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I had back surgery last August microdiscectomy. Should I enter a MTB race in May or is it to soon.
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It’s really hard to say knowing so little about the situation, but honestly, you should talk to your surgeon or primary care provider who has been handling your follow up visits. One of your docs will have a much better idea and that is fine because the nervous system is something you don’t want to mess with.
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"Jarrett.morgan" wrote
It’s really hard to say knowing so little about the situation, but honestly, you should talk to your surgeon or primary care provider who has been handling your follow up visits. One of your docs will have a much better idea and that is fine because the nervous system is something you don’t want to mess with.
Spot on. Do you do much riding as of right now?
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Well, I’m not a doctor, but I play one on tv…..lol. JK Man, I would talk to a dr. about something like that…
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"Guarddog77" wrote
I had back surgery last August microdiscectomy. Should I enter a MTB race in May or is it to soon.
I am no doctor or MA/PA (Medical or Physicians Assistant), but I am ParaMedic and was a Corpsman (Medic) in the military, and I would highly recommend asking your primary physician (medical doctor) or at least the specialist physician (surgeon) who did the operation on you instead of asking people here or on any other MTB or bicycle forums. Either your primary physician or especially the specialist physician can direct you in a much better direction or give more sound advise than anyone here could. Good luck and wishing you the best of recovery, as i am in the same boat now, but different medical issue. 😃
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+1 previous comments. Just to make you feel at ease, I have also had a discectomy and I still ride the same way I always have. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, [i:23m2290z]exactly[/i:23m2290z] to spare yourself from any delays in recovery, and I think you will be back at it and ready to go. May sounds doable to me, but your situation could be a lot different than mine, so see what the doc says.
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And if not in May, when is the next race that you could get in ?
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Thanks for the advice everyone! Doc said I could hit the trails this spring but should wear my back brace. Hard to breathe with it on, oh well better wear it. I will call him in April and see what he says about the race.
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"Guarddog77" wrote
Thanks for the advice everyone! Doc said I could hit the trails this spring but should wear my back brace. Hard to breathe with it on, oh well better wear it. I will call him in April and see what he says about the race.
That is good to hear! I hope you stay healthy and safe. Now let’s get out there and hit the trails.
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"Guarddog77" wrote
Thanks for the advice everyone! Doc said I could hit the trails this spring but should wear my back brace. Hard to breathe with it on, oh well better wear it. I will call him in April and see what he says about the race.
Awesome, just awesome news!! 😄
I know what you mean about hard to breathe with one of those back braces on. They suck when it comes to riding. Had to wear one myself at one time….BUMMER!!
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Hi. I have had 7 back surgeries and need 3 more before they say I’m "fixed". I am trying to decide between a H.T. with a Thudbuster or a F.S.. I am 31 and I have rode less than a dozed times since my accident at work on 9-25-09 but when I can ride again I like ridding on smooth hard packed dirt trails. I don’t think I will be ridding on trails any rougher than a gravel road but I want to travel and ride all over. Would I need the comfort of a F.S. or would it not matter if the trail is not very bumpy? I have not ridden a F.S. because the bike shops around here don’t have any in a small. I don’t care about weight or anything like that and usually ride for like 2.5-4 hrs (that’s my plan anyway lol). I am not trying to become faster. I just enjoy riding beautiful trails and taking in the scenery. I would greatly appreciate any info I could receive. Thank you very much!!!
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Honestly bro, maybe flying with a FS would be the best for ya, as you could dial it in for your riding discipline and comfort. Never had back surgery before, though I have a real bad case of arthritis in my cervical to the upper thoracic area of my spine, and it can get pretty bad at times with the pain. This is caused from a previous crash causing damage to the cervical area. I love a HT as much as the next man, though I shred on a FS most of the time, but in your case, i really feel that it would help a lot with not aggravating your back later on down the road. I know if I ride a HT for awhile, it really starts to aggravate my upper back, where as the FS is milder on it. No matter what I ride, I still have the pain, but I have noticed that shredding a HT brings the pain on more per say. Of course, this is just my own personal opinion, and if I were you, I would consult with the doctor, and also maybe a physical therapist or sports trainer with their opinion as well.
God luck bro and I am wishing you the very best to you and all yours! Sending much healing your way… 😄
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I agree with CP1, go full suspension. Even on gravel roads a hardtail can beat you up some. If you look around you can probably find a good deal on a 26 inch full suspension. 29-ers not so much.
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I had L4-L5-S1 fused Nov 2009 ("Transformal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (T.L.I.F.) with laminectomy"…screws, rods, etc.) and I was on my bike by April-May 2010 pushing hard, no back brace. Doc did tell me to go for it, but DON’T CRASH!!! 😀 By Aug (9 months) the doc said I could do what I want. Microdiscectomy is minor compared to a T.L.I.F! I think that your doc is doing the ol’ CYA, but hey, I am not a doctor.
You just need to get on the bike, with your brace for now, and RIDE and listen to your body. I’m sure by May (10 months!) you won’t even know you had a back surgery (except for less pain!)
Good luck!
P.S. I ride a FS, have for 13 years because of the bad back and I like to go down-hill FAST! -
I just found out today 1/31/13 that I will be having 2 surgeries in one on 2/6/13. That will make 9 surgeries total. I don’t know if I will be able to get back on the bike for a while. My body rejects the hardware so it will have to be removed. Being a workmans comp injury the insurance company wont authorize them to remove the hardware for 6 months. So I am looking at probably mid August before I can have the hardware taken out then another few months of recovery. So I don’t see any ridding this summer which pisses me off on a level that I cant describe. I will be so thankful when this is over! I have a Spesh Carve Expert 29er 2013, Spesh Jett Expert 29er 2013, and a Spesh Hotrock 24 XC 2013, on order but tried to change the Carve to a full sus but the bike shop had already ordered it. I didn’t want to cause any problems so I am just going to keep it. I talked to my wife and because we got a good deal on the 3 bikes she said I could spend another 3 thousand to get a full sus if I needed to. I am trying to decide between a Stumpy FSR Comp 29er but I have read that people said that they are bouncy and need worked on constantly. An Anthem X 29er but everyone says Giant does not stand behind their bikes and screws people over on warranty’s. Plus, their quality seems cheaper than other brands. I have also been looking at the Salsa Spearfish 2 but I don’t know much about them. They are a little pricey compared to others but I really like the simpleness of their suspension. So I just don’t know? Thanks everyone for the info. I greatly appreciate it!!!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
I just found out today 1/31/13 that I will be having 2 surgeries in one on 2/6/13. That will make 9 surgeries total. I don’t know if I will be able to get back on the bike for a while. My body rejects the hardware so it will have to be removed. Being a workmans comp injury the insurance company wont authorize them to remove the hardware for 6 months. So I am looking at probably mid August before I can have the hardware taken out then another few months of recovery. So I don’t see any ridding this summer which pisses me off on a level that I cant describe. I will be so thankful when this is over! I have a Spesh Carve Expert 29er 2013, Spesh Jett Expert 29er 2013, and a Spesh Hotrock 24 XC 2013, on order but tried to change the Carve to a full sus but the bike shop had already ordered it. I didn’t want to cause any problems so I am just going to keep it. I talked to my wife and because we got a good deal on the 3 bikes she said I could spend another 3 thousand to get a full sus if I needed to. I am trying to decide between a Stumpy FSR Comp 29er but I have read that people said that they are bouncy and need worked on constantly. An Anthem X 29er but everyone says Giant does not stand behind their bikes and screws people over on warranty’s. Plus, their quality seems cheaper than other brands. I have also been looking at the Salsa Spearfish 2 but I don’t know much about them. They are a little pricey compared to others but I really like the simpleness of their suspension. So I just don’t know? Thanks everyone for the info. I greatly appreciate it!!!
Dang, that sucks man. I don’t know what I’d do not being able to ride all summer!
That said, let me get this straight: you have 3 brand new 2013 mountain bikes, are thinking about buying a fourth, and you won’t even be able to ride them???
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Well the Jett Expert 29er is for my wife. The Hortock 24 XC is for my daughter and the Carve Expert 29er is for me. Because the bike shop had already ordered it they ordered me a Thudbuster LT for free and said they would change the stem, bars, seat, or whatever I needed and would do it no charge. This is the first time going thru a bike shop and they have treated me very well. I am very appreciative for everything they are doing to make sure I’m pain free (as much as possible) when I ride. The reason I am thinking about buying a full sus is because I don’t know if I will like the Thudbister and will it give enough comfort? We got a very good deal on our bikes so that’s why my wife is cool with the extra 3K. I have the greatest wife in the world. The Carve is 1650, Jett 1700, and the Hotrock is 400 (all before tax). So if the Carve isn’t comfy enough I will sell it and buy a Salsa Spearfish 2 is what I’m leaning towards. It seems like a great bike.
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Well the Jett Expert 29er is for my wife. The Hortock 24 XC is for my daughter and the Carve Expert 29er is for me.
Ahh that makes sense! 😀
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I would say ask your doctor first.
I had the same surgery L4-5. I ride now, after years of being careful and not having fun, with one bulging disc and one that the doc called a split in it, plus I have degenerative disc disease. I have wrecked several times, but it is a risk I am willing to take. Riding keeps the weight off and keeps me active which actually helps with back pain and overall physical well being. -
Well guys, its official. Pre-opp Mon and then surgery Wed at 10am. Everybody be hoping for a speedy (and hopefully pain free but doubt it) recovery. I am a little nervous for this surgery. I have a spinal cord stimulator stitched to my spinal cord and the surgeon is going to have to cut if off before he can do the fusion. The worst part of it for me I think is if I have to have a catheter. I have only had to have 2 in 7 surgeries but that was the worst part or at least one of ’em. I really appreciate everyone’s knowledge and info. Thanks a lot to everyone. I am new to mountain biking and finding out first hand that you guys are top notch. Very willing to help and happy to. You guys rock!!!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
Well guys, its official. Pre-opp Mon and then surgery Wed at 10am. Everybody be hoping for a speedy (and hopefully pain free but doubt it) recovery. I am a little nervous for this surgery. I have a spinal cord stimulator stitched to my spinal cord and the surgeon is going to have to cut if off before he can do the fusion. The worst part of it for me I think is if I have to have a catheter. I have only had to have 2 in 7 surgeries but that was the worst part or at least one of ’em. I really appreciate everyone’s knowledge and info. Thanks a lot to everyone. I am new to mountain biking and finding out first hand that you guys are top notch. Very willing to help and happy to. You guys rock!!!
Will be praying for ya. Hope you will be back on your feet and biking as soon as possible!
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Thanks brother. I greatly appreciate it!!!
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is there anyone online at the moment?
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"nickrm" wrote
[quote="JoshuaTriggs":3hccwxlg]Well guys, its official. Pre-opp Mon and then surgery Wed at 10am. Everybody be hoping for a speedy (and hopefully pain free but doubt it) recovery. I am a little nervous for this surgery. I have a spinal cord stimulator stitched to my spinal cord and the surgeon is going to have to cut if off before he can do the fusion. The worst part of it for me I think is if I have to have a catheter. I have only had to have 2 in 7 surgeries but that was the worst part or at least one of ’em. I really appreciate everyone’s knowledge and info. Thanks a lot to everyone. I am new to mountain biking and finding out first hand that you guys are top notch. Very willing to help and happy to. You guys rock!!!
Will be praying for ya. Hope you will be back on your feet and biking as soon as possible![/quote:3hccwxlg]
+1. Definitely will be praying man.
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Thank you guys so very much for your prayers for me to get better and heal quickly. I will be needing all I can get come Wednesday morning (lol). Thanks again for all the help about the full suspension also. My wife told me this morning to just go tomorrow after pre-opp and buy the new StumpJumper FSR Comp 29 2013. I have the best wife in the world. She is so awesome!!! I am going to get the matte black. That thing is killer looking. The bike shop has already ordered my Carve but I am going to pay for him to send it back so there not out any money. I am not going to have them pay for my mistake. I am not sure if he can or not but I would think so. Anyway, Thank you guys for all the prayers and wishing for a fast recovery. You guys are great!!!
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Best wishes and prayers for a full recovery. Having that new bike waiting for you should be a huge mental motivator for you to speed up recovery.
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How long do you guys think I should wait before getting back on the bike? I know I should not do any off road ridding at first but I wonder how long? I cant seem to find anything online other than road biking. And a few other articles that say they couldn’t bike anymore with a regular bike because it was to painful to be upright so they had to get a recumbent bike. With the Stimpy the tires are the Purgatory Control 2.3, would it make the ride any smoother with smother tires like the Kenda S.B. 8’s or would I not notice with a full suspension? Also, will going tubeless make a difference? I have had some tell me it will and some tell me because I usually don’t ride over rocks and stuff like that I wouldn’t notice? I thank everyone for all their help!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
How long do you guys think I should wait before getting back on the bike? I know I should not do any off road ridding at first but I wonder how long? I cant seem to find anything online other than road biking. And a few other articles that say they couldn’t bike anymore with a regular bike because it was to painful to be upright so they had to get a recumbent bike. With the Stimpy the tires are the Purgatory Control 2.3, would it make the ride any smoother with smother tires like the Kenda S.B. 8’s or would I not notice with a full suspension? Also, will going tubeless make a difference? I have had some tell me it will and some tell me because I usually don’t ride over rocks and stuff like that I wouldn’t notice? I thank everyone for all their help!
Speak to your doctor with this as well. As far as not being able to get on a bike – that’s going to be up to you. Give it a try on pavement and see how the posture works out. You know well that your back takes a beating on the trails (a FS would assist with this, but not be a cure-all). Your case, as with all medical procedures is individual to you. It’s going to be up to your body when you will be able to tolerate it. All-in-all – speak to the doctor and get his take on it to start and go from there
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When I go to the hospital tomorrow for pre opp I will sure ask them about getting back on the bike. Thanks for the help I really appreciate it!!!
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As everybody says, talk to your doctor first.
Regarding FS bikes, I absolutely think you shouldn’t even hesitate to get one. All it takes is one sharp shock to put your rehab back months. You never know when you will encounter an unexpected rut, rock, log, whatever, and before you know it the damage is done.
For recovery, I would expect to try a little bit and see how it goes. Be patient, and over time (like years) steadily but slowly increase the impacts and carefully monitor how your body is responding. If things go well then keep ramping up till you get to the level you desire. I’m sure your doctor will say this, but I can’t stress how important it is: Religiously do core strengthening exercises! That’s what will hold everything together. I know it took me years to get to where I feel I can handle most everything I could before my surgery, so be patient, pay attention to your how your body is responding, and be glad for every minute you can get out and do the things you weren’t sure you would ever be able to do again.
Good luck to you!
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Hey guys, I have a question. I think I’m going change my name to the man with a million questions lol. I watched a video on YouTube and the man said he was having some saddle pain so he changed to the Selle SMP TRK. I Yahooed it and it came right up. I read a bunch of reviews on Amazon and a few other sites and everyone seemed to really like it and gave it rave reviews. Would you guys suggest it to me or do you think something else would be better? I would be willing to spend 120max. And, would the handle bars that raise (not sure what they are called) be more comfortable than the ones that are flat? I thank each and every one of you guys for all of the help and patience with all my questions. I really appreciate it!. Also, my doctors office called and I have to be at the hospital @ 5:30am in the morning and surgery is @ 7:30am. I will take my computer with me for entertainment and games because most of my back surgeries I have been in for 6 days and so I can stay in touch with you guys. I live right outside Tulsa, Ok so I am on Central Time. I will let you guys know how everything went but if you cant understand what I write its just the anesthesia talking lol. I’ a little nervous but I guess that’s to be expected. I really appreciate all your prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Thank you very much!!!
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Hey guys. I’m out of surgery and doin ok but very sore and a lot of pain.I’m gonna get off here and rest in my Morphine state. Thank you guys for everything!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
Hey guys. I’m out of surgery and doin ok but very sore and a lot of pain.I’m gonna get off here and rest in my Morphine state. Thank you guys for everything!
Glad you made it out OK! I hope your recovery goes smoothly!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
Hey guys. I’m out of surgery and doin ok but very sore and a lot of pain.I’m gonna get off here and rest in my Morphine state. Thank you guys for everything!
Great news!
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Good to hear! I know you really want to get back on the bike, but take your time heal up.
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Hey guys, I figured I would give you a shout. I’m hurting pretty bad and having trouble sleeping. I really appreciate all the support and encouragement you have given me. I have never really done any recreational sports before we started biking and you guys are some of the most helpful people we have ever meet. Anytime we go places other bikers are always so nice and willing to do just about anything to help you out! There are not a lot of people left like that in this world these days and to see the other bikers say hi,socialize and ask you if everythings ok when they see you off your bike or come right over if you crash. There is a real commroddary between everyone and I really like that and feel very fortunate to be apart of it! I know I have thanked you guys a hundred times but I really do thank you for the help that you guys give. Every time I post a new question you guys always amswer and are very nice and never get frustrated. I’m going to try to get me some rest so you gentlemen have a good night. Thanks again!!!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
Hey guys, I figured I would give you a shout. I’m hurting pretty bad and having trouble sleeping. I really appreciate all the support and encouragement you have given me. I have never really done any recreational sports before we started biking and you guys are some of the most helpful people we have ever meet. Anytime we go places other bikers are always so nice and willing to do just about anything to help you out! There are not a lot of people left like that in this world these days and to see the other bikers say hi,socialize and ask you if everythings ok when they see you off your bike or come right over if you crash. There is a real commroddary between everyone and I really like that and feel very fortunate to be apart of it! I know I have thanked you guys a hundred times but I really do thank you for the help that you guys give. Every time I post a new question you guys always amswer and are very nice and never get frustrated. I’m going to try to get me some rest so you gentlemen have a good night. Thanks again!!!
Clearly your pain meds arent working hard enough since I am able to comprehend everything you just said! I kid, i kid. Get some rest and get better quick!
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Clearly your pain meds arent working hard enough since I am able to comprehend everything you just said! I kid, i kid. Get some rest and get better quick![/quote]
I know right. I thought they were going to give me more than what they are. They took me off the Morphine drip/pump after 24 hrs. I have usually had it for 48 but the doctor said he wanted to get pills in my system because they last longer than a shot of Morphine. They are keeping me fairly good but anyone who has ever had back surgery knows it hurts like hell even with pain meds! I asked my pain management doctor this morning when he came in about the bike situation. He said that if I’m going to ride, its mandatory that it has a shock on the rear in order to protect the disc’s that I have left. He said even if you are riding and hit a small bump it is going to be magnified and the energy is going to travel up into your back so a full sus is a must in my situation he said. You guys were absolutely right about me needing a fs. I really appreciate you guys. Did anyone ever check out that saddle by Selle? The SMP TRK and what do you think about it being a good saddle for me? I going to try and rest a little so thanks everyone!!!
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"JoshuaTriggs" wrote
I know right. I thought they were going to give me more than what they are. They took me off the Morphine drip/pump after 24 hrs. I have usually had it for 48 but the doctor said he wanted to get pills in my system because they last longer than a shot of Morphine. They are keeping me fairly good but anyone who has ever had back surgery knows it hurts like hell even with pain meds! I asked my pain management doctor this morning when he came in about the bike situation. He said that if I’m going to ride, its mandatory that it has a shock on the rear in order to protect the disc’s that I have left. He said even if you are riding and hit a small bump it is going to be magnified and the energy is going to travel up into your back so a full sus is a must in my situation he said. You guys were absolutely right about me needing a fs. I really appreciate you guys. Did anyone ever check out that saddle by Selle? The SMP TRK and what do you think about it being a good saddle for me? I going to try and rest a little so thanks everyone!!!
FS is definitely going to be the way to go, as said before. I know my saddle is a bit on the thick/heavy side, i dont even remember the brand or model of it (worn off) but i know i got made fun of for having it (friendly jokes) but I do not regret having it one bit. Go to your LBS and see what they have, they will probably be able to help you a good amount, don’t skimp on a comfortable saddle.
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery. 😃
I think FS is the way to go. Maybe add in tubeless with low air pressure – that is my next move. Its amazing how much more bounce you get with higher air pressure.
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Hey fellas, whats going on? I am totally going the full sus route. My wife went to the bike shop yesterday and talked to the manager and told him my doctor came in and said that if I ride a bike it has to have a rear shock (as he put it). The purchase manager was really cool and said no problem. I an trying to decide between a Camber Comp 29er and a Spearfish 2 (my first choice by a LONG shot) but I don’t know? I really like how simple the suspension system is on the Spearfish but I also like how Spesh stands behind their stuff. What do you guys think? As for the seat I’m not sure but I don’t care about weight! Our first bikes were probably 30ish plus pounds and I put a saddle on it the size of a couch cushion lol. I don’t understand the weight thing? I would rather have a 30 pound bike that’s comfortable than a 20 pound bike that I don’t like ridding. I understand that race guys who need to be fast but when I look at a seat or a set of pedals or whatever and see that its such and such grams I just laugh. I hope everyone is doing ok and going to try and rest. Seems like every time just get dozed off they want to come in a make me take a pill or blood pressure or ask me 20 questions or something. I know you guys already know. Thanks for everything guys!!!
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JoshuaTriggs the weight is relevant if you ride in mountains and hills. Where I live near Roanoke, you spend 2/3 of your time climbing – all to get to the downhill that goes too fast. If the bike is too heavy it is like dragging an anchor behind you. I don’t think it is as big an issue in the flatlands. I don’t worry too much about grams, but pounds take a toll. 😆
You must be feeling better, you are back on a new bike kick. Recover soon.
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I am just trying to occupy my mind is all CCR. You are very right about the hilly stuff but here in Ok where I live is mostly flat. The biggest hill where I ride (close to my house) is probably 200 yards but it is very steep. I usually cant make it up but I am also SO out of shape. I haven’t worked out in over 3 years. Last summer I would ride when the weather was nice and I wasn’t hurting to bad. The usual was around 15 miles but I never got in a big rush. I think the fastest we ever did was 18 mile trail ride in 3 hrs. We would stop and check out the scenery and where we like to go I went around the turn and there was a family of like 4 or 5 deer about 50 feet down. It is by a lake and the trail is 7 miles long but it connects to a 2.5 mile dual lane thru the woods and then parallels a golf course. As for the "bike kick", its more of a plague lol. I don’t know a lot about bikes and this will be my first full sus and I am not a rich man so I want something that will be reliable but I will make sure its stays in great shape. I want something that I can keep for a long time and wont be a money pit or a clunker. I can get Spesh, Salsa, Giant, Trek and probably a few others I don’t know about. I had decided on a Stumpy but I don’t ride anything rough enough so I think the 130mm sus would feel like to much. I like the Camber but I like the Fish2 more because the suspension is so simple. Giant just seems cheap to me (but I do not have any experience with them just my opinion) and from what I have read they don’t like to honor their warranties. I just want a cruiser that will be comfortable and get me back where I came from without to many problems!
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Make sure you post up a picture on here of the bike you end up getting. We are all curious and rooting for you to ride as soon as you physically are able to and the doc says OK. 😃
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Thanks CCR I appreciate it brother. My doctor said I could go home tomorrow or Sunday at the latest. I am ready. I think this physical therapy guy here loves seeing me suffer lol. I’m just ready to be in my own home. Have a good night guys!!!
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