Jump afther a Spine Surgery?

[maciasimagenes 0]

I had a spine surgery last november. A hernia between L5-S1. I'm consedering whether i continue jump or retire.

I still have no jumped again. Want to hear the experiences of some who has gone through the same thing or better, an advise of some skydiver who also are a neurologist, to have a better picture of everything... up size?...jump whit some divice?... or retire?

Thanks,

Male, 52, Stiletto 135, 174 lbs, + 400 jumps.

 

 

 

 

 

[skybytch 259]

I had a fusion, L4-S1, in 2001 at 36 years old.  Was back in the air after a year of recovery. I did have a good surgeon though, who understood and thought I'd be okay jumping again.  He was right.

Don't retire if you still feel the need to be in the air. Just adjust your skydiving to reduce the risk of additional injury. I'd suggest upsizing a bit and possibly changing to a less aggressive canopy but that's just me.  I'm 54 and jump a Spectre with dacron lines at a low wingloading.  Super soft openings, easy landings. It's not a sports car, but I'm less likely to get hurt flying it than with any other canopy I've flown, especially if I don't stay current. If you prefer a 9 cell, there are a few out there that have a reputation for soft openings. 

<standard disclaimer> I am not a doctor </standard disclaimer> Check with your surgeon to be sure it's had enough time to heal. If the answer is yes, well, you know what to do 

[iranianjumper 2]

I had also surgery in L4-5  three years ago at the age of 47 .

after surgery , I have had a perfect  rest for 1 month .

exactly after 365 days (July) I started skydiving and up sized to 230 ( previous was 190) 

then in Oct I took part in KL. 2016 Basejump .

it is Ok. at the moment .

[maciasimagenes 0]

Thanks for the comments. That experiences help to clear my ideas about what to expect. Last medical check up will be in agust. After that, will evaluate and take decisions.

Blue Skies,

[rjklein4470 23]

had a L5 S1 lift and fusion, back is better than it ever was.  Jumping a AW 96 H1 6-7, 245 out the door

[maciasimagenes 0]

20 hours ago, rjklein4470 said:

had a L5 S1 lift and fusion, back is better than it ever was.  Jumping a AW 96 H1 6-7, 245 out the door

How long  was to make the first jump afther surgery?

[rjklein4470 23]

I waited 6 months, but could have jumped after 3

[c_dog 1]

I broke my T10-L4 and have my T11-L3 fused.  It was broken on a jump.  I used a walker for two weeks, a cane for a month.  After 7 months, I saw the doctor for my final xray, and was declared permanently fused.  I jumped a few days later (BASE).  Skydived a few weeks after that.  

Lots of pilates and stretches and core strengthening.  The injury occurred in March of 2017; I've been jumping since October 2017.  Mostly BASE, some skydiving.  A BASE opening is substantially harder than a skydive opening!  I say go for it after your doctor clears you.  The part that hurts my back the most is the packing!  But this is still getting easier to do every week.

I did upsize my canopies to help slow things down.  I'm 42 and in decent shape for the record.

Edited July 30, 2019 by c_dog