems doing up my shoes than having acute spinal issues!
Re riding bikes...lol...think I've shown that it wouldn't slow anyone down however I am more comfortable on a sports or slightly forward leaning bike than an up right cruiser

[crazyhorse]

Same...and lacing up my shoes :facepalm:
TBH I'd much rather have a couple of problems doing up my shoes than having acute spinal issues!
Re riding bikes...lol...think I've shown that it wouldn't slow anyone down however I am more comfortable on a sports or slightly forward leaning bike than an up right cruiser

Totally agree with you - but I also told my friends I'd rather have a baby than the pain associated with any back condition - it really was undescribable, and those who have never experienced it, really have no idea of how acute it really is.

i'm about to tie up laces so I can go for a walk :shit: but hey, at least I can! :)

[Edbear]

Totally agree with you - but I also told my friends I'd rather have a baby than the pain associated with any back condition - it really was undescribable, and those who have never experienced it, really have no idea of how acute it really is.

i'm about to tie up laces so I can go for a walk :shit: but hey, at least I can! :)

While I can't personally compare the two, :shutup: I'd probably agree with you... :yes:

It may be a while before I can tie my laces again, but then I have these two lovely blondes to do it for me... :innocent:

[crazyhorse]

While I can't personally compare the two, :shutup: I'd probably agree with you... :yes:

It may be a while before I can tie my laces again, but then I have these two lovely blondes to do it for me... :innocent:

And of course you need TWO lovely blondes............. you have TWO feet :rofl: