Scitica, multi-level disc bulging. Do i continue with round the world cycle?

[margo d]

Hi folks

I am new to this site and am hoping that someone can give me some advice at a very crucial moment in my life. My husband and I are 21,500 kms into our New Zealand to Scotland bike ride. For the last few months though I have been feeling pain and numbness in the back of my left leg and burning in my big toe as well as a lesser pain in my left arm. It has meant me having to get off the bike every 10 kms or so and walk around when it got too bad. It got worse on worse and in Tehran i finally got to see a chiropractor. I was sure the problem was sciatica. The chiropractor sent me for an MRI. The results came back as multi level disc bulging, 3 in the neck and 1 in the lumbar area. He told me straight away I shouldn't finish the trip. I was utterly heartbroken. I had 6 sessions of chiropractic before leaving Iran as well as electricity therapy and ice packs but I still feel the same numbness and pain coming back after 10 kms or so on the bike. Yesterday I took the bus to Istanbul and my husband has continued cycling. He will meet me here in 3 weeks. I now have to decide whether after 3 weeks rest it is wise for me to try to finish the last leg from Istanbul to Scotlnd, some 3000 kms. I only have pain on the bike, never of it so I am very lucky in that respect. I just want some advice please so I can make an informed decision as to whether to carry on. I don't want to make ny condition worse and live to regret my stubbornness but at the same time it is very hard for me to accept that my trip of a lifetime is over. Any advice most welcome and my best wishes go out to the other people on this forum who are suffering far more than I can imagine.
Margo
www.benandmargosworldcycle.blogspot.com

[redrhodie]

Wow! I'm so sorry for your back problems. That sounds like a heartbreaking situation to be in, and a hard decision to make. I hope you can continue on somehow. I wish I had some wisdom to offer...

What about a recumbent bike? That's the only thing I can think of. I assume that finding one to try in Turkey would be difficult, but it's an idea.

[Biciclista]

hey Margo, see how you feel in 3 weeks. But I'd listen to the doctor AND to your back. IT's a nice dream, but it sounds like it's too much for your body.

[tangentgirl]

Wow, what an amazing trip you've been on. If you need to stop, just know that what you have done is a great accomplishment, and you will carry it with you forever! I'm really in awe, what a great way to see the world.

A couple of suggestions...

Is there a way you can continue the travel up to Scotland, off the bike?

If you do stop, perhaps you could heal up for a good long while, then finish the last leg of trip in a year or two or five?

Do some sort of celebration, wherever the end is, you deserve it!

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Catrin]

I think what you have already accomplished is just plain awesome! I can understand wanting to try and finish the remaining distance, but I think the others have given solid advice. You could plan on finishing your journey in a year or two...and find some other fun way of getting to Scotland now.

I am so sorry that this happened before the end of your trip, but you don't want to risk increasing the injury.

[margo d]

I just wanted to say how touched I am that so many people got back to me to offer some support about my problem. Thanks for your time. Looks like the general consesus is my health is more important than a bike ride and you are all of course totally right. It may not be what I want to hear but is probably what I NEED to hear. Muirenn, wishing you a bright future free of back pain. Thanks for reminding me what could happen if I'm not careful.

All the best folks

Margo
www.benandmargosworldcycle.blogspot.com

[grey]

Margo, if you can find a good osteopath it might do wonders. I have three bulging disks in my low back area, and was starting to get sciatica symptoms. Twice I've gone into spasm so bad I couldn't wiggle my toes, let alone walk, for a month! The curled position on a bike is hard on the body, so I was taught several stretches to use several times a day and it has helped so much, I rarely have trouble anymore.

[new2ride]

I am a spiney & I also ride. I've had 2 lumbar surgeries 10 years ago. Recently, my back has flared up again (cervical & lumbar). Saw my OS (ortho spine surgeon) last Thursday and he's ordering MRI's, x-rays, etc. Bottom line for us spineys is that you cannot continue doing anything that will aggravate the spine further. Depending on the area of the spine that's impacted, it could lead to more complicated issues.

Riding a road bike is not a good choice for us spineys. I know, I have one and have had to put it aside for now. I have a hybrid which allows me to sit upright, instead of curled over. I am riding that now. Make no mistake, if my pain levels interfere with riding, I opt to give myself a rest.

You've accomplished a lot and should be so proud of yourself (I am for you ;)). Give your spine a rest and work on getting it better without surgery, if possible. Put the Scotland ride on hold and take care of yourself.

Best wishes to you.