On 9/25/07 1:13 PM, in article , "Bill Armstrong"
wrote:




Good Luck with your recovery. Here is my lumbar case for comparative purposes,
less evasive due to less diagnosis to yours:

3 years of progressive L4 and L5 disc issues from bulge to final rupture L5
(hard telemark fall last Feb. 07) and the L4 herniation and mild to moderate
stenosis based on CT and MRI scans. Progressively worse pain and sciatic
symptoms which I could not take after 6 weeks of rest and meds so I opted for
surgery. Lumbar laminectomy with discotomy, which basically means clean out
the loose disc fragments in the spine and loose pieces in the disc while
leaving that in place, shaved bone on vertebrae to relieve pressure on spine
and apply steroidal cortisone on herniation to mitigate that a bit. Surgery in
late April 07.

Walking some the next day. Walking only exercise for 6 weeks, then some light
lifting and stretching. Lifting 10 pound at 2 months or so. Sciatic symptoms
almost completely gone immediately, though some return of minor leg tightness
recently. Hikes and lifting under 30 pounds seems OK, basic house chores, etc.
no hard work (I used to moonlight as landscape laborer). I bought my A-basin
pass and other 4 packs on surgeons advice that skiing will be fine if I heed
normal caution suggestions. I hope to get at least 20 days in (usually I'm 20
- 30+ days on alpine), though bumps may be limited. I plan to go on a hunt
elk in two weeks but only as an observer, no packing out more than 20 pounds,
simply want to camp and be in the field. The muscle and tendon cuts really
limited torso strength, twisting exercise or work, and has been my biggest
limitation beyond getting through atrophy elimination.

Patience is key in my case as well, but feeling a lot better and glad I did it
so far.


Cheers

Thanks for the info. Based upon what the MD told me, I was hoping to do some
light local stuff in the February time frame. Has Physical Therapy suggested
any stretching at this time * it might help that leg tightness.