re:...get back on a bicycle...and other exercises

[Guest guest]

Someone mentioned that they can ride a bike in the street with less discomfort than a stationery bike. It's interesting, because over the past ten years I've noticed that any activity that involves very repetitive motion is more painful than ones that involve variety of motion. For instance, I find hiking or walking on a varied trail, where you take steps of different lengths, and varying heights, is less painful than walking on any even surface. Likewise, I used to swim laps, but finally had to quit because I couldn't find any way to do it that didn't cause my back above the fusion (above T6) to seize up afterward. But last summer I found that if I threw a bunch of sinking objects around the pool, then dove around for them at their varying depths, my neck was fine afterward. I'm sure this isn't true for everyone, but a thought for those who have trouble with repetitive exercises. Jackie From: bahadreama@...Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:50:03 +0000Subject: Re: Anyone out there get back on a bicycle after being fused to "all the way down"?

my revision surgery was one year ago and my doctor okayed me to resume

riding a bike at my last visit. At my 6 month visit, he okayed riding

an upright stationary bike.

Before surgery, riding my bike was also the only thing I could do

comfortably. The leaning forward position was ideal.

Since he does not want me leaning forward at all and recommended an

upright bike, I bought a Raleigh Gruv. It similar to an Electra Townie

in that it uses 'flatfoot technology.' Some brands call it a 'comfort

bike.' You can sit upright and you can put both feet flat on the

ground. No leaning. I have a bike trainer -- a stand that I can put my

bike on in the house in the winter. I have a hard time making myself

use it since it is boring to ride in the house. I bought the new bike

six months ago and have only used it in the house, usually for less

than 10 minutes at a time. I am looking forward to taking it outside

soon!

The most amazing thing is that I love walking now! I used to not be

able to walk very far at all and I could not stand still at all. I

went to a concert in a club this weekend and stood up for 4 hours

without trouble. This weekend, I am walking in a marathon relay!

>

> I'm just wondering if that's yet another thing I have to give up once

> I get fused through to the sacrum with an extra long bolt drilled into

> each hip bone. I'm in really bad shape, and dreading revision

> surgery. I can still ride a bike even if I can't dance, walk, stand

> in line at the store, etc. Ironically, I can't ride a stationary bike

> as easily or for as long a time period as I can ride a regular bike in

> the street. I've tried an adult trike but it is a real pain in the

> next to maneuver compared to a bike.

>

Express yourself wherever you are. Mobilize!