recovery time

Hi 

It must be very frustrating for you having previously been very fit to find that you can't walk far without a stick.

I'm sorry to see that no one in the group has been able to help with your question about recovery time so far. You could also post this in the ask a nurse section of the community and one of the Specialist Cancer Information Nurses will aim to respond within 2 working days.

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Good evening Silver Cyclist,

Sorry to read about your circumstances. You will see my story three lines below yours in the Discussions Forum. Chondrosarcoma - Pelvis.

I'm sure the operations we all have are different and it may not be so easy to make comparisons.

On my diagnosis, two different consultants said that I would probably have to use a walking stick and I think that will turn out to be true. I think its all to do will losing the strength in the Glutes. Inside the house & very short distances outside, I don't use a stick. Longer distances, up to 2.5 miles, I use a single crutch. After that distance I get lower back ache. My biggest issue however is being left with a hernia (due to the surgery) that the consultant says cannot be corrected due to my pubis superior being removed. It is very irritating and am concerned it will continue to get bigger. But I find cycling easier than walking

I think that it may be that we have to come to terms that a walking stick is going to become part of us. Yep, I know that's not great but we have to be realistic.

We are getting out on the tandem and have recently fitted a rear wheel with electric motor to compensate for my loss of strength or is it just old age. Whatever, if it allows us to still get out and about then that's great. If things continue as they are I may finish up getting 1,000 miles in this year which after the op and being knocked off isn't too bad.

hi there Capitaine thankou for your reply and for your help and sorry to hear about your problems

no one actually told me at the hospital about what i should expect in terms of recovery other than one consultant saying i should get back to 70% of where i used to be.

I have been trying to build up strength in my left leg but its not improving but feel sure if i can get out on my bike it will help. up to now ive only been on it on the trainer and it feels ok other than when my left leg is at the top of the pedal stroke its a little uncomfortable so im looking to see if i can fit shorter crank arms.  i also have problems getting my leg over (haha no change there) over the bike is what i mean but ive just fitted a dropper post and its so easy now getting on and off.

Im thinking like you that having to use a walking aid is going to be the norm and it doesnt bother me although i am a little disappointed i wasnt  given advice that it may be the case but other than that they were brilliant with me and without their care i probably wouldnt be around

Stay safe and thankyou again 

Hi Silver cyclist,

With regards to cancelled appointments I think we have all suffered these. My first one turned into a telephone call and my appointment of last week has been cancelled until the middle of December. As for follow up physiotherapy, I never got any due to Covid which I was really disappointed about. However we have to be thankful we were diagnosed and treated prior to the lockdown.

Prior to the operation, I used to get on the Tandem by swinging my left leg up and over the front handlebars but alas not anymore. But it helps lighten the conversation when people ask how you are improving and you tell them, yes we get out cycling, but unfortunately still can’t get the leg over (as you said).

Keep exercising on that indoor trainer and I’m sure you will be back on the bike for the good weather in springtime.

If you do Strava you will find me under Capi Taine. Hope your December goes ahead as planned.