Rubbish Day

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I have a bad back that started a couple of years ago. What aggravates it is jumping and up to the last six months I've not done much jumping since because of unsound horse, then no horse, then unrideable new horse but now I can ride the new horse, who I bought to jump, I find I can't bl**dy do it, it leaves me crippled. Haven't even been able to ride at all after how much pain I was in after last jumping attempt and now it's just about settled down after three weeks rest.

Bad news no. 1. Saw consultant today about back and he confirmed what I knew already - chiro/physio etc can't help. He also said surgery could help 70:30 % chance of success although it would risk possibly making pain worse so I may not be able to ride/groom anymore.
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He thinks I should live with some pain for the rest of my life and never jump again
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I'm 28 and have no other goals. Anyway I think I've talked him into doing the surgery against his recommendation. I think 70:30 is pretty good odds and as he thinks he can get rid of the pain I can't face NOT trying and living with it forever. So on this what do you think? Am I mad? Has anyone had any experiences of back surgery good or bad?

Bad news no.2. Consultant says I'm not making the injury worse by riding, only the pain so as I'm feeling a bit better I decided to get on my mare to cheer myself up. Well apparently three weeks off is long enough for her to forget all her progress and she's remembered she's unrideable! Took ten minutes just to get on, then walked quietly into and around the arena. Went up to trot and mad bint put her head up and set off flat out like she'd never been sat on. At least I managed to stick to her for two laps of big arena before she stopped herself and went back to normal!!??? Its not done much for my back, nerves or general optimism though so any thoughts on why my horse is so weird would be welcome too.

Thank you to anyone whose managed to read all my waffle and, in advance, for any replies.
 
I don't know all your history - but a friend of mine has just had back surgery - and although it is still early days - I think that she is pleased that she has had it done.
Only you can make the ultimate decision - but I would agree that I think 70/30 is pretty good odds.
Lots of hugs coming your way - and i hope you can make a decision soon xx
 
Surgery may not be your only option, I have scoliosis(curvature of the spine) and could have surgery but it would mean that I could no longer ride. My consultant (bless him) knows this and continues to "patch me up".

Up until quite recently I have had cortisone injections which were gradually becoming less effective so he sent me to a pain specialist who performed an electronic denervation. I still have some pain, but not the crippling sort which would quite literally reduce me to tears.

Rhandir

The treatment has given me my life back. If you'd like to PM me, please do so.
 
My friend had scoliosis and she had the op and was told she would never ride again.

she was riding 9 months after the op and had been riding ever since (over 15 years) and she is a successful BSJA rider!!
 
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