Topic: WANTING TO HEAR WHAT MY DOC WON'T TELL ME (Read 7278 times)

NTHEWIND · « **on:** December 23, 2006, 01:39:55 PM »

Eight months ago I went down, ending up with a T11 Compression Fracture and T12 & L1 Burst Fracture. Surgery consisted of Posterior Thoracolumbar; T10-L2 Fusion and Fixation (i.e. 2 rods and a ton of screws holding my spine together).

I am fifty years old, and riding has been my PASSION for the last thirty-eight years. My '04 SEEG, '94 Custom Softtail and '06 CRF450X await me patiently in the garage. All I want to do is get back, "In the Wind".

My surgeon (who might be great at repairing bodies, but has no understanding of living life) suggests the unthinkable... to give up riding. I do believe though, that this would be his advice, even if I had not gone down. Presently I can walk, and even drive an auto for hours at a time, with just minor pain.

I suppose I am looking for someone with experience of the ordeal I have gone through, and with the love that I have for riding, to tell me what I want to hear... go ride! If anyone could possibly head me off in the direction of a medical specialist who could be straight with me, I would be very much appreciative.
Thank you,
NTHEWIND

hd-dude · « **Reply #1 on:** December 23, 2006, 01:58:39 PM »

The big question is are you able to ride? Can you handle the bike in normal circumstances? If you are physically able to do it without hurting yourself further I would say go for it!

Best of luck to you whatever you decide 8-)

Hoist! · « **Reply #2 on:** December 23, 2006, 02:04:59 PM »

Quote

Eight months ago I went down, ending up with a T11 Compression Fracture and T12 & L1 Burst Fracture. Surgery consisted of Posterior Thoracolumbar; T10-L2 Fusion and Fixation (i.e. 2 rods and a ton of screws holding my spine together).

I am fifty years old, and riding has been my PASSION for the last thirty-eight years. My '04 SEEG, '94 Custom Softtail and '06 CRF450X await me patiently in the garage. All I want to do is get back, "In the Wind".

My surgeon (who might be great at repairing bodies, but has no understanding of living life) suggests the unthinkable... to give up riding. I do believe though, that this would be his advice, even if I had not gone down. Presently I can walk, and even drive an auto for hours at a time, with just minor pain.

I suppose I am looking for someone with experience of the ordeal I have gone through, and with the love that I have for riding, to tell me what I want to hear... go ride! If anyone could possibly head me off in the direction of a medical specialist who could be straight with me, I would be very much appreciative.
Thank you,
NTHEWIND

I'm real sorry to hear that NTHEWIND! Get well soon and back in the saddle is what I say. I went down in '94 and had knee surgery. They always tell you not to ride anymore, They also call them "donorcycles". Screw them all. They don't know us. Only you'll know whether or not you'll be able to continue riding. I draw my inspiration from a guy I saw on my way to Sturgis one year. He had no legs (bike accident). He jury rigged his bike for auto shifting, and 1 hand-2 wheel braking. He also had "training wheels" that came down when he stopped so he didn't tip over. Nothing was stopping him from getting back in the saddle! That was one of the most awsome, inspirational things I've ever seen! The way I see it, One day we all wake up dead. I'm not up to that yet! Until then, I just want to be free to ride my machine...! Just my $.02.

Happy Holidays and get well soon! Hoist!

Fired00d · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2006, 02:24:07 PM »

NTHEWIND,
Sorry to hear of your accident, and dilemma. Have you tried getting a second opinion? Maybe even find a back specialist that is a motorcycle enthusiast that knows our passion and can give you a more informed diagnosis. Good luck, and I hope things work out so you can get back in the wind.

[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]

Gettinold · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2006, 04:26:50 PM »

SOUNDS TO ME YOU HAVE ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION. YOU KNOW YOUR GOING TO DO IT, ITS WHEN YOU DO IT, HOW MUCH PAIN IS IT GOING TO GIVE YOU, WHEN YOU DO. GOOD LUCK WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE, HOPE YOU CAN DO IT. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
DAVE

amigo Jorge · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2006, 05:03:13 PM »

Quote

Eight months ago I went down, ending up with a T11 Compression Fracture and T12 & L1 Burst Fracture. Surgery consisted of Posterior Thoracolumbar; T10-L2 Fusion and Fixation (i.e. 2 rods and a ton of screws holding my spine together).

I am fifty years old, and riding has been my PASSION for the last thirty-eight years. My '04 SEEG, '94 Custom Softtail and '06 CRF450X await me patiently in the garage. All I want to do is get back, "In the Wind".

My surgeon (who might be great at repairing bodies, but has no understanding of living life) suggests the unthinkable... to give up riding. I do believe though, that this would be his advice, even if I had not gone down. Presently I can walk, and even drive an auto for hours at a time, with just minor pain.

I suppose I am looking for someone with experience of the ordeal I have gone through, and with the love that I have for riding, to tell me what I want to hear... go ride! If anyone could possibly head me off in the direction of a medical specialist who could be straight with me, I would be very much appreciative.
Thank you,
NTHEWIND

I am sorry mi amigo.....I pray for you and hopefully you find a [smiley=1112.gif] who can understand your reason of living.......

Merry Christmas [smiley=santa3.gif],

Jorge

CVOMOE!! · « **Reply #6 on:** December 23, 2006, 08:49:40 PM »

Very sorry to hear about your accident and dilemma. I would be riding as soon as I was able to as long as I felt I was safe and wasn't going to cause any permanent damage to my body. It would be hard to give it up at your age so I say if you can do it then do it. You are the only who can really tell if you are able to handle the big bike. If you are on meds for pain I may give it a second thought.

Get well soon and ride safe, CVOMOE [smiley=banana.gif]

ccr · « **Reply #7 on:** December 24, 2006, 06:17:12 AM »

Quote

Eight months ago I went down... All I want to do is get back, "In the Wind"....
I suppose I am looking for someone with experience of the ordeal I have gone through, and with the love that I have for riding, to tell me what I want to hear... go ride! ... NTHEWIND

First, I am sorry to hear that you are even in this dilemma. Sure hope you heal better than you are now. Living in pain is no fun at all. If I could reccomend a little read, from this site and a long standing member of our site who was in an accident, hurt very, very bad, decided to quit riding, then changed his mind, lived though all the mending and repairs and is back in the wind himself. Better hearing from someone who has lived it then one who never wants to see it.

altugo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 24, 2006, 10:01:02 AM »

Sorry to hear what your going thru.In case you wont be able ride a motorcycle maybe you will be confort able riding a trike?It may not be exactly the same thing but close.And i guess its maybe easier to handle without giving too much pressure on your back?I never ridden a trike so i really cant say how it feels like but my bike sure hurts my back even i have no problems yet.I just wanted to point a different alternative just incase.I hope you will be able to ride soon. [smiley=drink.gif]

lucky1 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 24, 2006, 01:45:09 PM »

If you can have a good grip of the front brake and work the rest of the controls ok, then go for a short ride and see how it goes. I had a bad car wreck ('23Tbucket) years ago-torn aeorta,etc. Sold the bikes due to Dr. advice. Got a 05FLSTFSE last year. Hurt my spine at work, on 9/25/06 had C6-7 fusion. I have only been able to put 8600 miles on the bike, but- the pain is alot easer to take in the saddle than on the couch. By the way I am up to 400 miles at a time now.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #10 on:** December 25, 2006, 03:39:53 AM »

Minor advice to be taken or not at your own discretion. It comes from someone with some degree of issue that will require (maybe) surgical intervention someday. The question I asked and statement I've made to my doc were as follows:

Advise me on whether or not riding will cause further damage above and beyond aggrevating pain management. Pain is a personal thing I'll decide on bearability myself on. The Doctor can't know how I feel. Doctors just tell me if it's doing more physical damage. I'll decide if I can stand it or not.

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #11 on:** December 25, 2006, 09:35:54 PM »

Don't know if any of my life's experiences compare to what you're dealing with, but for what it's worth, here goes.

I have really bad osteoarthritis. I currently have an artificial hip on my right side and an artificial knee on the left. I was not supposed to do a lot of things for a long time after each of those operations, but I rode to Daytona and back 4 months after the hip operation and went on a 6,100 mile oddessy 11 weeks after the knee. I had a heart attack in 2004 and rode 500 miles each way to Tombstone AZ and back 4 weeks later. I crashed at 70 mph in June of 2005 and was riding again in 3 weeks. I do not know what I'd do if I could not ride. I have often talked to my wife about the next phase, when the arthritis and implants get to the point where I cannot continue on 2 wheels. I will then move on to 3, but I imagine I am 20 years from that point. No one can or should tell you how to live your life. Only you know what you think and feel and only you know what riding truly means to you. For me, it is everything and I will ride till I die or die riding, whichever comes first.

Big B

erniezap · « **Reply #12 on:** December 26, 2006, 09:08:04 AM »

Sorry to hear about this and what you're going through. I've had 2 back surgeries (L4-L5, L5-S1) and I am supposed to avoid any impact activities like skiing, hockey, running, etc. That being said, I still play golf and ride, and occassionally go skiing. I stopped palying hockey after the first surgery since that would be asking for trouble. I am just a bit more careful than I used to be when doing these activities. I'm not on any medications for it, and while riding I always use the back rest. I don't have any issues, but I always have the though regarding what will happen if I go down in the back of my mind. Ultimately you have to decide whether the risk is worth it and if you can ride safely. I hope that this helps.

Ernie

Gettinold · « **Reply #13 on:** December 26, 2006, 09:26:59 AM »

Quote

Sorry to hear about this and what you're going through. I've had 2 back surgeries (L4-L5, L5-S1) and I am supposed to avoid any impact activities like skiing, hockey, running, etc. That being said, I still play golf and ride, and occassionally go skiing. I stopped palying hockey after the first surgery since that would be asking for trouble. I am just a bit more careful than I used to be when doing these activities. I'm not on any medications for it, and while riding I always use the back rest. I don't have any issues, but I always have the though regarding what will happen if I go down in the back of my mind. Ultimately you have to decide whether the risk is worth it and if you can ride safely. IU hope that this helps.

Ernie

WOW ERNIE, DONT HEAR OF MANY OLE BOYS OUR AGE STILL OUT ON THE ICE WITH THE STICKS, HOPE THE PUCK YOU DONT DONT GET HURT. TAKE IT EASY. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

erniezap · « **Reply #14 on:** December 26, 2006, 12:59:51 PM »

Quote

WOW ERNIE, DONT HEAR OF MANY OLE BOYS OUR AGE STILL OUT ON THE ICE WITH THE STICKS, HOPE THE PUCK YOU DONT DONT GET HURT. TAKE IT EASY. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

I miss it big time, but the old body can't take the punishment anymore. Sucks getting old, but sure beats the alternative!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #15 on:** December 26, 2006, 06:44:19 PM »

Quote

I miss it big time, but the old body can't take the punishment anymore. Sucks getting old, but sure beats the alternative!

Wasn't Gordie Howe like 103 when he finally keeled over and impaled himself on his own stick while going at such a high speed that the sudden stop forced him to slice open his own rear end with his skates?

erniezap · « **Reply #16 on:** December 26, 2006, 11:21:22 PM »

Nah, he was only 98! I actually skated with him up in Buffalo in the 1980's...

Twolanerider · « **Reply #17 on:** December 26, 2006, 11:44:11 PM »

Quote

Nah, he was only 98! I actually skated with him up in Buffalo in the 1980's...

Ok, no kidding, that would have been very cool.

NTHEWIND · « **Reply #18 on:** December 27, 2006, 11:06:35 AM »

Thank you, one ane all, for your kind and motivating words. With that said, today I'm going to order the set of Rindhart Duals that I wanted to put on the SEEG prior to my accident!! As soon as winter turns into spring, I'm in the wind.

One further question, has anyone had any experience with the potective back braces that I see sold in catelogs? Are there some more effective (or damaging) than others?

Thank you all again,
NTHEWIND

Hoist! · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2006, 11:16:18 AM »

Quote

Thank you, one ane all, for your kind and motivating words. With that said, today I'm going to order the set of Rindhart Duals that I wanted to put on the SEEG prior to my accident!! As soon as winter turns into spring, I'm in the wind.

One further question, has anyone had any experience with the potective back braces that I see sold in catelogs? Are there some more effective (or damaging) than others?

Thank you all again,
NTHEWIND

That's the spirit. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Don't get back on before you're ready though. You'll appreciate it even more instead of making things worse. Being itchy to get back in the saddle is tough, but be patient. Working on your bike while your healing is the best therapy, and will give you something to look forward to.

Feel better and best of luck. Hoist! 8-)

erniezap · « **Reply #20 on:** December 27, 2006, 02:02:56 PM »

Quote

Thank you, one ane all, for your kind and motivating words. With that said, today I'm going to order the set of Rindhart Duals that I wanted to put on the SEEG prior to my accident!! As soon as winter turns into spring, I'm in the wind.

One further question, has anyone had any experience with the potective back braces that I see sold in catelogs? Are there some more effective (or damaging) than others?

Thank you all again,
NTHEWIND

I used one post surgery that the Dr prescribed. It gives more support but I found that I didn't really need it and stopped using it.

Coolbreeze · « **Reply #21 on:** December 29, 2006, 12:37:42 AM »

Quick note from a multiple back fusion kind of guy. The Back braces work. They will provide you with support to keep you from torquing things that shouldn't be torqued. That being said, I never wear the brace unless I am at great risk of compressive shock to the spine which I would have nt control over, (ie. a pothole at speed...) I never wear it otherwise due to the fact that it will let you allow the muscles to become dependant on the support, at the expense of atrophy of muscle groups that you need to work REAL HARD to strengthen.

I can't help you with what will work best for you. I'm a S-3 through L-3 kinda guy, and that lets me wear a brace like a corset that squeezes and stretches me like a corset. (goes on kind of the same way... shut up you guys...) I don't know if you can get one for where your beat up. Go to a prosthetics shop and tell them what your situation is and what you want out of the brace, (safety for the unexpected), and they should be able to help you out...

The previous commentary about the right questions to ask the doctor is right on the mark too in my opinion. My doc told me that it would be suidice to ever ride again, and it turns out that he would have said the same thing if I had had him operate on my foot.....

Cheers, be carefull, and remember how to get old... Look forward to the next day, and wake up for it!

kazumdgc · « **Reply #22 on:** December 31, 2006, 10:44:43 AM »

I too was in a crash in 2006. Not as bad as yours but a crash is a crash. Dislocated hip, Knee foot and on an on Dr said I would never walk on my right leg again. WRONG! My friends who don't ride thought I would quit. My friends who do ride knew I could not. I remember 2 years ago riding to DC for the Big one and a girl was riding a softail in front of me. She rode well and her Mom and Dad rode next to her. At one of the breaks we satrted talking and she told me she had a crash the year before and had 7 surgeries on her lower right leg to try and fix it. She said she had enough of them messing her leg up so she had them remove the lower part of her leg and foot. Got a Prosthesis and learned to ride with her new leg and foot. What an amazing person. She was my inspiration as I was getting well and said over an over to myself if she had the strength and desire so do I. I am glad you have taken the rode to ride again and not let the can't do it people take over your life.

Ride safe and long my brothers and sisters.

UltraPolecat · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2006, 11:27:53 AM »

Great story Kaz,

Thanks for the reminder that we only need look around us to find the inspiration we need to win at this life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! [smiley=mango.gif]

SEULTRA · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2006, 12:00:04 PM »

Sounds like you've been through a lot of pain (physically and mentally). Those of us who's passion for riding is strong understand your desire to ride again. I have spinal degeneration, 2 herniated discs in my neck and a narrowing of the foramen channel in 2 disks that pinch the nerves extending to my shoulders and arms but I still manage to ride. PT has helped a LOT as well as specific exercise to build up the supporting muscles. I went to a neurosurgeon in Denver who steered me in this direction rather than perform surgery. Needless to say I value his opinion highly. He never told me to quit riding, just told me how to get better. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Of course my problem is nowhere as serious as yours and I wish you all the luck finding a doc that will help you get riding again.
Only you truly know what your capabilities are. IMHO, the question you need to ask yourself is can I ride capably and not endanger others? The rest is just bugs in your teeth!

Jock · « **Reply #25 on:** January 03, 2007, 08:26:01 PM »

Just found the thread...You are in my prayers and Good Luck...

JCZ · « **Reply #26 on:** January 04, 2007, 12:39:02 PM »

Kind of what Coolbreeze was saying........I used one for a short period of time after my accident. I used it less and less because I felt like it might actually be making my back muscles weaker and more dependant on the support.

As far as riding goes......the back rest on your seat, adjusted properly (that may take some trial and error before you get that just right) will help a lot. For me, my riding style changed quite a bit after my accident, too........and so that helped also.

A prayer goes out for you this morning for a complete recovery. Please keep us posted.

luvridn · « **Reply #27 on:** February 07, 2007, 09:04:48 PM »

Keep the positive thought process!!
Something else you may want to consider is a custom seat to help absorb more of the shock, w/ of course a custom backrest to provide support until you're more pain free.

bisounours · « **Reply #28 on:** February 09, 2007, 09:34:02 AM »

Morning luvridn !

You are

on this site from FRANCE !

It'll be nice for the other members if you present you in the thread "New Member Introduction"
with a pic of your bike.

Best regards

Jacques

DavidB · « **Reply #29 on:** February 10, 2007, 05:08:11 AM »

My friend Ron hand a cage wrapped around his lower vertibra along with various screws , pins and rods and whatever else was found on the floor. A year later we head up to Rollin Thunder and he does great. The year before the surgery we had to transport him home in the back seat of a rented car from Dc. Of course alot of his fast healing was contributed to the fact of him being so damd ugly. Thats him on the left with his dad.

ccr · « **Reply #30 on:** February 10, 2007, 05:14:33 AM »

Glad to hear your buddy is doing so well one year after such a major surgery.

Love the shirts. haa haa!

rbmntx · « **Reply #31 on:** February 10, 2007, 08:11:42 AM »

I know your dilema my friend as I can relate. I went through three back surgeries in an eight month period about four years ago. Fortunately, it did not involve orthopedic work, just neurosurgery but it still keep me sidelined for a full year afterwards. Everyone was concerned about my riding again also, especially for the potential pain associated with it. Once I set my RK Classic up with the proper seat and handlebars to fit me ergonomically, being on the bike was the most comfortable place I could be. Last summer I took a 4,000 mile, ten state ride over 14 days without a hitch. If you can.., I say do it. Only you will know.

nidan · « **Reply #32 on:** April 30, 2007, 03:32:53 PM »

Doctors have value , but if we did everything they said we would be damn boring.

As long as you can ride safely , with minimal pain do so .

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #33 on:** April 30, 2007, 05:10:47 PM »

Quote from: DavidB on February 10, 2007, 05:08:11 AM

My friend Ron hand a cage wrapped around his lower vertibra along with various screws , pins and rods and whatever else was found on the floor. A year later we head up to Rollin Thunder and he does great. The year before the surgery we had to transport him home in the back seat of a rented car from Dc. Of course alot of his fast healing was contributed to the fact of him being so damd ugly. Thats him on the left with his dad.

I dunno, looking at his dad, I'm thinking the Dr's did some cosmetic work while they were fixin the mechanicals.

Glad to see your friend up and about.

Thanks for the post

B B

Author Topic: WANTING TO HEAR WHAT MY DOC WON'T TELL ME (Read 7278 times)

SPIDERMAN

SPIDERMAN