Fifty Plus (50+) - lumbar fusion update and info

been post op 4 weeks --walking 2 miles per day--most pain gone --have follow up md visit soon and wonder about talking bikes with someone who does not know bikes ---both mine have drops will this be better or worse for my case ---i have 4 screws 2rods and a cage ----any info will be helpful

One of my neighbours has had 4 operations on his back in the last 3 years and rides a MTB extensively and can't ride in the drops so it flatbar only. He also uses an elliptical when he's not riding. He found out last fall that he's lost about 4% bone density over the last year from not doing enough load bearing exercise.

Do you go to physical therapy? If so, the PT might be a better resource as to what kind of bike you can ride.

I only had a single fusion (L5-S1) and I actually have more flexibility than I did while my broken vertibra was causing so much nerve damage. I second asking the PT about your situation.

I would like to add Pilates as my recommendation. I have had 3 fusions and Pilates has helped to strengthen my core muscles. I use drops now but stayed on the hoods for quite awhile.

I was riding my bike (with everyone's permission) 17 days post op from L-4; L-5 fusion. Swimming 14 days after. However, PT wanted me on an upright bike, NOT a road bike. I used a mtn bike with high bars. I went to the road bike after about 2-3 months or so, again with permission.

the md has me concerned he said due to my working out and riding a bike 6 days out of 7 for years pt was not needed---what do i need to look for in a pt and what questions should i ask--might add the mds brother is a pro cyclist

the md has me concerned he said due to my working out and riding a bike 6 days out of 7 for years pt was not needed---what do i need to look for in a pt and what questions should i ask--might add the mds brother is a pro cyclist

My MD already has a working relationship with a PT he trusts. There were a lot of things we did to insure that my back would heal correctly, strengthen certain muscles important to that and the recovery process. I would guess look for someone experienced with back surgery recovery. She was amazed at how quickly I recovered, specifically citing the skill of the surgeon (who used a minimally invasive approach) and my very high fitness level at age 71.

I had mine October 28, 2010.

I have told you about my experience so I won't go into details. I'll just say the MD said do what I could bear and use common sense. I went back to racing MX on dirt bikes and riding at 6 weks.

Bill