Hi folks. I am primarily a triathlete (5 IM races) who had a hellacious crash at a local mountain bike crash 3 weeks ago and am looking for recovery tips. Crash was second of 2, both on downhills that involved flying over handlebars at high speed and landing on gravel/packed dirt. Injuries included T-5 and T-6 fractures, dual tension pneumo thoraxes, cracked sternum and ribs, torn up elbow (about a dozen stitches), chipped teeth, and other minor bruises/scrapes. Emergency and surgical care included 2 chest tubes, numerous scans, wound vac, sutures, and surgeons putting in two rods with 6 titanium screws to stabilize my spine. Spent two weeks in the ICU/hospital, but all tubes and sutures are now removed. Recovery plan so far is to wear a molded, hard plastic brace, walk as I can, and let my back heal. Oxycodone keeps the pain bearable and using calcium/Vitamin D with occasional Valium and Percocet. Probably will start PT next week to work neck and other muscles, and should get into a pool in a couple weeks for various exercises.
I’m curious about the Compex system, supplements, or any other recovery ideas. Surgeons estimate 6 months until I can jog, but potentially elliptical use before then.
Had a helmet as always and confident would not be alive/writing if I did not, as I did not have any head injuries to speak of. Helmet is and will continue to be valuable teaching aid for my kids and others.
Thanks in advance,
Barefoot/Crash
Hi folks. I am primarily a triathlete (5 IM races) who had a hellacious crash at a local mountain bike crash 3 weeks ago and am looking for recovery tips. Crash was second of 2, both on downhills that involved flying over handlebars at high speed and landing on gravel/packed dirt. Injuries included T-5 and T-6 fractures, dual tension pneumo thoraxes, cracked sternum and ribs, torn up elbow (about a dozen stitches), chipped teeth, and other minor bruises/scrapes. Emergency and surgical care included 2 chest tubes, numerous scans, wound vac, sutures, and surgeons putting in two rods with 6 titanium screws to stabilize my spine. Spent two weeks in the ICU/hospital, but all tubes and sutures are now removed. Recovery plan so far is to wear a molded, hard plastic brace, walk as I can, and let my back heal. Oxycodone keeps the pain bearable and using calcium/Vitamin D with occasional Valium and Percocet. Probably will start PT next week to work neck and other muscles, and should get into a pool in a couple weeks for various exercises.
I’m curious about the Compex system, supplements, or any other recovery ideas. Surgeons estimate 6 months until I can jog, but potentially elliptical use before then.
Had a helmet as always and confident would not be alive/writing if I did not, as I did not have any head injuries to speak of. Helmet is and will continue to be valuable teaching aid for my kids and others.
Thanks in advance,
Barefoot/Crash
Good luck on a speedy recovery. You are dam lucky!
Hello Bardfoot and All,
Good luck on your recovery.
I broke a spinal process in a high speed motorbike crash (small potatoes compared to your injuries) and it took 8 weeks of painful healing and by then I had gotten very out of shape from laying around. Lots of rest and boredom would seem to be the first priority - supporting a good healing process - then later the work of getting in shape again.
Also save the doctor’s reports of your recovery as you will need them later if you get involved in projects that require a physical examination with x-rays - as your injuries will show up again.
Cheers,
Neal