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Will I Be Able To Handcycle After Surgery?

Started by percepied , May 31 2009 09:00 PM

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#1 percepied

percepied

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Posted 31 May 2009 - 09:00 PM

Full_Spine_X_ray_20090424_Modified.jpg

I am a T12 complete para fused from T10 to L2. I am (was) an active handcyclist who rode on average 100 miles a week. The eventual outcome of this over flexion and extension was Charcot spine or arthropathy. The result is in the inserted image. I am now facing a complete AP fusion from S2 to T8 along with who knows what else. The question is, "Will I ever be able to handcycle again and if so with what intensity?" Perhaps a better question would be, "What will I lose in the way of ROM?"


"We are beings for themselves trying to be beings in themselves." J.P. Sartre

#2 Avocado Baby

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Posted 31 May 2009 - 09:30 PM

Hi there,

I'm fused T8 to L5 and although I was quite stiff for a while after surgery, I can now twist a bit say to pick up something on my left with my right hand (I'm not sure whether I should be able to!!!) Before that I was only fused from T11 and I could twist to pick up things from behind me so you will lose some twist, but it won't affect your shoulders or ability to handcycle.

Hope this helps.

Edited by Avocado Baby, 31 May 2009 - 09:32 PM.

Paraplegic with Spina Bifida. Sensory and function level is T8. T11-L5 fusion 1993. Laminectomy and decompression T10 2006. Spinal fusion T8-T12 with instrumentation Feb 2007. Moderate kyphoscoliosis. Taking 75mg Lyrica 3xday for neuropathic pain.
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