Hello and Thank You!
11-19-08, 06:45 AM
#1
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Hello and Thank You!
Hi, everybody. Noob from Louisiana here. I've been a lurker since July or so and this is my first post. I wanted to wait until I actually accomplished something before I crashed the party!
My first ride was on August 2 of this year. I had my second major back surgery on May 19 and cycling was a last ditch effort to attempt some type of re-hab. In May I had the disk at L5 removed (L3,4 were removed in '94), a ton of scar tissue from the prior surgery cleaned out, a bone graft at L5, and two rods and six screws "installed" from L3-L5. It was about a 6 1/2 hour procedure. Needless to say, it was a pretty long day!
Anyway, I was never sent for PT after the surgery but was, instead, told to "walk as much as possible." I did that for a month or so but could never go for more than about 2 1/2 miles at a time and then, literally, couldn't move for the rest of the day due to severe neuropathy in both legs. On a follow-up visit to my Surgeon he suggested that I try "Biking" because it's lower impact than walking. "Sure", I thought, "Unless you fall off!"
Anyway, I scraped enough money together and got a Trek 7300 on Aug. 2 and took my first ride which was exactly 2 1/2 miles after which I couldn't move the rest of the day. Great. Sound familiar?
I kept reading these Forums, though, and found a TREMENDOUS amount of motivation/ encouragement and I kept at the riding. Within a month I was up to 20 miles a day and now average anywhere from 25-35 miles daily. My accomplishment came yesterday when I finally broke my first 1,000 miles (1,003.9 to be exact). Somewhere along the way I "popped" my right Quad and have been dealing with that also. It set me back a bit but I'm working through it.
So, from a guy who a few short months ago could hardly walk, I want to give all of you a HUGE "thank you" for all the help, support, and encouragement you gave to someone that you didn't even know was paying attention.
I apologize for such a long post but I just had to say it. Thanks again!!
My first ride was on August 2 of this year. I had my second major back surgery on May 19 and cycling was a last ditch effort to attempt some type of re-hab. In May I had the disk at L5 removed (L3,4 were removed in '94), a ton of scar tissue from the prior surgery cleaned out, a bone graft at L5, and two rods and six screws "installed" from L3-L5. It was about a 6 1/2 hour procedure. Needless to say, it was a pretty long day!
Anyway, I was never sent for PT after the surgery but was, instead, told to "walk as much as possible." I did that for a month or so but could never go for more than about 2 1/2 miles at a time and then, literally, couldn't move for the rest of the day due to severe neuropathy in both legs. On a follow-up visit to my Surgeon he suggested that I try "Biking" because it's lower impact than walking. "Sure", I thought, "Unless you fall off!"
Anyway, I scraped enough money together and got a Trek 7300 on Aug. 2 and took my first ride which was exactly 2 1/2 miles after which I couldn't move the rest of the day. Great. Sound familiar?
I kept reading these Forums, though, and found a TREMENDOUS amount of motivation/ encouragement and I kept at the riding. Within a month I was up to 20 miles a day and now average anywhere from 25-35 miles daily. My accomplishment came yesterday when I finally broke my first 1,000 miles (1,003.9 to be exact). Somewhere along the way I "popped" my right Quad and have been dealing with that also. It set me back a bit but I'm working through it.
So, from a guy who a few short months ago could hardly walk, I want to give all of you a HUGE "thank you" for all the help, support, and encouragement you gave to someone that you didn't even know was paying attention.
I apologize for such a long post but I just had to say it. Thanks again!!
Last edited by Swamp Daddy; 11-19-08 at 01:26 PM.
11-19-08, 06:59 AM
#2
Downtown Spanky Brown
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We can rebuild him, we have the technology 
Welcome Swamp Daddy, nice to have you in the stable. No appologies are nessecary and congratulations on the 1k milestone. Ride on and stay active in the forums to let us know how your doing!
Welcome Swamp Daddy, nice to have you in the stable. No appologies are nessecary and congratulations on the 1k milestone. Ride on and stay active in the forums to let us know how your doing!
11-19-08, 07:56 AM
#3
Tilting with windmills
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Welcome Swamp Daddy! We are Kindred Spirits, but I be we both wish we weren't, lol.
Three back surgeries here, and fused at L5-S1 with 2 titanium cages. My last surgery was 4 years ago, but have been having some issues lately with scar tissue as well. Some physical therapy from a cyclist pt guy and I'm pretty much back in the game.
I know some other back surgery veterans who ride a ton of miles. All say it helps with range of motion and strength as well. I can only second the claims. I do have days when after my ride it puts me off of my feet for a while, but I've been fighting this fight for over 15 years and will take a little recovery time if necessary, lol.
It's nice to hear of other doctors suggesting riding to someone with a back history. My last surgeon also rides so he was all for it as well.
Congrats on the 1000 mile mark! May there be many many more.
Three back surgeries here, and fused at L5-S1 with 2 titanium cages. My last surgery was 4 years ago, but have been having some issues lately with scar tissue as well. Some physical therapy from a cyclist pt guy and I'm pretty much back in the game.
I know some other back surgery veterans who ride a ton of miles. All say it helps with range of motion and strength as well. I can only second the claims. I do have days when after my ride it puts me off of my feet for a while, but I've been fighting this fight for over 15 years and will take a little recovery time if necessary, lol.
It's nice to hear of other doctors suggesting riding to someone with a back history. My last surgeon also rides so he was all for it as well.
Congrats on the 1000 mile mark! May there be many many more.
11-19-08, 01:36 PM
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Thanks, everybody! Bautieri, nice reference to the 6 Million Dollar Man. Sadly, though, with today's economic situation, I'd probably only rate $1.37!
TxVintage, you're right, the surgeries are no fun. But I have to say that, even with some of the problems I'm still dealing with, I'm WAAAYYY better than I was before I saddled up. It's made a tremendous difference.
Anyway, thanks for the welcome, everybody. Glad to be here and be upright a mobile (if not necessarily upwardly mobile)!!
John.
TxVintage, you're right, the surgeries are no fun. But I have to say that, even with some of the problems I'm still dealing with, I'm WAAAYYY better than I was before I saddled up. It's made a tremendous difference.
Anyway, thanks for the welcome, everybody. Glad to be here and be upright a mobile (if not necessarily upwardly mobile)!!
John.
