That's a huge drop. Then consider this the official, "Regressive Dead Lifts Support Group," aka RDLSG. Our chips are in the shape of a 45 plate.
My old slip disc injury has really limited my DL strength, that or I was just riding the waive of the hormonal firestorm of adolescence when I was pulling that kind of weight, I don't know. One thing for sure, is that if I have any hopes of reclaiming my old DL glory, it's going to have to be a hella slow process. However, even in my stronger days, I never officially broke the 500lbs mark. I should have added those 2.5's.
About 3 months ago, I stopped using belts and wraps for the sake of keeping my progress snail pace. I figured if I only pull weights I can naturally hold and perform with my natural core pressure, then my progress should be sufficiently stunted. To my surprise, I went from struggling to hold 185lbs to holding 405lbs in a matter of 2 months. My grip strength progressed much, MUCH faster then I anticipated, and of course if I "could" do more, the bull-headed guy in me "WILL" do more. Plus, while going snail pace. My back felt 100% and at that point, I start to forget that I ever had any handicaps to be concerned about to begin with and that's when my re-injuries return.
Once my sets started progressing in 1 plate, 2 plates, 3 plates, 4 plates manner. I started to slowly feel those old back aggravations come, ie.. more of a strain feel, as oppose to regular DOMS in the lumbar, prolonged recovery time of the lumbar, the onset of a consistent tightness that feels like a ball....etc.
I went to Taiwan for 10 days and I didn't do jack but let everything recover, from my liver, to the adrenal glands, to my body in general. Now I'm back and I'm going to give deads another crack, but I'll start at racks this time and lower the rack progressively.
At the moment, my main focus would be the Oly-Snatch and Hang Cleans, so maybe this will keep me from bull-charging into heavy deads, as I have about 4-5 times prior.