As my name has been mentioned in this topic it has resulting in correspondence from AUK members I have ridden with over the years. I have been asked for the history and a progress report so I thought I would reply through YACF.
My condition, diagnosed as a stenosis of the spine, continued to get progressively worse from 2002. I could ride my bike but I could not walk further than about 250 metres or stand for more than a couple of minutes. To get beyond these parameters meant agonising pain down my left leg.
The only time I was without pain was when cycling. With EL Supremos extraordinary, but normal, helpfulness and attentive care I qualified for PBP in 2003 and 2007. I was successful in 2003 but brought to my knees by food poisoning in 2007. At Loudeac I was only 45 minutes behind my schedule but when I reached Cahaix I had lost almost 3 hours and found it impossible even to drink tea.
Back operations were offered locally but with the threat of dire consequences and poor percentages. I decided that whilst I was riding so well I would not have the operation because, it was suggested, I might not be able to walk, stand or cycle and that was just too much of a risk. It was only when I went to Stanmore National Orthopedic Hospital that I found a group of people who where confident in their own skills and who offered a positive result.
I had my operation on the 15th of December and received visits from Dave Galle on a number of occasions. I was released on the 22nd of December.
I have two incisions, one either side of my spine, through which metal rods have been screwed to fix three vertebrae. Before the operation the “pinched” nerve, caused by the stenosis, was permanently trapped in position and I was all but completely disabled. I was not able to walk or stand without considerable pain and rarely left the house after September. This trapped nerve has been released and I believe two discs have been removed and replaced by metal cages which have been packed with the bone that was chipped away whilst releasing the nerve.
At present I am still somewhat sensitive from the operation but I have been for a couple of short walks of about 300 metres without any of the original pain so, this far, all looks good.
I have been told that it would not be advisable to ride my bike for at least a year and it could take two years before the bones, and metal, bond with maximum strength, but I will be able to walk. As I have been unable to walk for almost 7 years I take this as a bonus and I am prepared to wait before I cycle again.
When last I talked with Dave Galle it was agreed that it is likely that neither of us will be riding PBP in 2011 so we agreed that we would be on the route somewhere manning a table and serving some good English tea and fruit cake.
Keep your eyes open, 24 hour service.
Brian
