I just got home from my MRI follow up with my orthopedic specialist, and I was diagnosed with a Grade 1 to 2 PCL injury. No surgery, 6 weeks PT. So I'm not looking for a diagnosis, but hopefully perspective and suggestions.
The story: I managed to pick up a puncture in my front wheel in the last 100 yards or so of an olympic tri 2 weeks ago and crashed - HARD - during my flying dismount onto a bent knee. Resulted in my first DNF.
In the past week, I've been able to build back up to 100% power on the bike and 10 min running intervals. Feeling pretty good in both sports. Had skipped swimming to let the road rash heal without infection risk and figured the 20 years in the pool in my shoulders would carry over for a few weeks well enough.
My ortho is concerned about the PCL injury being exacerbated by running or swimming (the 'snap' in a kick) and wants to let the 'looseness' of the PCL to tighten back up. My brain is telling me I'd normally step back and take whatever time away from swim/run as needed. My heart dilemma is that I'm also two weeks out from my first half ironman. The knee has improved exponentially day-by-day since the injury and to be honest, I expected the appointment today to confirm that I was ok to race (even if that meant 'participate' instead of race). But today's instruction was to not race at all and it came as a total surprise. He did promise to review the MRI with a colleague mid-next week in an effort to see if her opinion differs.
As I typed this it made me feel like a hypocrite for not wanting to throw in the towel on this race (really, on the 6 month build to it) when my doctor is telling me to not risk long term damage, but I wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience or suggestions. Is it worth seeking a second (third?) opinion? Am I not fully grasping the long term risks?
Thanks in advance. I'm frustrated with myself and a little embarrassed to be asking for nearly-but-not-intentionally medical advice but this doesn't seem like a common injury and I'm not finding much information at all online, let alone tri-related.
KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com
The story: I managed to pick up a puncture in my front wheel in the last 100 yards or so of an olympic tri 2 weeks ago and crashed - HARD - during my flying dismount onto a bent knee. Resulted in my first DNF.
In the past week, I've been able to build back up to 100% power on the bike and 10 min running intervals. Feeling pretty good in both sports. Had skipped swimming to let the road rash heal without infection risk and figured the 20 years in the pool in my shoulders would carry over for a few weeks well enough.
My ortho is concerned about the PCL injury being exacerbated by running or swimming (the 'snap' in a kick) and wants to let the 'looseness' of the PCL to tighten back up. My brain is telling me I'd normally step back and take whatever time away from swim/run as needed. My heart dilemma is that I'm also two weeks out from my first half ironman. The knee has improved exponentially day-by-day since the injury and to be honest, I expected the appointment today to confirm that I was ok to race (even if that meant 'participate' instead of race). But today's instruction was to not race at all and it came as a total surprise. He did promise to review the MRI with a colleague mid-next week in an effort to see if her opinion differs.
As I typed this it made me feel like a hypocrite for not wanting to throw in the towel on this race (really, on the 6 month build to it) when my doctor is telling me to not risk long term damage, but I wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience or suggestions. Is it worth seeking a second (third?) opinion? Am I not fully grasping the long term risks?
Thanks in advance. I'm frustrated with myself and a little embarrassed to be asking for nearly-but-not-intentionally medical advice but this doesn't seem like a common injury and I'm not finding much information at all online, let alone tri-related.
KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com