I just recently got out of the hospital after being admitted for and having surgery to deal with an extreme case of Cellulitos which is a major infection that I had in my left buttock (insert laughter here) that my doctor believes may have some linkage to my riding while training for tris…I have dealt with some minor hemmorroid issues over the years and was wondering if anyone else may have experienced something similar and if so what was your solution and if changing your saddle made a difference and if so what saddle do you ride on?
I pose this question to the forum not so much for medical advice but in that I’m trying to get some feedback reagarding a good saddle that may help.
Do you use chamois cream? Were there any “saddle sores” before the cellulitis ensued? Any massess palpable down near the boys?
Saddles are a very individual thing as you start riding long (say 5-6 hours +). I prefer saddles that are firm, yet with a central cutout (i.e. Specialized Toupe) rather than too much padding or a wide nose.
I do not use chamois cream, never have and no there were no saddle sores nor any massess near the boys…i will check out the specialized toupe and see if this may be a solution and try some chamois cream while riding, thaks for the suggestions.
It’s unusual to have that degree of cellulitis with no other symptoms. Usually there’s a boil or an open sore and it hurts like hell. rroof’s suggestions are right on. Also, you should make sure to thoroughly clean the area immediately after a bike ride. There’s nothing worse than sitting around and letting the bacteria grow in the crotch pot. Good hygiene, clean perineum, clean shorts goes a long way toward preventing problems.
Dad - echoing roubaixman and rroof, we are all guilty of the, “Well, I didn’t sweat all that much on the ride so I’ll just hang my shorts on a hook and use 'em again,” and this cylce gets repeated abouot ten times. Many folks hold with the theory that there’s likely some break in the skin, even if it’s not a frank sore, that leads to cellulitis. And some people are really sick - shaking chills, fever of 103 (not easy to generate in an adult), etc. You might also ask your physician to write you a prescription for the appropriate oral antibiotic (frequently Augmentin) so that if you are out hiking in the woods, canoe trip, camping, etc. and develop a recurrence - yes, they can recur, that you can start the antibiotics immediately knowing that it might be days before you actually see medical help. Good luck.
I agree with all you had to say and I’m going to take the suggestions of roubaixman and rroof and try a new saddle, chaomis creme and some better shorts. I have researched the specialized toupe saddle and it does seem to get a favorable rating, being an MD I have a question that I hope you may be able to answer. My doctor thinks that the pressure of riding MAY be a cause of future issues, however I’m not totally convinced of this. I’ve been riding many years with lit to no real issues.
I have decided to limit my riding to no more than 3 days a week and riding no longer than 35 miles per ride and will race mainly sprints and olympic distance races. So if I get the toupe saddle, which claims to promote better blood flow, which is a good thing right (would you reccommend gel or no gel) and a higher end riding shorts, would this decrease some future issues. I know there alot of other factors and I’m aware that I can get another infection I’m just trying to get an opinion of someone with knowledge of the sport and medicine, my doctor has no real concept of the sport. Trying to explain being mainly in an aero position 90% of the time is lost on him.
Steve - really, only you can answer these questions. I had cellulits of my Rt leg a couple years ago and understand that, like you, it was NO FUN. But, if you think about the location of your disease, potential causes and minimize them, I’d say go for it. Many recommend Assos cycling shorts, frequently washed, and I’d use the Assos chamois cream. Your goal is to decrease the shear force seen by your skin and this would help. A post ride shower and you’ve done what you can control on your end.
I don’t know John Cobb but you can find him on line and he has a world reputation for bike fit and bike seats. He used to be a member or Lance’s team and that should tell you something. Given your previous problems and goals, a visit to his shop wouldn’t be out of the question for long term 'butt health." In my mind, this would be insurance for the future…and you could teach us ST’er’s a thing or two. Please keep in touch.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I appreciate and value the input and will definately look into the shorts and creme suggestions. I thought having had a minor case 4 years ago, I was doing all the right things but after this past hospitalization I realized I guess I need to be even more vigilant, I really enjoy the tri lifestyle and the benefits have been so positive for me that I really dont want to give it up.
I had two professional bike fits for my road and tri bikes but will look up John Cobb and see if he might be helpful and if so I will forward on any of his suggestions. Thanks again for your time.