RE: Herniated Disc

["Dawna Bynum-Boyd" <dawnab@pdx.wantweb.net>]

<I received word today that I need surgery on a Herniated Disc on March
15th.
I am curious if any other ride camp subscribers have had to have surgery on
this and if so how long was your recovery?>

Sheryl, I had this surgery about a year ago this past August.  I had two
disks L5,S1 which I had fixed.  I was originally told I could not ride for a
year.  Boy was I dismayed!  The surgery went well, the healing of those
large back muscles takes some time though.  My particular surgeon did not
recommend starting therapy for a few months as he said that it just caused
you pain, but I know there are differing opinions.  (My surgeon has had back
surgery so I figure at least he could relate).  So after a few months I did
start therapy.  In the interim I taught my endurance guy to pull a cart and
was able to exercise him by driving him.  We both enjoyed this and my
husband often accompanied us.  I got the green light to ride after about 6
months, but didn't really start riding until about 8 months after my
surgery.  I ride all the time now and really notice if I don't get to the
gym or out to the trail to exercise those muscles.  My back is stronger than
ever.  I do get still now and then, but more when I don't ride regularly
than if I over do it.

I agree about the Chiropractor part, although after an adjustment or two I
told my Chiropractor I could hardly walk for days and he had the sense
enough to recommend a great spinal specialist.  Like you I didn't do
"anything" in particular to injure my back, who knows when it all started
but up until that time my back had never hurt me.  I don't know what
prompted it to become symptomatic.

So cheer up, get a good surgeon, and a good rehab program and get back to
your horse.  I'll be sending you good thoughts.

Dawna


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=