I can's say it enough....the BIG thing on any surgery and especially back surgery is the doctor.  

I just worry about finding the "right" doctor to do the surgery.

I had my back fused a little over a year ago. L5-S1.... I don't barrel race anymore but I trail ride. I'm over 200lbs and 5'11" and self conscious about getting back into the sport. I think with some physical conditioning I could get back to it. Best of luck! If you have any questions about the procedure let me know! 

I had my L5-S1 fused 9 years ago I am 40 so I was young when I had it done and am riding nearly every day and am competing too. I know my limits, I lift 50 pound feed bags. Do physical therapy but work with them and tell them what you want to do. My therapist was great! I brought my saddle in and we did therapy with it. At the time I had a bumper pull trailer and we did therapy on what would simulate hooking up a trailer. He even (against dr knowing)taught me how to lift the feed bags. The only time my back bothers me is if I stand still in one spot for a long period of time and its more pressure than hurt or if I am on concrete for extended periods of time or I gain weight ( I battle that constantly). But as far as riding it does not bother me. Actually the more I ride the better I feel. My surgeon did tell me I would never ride again, I believe they tell you that because that is what medical tells them. I believe it depends on the person and how active you were before the injury and surgery and how active you want to be after the surgery. Best of luck to you!!!!

I had 3 parts fused 7yrs ago when I was 28. Still ride everyday. Run barrels. My doctor was absolutely amazing. He works on a lot of people who ride, rodeo and such. So he understood what we do. 

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