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I was musing the other day over whether to get elbow guards for mtb or not. Half an hour later, pootling home from work, the front wheel washes out on an innocuous tarmac path and I break my elbow 🙄
Many xrays and a CT scan later, it turns out I have a distal humerus fracture (basically, a chunk off the edge of the lumpy bit on the elbow end of my humerus has snapped off. It's very obviously separate on the xray). I was sent home in a plaster half-cast to await verdict from orthopaedics about whether I'd need an op or not to pin it back into place.
2 days later I phone them trying to get some news and a somewhat harassed sounding secretary tells me I'm booked in for 5/June to "reduce the fracture and repair the ligaments" and I should wait for the letter to arrive in the post. I have not spoken to any doctor (since A&E). First I've heard of ligament damage. Trying not to freak out too much.
So, my questions to the STW hive!
Any similar stories or experiences? How long until riding again (I'm 40)? How long until mtb again? Does 3 weeks until the op sound reasonable? I'm nervous it's going to start healing in that time, in the wrong place. Reassure me (or panic me, perhaps)
I can’t comment on your injury but I’m six weeks into a fractured proximal humerus and just wanted to send healing vibes.
I’m nowhere near getting back out on the bike but as I can’t work, to maintain some fitness, I’m joining in with the Giro on the static spin bike in the garden. Those climbs today were tough!!😀
Wait to speak to the docs. NHS are a shit show at the moment. Missed my extensively fractured pelvis 4 months ago, and the same for my wife's broken foot recently- we only found out two weeks later. I've had no treatment - ideally would have had a total replacement, but too late by the time I went back saying 'this isn't right'. I face a new hip in the future, when, who knows.
I can second this, after my X-rays I was told my shoulder was dislocated and there was no fracture. I sat on a bed while a doctor tried to relocate my shoulder when in fact it was badly fractured!!
I can honestly say that I have never and very much hope to never have to experience pain like that again ever!!
At least she came to apologise before she went off shift.
Positive side, four months in I am back cycling and did my first cycle commute again this week. No metal work. Hip feels OK so far, but just need to get fit again. Shoulder buggered from three months on crutches.
And no e-bikes needed. Whoop. 55 here so no young chicken.