Patmaster

@Marco, I will be in California for the next 3 weeks, maybe I could call you over Skype or phone at some point. You have very valuable insight for me! sdp@online.be

@Marco, thanks. Do you feel a big change in the range of motion? Curious to know what I should expect, as you may imagine!

@Marco how's it going man? I will undergo (most probably the same as you) surgery in June, and I'm wondering if you are skiing?

Many thanks @Marco. You just gave me hope and brought me closer to the "right" decision. Please give me the contact of the doc and keep us all updated on your skiing progress!

Time for an update guys. No good news to report. 54 years old spine needs stabilisation. Walking is not a problem anymore, but that's about it. Spondylolisthesis grade 1. Cleaning up a bit does not cut it. Now the big question is what kind of stabilisation - COFLEX or screws & wires along with fusion. @Marco, how are you doing? Anyone else skiing after fusion? Anything more specific would be appreciated - I need to choose a procedure very soon so help please!

Not quite as simple. I was a borderline case, but a really complete stenosis at L4-5. It was my choice to opt for a removal of protruding disc parts and bony structures that could be removed. It was needed to work on both sides of the spine, so about 2 hours in total. It had to be total anaesthesia. Still, walked out the clinic the same day. Now, let's see how the recovery goes. I may very well need implants one day, but so far I did not want the ligament (ligamentum flavum) touched, since that holds the spine (while bothering the nerve at the same time. My hope is that I bought some time (and space) and that workout and lifestyle change may make further surgery unnecessary. I will not ski for the next few months and then we'll see. So far so good, but it is way too early to foresee the long term results. Will keep you guys posted. IMO, this is a very good solution for someone who has a less complex problem than I have. Removal of the bulging disc part is a piece of cake in this clinic.

Two weeks post surgery. Did not move or exercise much. Can sit on a bike as long as I want, no pain. Walking is a different story. On the right side, where more work was done, there is still discomfort. No longer pain but discomfort. I'll report back in a month, hopefully with good news.

Decided I have no time to waste, did not want fusion or any implants. Found a doc who specialises in that and had surgery 48 h ago. Feel sore but better. No pain positions easy to find. It was minimally invasive so I need to be quiet for 6 weeks only. No guarantees that things will be good, let alone perfect. Still, I wanted a gradual approach, a second chance and an opportunity to get back to good quality of life without screws and metal parts in my spine. I'll keep you guys updated. Here is where I did it: http://www.spinecenter.com

Perfect handle, no problems with the crossbar whatsoever!

Thanks guys. I will keep researching before going to the point of no return...

@jdk99, here is what was recommended in Europe: http://www.zimmer.com/en-AU/hcp/spine/product/dynesys-dynamic-stabilization-system-ous.jspx and in the US: http://www.coflexsolution.com/content/what-coflex Any feedback is more than welcome. I'm 53 and in reasonably good shape (not overweight but not a top level athlete either).

@jdk99 any thoughts on stabilizing implants that are used to stabilise the spine after decompression surgery, and that avoid fusion altogether?

@Marco, please send me the details re your surgeon. If you prefer, my e-mail is sdp@online.be

Back to the thread guys, with two opinions and another epidural shot to buy some time. Both doctors suggested flexible implants, no fusion. Could you guys recommend some specialists? I want to get several opinions, US and EUROPE. I will only get one shot to do this right!

So it sounds like you ran more than 40 passes in a single day? You are in shape man....

KLP likes the TORQUE® slot invention a lot. He believes that this will change the future of slalom skiing. Deep 39 at his age is remarkable! This is what I heard last week at Mapple lake. Mapple + KLP = Dreamteam!

Just mounted Powershells on a T2 for my wife. I think it will depend on how much dual lock you need to use. If you want it in the middle, where the slot is, you will need an adapter plate first. Should not be difficult.

I'm on Fogmans (T2) and I saw many people on T1 and T2 with various plates and all sorts of combinations. Most of them took T1 or T2 home. So the TORQUE® slot does it's job anyway. There should be no issues with OB4 either, it's a very thin plate. Not sure about drilling the release units directly into the ski - you may want to talk to Andy about that.

Interesting that 45+ men's slalom at the Worlds had the same 1st and 2nd as in Big Dawg finals - Andy and Jeff. So it was definitely no accident! These guys rock. So does the Mapple T-series!

@Marco, keep us updated and may you be on water sooner than you expect!

Thanks for the comments guys. If anyone had a good (or bad) experience with arthroscopic surgery of the lower back (stenosis), I'd be particularly interested to hear...

@Marco, any updates? Did you go for surgery or did you start doing yoga? I was advised surgery a couple of days ago - have difficulties coming to terms with that!

And when u r hungry: https://www.facebook.com/hawkersstreetfare www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com http://www.eddiev.com/ (jazz & blues as well + great food) https://www.seasons52.com/en/locations/FL/Orlando/4501 and maybe try some of these: http://www.10best.com/destinations/florida/orlando/restaurants/seafood/ This is our shortlist after several years of research...

Acapulco Ski Paradise, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and I heard that some places in Texas remain warm year round...

Judging by the pros and the Big Dawgs riding it, most improved their average scores. I talked to a few of them and they are all loving the new skis. Now, improving my score for 3-4 buoyes certainly captures my attention. Knowing Andy as a serious athlete and a no-BS guy, I can't wait to try it out.