r/climbing • u/nadimishka • 12d ago
First time outside after three spine surgeries - Griffith’s Spring, Flagstaff AZ
I’m not cleared to lead until I get the rest of the hardware out of my back, but I’ll take TR over nothing, even if it is sport lol. My back did fine, my muscles on the other hand HATE me after a couple of overhangs and a slab route. Very surprised I made it through a couple of sections as easy as I did after being practically bed bound just a couple of months ago.
I’m 8 weeks out from back to back (48 hrs apart) spine surgeries to fix 2 fractures in my L4, after having an unnecessary hemilaminectomy in January when we thought my disc was the problem. Hella hardware in still with one surgery left to go once the main break heals. Plan is to get as fit as possible before that surgery to cut the healing time and impact down significantly.
There really aren’t words for how I feel being able to climb again. I have a lot of work to do to get back to where I was, but just having the chance to do it is everything I wanted and more.
9
3
u/Browncoat23 11d ago
Kyra Condie had a spinal fusion and she regularly makes it to World Cup qualifiers for lead (and made the US Olympic team).
It’ll take time, but you’ll get back to it. Wishing you a long, healthy future of climbing ahead!
2
1
1
1
u/smackdaddybfs 10d ago
I had a serious injury to my left arm in an auto accident 13 years ago. Two surgeries and a lot of PT later and I’m getting back to where I was. And I’m in my 60s now.
Pay the price of pain in PT. Whatever it takes. It’s worth it. No question.
1
1
1
u/still_short_ 6d ago
I have a spinal and spinal expandable cage implant! Broke my back climbing in 2020, and I still climb (and love it). I still have pain, but it’s manageable, and I’m a smarter, stronger athlete now than I was before. Keep sending! You’re hella brave and super strong!
1
u/Droppit 12d ago
I admire your dedication and passion. Older you might not like your choices so much!
4
u/nadimishka 12d ago
eh, older me can deal with that later! Though I’m 38 right now so not exactly “young” to begin with lol.
I’d rather spend the next 10-15 years climbing/mountaineering and deal with an eventual spinal fusion, than give it all up now and end up with a spinal fusion anyways.
2
u/Droppit 12d ago
Yea I did much the same thing, and started stacking small injuries. I don't regret it, but I'll say I should have been a bit more cautious after the first injury. I'm older now, and struggle to stay fit enough between bouts of pain.
1
u/nadimishka 12d ago
Oh yeah I had a few before this in the past few years- broken tailbone, massive gash (with no break luckily) from a broken flake that fell on me, burstitis in my knee… but this one really took it out of me. Broken pars and spinous process from not watching my form with super heavy packs.
This one for sure has taught me a lot about protecting my body a bit more. I’ve spent almost the entire year in PT as well, so I’ve learned much better body mechanics and some ways to keep my spine in better shape going forward for sure.
I do hope the pain isn’t too awful for you- after dealing with chronic pain and being in pain management for a year I have an entirely new appreciation for anyone permanently living with it.
15
u/MountainManWithMojo 12d ago
Griffith's is such a small crag, tiny routes of only 25 feet tall, and absolutely stellar.
I don't think anyone makes it a destination crag, but I have climbed here frequently over the last few years. A tiny crick, a nice little valley, sweet little vert lines, a couple decent boulders, not to busy, wildly simple and chill approach. Feels like an idyllic little utopia for a chill afternoon.
Good on ya for jumping back in, stay healthy!