I finally started physiotherapy to strengthen and stabilise my hypermobile back. The orthopaedic consultant who diagnosed my condition told me that my facet joints are a little bit worn, the physio will sort it out and it’s all fine. I was feeling quite positive at that point but yesterday I saw the letter the consultant had sent to the physio. He wrote “there is significant degeneration of the facet joints” and “signs of earlier stress fracture in L5” and there’s also some degeneration of the discs. Why didn’t he tell me that??!!! I feel he has been completely dishonest with me and he said everything is fine just to get rid of me and not to have to explain anything. I’m baffled and angry!

Anyway, my back appears to be lot worse than I initially thought. The physio said she would expect to see this degree of degeneration in a 50-year-old. (I’m 32). The degeneration, of course, can’t be undone so the goal of this physiotherapy is try to stop it getting any worse. The hypermobility syndrome causes my muscles and ligaments to be too lax and not supporting the joints sufficiently, therefore my core muscles need to be ridiculously strong to support my spine in a way that would normally be the case without any specific training. So… treatment plan: exercising like there’s no tomorrow.

We went through some basic core stability exercises that I will do every day and I’ll see her again next week. I got a total ban on bending forwards for the rest of my life. She showed me alternative ways of putting shoes on, picking stuff off the floor etc. Just have to remember to do all that!

Cycling is good for me but I have to stay on the roads. At the moment my spine is not stable enough to be able to cope with off road. Whether it will be, I’m not sure.

Well, at least I’m on my way to stopping my spine getting completely pulverised.

Better go and do my exercises... 

Oww Anu, that is terrible news. Get that core strength sorted and you will be on the MTB, don't worry about that!

This doesn't mean you can't do what you want to do, just that you will have to do it a different way

Hang in there. You will really tell, and see, the difference when your six pack is coming along nicely.

That's terrible Anu but don't give up hope.  There are a lot of very talented people out there that can treat your condition and make you feel better, it may not necessarily come from the NHS.

Where are you based? I'm at college in a couple of weeks and I can ask a few experts for their advice and maybe point you in the direction of getting some decent rehab.

If you have a total ban on bending forward, doesn't that stop biking?

Anu I am so sorry to hear your news you have my sympathies and I cannot begin to imagine how angry and upset you must be feeling.  You have every right to those feelings.  However, you are a tough cookie and a very determined, focused person and I KNOW you will do everything the Doc orders to get back to your cycling.  The road may be slightly longer than you originally thought but there is a light at the end of it.  Set yourself small goals and don't try to rush back too early.

I hope it inspires you to know that I honestly never thought I would MTB because of my back and, although there have been probs along the way, 8 years later I am still at it.  So if I can after all my previous years of rotting in a chair, I know you can   Take care and keep us posted on your rock 'ard abs. x

anu, sometimes advice is there to be ignored.... being a nurse I know how docs can twist the truth sometimes to young people they can't be honest.

I know how you feel but keep plugging away, I'm still cycling abeit slowly but out there still. I was told 10 years ago to give up sport forever with my crunbly knees and I did the worst decision ever

I now have an honest cosultant who said do cycle as its the only reason I can walk etc...

Its maybe worth a second opinion at a specialist ortho hospital, you can ask your GP to refer, the NHS tendering means you have the right to go to other areas for a consult

sorry to hear this Anu, sounds like a nightmare.  Sorry haven't got any specific advice but just wanted to wish you luck for getting it sorted

Thanks for all your kind words and encouragement, feeling lot more positive now.

I've been doing my core-sqeezing exercises all week and after day 1 I was wondering if was doing them preperly and on day 2 my muscles were aching like never before! So at least I've established the muscles are there! It's so hard not to use your abs but the layers underneath...

Scooby - I'm near Portsmouth. I'm seeing this physio privately and I think she is pretty good. She has 18 years experience dealing with backs and she rehabs lots of sporty people. I'm always keen fo find more information or second opinions so if your contacts have any ideas I would be pleased to hear.

CJ - your words really do inspire me!

I'm going to have to ask bit more about what I can and can't do regarding cycling and other sport.

I've been on the turbo which is good from the point of view that I can really concentrate on keeping my back still and there are no bumps or potholes.