Well, it's a long story but here goes...I have a couple of partially herniated disks in my lumbar region (between L2/L3 and L3/L4). The disk at L3/L4 is impinging the nerve root and I have lost muscle function of my Vastus Medialis and Vastus Lateralis. In layman's terms, the Vastus Medialis is the inner quad head that terminates at the patella, looks like a teardrop when properly developed and the Vastus Lateralis is the large outer thigh muscle. Both of these muscles are crucial to pedaling (I've been off the bike since the last week in February). I'm not exactly sure how it happened, it definitely was not bike related. The last week in March, during a bout of heavy maintenance at work (I'm an Electrician in an oil refinery) I started feeling some lower back pain, no biggie, I've had back issues for years and am kind of used to some amount of pain. After a couple of days the pain was radiating from my back, around my hip and down the inner thigh of my right leg to about the knee. Soon after that I started noticing some weakness and numbness in the leg. I saw my primary care physician and he immediately sent me to the Neurosurgeon. He was going to send me to the Neurologist first but felt the need for a more aggressive approach. By the time I saw the Neurosurgeon the back pain had subsided but the leg issue was still a major concern. She performed an epidural injection into the L3/L4 disk area to try and reduce the swelling and eliminate the pressure on the nerve (after an MRI confirming the problem). I attended physical therapy 3 times a week for 6 weeks without any change in the right leg muscle function. Last Friday I saw the Surgeon again to discuss a path forward with my recovery. It looks like the only option I have is to surgically remove the disk material that is causing the issue with the nerve root. I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, July 20th. The doctor seems optimistic about the outcome. I asked her how she is with a knife, her answer (I loved it!) was,"If I knew of anyone better, I would refer you to them". Her confidence is reassuring. Keep me in your thoughts and drop off of a rock at Sycamore Canyon for me (I'm talking to you Thomaswildchild!) Later, Rich :beer:
Ghod…. that sounds hideous. I hate back pain. Good luck with the op. Tommy -- throw a rock for me, please. - shud
Rich, hope all goes superbly with the surgery and I am looking forward to riding with you again soon.
Damn it son, stop with the back issues! Hopefully you'll have a boring, uneventful surgery followed by a even more uneventful rehab.
If you want a quick second opinion, you'll find the name of a top notch neurosurgeon stamped on some of the sho-air jerseys. He works out of Newport - not sure where you are.
I feel you buddy, I have similar issues in my leg and my strength, but no pain. Sending you healing vibes and please keep us posted.
Please keep us posted. I am currently having the same issues and I refuse to see a quack. Good luck to you.
Here is a pretty good illustration of the muscles I lost the function of. The good thing is, I've learned all kinds of leg exercises to isolate those two muscles. When the function returns I'm going to have some nice ass legs!
I will gladly Drop any rocks for your health bud! Get better Because I'm going to head out your way soon! (going to need a tour guide for the "fun" stuff!):beer: :clap::clap::bang::bang::wave::wave:
You got it bro! I won't be pedaling real soon on my local trails but I'm sure I can steer you in the right direction. They might be getting sandy and loose in some areas but I know of a couple that stay nice all year long. Thanks for the pics, that was my favorite day riding ever! Awesome rocky terrain and the coolest chill people I've ever ridden with!
Good luck, Rich! Coming from a guy who's been there and done that, it's the best thing you can do to avoid further disasters. Unlike you, I waited to experience paralysis from discs impinging into my spinal canal and pinching major nerves (Cauda Equina nerve) and needed an emergency operation to relief pinch before it severed nerves and left me permanently paralyzed. The option I chose was a much tougher road to recovery and left me with certain permanent nerve damage that I will never recover. In your case, you're being pro-active and not waiting for the shit-to-hit-the-fan. Smart move, man. Things will be smooth, after the initial few days. PT is crucial. See you out there soon!
Thanks Joe. I will need to ride La Tuna with you again when I'm healed. I had a blast the one time I rode it with you, JeffJ, Ted and his buddy. The Mexican food after wasn't too bad either! :beer:
My back surgery is scheduled for tomorrow (July 20) at 11:30am in the Palmdale Regional Hospital. Wish me luck. I'll pop into Roscoe's some Thursday night for a couple of pints when I am able to move around. Later, Rich :beer:
