Post Herniated Disc's

Last August all of my plans came to an end when I ended up with herniated discs and had to have 3 discs in my neck repaired with screws and plates.

I have had a 5lb. lifting limit since then, but go to the Doc's, on the 15th of this month to see if that will finally be lifted. It's been a long, boring wait, but I'm hoping it's a go.

I'm sure I'll have to do some physical rehab, they already mentioned that, but I don't think it'll be anything really rough, although I've gained quite a bit of weight from mostly sitting, or a little walking since the surgery, that I'll need to work on.

The question I have is, have any of you had this type of surgery, and if so, can you give me some feedback as far as how much rehab you needed to carry a pack, what kind, how long, etc.

I understand that each case is individual, but your replies might give me a rough idea of what I can expect for this year.

Thanks Ahead
J.

Well, I have a friend who had multiple fusions in his back who asked me how he should go about backpacking. After looking at all the options he decided to get some goats. He can't carry weight on his back at all and can hardly hike with a day pack.

The options I presented to him were the Dixon roller pack, pack animals, etc. There are places that rent pack animals to try them on for size or as an interim plan while working up to carrying a backpack again.

The Dixon roller pack is a weird looking contraption found at dixonrollerpack.com.

My neighbor made a roller pack. It worked better than I'd have thought. I certainly wouldn't dismiss it as an option.

Sorry to hear J. My dad is going through a similar experience. It does sound like its time to look into some pack animals as Lori suggests. If I remember correctly, you seemed to like the company of animals (your border collie?) and this might be a good fit for you. Also, you might need a particular sleeping setup to be comfortable and get a decent nights sleep for instance, and your new friend(s) could carry it.

No, don't have a Border Collie (spell?). I don't think that I'm going to be that drastic, that I'll never be able to carry a pack again, but this is something that I'll be discussing with the Doc, on the 15th. I'm really not sure of the level of intensity that the physical therapy will be either, I'll have to get a "go" this time to even start that though. I've got some bone screws and such from the military, and have had the resultant multiple knee surgeries, staving off a knee replacement until as late in life as possible. I just work through that pain, but, as you know the neck isn't something I want to play "macho" guy with, if you get my drift. I'm not suffering any real pain now, just constant nagging discomfort, but if I forget and try to lift something heavy, it let's me know pretty quickly.

I'm not ready to retire from back packing, but willing to do some short, say 3 day, 5mi a day gentle terrain stuff. Enough to stay out over night along a lake shore, with absolutely the minimum for gear, and not having to pack any substantial amount of water. (filter it out of the lake).

I've got some ultra light of everything, except for a UL pack itself, so I could snag one over in Cincy at REI.

I'm not sure if a "solo" trip would be a good idea, but I might be able to work something out with a friend, for a two person trip.

Oh well, post getting long. I just thought I could get some info from folks who've seen this. Although greatly appreciated, the responses are a little scary, if not disheartening.

Thanks,
J.

I can't help with your problem, although I do know that it's important to build up muscle to support the joints, spine, etc. once the doc gives you the clearance.

I do want to wish you well and sincerely hope that things will work out for you! Please keep us posted!

Thanks OM.
I've been running since the day I was born and my feet hit the ground. If I have to stop Backpacking, riding my Harley, etc..etc.. I fear my journey downhill will be greatly accelerated, if you know what I mean.

Oh well, I'm not giving up yet.

Thanks again,
J.

I think it's jumping the gun to feel like it's impossible - I was offering options that could be temporary while you work back up to carrying the pack. My friend had a horse buck him off - after a previous back surgery. He failed to listen to the doctor about not riding horses, and tried to ride a green broke horse into the bargain. HIs problems are in the lower back.

I think everyone is different - and if the doc thinks it's possible to backpack again, listen to the guy with the degree and the experience who's looking at you in person, not people on the internet and their anecdotes.

All I can offer is my support, take care of yourself and heal quickly my friend!

Lori, thanks for the input. I'm not just listening to anecdotes, thus the every 30 day visit to the Doc's office, hopefully, with the 15th Jan being the big one, with good news, hopefully.
However, what you can pick up from anecdotal stories, is some of the suggestions that I've already heard, suggestions like the rolling pack, maybe a pack animal (not really much of that around here), and other such things. The Doc can make the medical decisions, but someone else might come up with a suggestion that facilitates things, if that makes sense.

Thanks,
J.

I wish you the best, J...for good news on your next Dr. visit.

The rolling pack is illegal in designated wilderness areas, which may or may not be a problem for you.

While, as mentioned, I don't have your problem, I've had problems with lower back muscle spasms (which come back every time I neglect the exercises) and a knee that had to have nearly all the tendons reconstructed after a skiing injury (ditto), so being faithful to the exercises I was given for physical therapy and, especially, keeping my pack really light have been the key.

I also cannot offer any help with this specific problem but would like to add my offerings of good health to you in days to come. I have been knocked around a good part of my life and still seem to bounce back regardless of what others predictions were for me. Proper recovery time is a must. I have seen folks too anxious to do to much to soon but a slower and measured recovery can leave you pretty darn capable. Keep up you good spirits and remember a bit of stubborn will is a good thing.

jimmyb

Thank you all for the suggestions, and kind thoughts and moral support. I think I'll be fine, we'll see. I guess things just aren't going as fast as I'd like and I just might have to face the fact that I may have to wait another 6 mos. to a year.

Thanks again,

J.

Good news from the Dr. today. If I start slow, with rehab, I should be able to carry a reasonable pack by early August, which puts me right in the middle of the hot, swamp like humidity, insect infested including tics, mosquitos and chiggers, angry snakes, time of year in our beautiful state.

I'll take it!!!

J.

That's great news! Heal quickly.

Hooray! I hope your rehab goes well--it does require a lot of dedication (been there, done that, although different injury). You'll be able to start slow with short trips and be in good shape by October when your weather should be considerably improved!

Glad to hear your going to be OK. Doc's are pretty conservative so it sounds like you'll be good to go.

jimmyb

Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts both prior and post doctors visit. I'm actually even better off than I thought, the Doc doesn't need to see me again, I've just got to see the rehab people to get a training regiment going. Being retired military, I thought I could handle that on my own, but I guess, from talking to them, they have more specialized exercises than what I was thinking.

Yes September and October are usually great around here, especially in the southern part of the state. I know some fairly decent 2 or 3 day trips that I can do, that are actually not too physically demanding, people take their kids, so, I'll probably stick to that, this year. And maybe even a little car camping to test gear, and just relax in the late evening breeze, with a bottle (well hid of course) of good wine.

I'm just stoked that it's not over yet, for me.

Thanks again,

J.

Stoked for you J!! Actually having someone show you the correct positioning, and helping to motivate, really helps with progress and minimize backsliding. That's from my personal experience of course... Good to hear things are positive for a fellow (ok, I got the dog thing wrong but I think I'm in the ball park on this one) 57 year old.

but it's 56....don't add anymore than you have too!
J.

Really? I'll assume it's because it has a wheel, but where can I find a reference to that?

I've locked horns with gov agencies several times over the trail erosion excuse to limit access. At Malibu Creek State Park I was told that horses didn't cause as much erosion as my mountain bike because they "Terraced" the trail as they walked (I've studied a lot of trails since and never have I seen any evidence of that) and my bike, I was told, would cut a rut in those terraced steps which would increase erosion.

While backpacking in a wilderness area last Sunday I was on a trail that's used by both a lot of hikers and horsemen and the trail is over 20" deep in a lot of places and just strewn with rocks (and there's no evidence of being terraced by horses here either). There's just no way one of those rolling packs could really impact a trail much, or off trail for that matter. At least not around here.

The truth is, trails cause erosion. I have found evidence of that almost everywhere I've went. I don't say that because I'm anti-trail, I say it because it's a fact.

Okay, I had to reread the thread in order to catch up.

That's Great News!!



Hey, this means you can be full on ready for the Autumn backpacking season. I worked with lots of folks who were just out of rehab and those who got with it improved way past rehab so you've got a lot to look forward to.

J.,

I can offer you some encouragement.

Several years ago I herniated a disc in my lower back...twice over a 3 month period.

Lotta pain. Couldn't walk more than a few feet.

I took a year off backpacking and did my physical therapy (pt) exercises as I was instructed.

I'm backpacking as much as I like now.

I use a frame pack that carries all the load on my hips, below the damaged disc.

I do the pt exercises daily and plan to do so for life. I'm 69.

I've also had some neck disc problems for 30+ years.

No surgeries so far.

I have had to learn how to move more carefully.