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Had my l5 s1 fusion 2 weeks ago. Was best thing I've ever done. Was walking well and off prescription pain meds on day 8. I stand and walk normal now. Still a Lil slowly and I'm still sore, but all in all wish I would've done it years ago

Good news re your recovery! Before surgery did you have issues with sciatica in both legs? Re cramping, it was something I had to deal with not only on the bike but also at other times. Im pain free now because I take calcium citrate, everyday.

Epic!

Hey Michael, you mentioned you started riding your trainer 10 days after your op - was 10 days a suggestion by your surgeon?

Great video - thank you! Just last week I had a laminotomy, a procedure slightly different to yours but with the same aim of relieving pressure on the nerves, (Ive had back pain and associated sciatica for a number of years). Like you, Im a keen bike rider and Ive been told I need to wait 3 weeks, after the surgery, before I get back on the trainer, (I am a keen Zwift member). Good luck with your recovery and your upcoming events!

I had a cervical lamonectomy 3 weeks ago and have to say my pain is so bad...I have docs pon appt on wed and cant wait to see what he is going to say about this ..Im worried sick it hasnt worked...😢😢

Hey bud, it's me again. I watch your videos over and over everytime I'm in pain or thinking about surgery again. The question I have this time is, after 8 weeks, would I be able to drive for 2 hours straight?

Thanks for the video, I'm going in 2 days for the same L3, L4, L5 surgery. Nice to have an idea of what to expect.

I probably will need this for back pain.glad you are doing well.Was wondering about some reports of now the back has lost its scaffolding and can cause problems later on.

You are providing a great service and content with regards to life after a laminectomy. My symptoms did not start until I was 64, and my loss of movement in my left foot and toes all happened in one day. I guess that the nerve finally had enough pressure to cause this. I subscribed and I encourage others to do so. Regards, Owen

Fantastic advice buddy I’m waiting for what procedure they want to do , 25 years Ex military, and almost 17 yrs in UAE 🇦🇪, suffering like you did pains in legs although I’ve had spinal block for now I’ve only got mild pain after short walks like IT band pain and a little glute pain every now and then , let’s see what the surgeon wants me to do , thanks for great advice

❤🙏😉

Thanks for sharing your info. I had the L4-L5 done last December. I had lost movement in my left foot and toes for over a year. I wish I had a walker or wheelchair for the first week. The first 2 days were the worst. I got my movement back in my left foot and toes so I'm glad that had the surgery.

Thanks, Michael. I took your advice and watched your 12 week update with the various questions. Very informative and helpful.

Hello, Michael. Just "discoverd you today. I have severe spinal canal stenosis at L4 and L5 and will soon have a laminectomy. I have a question about back braces. I know that the hospital will fit me with one. My question is about sleeping---did you sleep with a back brace? Was it the same brace you wore during the daytime? Or, did you buy something else for sleeping. I am encouraged by your video at week 4. Thanks for sharing.

Good for you Mike. I had laminectomy with fusion on L4,5, S1. Stay at hospital for a couple nights. Took me 10 days not tours walker and do everything myself. Except, the numbness and pain in calf, ankle and toes are still in 4/10 range. My surgeon said the numbness may be permanent due to drop foot. Not a good feeling. I have started physical therapy today and hoping to get better. Let’s see. Again thanks for sharing your ordeal.

Hey i just saw this video. I'm hopefully not, but I might be type 2 diabetic (test results come in a few days). But I want to ask if you controlled your diet or just biked around a lot? I dont want to give up the food but need to fix my health.

Thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate it. I feel better getting my surgery done in NOV now. Hopefully it'll be ok.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m scheduled to have a laminectomy soon, and you have helped allay my fears.

Thank you, I’m at 3.5 weeks post op and feel amazing. I got married last week and was so motivated to walk down the aisle. Now I want to workout but haven’t waiting til my doctor clears me in 2 weeks.

Thank you to everyone who continues to watch my videos. Little did I know that putting out videos talking about my laminectomy and recovery experiences would gather a good amount of views, as well as some good feedback. I've passed the twelve week mark and I feel amazing! If you have recently gone through a similar procedure, how are you feeling physically, mentally and emotionally?

I'm happy you're feeling better. I will probably get this done in November, but I worry about work. It's a 2 hour drive in the mornings and I'm just wondering how many weeks will i have to take off work. Your reply will be appreciated and i hope Zach feels better. Stay strong Fam.

That’s so promising- thank you

I had the same procedure 3 months ago but my left leg still feels numbness specially at night when I go to bed my question is this is gonna go away

Is this an anterior or posterior procedure? Since it removes a lot of the bone that protects your spinal column, do you have any concerns about this?

Good day, I found you on TH-cam this is very helpful. I just had my surgery 7/5/24 at 36 years old.

What!? 😱 I was told no BLT (Bend, Lift, Twist) for at least 6 weeks after my laminectomy! Man be careful, you don’t want to undo all the surgeons work! Take your time, there’s no rush and hopefully you have years to enjoy your life ❤

This was a bit emotional for me to watch.. legit have tears. The last two weeks have been tough for me. Waking up with insane headaches because my blood sugar levels over 300mg. I just started biking because I could no longer do jiu jitsu (on and off) and was forced to quit due to my knee. I was involved in a bad motorcycle accident years ago and my knee was never the same. I also have a three year old son that depends on me so I'd made the decision to stop with all the sugar and change my diet. I've just started but your video has given me hope and I plan to beat the crap out of this and be taken off my meds. I'm turning 40 this Friday and still think I'm too young to be going through this so thank you. It's given me more motivation now. I am happy for your achievements man and I hope to do the same.

Grats Mike!!

I have a very rare form of lymfoma. I am going to get a transplantation in August. This gives me positive feeling. Because i am scared. Love from the Netherlands. ❤

Thank you thank you thank you! L4, L5 and S1… sitting here in pain.. neurosurgery scheduled me for an EMG on July 5!! 😡😡😡😡….. just take me to surgery already!! They have multiple MRI’s, know it’s a chronic worsening condition… but still wants an EMG.. is this normal protocol or just at the VA?? Hopefully I can get some relief soon

Hello sir i am also had laminectomy last year on thisday june 21,now since one year completed but now also ihad some degree of pain numbness and burning sensation in my right leg,iam depressed sometimes iam crying,i can carry this all of my remaining life?any one could answer me, because I am in 30 and i have two little child

Just had a laminectomy done ar L4 and L5. I had the exact same problems as you. Severe stenosis and tiny nerve passages. First few days were rough but rhis totally resolved my pain and numbness. Mad I didn't do this 10 years ago! Muscle relaxers are definitely the key. Good luck!

Awesome!!

🔥🔥🔥

🤘🏼🤘🏼

any other spinal issues like spondylolthesis diagnosed?

Did you have your procedure performed in Seattle area

Unbound Gravel was an incredible event. Not just the ride itself, but also the shake down / group rides, the expo and all of the activities and festivities leading up to race day. Did you ride? If so, did distance did you do? Was this your first time doing Unbound Gravel? If so, would you attempt to do it again? What was your experience?

I had a laminectomy microdiscetomy on May 10th for L4-L5 disc herniation measuring at 10mm. I used chiro care for 7 yrs not truly knowing that i had a back injury. April 2 i was getting ready for work and was feeding my pets before i left, like always, when i squated down and felt something pull in my low back left site. I couldn't get up. Once i did, i hobbled out to my vehicle, and i couldn't get in it. 10/10 pain in my hip and leg foot was numb. It hurt to stand hurt to sit. I was stuck. Called my sister to take me to the er instead of me going to the er to work. MRI showed i completely blew out my disc and was surgical. I was feeling sore for the first 2 days post op was kept overnight even though i was told it was a same day surgery due to going into OR late report timewas 10 am surgery was schedulec for 12 went in around 2:30. Pain management overnight first nignt was 5mg of oxy then 4ish hrs latee was 10mg of oxy. After that, i managed with just tylenol. Over the past 3 days i'vebeen feeling tight and a bit sore again. I'm just trying to just lay low and use anti-inflammatory and ice during the day. Heat helps at night. Hopefully, in the next couple of my back brace comes in, and i can get my PT started. Back to work mid august for me. Got a long and boring summer vacation since i can not do anything. Asked at my second follow-up if i could go to the beach. Was told i can't even walk in the sand at the beach. Yay for this long summer

Hey 👋🏼 My Friend. I hope all is still going well with you and your family, and your Son is Still Striving Post Cancer. I'm sure you're doing Great 3 months in since your Laminectomy.

Greetings Sir, my Gratitude and Thanks for posting these updates, my prayers for your continued recovery and many years without relapse... I do have one question though, which type of "laminectomy" did you have? ... the Traditional "cutting and grinding away" OR the newer "ultrasonic" type ???

Hello. Do you experience any pain in your glute. I just had l5 microdiscectomy 2 weeks ago. I can push my thumb into my back pocket area and its sore to the touch. Thanks for your time.

Unbound Gravel 2024 was an epic weekend of gravel riding! Here is a quick video from the Fizik Ramble Ride a few days prior to race day. Did you participate in the group ride?

Unbound Gravel 2024 was an epic weekend of gravel riding! Here is a quick video from the Shimano No Drop Group Ride a few days prior to race day. Did you participate in the group ride?

I’m going to be doing a lot of walking it seems. That’s probably good, because I could stand to lose some weight.👍

This is great to hear! I plan on having a L4-L5 laminectomy in July. I’m hoping it will only be two weeks before I can get back to singing and playing guitar for my gigs.

Unbound Gravel 100 POV Finish Sorry I forgot to wipe the dust off the lens #unbound #unboundgravel #unboundfinisher #gravelride #gravelbike #lifetimeevents #trekbikes #bikingover50

Great you are feeling better and getting back to normal lifestyle. I’m on my 8th week after having laminectomy on L4 and L5 and feeling better. Lower back is still alittle sore. Last night I drove from Phoenix to Ontario California and felt much better. Before when driving I would feel the pulled nerve down my leg as I step the accelerator. There ls days where I feel as if I still had the sciatic nerve hurting and I get alittle discouraged but it’s definitely feeling better. I was meant to go back to work June 3 but due to my nature of work I decided to ask for another 4 week extension. That was stressing me out but after getting the approval I felt much better. I’m a diesel mechanic. I do physical therapy and been going to the gym, that has helped. I have a free weight set at home but with the machinery at the gym you have more control as to what your body is able to do. I’m also seeing a chiropractor that only does my upper back and pulls my legs but no twist. I’m still very careful when lifting. We expect to be pain free within days or weeks but I have to realize I been dealing with this pain for 20 years so it takes time for the nerve to recover. As I’m writing this I’m laying in a hotel bed with absolutely no pain. So for those of you doing this procedure, be patient and follow the restrictions. Not only does this procedure helps with the pain but it decompresses the nerve from sending signals to other parts of your body. You’ll be surprised what else it cures that’s been bothering you. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I had very many doubts about doing this procedure. I was so used to do pain that I felt I could live with this for the rest of my life. But at 49 what would I had expect at a later age, cane or a walker?? I honestly almost chickened out at the operating room but by then the anesthesia kicked in. 😂. Good luck to anyone doing this procedure. At this point I have no regrets because I definitely feel an improvement. God Bless!

There's nothing wrong with throwing in the towel, don't be too harsh on yourself. You astound me being on a bike! I'm now 6 weeks post op. Had 6 week check (via phone) with surgeon today. I've still to be careful for another 6 weeks, because of muscle ans scar still healing. But! I drove the car! Yay! I'm back to work tomorrow (29th). They are great and I'm easing my way back in. Take care. Xxx