OT - ACDF + Running? anyone have it.......

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone -

I was wondering if you can help me, please.......

I have a herniation in my neck at levels C4/C5, which needs a fusion due to the pain over time and the symptoms that are getting worse daily. The headaches are enough to put me in bed and/or on 800 of motrin daily.

It is also possible that I may have to have C6 and C/7 fused too, due to hemongiomas contained in the bone. However, the neuro dr wants me to get a Cat Scan to see what physically needs to be done regarding this. Right now the dr would rather deal with the fusion and go back to do this at a later date.

With a four level fusion, he said I would be laid up for a longer period of time since he would open me from the back of my neck rather than the front.

So I am scheduled for the ACDF for just C4/C5 - the end of July.

I have been assured by my neuro dr that I can resume running around 3 months..............to add insult to the whole thing I finally got up enough courage to sign up for the Princess 1/2 and this is now going to sideline my training.........UGH

Has anyone ever had this done before???

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I think we've got one WISH Team member that has had fusion, but I don't know if hers is exactly what you will be facing. She is back running now.

I have a friend that had SF several years ago and while he is no longer able to perform his work (police) he is pain free, mobile and happy.

If you are not running as fast as you were before, there are a lot of us at the back of the pack who have fun. You could hang there until you are better healed and ready to run.

 

[swim-mom]

I think we've got one WISH Team member that has had fusion, but I don't know if hers is exactly what you will be facing. She is back running now.

I have a friend that had SF several years ago and while he is no longer able to perform his work (police) he is pain free, mobile and happy.

If you are not running as fast as you were before, there are a lot of us at the back of the pack who have fun. You could hang there until you are better healed and ready to run.

Tiger Lily - thank you for your post. I know in my heart I will be fine, but clearly after dealing with the symptoms that are getting worse and worse I did not think I would be scheduled for surgery. However, I am seeing a new neuro who truly believes that I am in as much pain as I say - which is a blessing.

I signed up for the 1/2 and I dont care if I walk or run it - I am doing it .........I dont care how I do it, as long as I finish it - you never know walking it is also another great reason to sign up for 2011 too

There are just so many different things I have found on the internet about the surgery and being able to run again. As long as I get released to start running in October/November I think I should be OK. I will just keep doing my elip as much as possible to keep my cardio up ...........

Thanks again!