I had a lumbar spine fusion just over eight weeks ago (L1-3, for a burst fracture from being hit by a pickup while riding a bicycle). Just this week I returned to the pool, gently. While I appreciate the direction offered by my doctor and physical therapist, neither are too familiar with swimming, so I wonder about my progression from here on out.
Has anyone here been through a lumbar spine fusion? If so, what was your experience in returning to the pool? The crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke seem to be no problem (other than that I'm ridiculously weak), but I wonder about flip turns, dolphin kick, or 'fly? Of course, slow and steady is the mantra, and I have no interest in jeapardizing my health, but what little swimming I've done so far has felt great, and I wonder what others have found...
Thanks.
