cervical fusion & riding

[XLinAL]

Thanks for all the responses.

In addition to the bulging discs, there are bone spurs the Doc wants to clean up. All that has been pressing on the nerves and playing Hell on my neck, shoulder, and down my left arm to my hand.
In just the last 2 yrs, it's gotten to where I can't go 50 miles w/out having to pull over and knead/ massage/ stretch to get some relief. Not good when you're used to 600-700 mile wknds.

I love my drag bars, but when I come out the other side of this, some ergo changes are in order( bars, seat...).

It's warped, but if it wasn't for riding, I might have just lived w/ it.
It's amazing what you can train yourself to put up with.
I couldn't deal w/ not riding. If this gets me back in the wind eventually...

thx
Richard

[milmat1]

Richard, Another thing to consider is that after some period of time maybe 10-20 yrs even there will be problems show up from the scar tissue etc. And may require another (Less Dramatic) Surgery. My surgery was in 95 and my neurologist just found that I have a ton of nerve damage and Scaring in my back that is adding to my neuropathy pain now !..

Best of Luck !

[shortysporty05]

Hi there. Every case is different but, in Feb. 2002 I had C6 or 7 replaced. They used donor bone and metal plate with 4 screws. Best decision I ever made, could barely walk and I was in a lot of pain all the time.
I've been riding since 2004 and like SimonDyna said, you tend to watch more for the bumps. My Dr said even a 5mph fender bender will paralyze me, so I pay attention when friends are playing ball and throwing things also. I always wear a helmet riding and if we have a constant strong wind and crosswind, I will tire quicker and I'll ache for a while after. Usual riding does not bother me, we have gone on 400-500 mile rides in a day with no problems.
Good luck with your surgery, keep us informed and back to riding quickly. Listen to the Doctors they know what they are doing.

[XLinAL]

Well, surgery set for 8am Monday. (2/7/11).

Got a lot to do to prepare... clean apt, laundry, stock the pantry & fridge, bendy straws. Gotta rearrange the kitchen & move stuff below shoulder level.
got a ride to/ from lined up (in a car).

Just got the pre/post op instructions.
no smokes for 3 days b4!???
I can do the no food/ drink 8 hrs before, but no cigarettes for three days?
Shit! It says stop illicit drugs 24 hrs before, but cigs 3 days before? WTF!
Rant off. Wish me luck...

[Nytstr]

Smoking will negatively affect your recovery.

I have radiculopathy, DJD, and DDD at just about every level of my spine. Pain is always there. My wife had cervical fusion, and while it eliminated the numbness in her arms, it did nothing for the pain. Hopefully you will have better results.

When I bought my Nightster, I could not ride to the local H-D shop, 10 miles, without my right arm going numb. That's why I put buckhorns on, and now I can ride at least 275 miles in a day w/o any issue (other than numb butt!). You might consider changing yours before you do this as it might make a big difference.

[shortysporty05]

Good luck and hoping for the best! Wind in your hair soon,

[hdphil]

ive had both cervicle and back surgeries,i'm 63 and still ride my sporty,the only problem i have is that i can no longer turn my neck fully to the right so you will have to turn your body with your head.as far as back pain i live with it along with lydacane patches which help on the long rides. good luck

[Motorhead52]

I have a bud with a fused neck, he still rides his Beemer (BMW)

Harley can be the most demanding of the body effort toward Ergos is going to the right area

knowing the areas is priceless

Harley's Vibrate, so ideas of lower speed and padding the punch are best effort ideals
proper clothing protects Anti vibe glove prolongs ear plugs soften sound

Good Phy condition if meds or condition exist what relief "works" that keep others safe and you alive

[knut]

Take 10 different people having the same procedure for the same problem and they will have 10 different results. Largely a crap shoot but I feel your pain. Rode my FJ off of a cliff 8 yrs. ago destroying two vertebrae and making me an inch shorter. Took a while for things to get back to "normal." but was riding again within months. The results of my crash largely went unnoticed until I got hold of an 04' XL1200C a few days ago and took it for a ride on some bumpy twisties. Still sore. Need to seriously upgrade the shocks and forks... great on the smooth sweepers though...

I hope things work out well for you...

[Ice]

I had C6 and C7 fused a year ago, some times I can ride all day other times, not.