I’m new to triathlon but not new to going hard. After many years of physical abuse racing motocross, enduro mtn bikes, as well as riding stand up jet skis in big surf I’ve developed herniated discs. I have made some huge gains swimming until lately, the nerve pain has become so severe I can’t block it out and I feel like my body is shutting down. I have taken 3 weeks off swimming and feel like I’ve lost all I worked so hard to gain.
Looking for any feedback from other athletes that have similar issues. Surgery type and outcome or none?
Thanks!
In February of '17 bulged mine between c6&c7.
Also years of MX, etc.
Late April of '17 had a artificial disc replacement. Next morning woke up, no pain, left arm returned to fully functional.
A freaking miracle. 3.5 months later got my first KQ. Without surgery, even sleeping was challenging, forget about riding a bike.
Hope you get relief ASAP
Keep us posted
Like you I’ve had back/disc issues for years given everything I’ve done over the years. My issue is specifically at L5/S1.
About a year ago at 52yo, it started getting much much worse. Started out with some PT (worked for a bit, then it didn’t), then steroid shots (virtually no impact), and then nerve blockers (helped a bit, but not enough).
Finally, a few weeks ago I had surgery and am now doing post-surgery PT. So far so good. The way I describe it to folks who haven’t experienced it is that I was living at a pain level of 7/8 for a long time. It hasn’t gone away completely (yet) but right now is down to a 2/3 most of the time. Doctor and PT folks assure me that it will get below that once the swelling associated with the surgery goes away and PT.
Thanks for the response!! My surgeon said fusing was an option but recommended it be a last resort. I will look into what you did!!!
I would also say that life owes me nothing, I’ve had a good run and want to keep rolling.
When I went to see my surgeon for the first time, he’d already seen my MRI; from comments I got here on ST from neurosurgeons I knew FOR SURE he was going to suggest fusion. He didn’t. He said with your activity level you’ll be much happier with a replacement. He was correct! I told him I was sure he’d suggest a fusion, and he said I could do that, but this will be better. I then asked “why don’t I read much about it?” He said few surgeons are capable/want to bother learning how to do it since fusion has been around for so long.
So…
Word to the wise, it might be worth searching for someone who can do replacement. I would recommend my guy and furthermore would travel across country to have him work on me. If you want his name, etc. PM me. BTW, he’s a pretty serious roadie and was excited for me when I KQ’d
Cervical disc replacements are a lot more mainstream these days so may well be a consideration for you. You really need a neuro/spinal surgeon commenting on the films to see what the best options are.
Pain management wise, there are some interventional pain blocks that you can get done which may be able to help take the edge off things but how easy these are to access can depend on where you are located etc.
Good luck!
