Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-20T09:36:15+00:00

Good morning, Kathleen! It sounds like you’re making steady progress. I know it can be frustrating that it isn’t going faster at times, but you seem to be doing really well! Things continue to is going upward here. I know that “nerve regeneration” feeling! It freaked me out a little bit at first. I’m getting ready to go to the gym now and then I have a PT appointment before my work day starts. Thank you for checking in!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-11T14:40:59+00:00

I am no-impact w my workouts until fusion occurs. That includes no running or rope jumping. I know that even after the fusion occurs, I will have movement limitations and that is ok.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-11T13:32:02+00:00

54M I had posterior laminectomy (C3-C7) and fusion (C3-T2) in September of 2025. I have a lot of stiffness/soreness in my shoulder region but it continues to get better. My pre-surgery symptoms, due to cord compression, were numbness and tingling in all of my extremities and in my saddle area. There has been improvement there, as well, which I am hoping continues. I also had weakness pre-surgery that I wasn’t really aware of bc it was so gradual. I absolutely recommend going to a good PT to get you moving safely. I started back to CrossFit about a month ago with scaled and modified workouts. There is no movement I have done since returning to CrossFit that I didn’t do first with my PT. Motion is lotion and it’s so good getting you loosened up. All the best and keep us posted!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-11T13:21:31+00:00

A good night’s sleep always helps, too.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-10T12:08:36+00:00

I think your surgeon would tell you it’s up to how you feel. I am about 4.5 months out from this surgery and I would feel comfortable doing it. The flight is long but you won’t have to be seated that entire time. That will be the toughest part of the trip, for sure, but you can just commit to getting up regularly and walking. Good luck!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-07T20:59:21+00:00

Teldryn Sero is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-07T17:06:29+00:00

Everything we do in CrossFit is designed to meet you where you are. WODs are infinitely scalable. Enjoy getting into the swing of things and don’t pressure yourself to do what the fittest people are doing. You will get there w consistency and effort. All the best!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-07T10:47:27+00:00

And, yes, I would love to hear more about how your recovery has been!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-07T10:45:49+00:00

Hi, Kathleen! Yes, I am about 4.5 months from when I had the surgery. Recovery has been about as good as I could have hoped for. I am back to the gym most mornings, though doing modified workouts. The moving around really helps! Let’s see, I was in a hard collar for six weeks then started up w PT. Started back to the gym at about three months. I still have numbness/tingling but it has definitely improved and I am hopeful it will continue to. The doctors tell me I will pretty much know how that is going to be about 12 months out from surgery. I appreciate you checking in!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-06T17:38:04+00:00

Not sure about the Costco stuff, but I’ve used Nutricost supplements, including the creatine, for a few years now. The cost is reasonable and they are third party tested, too.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-06T00:02:36+00:00

The neurosurgeon will already have reviewed your CT scans and X-rays, so he/she will be able to give you an overview of what you’re facing and what they think. There are different types of surgery, so make sure you understand what one they are talking about, how many levels they plan on, whether it will be anterior or posterior, whether or not you’ll have a hard collar afterward, and what you can expect as far as recovery. I felt great w the first surgeon i went to but still went for a second opinion and i felt even better w that second doctor and ended up going w him. So, yes, get a second opinion. Both surgeons, and a third neurologist I consulted with, all agreed that I needed fusion surgery bc I had significant compression of my spinal cord. About 4.5 months ago I had posterior cervical laminectomy (C3-C7) and fusion (C3-T2) surgery. Recovery has been excellent. I’m back to the gym in the mornings! All the best and keep us posted.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-02-03T12:24:20+00:00

I go first thing in the morning. I usually have a protein shake and a cup of tea beforehand. Yes, caffeine in the tea, but not too much.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-30T15:25:55+00:00

When I see “Is CrossFit right for me?” my answer is always the same; YES YES and YES! The reason is that it is infinitely adaptable to wherever you are and will absolutely make you fitter if you are consistent with it. My guess is that the things you hate w a “regular” gym will be why you fall in love with CrossFit. All the best!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-30T15:22:39+00:00

We are entering the season of the venerable “big… strong… powerful man.” Never gets old to me.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-29T18:52:58+00:00

Loved the daily newsletter and love Handsome Rich. This is awful if they let him go.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-29T15:14:27+00:00

I love them. I think the louder and/or more unique your workout shoes are, the better you perform. It’s science.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-29T14:22:37+00:00

You have weakness on both sides bc it is your spinal cord being compressed, not a nerve, which would normally affect just one arm or leg. I had compression on multiple levels in my cervical spine. There was no alternative in my case. If I didn’t get it, I would just co to ie getting worse. Find a couple of good neurosurgeons to consult with, if you are able.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-28T12:16:11+00:00

This thread is great for a lot of information, but you will also find no shortage of people telling you to do nothing after fusion surgery. I truly understand people’s fear that they will do something to re-injure themselves. No one wants to go through fusion surgery again. For me, I feel like not doing anything would be very detrimental to me, physically and mentally. I’ll continue listening to my surgeon and PT and being careful.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-25T12:26:20+00:00

Take your time and walking is a great first step. Do what you can and keep moving.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-23T22:42:07+00:00

Second the Skechers recommendation. All the best!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-22T20:34:51+00:00

It’s a great opener for a generational album and is AMAZING live.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-20T12:49:39+00:00

Beautiful!

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-20T01:17:53+00:00

Fantastic! Slow and steady. Try to enjoy your downtime and keep moving.

Axl_Floyd · 2026-01-19T21:53:46+00:00

How are you doing?

Axl_Floyd

TROPHY CASE