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 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:Me]

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:Me]

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...ium-05-12-2008

[DMNTD:Me]

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

[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!