Injury Reports

[throet]

10 hours ago, Anita Handle said:

My knee has healed more slowly than I expected. August was my surgery, I think I started my PT about 5 weeks after it was prescribed. Still doing it and doing my homework. Leg(s) are getting stronger in all sorts of strange directions of force application but I still get soreness if I ride or hike too hard. I went ahead and had a post-op MRI on Friday since my deductible is paid up and I'm having lingering pain. I'm sure it'll be within normal range of health but I just want to make sure there isn't something wrong.

At least I can stand and pedal out of the saddle now and can do ~an hour of ledgy technical riding. I'm glad for that progress.

Will be interesting to hear the results of your post-op MRI. Knees are tricky for sure. I've already had 2 surgeries on my left knee and the other day it gave out on me while bowling. Once the knee issues become chronic, you're just looking for ways to put off the dreaded knee replacement. For me, pedaling through the periodic pain (when bearable)  has worked better than inactivity, which seems to just cause stiffness. Cortisone injections in both knees worked wonders for me as well when I was at a point of knee pain inhibiting my riding. That was nearly 2 years ago and I haven't had any real pain since. Hang in there - hope to see you out on the trail sometime soon!     

[Yosmithy]

44 minutes ago, throet said:

Will be interesting to hear the results of your post-op MRI. Knees are tricky for sure. I've already had 2 surgeries on my left knee and the other day it gave out on me while bowling. Once the knee issues become chronic, you're just looking for ways to put off the dreaded knee replacement. For me, pedaling through the periodic pain (when bearable)  has worked better than inactivity, which seems to just cause stiffness. Cortisone injections in both knees worked wonders for me as well when I was at a point of knee pain inhibiting my riding. That was nearly 2 years ago and I haven't had any real pain since. Hang in there - hope to see you out on the trail sometime soon!     

In all honesty, I would stop being so resistant to getting that knee replaced. I fought it for decades, and once I had it done, I hardly ever think about it. My biggest problem is that I had so many surgeries on the knew prior to replacement, that it caused a lot of scar tissue that interferes with the mechanics a little. Down time from replacement surgery is really short, compared to all the time you take off for pain and rehab.

[RidingAgain]

There was a couple maybe in their late 40s early 50s who moved in next door to me earlier this year. They only stayed for six or so months before buying a house and moving out. During their time here the husband had knee replacement surgery. By the time they left — maybe three or four months after — he was already walking/running on the machine in the gym.

On the other hand... A few years ago an MRI has shown that I have quite a badly web-torn meniscus in my right knee. Xray showed that the cartilage is fairly thick though. I had this check because of really intense knee pain and swelling from playing squash. The doctor told me I could have surgery or not have it... I was kind of in between a have or must have situation, so it was up to me. I decided not to and just give it rest and some self rehab. The pain has pretty much gone away in the right, but around the middle of this year I started feeling the same problem in my left knee. Old age... What to do.

I just took the same approach as I had with my right knee and within a couple months the pain had subsided.

But I also think that my weight loss has been a huge help. And slight change in diet (eating less stuff that causes inflammation, and more that helps fight it).

Honestly, having played squash for 40 years, and rugby for three years, along with lots of other sports, I'm just thankful my injuries haven't been worse.

Edited December 31, 2019 by RidingAgain

[Morris]

I had a neck/shoulder operation from a tumor removal 5 years ago and it has taken me many years to feel strength again and full movement on my shoulder and trapezius on my right hand. Even a jacket feels heavy for me. I have been patient and stretch as much as I can remember. I think biking has been the best motivation 

[throet]

2 hours ago, Yosmithy said:

I hardly ever think about it

Even when you're hucking 6ft to flat? 

[Chief]

6 hours ago, throet said:

How wide is your Fizik?     

Antares R3 large 152mm wide. It took me a long time to find an all day saddle especially for road riding where you spend a lot of time in a static seat position. I found the Fizik Chameleon and was immediately impressed by how comfortable it was. Well, when I built my Evil I tried to get that saddle but they no longer make it so I needed to find something similar. I decided to give the large Antares R3 a try and it turned out to be even better then the Chameleon was. So that is my go to for a saddle now. What I found out was that you need to try different style saddles even if you think it might not be what you're looking for. I also found that a wider flatter saddle was a better option than what is typically considered the norm. The Antares shell is a carbon/nylon composite that flexes giving good support with just enough flex to act as a cushion it has very minimal padding which I myself prefer. I cannot ride any of the WTB saddles they're all too narrow with too much padding and an odd kind of transition from flat to side too square. The Antares has been so good that even after being off the bike for long periods of time when I do ride again I have no discomfort. Now hopefully we all understand how subjective a saddle can be, not saying it will be your silver bullet but at least you can try it and if it doesn't work your not out $100-160 for a saddle.

[Chief]

5 hours ago, Yosmithy said:

In all honesty, I would stop being so resistant to getting that knee replaced. I fought it for decades, and once I had it done, I hardly ever think about it. My biggest problem is that I had so many surgeries on the knew prior to replacement, that it caused a lot of scar tissue that interferes with the mechanics a little. Down time from replacement surgery is really short, compared to all the time you take off for pain and rehab.

My wife has severe arthritis in both knees. She was told by her doctor to put off knee replacement for as long as she possibly can. He told her that knee replacement is something you only want to do once. If you are active and do it too young you can wear out the replacement and the second replacement is much harder and potentially dangerous due to possibility of infection and other complications.

And BTW my wife swears by hot Yoga and I can tell you it has helped her tremendously.

Edited December 31, 2019 by Chief

[Yosmithy]

2 hours ago, Chief said:

My wife has severe arthritis in both knees. She was told by her doctor to put off knee replacement for as long as she possibly can. He told her that knee replacement is something you only want to do once. If you are active and do it too young you can wear out the replacement and the second replacement is much harder and potentially dangerous due to possibility of infection and other complications.

And BTW my wife swears by hot Yoga and I can tell you it has helped her tremendously.

I would disagree with only having it done once. There's parts that wear out, that can be replaced. I've had more than one surgeon explain that to me, including the one that performed the work (but I've had doctors lie to me before, So I'll get back to you when I go in for repair work in another 5-10 years 🙂

The one major issue that was pointed out to me, was that you have to be very careful to not do hard impacts to the joint. It was explained at the time of the replacement that if you put enough force to the joint the bones split around the area of the attachment because the metal joint doesn't give, and it's a very serious type of break and often ends in the loss of the joint (straight leg). I'm very cautious about any heavy impacts to the leg. One reason why I'm no longer on dirt bikes.

After all the years of suffering with pain and bullshit surgeries, I feel that is a major reason why I am still able to putt around on my MTB.

[June Bug]

Mr. June Bug had partial knee replacement (the inside half) on Aug 1 and was really sorted out and on the bike after about two months or so.  The physicians assistant gave numerous warnings about hitting it too hard too early and the realistic possibility of sustaining an injury in a fall and having to redo the surgery, based on her personal experience with hard-headed roadies and mountain bikers, but all was well this time around. 

Dr. Jake Manuel, St David's Center for Hip and Knee Replacement

My sense is that they have a very good protocol in place to prevent infection; Mr. June Bug had no problems with infection this time around. 

[throet]

So I've had some really good rides over the past week and was thinking I'd be making a final post on my successful recovery. However I now find myself in a hospital bed with a pulmonary embolism. They found a clot in my leg as well and are concluding that was the origin of the one that made its way to my lung. Just can't catch an f'n break! 

[ATXZJ]

12 minutes ago, throet said:

So I've had some really good rides over the past week and was thinking I'd be making a final post on my successful recovery. However I now find myself in a hospital bed with a pulmonary embolism. They found a clot in my leg as well and are concluding that was the origin of the one that made its way to my lung. Just can't catch an f'n break! 

Oh damn man. Sorry youre on the wrong end of that one.

 

Good vibes headed your way

[natas1321]

Sorry to hear that, hope all goes well with your treatment.

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[TheX]

36 minutes ago, throet said:

So I've had some really good rides over the past week and was thinking I'd be making a final post on my successful recovery. However I now find myself in a hospital bed with a pulmonary embolism. They found a clot in my leg as well and are concluding that was the origin of the one that made its way to my lung. Just can't catch an f'n break! 

Damn dude, sorry to hear this. That is some serious shit. 

[The Tip]

Why life gotta be so hard? ☹️

Good luck with all of it.

[Cafeend]

Thinking of you. If you need anything dont be shy. You know where to find me

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[AntonioGG]

Sending good vibes to you.  

[Morris]

No way Thomas! So sad to hear about this. I really enjoyed riding with you again and I’m looking forward to more. I hope you get better soon my friend.

[AustinBike]

11 hours ago, throet said:

So I've had some really good rides over the past week and was thinking I'd be making a final post on my successful recovery. However I now find myself in a hospital bed with a pulmonary embolism. They found a clot in my leg as well and are concluding that was the origin of the one that made its way to my lung. Just can't catch an f'n break! 

That sucks, my father in law ended up in the ER because of those. Hope they don't put you on blood thinners, that can be a real mess.

[Chief]

That really sucks dude! Hope you recover OK. Good vibes. Look forward to riding with you again!

[June Bug]

Well, throet that's bad news and good news.  Scary Bad that you had a blood clot, great news that you are alive and kicking and able to tell us about it!  Healing thoughts headed your way and hope you're home from the hospital. 

Can you share what your symptoms were?  

Edited February 5, 2020 by June Bug

[throet]

28 minutes ago, June Bug said:

Well, throet that's bad news and good news.  Scary Bad that you had a blood clot, great news that you are alive and kicking and able to tell us about it!  Healing thoughts headed your way and hope you're home from the hospital. 

Can you share what your symptoms were?  

Thanks to you and everybody else for the great vibes! I am home and resting comfortably. You are absolutely correct that as disappointed as I am to once again be on the sideline, I am truly counting my blessing knowing how these things sometimes end up! Recovery is a lengthy process that requires careful management due to the dangers of anti-coagulation meds. Additionally, deeper diagnostics are required to determine whether the clots were provoked (by injury, surgery, etc) or unprovoked (caused by underlying disease such as cancer). 

Regarding symptoms, this was a true lesson learned for me and something that everybody needs to take to heart. I had just finished an hour-and-a-half MTB ride last Fri afternoon. I felt a bit sluggish during my ride but nothing too terrible - no chest pain and no shortness of breath. My wife and I were heading out to grab a bite to eat after my ride and I felt a sudden burning sensation right in the middle of my chest. It felt like heartburn but it seemed odd given that I hadn't eaten since well before my ride. It only lasted a few minutes. Within a short time though, while sitting at the restaurant, I started feeling pain with every deep breath and felt a little light headed. Again thought that was odd, but I had no trouble breathing, no fever or sweating, no nausea, etc. So I just continued eating and eventually ordered a second beer. The breathing pain subsided, I'm sure in part to having consumed a couple of IPAs, and I just quit thinking about it. The next day (Sat) though I had a constant dull pain that was distinctly on the left side of my chest. I've had two chest pain "false alarms" in the past that resulted in overnight stays, hefty hospital bills, and a lot of regret after getting discharged with just "chest wall pain" both times. This time was a bit different and I knew it, but I still convinced myself that I didn't need to go the ER because I "cried wolf" twice before. I decided that instead of going to the ER I would just take it easy and monitor my symptoms. The same constant dull pain continued into Sunday. I put on my Dr. Google hat and consulted with my wife, Dr. WebMD. We went around and around on all the possibilities but I ultimately decided that instead of going to the ER I would just go see a doctor first thing Monday morning since I was stable (very easy to make appointments online with BS&W BTW - even for specialists). I got an early AM appointment with a Cardio and laid awake most of the night playing Dr. Google.

The Cardio very quickly picked up on the symptoms I described and immediately ordered a D-Dimer blood test  to see if my body was breaking down clots (along with some other tests to rule out other nasty stuff). She said herself that she would be surprised if I had a Pulmonary Embolism because I presented in such great shape. Turns out I did have a PE, but it was small and made its way down to the lower lobe in my left lung. The problem though, and the danger that I failed to recognize is that the clot likely broke off from a large clot that was still in my leg. So I was still at great risk of much bigger problems had the rest of that clot moved through my heart and into a lung. The burning sensation I felt initially was likely the clot that passed through my heart and into my lung. The lungs apparently serve like a fishing net when it comes to clots, but if they get hung up in the larger vessels that are close to the heart, it's easily "lights out". I was lucky this time and will not hesitate going to the ER if this scenario ever repeats itself.  

[Cafeend]

So does that mean there is a larger clot still around somewhere?

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[ATXZJ]

16 minutes ago, throet said:

Thanks to you and everybody else for the great vibes! I am home and resting comfortably. You are absolutely correct that as disappointed as I am to once again be on the sideline, I am truly counting my blessing knowing how these things sometimes end up! Recovery is a lengthy process that requires careful management due to the dangers of anti-coagulation meds. Additionally, deeper diagnostics are required to determine whether the clots were provoked (by injury, surgery, etc) or unprovoked (caused by underlying disease such as cancer). 

Regarding symptoms, this was a true lesson learned for me and something that everybody needs to take to heart. I had just finished an hour-and-a-half MTB ride last Fri afternoon. I felt a bit sluggish during my ride but nothing too terrible - no chest pain and no shortness of breath. My wife and I were heading out to grab a bite to eat after my ride and I felt a sudden burning sensation right in the middle of my chest. It felt like heartburn but it seemed odd given that I hadn't eaten since well before my ride. It only lasted a few minutes. Within a short time though, while sitting at the restaurant, I started feeling pain with every deep breath and felt a little light headed. Again thought that was odd, but I had no trouble breathing, no fever or sweating, no nausea, etc. So I just continued eating and eventually ordered a second beer. The breathing pain subsided, I'm sure in part to having consumed a couple of IPAs, and I just quit thinking about it. The next day (Sat) though I had a constant dull pain that was distinctly on the left side of my chest. I've had two chest pain "false alarms" in the past that resulted in overnight stays, hefty hospital bills, and a lot of regret after getting discharged with just "chest wall pain" both times. This time was a bit different and I knew it, but I still convinced myself that I didn't need to go the ER because I "cried wolf" twice before. I decided that instead of going to the ER I would just take it easy and monitor my symptoms. The same constant dull pain continued into Sunday. I put on my Dr. Google hat and consulted with my wife, Dr. WebMD. We went around and around on all the possibilities but I ultimately decided that instead of going to the ER I would just go see a doctor first thing Monday morning since I was stable (very easy to make appointments online with BS&W BTW - even for specialists). I got an early AM appointment with a Cardio and laid awake most of the night playing Dr. Google.

The Cardio very quickly picked up on the symptoms I described and immediately ordered a D-Dimer blood test  to see if my body was breaking down clots (along with some other tests to rule out other nasty stuff). She said herself that she would be surprised if I had a Pulmonary Embolism because I presented in such great shape. Turns out I did have a PE, but it was small and made its way down to the lower lobe in my left lung. The problem though, and the danger that I failed to recognize is that the clot likely broke off from a large clot that was still in my leg. So I was still at great risk of much bigger problems had the rest of that clot moved through my heart and into a lung. The burning sensation I felt initially was likely the clot that passed through my heart and into my lung. The lungs apparently serve like a fishing net when it comes to clots, but if they get hung up in the larger vessels that are close to the heart, it's easily "lights out". I was lucky this time and will not hesitate going to the ER if this scenario ever repeats itself.  

F@cking hell man! I'm having a panic attack just reading "lights out".....but stoked that you here and still here typing it.

Hang in there Thomas.  Real Ale on us when you are ready.

Edited February 5, 2020 by ATXZJ

[throet]

3 minutes ago, Cafeend said:

So does that mean there is a larger clot still around somewhere?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 

Yes but because I am on anti-coagulation meds now, the clot should begin to dissipate over time and not present any great risks. I'm definitely still at some risk - but not great risk. 

[throet]

5 minutes ago, ATXZJ said:

Hang in there Thomas.  Real Ale on us when you are ready.

Not waiting on you guys dude - making sure my blood stays doubly thin with a Real Heavy as we speak!