Hi,

I'd like to know if there are fellow athletes out there that have had successful fusions and returned to their sport.....particulary a high impact sport. I'm a competitive adult figure skater that loves to jump. I'm also an avid cyclist. I'll be considering a recumbent once I can get back on the road.........so comments/suggestions on recumbent road bikes (training rides of around 30 miles and supported tours up to 100 miles per day) would also be appreciated.

Thanks!!!!!

Michigansk8er

I'll think you'll find that being pain free might be most important. Did you have your fusion surgery yet?
If you did and are feeling like you are ready to do those things again, I would think about the consequences of it. There are so many of us on here with different situations that we are just praying to be pain free and would love to have the opportunity to just be able to "live life" again.
If I were in your shoes, just being able to enjoy the simple things again would be most satisfying to me.
Every situation is different. If your fusion is successful you still run the increased chance of injury above and below the fusion itself. That is a major concern and very possible. Excercise if most important but high impact isn't always a good idea when one has had a fusion. There are too many risks involved.
Let me end by saying that successful fusion is GREAT but I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that and enjoy the simple things in life. You only get one spine!!
Good Luck to you!!
Christina

Good advise Christina.......My Back fusion is a Great sucess and I won't jepordize my good Back for any reason! As I understand it The Vertibras above the Fused are absorbing any additional shock!
I enjoy walking....sitting....Driving....snow blowing......lawn mowing.....raking....& sex to much to give way to my Old Sports like Raquet ball-Bowling!!
I have learned........I HATE Pain & taking Meds!! JMO

Larry

My fusion is tomorrow. I'm still hoping to get my life back. It's hard to stop doing something you love. I have found some reports of hockey players back on the ice after fusions, so you never know. I realize it might not happen, but I guess I don't want to give up yet. Also, my body is so used to training, that it's gone into shock due to lack of exercise. I've gained a TON of weight this last year. I'll have to stop eating entirely if I can't get a decent workout. I know this probably sounds ridiculous to many of you, but for me it's difficult to deal with.

Thanks for your input. I really do appreciate it.

I am 57 years old and have lived an extremely active life. I played hockey for 15 years, triathalons, hiked the grand canyon, rafting in West Virginia, ran five miles a day for the last 22 years, etc.
My 35 years of back trouble finally caught up with me and I have had two fusions in the last 18 months. I am not able to do many of the things that I used to do and the thought of falling on the ice or any other type of impact sends chills you know where.
I am still very active, I just accepted that I had to change my activities.
I am able to circuit train at the gym every day, workout on the treadmill, step aerobics, spinning class and some 45 minute bike workouts on the road.
I understand your concerns because you sound like me. Just accept that you will be able to find plenty of activities post fusion to keep you in shape, I doubt you will want to do any activity that has much impact, the price is just too high.
Good Luck

Hey michigansk8er,
I wanted to pipe in here. I just replied to "defective" "who has had BAK cage surgery" post.
I had my 2 level 360 fusion exactly one year before yours. (jan 9, 2003)
I was back surfing last summer. Caught some of Fabian and sat out Isabel (too big for me). I was told until you are fully fused, to avoid anything where you don't have 100% control of your own body. After that, YES other things can go wrong, but I also have DDD. I hurt my back this Christmas taking food out of the oven just like "normal" people do. I was told I'll never be NORMAL but then again, I wasn't before the surgery.
I understand caution, I understand pain, but I also understand that missing out on what you love is important too. I think it helped me mentally to add surfing to my "goals" list. First it was put on my own shoes...and eventually catching a wave.

Good Luck, and keep me posted
BionicSurfer

Bionic Surfer,

Thanks for your ideas. Skating and cycling are goals.....but future ones. I realize that I may end up changing my competitive skating goals at some point, so I am looking at it realistically (I may end up competing interpretive events rather than freestyle, for instance, so I can limit jumping) ...but do plan to still be on the ice again. If not, I'll find something else to do, and at least have the satisfaction of one national medal. It's my goal for now.....my long range one. For now, getting my back brace on alone will have to do. :) One step at a time is a good way to look at things.

Happy surfing. Glad to hear you are back out on the waves.

Hi All,

I am 3 months post op next wednesday and i will be having my first x-ray then. I am dying to be able to exercise again (and being able to get my heart rate up) as i have not been able to do that for a long time. I still am only allowed to walk nothing more. I agree with the no exercise that you have not got 100% control over your body for, that sounds realistic.
Cycling after walking should be the progression of activites you are permitted to do. Then some light weights etc as these elements will help to rebuild lost muscle tone etc so you have the strength to return to more activities without damage.

Goodluck
Brooke