Physically active before injury - What are your limitations now?

[iluvthebeach]

I wanted to hear from everyone that was physically active before their injury and subsequent surgery what their limitations are for physical activity. Have you found that you had to give up things you did before your surgery? The reason I ask is because I am a very active person. I like to work out, run, swim and other activities. I wanted to find out if having adr surgery would limit those things or eliminate them from my life. Currently all of those things are eliminated but I would like to get some of them back. When I go to my appointment next week, I will be asking the doctor this question. I do know it is also based on a case by case basis for each individual, but I would love to hear your stories too.

[annapurna]

Sorry the first version of this reply was a little more detailed, but that was before the computer crash. Second version: Laura regained almost full activity immediately after her lumbar ADR and has never been limited by her cervical ADRs. Her lumbar ADR happened to fall right around the first knee surgery on her right knee that looks like set her up for a degenerative cascade in the knee that has taken seven years to turn around so she wasn't at top shape for that time. Albeit, not in top shape for her still means 60 to 100 mile bike rides, mountain hiking, cross country skiing and 2-5 mile open water swims; all when the knee allows it.

If an ADR works for you, you're likely to see more limitation from the fitness level lost due to pain-induced inactivity rather than the ADR itself. Unfortunately the phrase "if the ADR works for you" is a heck of a qualifier.

[Cirobi]

I was very active through high school and attempted to be active in college before becoming an absolute slug because of my back problems. Post-op, once the initial healing period was over, I had steady improvement on activity levels and abilities. The August after my surgery (3-4 month mark), I actually went on a 16 mile bike ride while visiting the shore and the only discomfort I had was from my poor out of shape legs! Since then, I've played tennis, gone swimming (with flip turns), lifted weights at the gym, hauled PCs around the office, sprinted across the lobby of the building I work in when their new elevator system was being implemented and acting fussy.

I won't say that I never have discomfort after these types of activities, but I'm less afraid to do them. I do occasionally have bad days where there is discomfort, but usually it's more because I'm horribly out of shape. Work stress hasn't helped me make steady progress toward better fitness levels either!

I'm definitely one of the lucky ones as far as being able to regain my life post-op. Really, my limitations are mostly just my own moments of stupidity or carelessness.

~Sara

[rubygeneseo]

I just had lumbar ADR 10 days ago, but my doc says I will be back horseback riding in 6 weeks. Anything I did before, he will clear me to do again. So, riding it is for me.