Any surfers out there?

Hi everyone, I've been reading for awhile and really appreciate all of your stories. I'm an avid surfer/ runner but have been unable to do much at all because of collapsed disc at l5-S1. Started as back pain (very tolerable) for 3 mos. and switched to bilateral leg pain (very intolerable!) and hasn't stopped since. Now can walk, make it to work, make it home and that's the extent of my life at the moment. I'm pretty unmedicated, just advil and low dose neurontin. I hate the way narcotics make me feel, ironic considering my college years really... Anyway, i've been advised everything from 'you may be ideal for ADR' to 'never get an ADR'. Ditto with advice re: fusion. So, just waiting and researching, and praying my body can figure this one out on it's own, probably have never prayed so much in my life.

Now to the question...has anyone ever been able to resume surfing with or without surgery?? I'm willing to trade running for biking and/or elliptical machine but surfing is my passion. This is a lofty goal for me I realize considering I am currently unable to sit comfortably long enough to eat dinner. But what's a life without passion??

Any input is greatly appreciated and again, thanks for sharing all of your stories, good and bad, as you are helping many (me included).

[rob_zzz]

surfgirl,

I surf, have done for over 15 years and sailboarded for 10 years before that. But my problems are cervical so haven't got much to offer on lumbar issues. I've met a few different people that have had different lumbar surgeries (though noone that had ADR) - and their results were a mixed bag - some did very well and moved on, others had ongoing problems for many years.

I haven't had surgery for my neck problems but they're not going away either. I'm still surfing but am quite nervous about the risks and also worried its doing ongoing damage.

cheers,
Rob

[Jim M2]

Try searching this site for "surf". I know I've read of people surfing after ADR. If you were lucky enough to have a good outcome from any of the procedures mentioned, I would think you could surf again.

Is your low back pain still tolerable? Maybe your disc isn't shot enough to justify ADR or fusion. SED would be a good gamble to clear up the leg pain. I consider both ADR and fusion to be end game surgeries. If it dosen't work, then with rare exception, there's no where else to go. You can't undo it.

I had a discectomy at 27 and took up surfing at 35. I was a lousy surfer but I loved it. It's exhilerating when you catch the wave and control it's power.

Hi Jim, my back pain is really not a big deal at all, but the leg pain is a very different story. It's been 10 mos. now and just not letting up. I plan to consult with Dr. Yeung re: SED but have not heard of anyone who has returned to an active lifestyle following that procedure. Also, my disc space at that level is completely shot so I think the foraminal stenosis plays a big role. Dr. Yeung said in an email that he may be able to do a bilat. foraminotomy "depending on my anatomy." But I've read that excessive foraminotomies can lead to instability, and ultimately require fusion. There appear to be no clear answers at the moment...

I do agree about surfing, really nothing like it. And at only 35, I'm just not ready to give it up... Are you surfing now after your Charite?

[Fortitudine]

surfgirl,
You might try emailing Linda Roberts. She just posted on the Surgical outomes forum under 4yrs post lumbar adr and 2yr post cervical. She doesn't surf but I think she wakeboards and she's a few years older than you, so she migth be able to give you some advice.

[casifer]

surfgirl,
A few months ago, I met an L5-S1 Charite recipient who lives in Southern Calif who was back surfing without issues 9-months post-op.

[Jim M2]

ADR was not a good gamble for me. I'm 2.5 years post-op and there's no way I could surf now.

Excessive foraminotomy may cause instability, but an outstanding surgeon like Dr. Yeung could judge where to draw the line (as far as removal of bone) as well as anyone. I'm guessing his comment about 'depending on your anatomy' implies he wouldn't just go in and hack away lot's of bone without considering the impact.

[ans]

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