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Tore my bicep ligament at the distal (elbow) end. I have agreed to the surgery (considered urgent), which involves drilling through bone so as to sew ligament onto something.
More commonly seen in younger middle-aged men - I guess I am one of them, though my predicament came about at work.
Funny thing is, pain is now manageable, and supination is pain-free. If surgery is not undertaken quickly, certain 50% loss of strength + pain from scar as bicep retreats up arm.
Day surgery, and arm is 6 weeks in a slab with palm up. Then 6-9 months before I can do normal duties at work (I am a nurse).
Anyone got thoughts on windsurfing afterwards? Rigging + up-hauling?
Also opinions on long-distance trail running, kayaking and (lead) rock-climbing? Cycling 25km over undulations to work?limbs.co/knowledge-center.php?id=57 Windsurfing gets a mention.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3537453/ Fairly plain English.
No offence but this is 3 rd or 5th consecutive post re medical conditions.
As long as we could all provide sympathy to all sufferers I will be strongly conscious about following advises from " non professionals" on SB.
Obviously nobody trust their GP or specialist this days and need to consult outgoing with the public.
Why did he get red-flagged, seems ws-related to me ??
Back to his question: I've had a full shoulder thing, at the time was a butchery operation called a Bristow.
I still need people to help me downhaul and other things, but once on the board am ok, if careful.
Over the years, have found that height of the boom helps for pain management for biceps and shoulder problems.
Go gradually when in shape, take your time, listen to the pain (??) when you resume ws.
'luck.
Hi Wollemi,
I had the same injury in 2006, and the same recommendations ....reattachment surgery.
It was noted that result would be not a guarantee of 100% return to normal strength and function, and significant disfigurement and scar from elbow to wrist.
With many question marks about the ramifications for my work (photography.. ie climbing ladders heavy equipment case etc) and my sports (cycling, surf and windsurfing), I decided to wait on surgery for several weeks and test my remaining strength.
Soon the severe pain subsided, I then tested ability to perform my work and play and found that I could do all as before. Including downhauling, lifting equipment, cycling with weight on handlebars etc.
I decided against surgery, and while every patient and injury is different, I have found that the injury has partially healed itself and reformed the bicep muscle to a new shape, there is not symmetry with my other arm, but definitely not 50% loss of strength, maybe 10 %.
Rotating twisting arm function was painful at first but has subsided. Evidently there are two attachment points for the bicep and mine was torn at one.
My injury was to my right arm, which is back hand for down the line wave sailing here in maui, where I'm living and sailing almost every day since 2007.
No pain from sailing, rigging, cycling or work related, I wish you luck with your injury and hope your recovery goes well.
As with your previous experience with the wrist surgery, not all medical projections of result from surgery can be accurate.
I mean this totally as a positive encouragement to not give up your work or sports enjoyment, and trust your instincts and your own bodies feedback.
Regards,
Chuck
Have the surgery done. There is only a short window of opportunity before muscle contracture makes it impossible.
The biceps has two heads - hence the name bi - ceps. That is why one of the attachments can tear and you lose 50% strength, because only half the muscle is working.
As with recovery from any injury, especially tendon and ligament injuries which are slow to regain strength, you have to take it gradually and be careful not to overdo it. Follow the recommendations of your rehab/ physio person and build up with gradual exercises. They may not always be right but they know a lot more than you do. However, if in doubt don't be afraid to get a second opinion!
+1 for the down haul winch, and get an easy uphaul so you are using your body more than your arms.
When you first go windsurfing again go on light wind days and use a smaller sail than you normally would.
Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.
