Back Surgery and Mountain Biking

Latdog said:

I recently had a lumber microdiskectomy. I was wondering if anyone else has had one and what sort of activities they could return to. I know that everyone's surgery is different, but I want to get an idea of what other people can now do. I was also wondering if a full suspension bike is necessary. I was told that is not? Any tips or info would be appreciated.
G

You're in the same boat as me, but I had a complete disc replacement. Since you had your work before me I was wondering how you made out and if you had any advice for me. I had my surgery on 6/20 and was told it would take about 3 to 6 months for my complete recooperation. I had a herniated ruptured disc causing my legs a great deal of pain and causing them to go out on me a number of times. I can't wait to get back on my bikes and ride once more. I hope you're doing well and can give me some advice. GOOD LUCK!

I had a microdicetomy on 4-9-05. My nerve was under compression for over 6 months, however I did not have difficulty walking until about 2 weeks before the surgery. I tried to ride my road bike about 3 weeks ago, and had my nerve was irratated for several days after. If you can learn to tell the difference, between nerve pain and sore muscles, that might be a good guide as to whether or not you can start riding. How long did the doctor tell you, until you can return back to your normal life style. He told me that it usally about 4 months. I have read several forums on the internet that it can take up to two years for a nerve to heal, depending on how badly it was damaged. I have pasted several links that I have used a resources. Always listen to you doctor, I don't always trust everything that I read on the internet. I have my good days and bad days, I just keep praying that the damage was not permenent. I am 28 years old and raced MTB fro 3 years.
:o

http://www.ehealthforum.com/health/lower_back_pain.html

http://www.backpain-book.com/Chapter_Fig_folders/Ch06_Path_Folder/4Radiculopathy.html

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/messages/33151.html