Hi Christopher, Congratulations on a successful back surgery! Don't be too harsh on your health provider: research shows that a "successful" outcome (i.e., resolution of back pain, radicular symptoms, restoration of function) is a 50/50 proposition.
The typical healing time for these things is about 4-6 weeks. Now, in the case of a cyclist, if I were your physical therapist, I'd have you on a stationary bike as soon as you're able. For safety's sake, due to the time course of healing (again 4-6 weeks), I'd caution against actually riding for several more weeks at least--no point buggering things up if something unforeseen occurs! Also, I'd caution against being too aggressive in your exercise in the early stages of healing. There will very likely be some swelling, some pain, perhaps some mild sciatica. Make haste slowly, as they say. In the long run, however, you should have no issues at all. It's been decades since my multi-level laminectomy (necessitated due to a bike vs. lumber truck encounter) and I've had no problems at all provided I keep myself fit and strong. Again, congratulations and best of luck! lyle -- lyle f bogart dpt 156 bradford rd wiscasset, me 04578 207.882.6494 206.794.6937 On 1 July 2012 19:28, Christopher Paul <zdree...@gmail.com> wrote: > Greetings all, > > I want try my luck with this vast knowledge bank... > > I have been suffering from sciatica for the last 5 years. I had a > couple of epidurals and that helped and little else. > I have no problem when sitting down or riding. I have ridden several > centuries this year and am otherwise healthy. When I have had to > stand for more than a minute, the pain kicks in. > > Last week I had a foraminotomy and a laminectomy. I feel like I've > been reborn! No more waking up and reaching for the tylenol. > Now I'm going stir crazy from not riding my bike. Of course I don't > want to screw up a successful surgery, but I'm in agony waiting and > waiting. > > Any thoughts as to when the earliest sensible time to get back in the > saddle? > > By the way, my health provider did everything to discourage me from > getting this procedure. Shame on them! I feel I suffered needlessly > for at least 4 years from listening to bad advise. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
