I am now a crippled old man :-(
10-15-07, 03:27 PM
#51
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Actually, I asked my niece's husband when they stayed with me this weekend. He is a PT. He said if anything it might put more stress on the spine in a direction it is not designed to take, so he temporarily talked me out of it. I did find one on my local craigslist and was tempted, but right now I am holding off.
Now that you mention it, I might cal the doc and ask him as well. Thanks for reminding me.
Now that you mention it, I might cal the doc and ask him as well. Thanks for reminding me.
10-15-07, 06:42 PM
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A few years ago, I was diagnosed with herniated disc L-4-5. Couldn't believe the pain, thought I would never do anything again. The doc wanted to do surgery, I did not. I won out. Every once in awhile it gives me some problems, but I figure I will be ready for the surgery when I can no longer walk upright.
In August of this year, after taking up cycling seriously about a year and a half ago, I completed the Pan Mass Challenge, did the 192 mile route over two days.
Don't get discouraged....the body has an amazing ability to heal.
Unfortunately for me, after pinching a nerve in my neck about 9 weeks ago, had an MRI and was diagnosed as having 3 "collapsed" cervical discs. Haven't been on the bike since, but I'll be back! I'll give it some time to calm down, do the physical therapy thing, and will definitely be riding again next year.
In August of this year, after taking up cycling seriously about a year and a half ago, I completed the Pan Mass Challenge, did the 192 mile route over two days.
Don't get discouraged....the body has an amazing ability to heal.
Unfortunately for me, after pinching a nerve in my neck about 9 weeks ago, had an MRI and was diagnosed as having 3 "collapsed" cervical discs. Haven't been on the bike since, but I'll be back! I'll give it some time to calm down, do the physical therapy thing, and will definitely be riding again next year.
10-15-07, 06:57 PM
#53
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When I was about 45 years old I did the same thing as you. The doctor said I would never walk right again. I got a book"Oh my Aching Back" probably out of print by now. It said if you can stand the pain it will heal itself. I drug my leg around for 6 months, now I'm 67 and riding as much as my Rhumatoid arthritis will let me, which is 3 to 400 miles a month. I went to one doctor to get that injection that desolves the bad disk, he said you walked in here, walk out. Most of my friends that did get the operation are in worse shape now. Good luck and hang in there.
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10-15-07, 10:01 PM
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A few years ago, I was diagnosed with herniated disc L-4-5. Couldn't believe the pain, thought I would never do anything again. The doc wanted to do surgery, I did not. I won out. Every once in awhile it gives me some problems, but I figure I will be ready for the surgery when I can no longer walk upright.
In August of this year, after taking up cycling seriously about a year and a half ago, I completed the Pan Mass Challenge, did the 192 mile route over two days.
Don't get discouraged....the body has an amazing ability to heal.
Unfortunately for me, after pinching a nerve in my neck about 9 weeks ago, had an MRI and was diagnosed as having 3 "collapsed" cervical discs. Haven't been on the bike since, but I'll be back! I'll give it some time to calm down, do the physical therapy thing, and will definitely be riding again next year.
In August of this year, after taking up cycling seriously about a year and a half ago, I completed the Pan Mass Challenge, did the 192 mile route over two days.
Don't get discouraged....the body has an amazing ability to heal.
Unfortunately for me, after pinching a nerve in my neck about 9 weeks ago, had an MRI and was diagnosed as having 3 "collapsed" cervical discs. Haven't been on the bike since, but I'll be back! I'll give it some time to calm down, do the physical therapy thing, and will definitely be riding again next year.
10-15-07, 11:02 PM
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Flip it...
Hope you can find the time to relax and have a speedy recovery.
Watch for stresses in you life and see if you can find a correlation between
when the injury occurred and the prior few days.
Stress=tension=pressure=pain
Tranquility<release<relax<pain-free
Hope you can find the time to relax and have a speedy recovery.
Watch for stresses in you life and see if you can find a correlation between
when the injury occurred and the prior few days.
Stress=tension=pressure=pain
Tranquility<release<relax<pain-free
10-16-07, 03:44 AM
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Wow...I am back at work! Saw the doc today and x-rays taken. He said I had a healthy looking spine and "big juicy discs" (wow, and I thought the women were always saying something a little different!)
I'll be going through some physical therapy, but he said working while respecting any lingering pain from the herniation will not slow down my recovery. He was all for the elliptical trainer, recumbent bike and then mountain bike as a means to getting back on the road bike. He and I had a difference of opinion on that, and he respected my thoughts. I find the flexed position of a road bike more comfortable on my spine right now than upright on an MTB. He said if that feels OK to go for it. He agreed some people are more comfortable in a flexed position. I referenced this thread and some of your experiences, particularly that many of you said the biking makes your back feel better and helps you recover from your back problems and he said GREAT! He agreed that in his experience many patients have told him the same.
So he placed no limitations on me because he recognized that I know my body, and my back's abilities and limitations much more than a regular, sedentary patient. As a well trained cyclist, I also know how to manage my intensity to minute degrees, and understand intimately all the sensations in my body and what they mean, so I am in good position to manage my recuperation and activity well.
Its amazing that I went from debilitating pain one week ago, to minor back discomfort today. I know that my cycling condition allowed me to recover much more quickly. (OK, maybe the Percoset and Vodka cocktails helped a little too.) I also think that a resumption of my normal activities will be the key to getting the disc back in its proper alignment. So I will do this gradually, but I think I will be taking my fist easy spin on the road bike sometime late this week or early next week. I might start just spinning on my indoor trainer to test the waters. I would imagine that in a couple weeks I will be getting some good miles in.
No question I am going to use this as an opportunity to greatly increase my flexibility and my core strength. I think that will be the key to managing this disc issue and making the pain stay away. Based oon the x-rays, I am confident that I will not be a candidate for surgery for a long time. He said if I am out of work for a week once every couple of years when this flares up, there would be no point in surgery. If I were out of work for a week every couple months, then we would be looking at that. I am going to do my best to make this pain stay away as long as possible.
Anyway, I am happy to be back in the game, and thanks to all of you for your positive support. It made a big difference to me, particularly in getting past the despondency during those first couple days of pain.
See you on the road...!
I'll be going through some physical therapy, but he said working while respecting any lingering pain from the herniation will not slow down my recovery. He was all for the elliptical trainer, recumbent bike and then mountain bike as a means to getting back on the road bike. He and I had a difference of opinion on that, and he respected my thoughts. I find the flexed position of a road bike more comfortable on my spine right now than upright on an MTB. He said if that feels OK to go for it. He agreed some people are more comfortable in a flexed position. I referenced this thread and some of your experiences, particularly that many of you said the biking makes your back feel better and helps you recover from your back problems and he said GREAT! He agreed that in his experience many patients have told him the same.
So he placed no limitations on me because he recognized that I know my body, and my back's abilities and limitations much more than a regular, sedentary patient. As a well trained cyclist, I also know how to manage my intensity to minute degrees, and understand intimately all the sensations in my body and what they mean, so I am in good position to manage my recuperation and activity well.
Its amazing that I went from debilitating pain one week ago, to minor back discomfort today. I know that my cycling condition allowed me to recover much more quickly. (OK, maybe the Percoset and Vodka cocktails helped a little too.) I also think that a resumption of my normal activities will be the key to getting the disc back in its proper alignment. So I will do this gradually, but I think I will be taking my fist easy spin on the road bike sometime late this week or early next week. I might start just spinning on my indoor trainer to test the waters. I would imagine that in a couple weeks I will be getting some good miles in.
No question I am going to use this as an opportunity to greatly increase my flexibility and my core strength. I think that will be the key to managing this disc issue and making the pain stay away. Based oon the x-rays, I am confident that I will not be a candidate for surgery for a long time. He said if I am out of work for a week once every couple of years when this flares up, there would be no point in surgery. If I were out of work for a week every couple months, then we would be looking at that. I am going to do my best to make this pain stay away as long as possible.
Anyway, I am happy to be back in the game, and thanks to all of you for your positive support. It made a big difference to me, particularly in getting past the despondency during those first couple days of pain.
See you on the road...!
On another note, are you a freelance photographer, or do you work for a specific paper / wire service? Just curious in that I am a political scientists. Always interested in folks on the campaign trail
10-16-07, 05:26 AM
#58
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Take it easy, man. Have a beer or two once in awhile...for the muscle spasms.
10-16-07, 09:39 AM
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Dude, I'm really sorry to hear about that. For what it's worth though, try and prove the doctor wrong and get back on the bike sooner. What I mean is . . . a guy I've met and ridden with a couple of times fell while trying to turn sharply while riding slowly and flopped over. When he hit the ground he broke his hip (he's probably in his late 50's or early 60's). The doctor told him it'd be several months before he could even BEGIN to be active again, but Bill was back on his trainer in the garage within 3 weeks. 3 WEEKS. He gently and gradually introduced cycling back into his life and was back on the bike on the open road/trail within 6 weeks (I think that's what he said). The injury occurred back in May/June or thereabouts and since then he's already logged over 3K miles, averaging at least 200 per week. He's recovering from a broken hip and has logged more miles in the last 4 months than I've logged all year.
Hang in there, take it easy, but don't let that bike collect dust any longer than it absolutely has to. Best of luck!
Hang in there, take it easy, but don't let that bike collect dust any longer than it absolutely has to. Best of luck!
10-16-07, 10:16 AM
#60
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I'll add another "me too". I had a L5/S1 fusion when I was 29 (now 47). A lot of core work and yoga have really helped me keep my back healthy and happy. Wishing you a quick recovery...
10-17-07, 01:14 PM
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Your comment about the tingling in your leg struck a "nerve" with me! 
I blew out my L5-S1 about 5 years ago, but had low back problems leading up to it for a several years. The tingling sensation traveled from my low back, to my buttock and down to my calf. This went on for over a month while I had an MRI, PT, oral steroids, etc. The MRI showed a completely extruded disk. Basically, the bulging part reached its point of no return and oozed over and down the disk (the pic are great--it's like jelly dripping out a doughnut). You could see the nerves in my spine detouring around it. That nerve irritation was Sciatica. It left my left leg weaker (even to this day) and left calf that I could not flex/tighten. After lots of pain and weak pain killers (get the good stuff if you can) and one night of unbelievably excrutiating pain (pressure from a sheet on my bed hurt), the pain disappeared. The nerve root epidural scheduled two days later was cancelled and I could stand upright after a month of slouching. Each specialist I saw said I should avoid surgery. I think their words were "unless you lose control of your bladder and piss yourself, you should avoid surgery." Peeing oneself, according to the doc, is a sign there is blood in your spine--call 911/go to the ER right away. I'm sure you'll get through this. Just listen to the advice and keep your core strong. This is not a showstopper.
I blew out my L5-S1 about 5 years ago, but had low back problems leading up to it for a several years. The tingling sensation traveled from my low back, to my buttock and down to my calf. This went on for over a month while I had an MRI, PT, oral steroids, etc. The MRI showed a completely extruded disk. Basically, the bulging part reached its point of no return and oozed over and down the disk (the pic are great--it's like jelly dripping out a doughnut). You could see the nerves in my spine detouring around it. That nerve irritation was Sciatica. It left my left leg weaker (even to this day) and left calf that I could not flex/tighten. After lots of pain and weak pain killers (get the good stuff if you can) and one night of unbelievably excrutiating pain (pressure from a sheet on my bed hurt), the pain disappeared. The nerve root epidural scheduled two days later was cancelled and I could stand upright after a month of slouching. Each specialist I saw said I should avoid surgery. I think their words were "unless you lose control of your bladder and piss yourself, you should avoid surgery." Peeing oneself, according to the doc, is a sign there is blood in your spine--call 911/go to the ER right away. I'm sure you'll get through this. Just listen to the advice and keep your core strong. This is not a showstopper.
10-17-07, 03:23 PM
#62
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I used to never have cramping issues until this season. My quads have been cramping on rides with lots of climbing. It happened during the Blue Ridge Extreme, and also my calf, and it happened during the Civil War Century.
I am now wondering if this is related, since the tingling/vibrating sensation was near my quads.
Anyway, back at work for three days and the lower back discomfort is subsiding by the day. Felling reasonably good right now and I will be on the trainer or a recumbent this weekend to see if I can spin for a long spell....
I am now wondering if this is related, since the tingling/vibrating sensation was near my quads.
Anyway, back at work for three days and the lower back discomfort is subsiding by the day. Felling reasonably good right now and I will be on the trainer or a recumbent this weekend to see if I can spin for a long spell....
10-17-07, 03:47 PM
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Discs do not blow out,your back is suffering from a tension spasm.Could be tight quad's or emotional pain.I know right now you feel crippled for life but it will pass,just keep telling yourself my BACK IS FINE.DO NOT LET THEM OPERATE!!!on you it will not help,read Dr JOHN E. SARNO'S healing back pain it worked for me.
10-17-07, 05:53 PM
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Sorry to hear about it too. I feel your pain (literally). Two rear end car accidents have left me in a similar state. I took about 18 months off of the bike, but that didn't help, so I figured I may as well get back on. Like Namenda said, I soon found out that cycling is one of the things that makes my back feel better. Go figure. But I still can't ride alot, or really long distances. So I do alot of eliptical at the gym and some spin classes to try to compensate. Good luck with your recovery.
10-17-07, 08:26 PM
#65
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Been there. L5-S1 bulging for me. Bad back spasms for about 2 weeks. I was off the bike for 6 weeks. Started back slowly. I still have a little discomfort at times, but Lodine XL or Aleive take care of it, for the most part.
Stay encouraged! I know, when mine was hurting really bad, I started reading up on recumbents. I was certain that would be the only way I'd be able to ride again. I'm back on the roadie and back to where I was when my disk first started causing me issues.
I kept pcad's story in mind. It was helpful and encouraging. Just don't tell him that. Big heads suck aerodynamically...
Stay encouraged! I know, when mine was hurting really bad, I started reading up on recumbents. I was certain that would be the only way I'd be able to ride again. I'm back on the roadie and back to where I was when my disk first started causing me issues.
I kept pcad's story in mind. It was helpful and encouraging. Just don't tell him that. Big heads suck aerodynamically...
10-17-07, 08:29 PM
#66
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I feel your "pain" having to use a walker!
Last April I was on a group ride on my recumbent, hit one of those gaps in the pavement and slammed down onto the pavement on my right side. Broke my right ankle and dislocated my right shoulder. Had to spend the next 6 weeks using a walker to get around and my arm in a sling! And I was only 33!
Heal quick!
Last April I was on a group ride on my recumbent, hit one of those gaps in the pavement and slammed down onto the pavement on my right side. Broke my right ankle and dislocated my right shoulder. Had to spend the next 6 weeks using a walker to get around and my arm in a sling! And I was only 33!
Heal quick!
11-03-07, 06:15 PM
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I was reading your post and totally understood your situation. Although I live in michigan, I'm a fairly serious cyclist even throught the winter, but last december things didn't seem right. My right leg was cramping terribly (no back pain), and when I was on the bike...I had no pain...but things went downhill quickly. By April, I could barely walk with my right leg in great pain and numb and my left leg begiining showing the beginning of the same symptoms. I went in for an MRI and they found two ruptured disks. by September, i needed surgery. They did a 2 diskectomies, laminectomyand fused L3 and L4. Five weeks late, my life is totally changed. The debilitating pain is gone and they expect me to be on my bike by late spring. I'm walking a lot and it's driving me crazy to not be riding, but so far, so good. This isn't necessarily the end of your cycling life.
11-03-07, 10:36 PM
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I am about to be back on the bike. I am working and doing all the daily things with some diminishing LBP. Physical therapy is doing great things...mainly helping me regain my flexibility. My back was so tight after all of this, and my hammies are always too tight. I NEVER had cramping issues before this summer.
I now strongly believe that my quad cramping this season was a bi-product of this lower back issue.
I will be made of rubber by New Years. I will be much more flexible, much stronger core. I understand what you are saying about the relationship between cramping and underlying/undiagnosed back issues.
I now strongly believe that my quad cramping this season was a bi-product of this lower back issue.
I will be made of rubber by New Years. I will be much more flexible, much stronger core. I understand what you are saying about the relationship between cramping and underlying/undiagnosed back issues.
