I have recently been diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and may have to have a laminectomy and fusion surgery.
I'm wondering if any other swimmers have had this type of surgery, and what swimming is like after it's done?
Forgot to mention the problem is in my lumbar section. (L3-L5)
I have recently been diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and may have to have a laminectomy and fusion surgery.
I'm wondering if any other swimmers have had this type of surgery, and what swimming is like after it's done?
Forgot to mention the problem is in my lumbar section. (L3-L5)
My experience over the last several years may be helpful. I developed spondylolethesis (L4-L5) in the mid 80”s. I was able to keep it under control with lots of PT and core work for many years, but about 3 years ago the sciatica got much worse due to severe stenosis. I limped (literally) through an age up year in 2015 and, while I did well swimming, I could not stand for more than several minutes and could not walk around the block.
I had spinal fusion surgery last April (along with laminotomies at S1-L5, L4-L3 and L3-L2). With some complications I was on the operating table over 8 hours. I did not find the recovery especially hard. I was walking and climbing stairs the next day in the hospital and went home after two days. What was difficult is keeping a “quiet” back for 3 months: just walking, stair climbing and stationary bicycle. At 3 months I started PT and worked on range of motion and core strengthening. I also started vertical kicking in the pool. Started swimming (slowly) again at 4 months and was able to compete at 6 months where I posted some relatively quick times.
The great thing about biting the bullet and having the operation is zero…ZERO sciatic pain. I can walk as far as I want and stand for hours without noticing. It has been a great boon to my day to day life out of the pool. I have also regained 99% of my flexibility.
Hope this helps
I have recently been diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and may have to have a laminectomy and fusion surgery.
I'm wondering if any other swimmers have had this type of surgery, and what swimming is like after it's done?
Forgot to mention the problem is in my lumbar section. (L3-L5)
My experience over the last several years may be helpful. I developed spondylolethesis (L4-L5) in the mid 80”s. I was able to keep it under control with lots of PT and core work for many years, but about 3 years ago the sciatica got much worse due to severe stenosis. I limped (literally) through an age up year in 2015 and, while I did well swimming, I could not stand for more than several minutes and could not walk around the block.
I had spinal fusion surgery last April (along with laminotomies at S1-L5, L4-L3 and L3-L2). With some complications I was on the operating table over 8 hours. I did not find the recovery especially hard. I was walking and climbing stairs the next day in the hospital and went home after two days. What was difficult is keeping a “quiet” back for 3 months: just walking, stair climbing and stationary bicycle. At 3 months I started PT and worked on range of motion and core strengthening. I also started vertical kicking in the pool. Started swimming (slowly) again at 4 months and was able to compete at 6 months where I posted some relatively quick times.
The great thing about biting the bullet and having the operation is zero…ZERO sciatic pain. I can walk as far as I want and stand for hours without noticing. It has been a great boon to my day to day life out of the pool. I have also regained 99% of my flexibility.
Hope this helps
