Back surgery update
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 582
From: Conway South Carolina
Back surgery update
I can finally report some good news. I can now get into and out of the Vette, and drive it. As a matter of fact just got back from an 800 mile road trip that went much better than I hoped. Still a little difficulty getting out of the car, but that's mostly because of being OLD!!! The back pain was nonexistent. It's been a little over 3mos. now since the spinal fusion surgery. My right leg is still a little weak, maybe 60% strength because the nerves are still healing. Dr. says it could take a year to get back to normal. The only back pain is if I have to walk a far distance. But it's manageable. Now to figure out how to wash the car without doing to much bending. As reluctant as I am, I might try a local mobile detailing service. Anyway, thanks for all the encouragement I received to hang in there and be patient.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 127
Likes: 142
From: Glenville, NY
Good to hear the surgery helped. Going through chemo for male breast cancer right now and back pain comes with treatment. Add to that I am tall and old so bending to get in is a bitch. Not much better riding my motorcycles. Every little bump I hit my back spasms. But guess what, I am driving or riding every chance I get or until my wife and doctors say no more!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 1,681
From: Cincinnati, OH
Good to hear the surgery helped. Going through chemo for male breast cancer right now and back pain comes with treatment. Add to that I am tall and old so bending to get in is a bitch. Not much better riding my motorcycles. Every little bump I hit my back spasms. But guess what, I am driving or riding every chance I get or until my wife and doctors say no more!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,220
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,884
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From: Toronto
Glad you are feeling better. Went through back surgery myself a while back (no pun intended) Being stuck in bed was the worst part. Just wanted to get out and enjoy life. After breaking a few stiches riding my motorcycle, my wife turned into a warden so I would heal. Feel 100% now. Stick to your limits until its healed. 
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From: S.F. Bay Area,CA
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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Glad to hear of a positive outcome from a back surgery. Most people I've known had less than desirable outcomes. Enjoy every cruise!
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Great news and hope your health continues to improve.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 20
Likes: 10
I know this post is old, but I wanted to share for anyone else worried about the long-term recovery of a fusion. I actually had my surgery with Dr. Siddiqui, a top Houston spine surgeon from The Spine Center, and it was a great experience that completely changed my perspective on spine procedures.
He helped me specifically by treating my spinal instability with a percutaneous approach rather than a traditional open fusion. Before I met him, I was told I’d be "out of commission" for a year. Instead, he used advanced imaging to place the hardware through tiny incisions, which meant my back muscles stayed intact. Because there was so little soft-tissue damage, my recovery was much smoother, I was back to my normal routine and feeling stable in just 6-8 months.
The best part was getting back to the things I love without that "heavy" or "stiff" feeling that usually follows a major back surgery. If you're struggling with that lingering leg weakness or worried about bending while washing the car, definitely look into the minimally invasive route. It preserves your strength rather than stripping it away during the operation.
It is so encouraging to hear you’re already back in the driver's seat of the Vette! That 800-mile trip is a massive milestone for a 3-month post-op.
He helped me specifically by treating my spinal instability with a percutaneous approach rather than a traditional open fusion. Before I met him, I was told I’d be "out of commission" for a year. Instead, he used advanced imaging to place the hardware through tiny incisions, which meant my back muscles stayed intact. Because there was so little soft-tissue damage, my recovery was much smoother, I was back to my normal routine and feeling stable in just 6-8 months.
The best part was getting back to the things I love without that "heavy" or "stiff" feeling that usually follows a major back surgery. If you're struggling with that lingering leg weakness or worried about bending while washing the car, definitely look into the minimally invasive route. It preserves your strength rather than stripping it away during the operation.
It is so encouraging to hear you’re already back in the driver's seat of the Vette! That 800-mile trip is a massive milestone for a 3-month post-op.
Last edited by xavier999; Feb 15, 2026 at 06:44 AM.
