Surgery stops play

welsh_14

Well I had my final mtb ride in the cheviots on Saturday. What a day it was as well, beautiful sunshine and great trails.
It was my final ride because on tuesday next week I will be going in for hip surgery for FAI impingement, don't know if anyone else on here has had the same problem but it has caused immense pain while doing any exercise! At 25 it seems a bit early for all this but I suppose thats life.

It looks like I will be off the bike for 8 months or so which is going to kill me!! So I will be getting all my mtbing fixes from here and WMB. So please keep up the great banter and advise so that I dont go crazy while I am laid up!

cat_with_no_tail

Word of advice, be REALLY strict with your diet while you're laid up.

Sadly, I didn't follow my own advice while I was off for 6months earlier in the year, filled the boredom with biscuits and gained like 2st which I'm now having a cnut of a time getting rid of (mostly due to not being able to ride as much as I'd like due to work).

Get as much physio as you possibly can, listen to what they say and do as much at home as is humanly possible without doing further damage. They told me it'd be 6 months after my op (knee rebuild) before I could get back on a bike. I managed to half that, was a lot of work though, and pretty painful at times.

Maybe consider getting a turbo trainer (of course, this wont come into play until further down the line).

Mostly though, GWS, and think healing thoughts.

anj132

welsh_14 wrote:

Well I had my final mtb ride in the cheviots on Saturday. What a day it was as well, beautiful sunshine and great trails.
It was my final ride because on tuesday next week I will be going in for hip surgery for FAI impingement, don't know if anyone else on here has had the same problem but it has caused immense pain while doing any exercise! At 25 it seems a bit early for all this but I suppose thats life.

It looks like I will be off the bike for 8 months or so which is going to kill me!! So I will be getting all my mtbing fixes from here and WMB. So please keep up the great banter and advise so that I dont go crazy while I am laid up!

Your're not alone, my younger brother had the same op at 22/23 about 2 years ago and he's back playing football, he was probably out for I think about 4-6 months. He probably should have rested more before getting back in but he seems fine these days. Takes a while before you can actually get around properly, I think he was off work for atleast a month and probably shouldn't have gone back so soon, the problem working for family.

I also had another friend who had it done around 28 and I think he's back playing football again.

I hope the op and all goes well and your back on your bike as soon as it's possible/safe to do so.

welsh_14

Cheers guys, I was planning to get some swimming done as soon as possible, I've heard its a good way of getting strength back sooner rather than later.
Cat with no tail I have an exercise bike ready and waiting for me, and hopefully I wont pile on to much weight.. The boredom will probably hit my bank balance as I will see lots of shiny new bits I "need" for my return to the bike!

anj132 Its great to know of those success stories, I plan not rushing back to work as I sit behind a desk all day. But will give myself plenty of rest before getting back on the mtb, I have a habit of falling off so wouldnt be ideal to do more damage!

Thanks for the good luck and you will see me around the forum a lot more living my mtb thrills through you lot!!

Long_Time_Lurker

Whatever they tell you to do with regards to physiotherapy - do it!
I busted my ankle and was given a load of stuff to do. Did it for a month and then got bored.
My ligaments solidified into a ball which needed to be operated on again, but has also meant that I now have a weak ankle.
From then on, all contact sport was out as was anything that required lots of foot moovement - so no football, bmxing, skateboarding. Can still ride an MTB thankfully.

welsh_14

Cheers, After years of rugby and injuries I have to say I've never been one to follow physio regimes religiously. However from what you lot have said I think this time I will be doing exactly what I am told. Really want to cut the recovery to as short as possible so I can be back to relative fitness for the "summer" next year

Bike should be pristine by then as well since I will have nothing better to do than give it TLC

kingrollo

any news on how the op went ? - a physio reckons i may have this condition - but i am a woeful 49

anyway hope all went well

welsh_14

Hi kingrollo, op seems to have gone well but now the hard work starts!

The operation wasn't to bad. Bit of pain and can only partial weight bare at the moment. Will be seeing consultant again in a few weeks. Already feels a million times better then before. If you have got it I would certainly go and see a specialist and get a scan sooner rather than later! Unfortunately only way to get a definite diagnosis is through scans.
Can't wait to get back on the bike ASAP. I hope you get yours sorted out soon mate!

The Rookie

Glad to here you're doing well, now of course is the time to strip the bike, clean it all, fresh lubes/greases e.t.c., service the forks and lovingly rebuild, treat yourself to a small upgrade per month on the way!

welsh_14

The Beginner wrote:

Glad to here you're doing well, now of course is the time to strip the bike, clean it all, fresh lubes/greases e.t.c., service the forks and lovingly rebuild, treat yourself to a small upgrade per month on the way!

cheers! You have read my mind at least once I can get about a bit better. Will be the cleanest it has ever been since I bought it once I'm finished! Thinking it may get treated to new shifters and mechs. Anyone know of any good deals on shimano stuff?!

kingrollo

welsh_14 wrote:

Hi kingrollo, op seems to have gone well but now the hard work starts!

The operation wasn't to bad. Bit of pain and can only partial weight bare at the moment. Will be seeing consultant again in a few weeks. Already feels a million times better then before. If you have got it I would certainly go and see a specialist and get a scan sooner rather than later! Unfortunately only way to get a definite diagnosis is through scans.
Can't wait to get back on the bike ASAP. I hope you get yours sorted out soon mate!

Thats good news - keep your chin up and stick with the rehab.

Mines a bit more complicated - an X-Ray of my pelvis showed nothing - nor did an MRI on my buttocks (ok no jokes please) - an MRI on my spine came back clear. Orthopedic surgeon reckoned it was probably ligament strains and was sure a physio would be able to help - until I pointed out:-

It was the physio service who referred me to him
and surley ligaments would have shown some improvement in 18 months

Any way I paid and went to a sports injury specialist. Pretty quickly he focussed on my hips which he said were tight - then the groin. He said hip impingement doesn't always how on an x-ray - and I need MRI - possibly with dye injections or a 3d ct scan. So now I have to go to my gp - persuade him to refer me back to orthopedic hospital and persuade them to do more scans !!!!

in the mean time - Ive been given a load of glute \ Hip excercises - but doing these I get the scratching pain that the sports physio said is a big hint thats it hip impingement. He thought it pretty poor that the orthopedic hospital hadn't realized this - but said this condition is more common in younger sports people.

I don't want to put you on the spot but what symptoms did you get ?

welsh_14

Ouch sounds nasty mate. Luckily for me the surgeon I went to see is actually one of few impingement specialists so he diagnosed me pretty quickly. I was diagnosed using and MRI scan with dye, I was told the same about the x rays. Don't give up till they do the scan with dye. They will also pump your hip full of local anaesthetic to make sure that's where pain is. Was like heaven when they did it for me haha.

I had a general ache constantly in my hip, I also had lower back pain. With to much exercise it felt like it seized up. I also had a lot of pain in my groin muscle. The main thing though was when turning my leg outwards or crossing my leg over the other it felt like my hip was going to pop out of the socket!
I'm only 25 but I've read a lot about it happening in people who do a lot of sport, mostly in younger people but can be anyone.

Hope that helps, if you want to know anything else just let me know. Hope you get yours sorted out soon because it is awful to put up with. Good luck mate and don't give up until you get that scan!

kingrollo

The bit about crossing leg over the other strikes a chord. What concerns me is that if the orthapedic hospital have totally missed hip impingement....do I want them doing the op ? - Guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Day to day mine is bearable - i really want cycle (im a roadie - so 3 hrs in the saddle is nothing) - Im currently limited to about an hour

welsh_14

Sounds very similar to myself, although I started riding more road because it actually helped the muscles around it. From what I've heard it's quite a new procedure and not a lot of surgeons are clued up on it. As I said my surgeon specialised in it so I was more than happy for him to do it. Is it possible for you to try another hospital near by? Try googling and finding if there is a specialist near you who does it.
The surgery I had involved shaving bone off the ball joint, and tidying cartilage and some tears so once it's diagnosed it may mean any surgeon can do it!

kingrollo

Failed at the 'Andrew Lansley' hurdle im afraid - GP said ' No' to a referral to sports medicine service offered at a local NHS hospital. Bizarrely he said my injury wasn't a 'sports injury' !!!!

I can't go for the jugular to much as I am already on a warning from my GP..........BUMMER ....f***n tory scum

kingrollo

Got any more updates on the surgery re hab ? - are you over alp duez yet ?

welsh_14

Hey, unfortunately I'm still on crutches. Had hoped to be off them last Friday and able to start doing some strengthening work but physio informed me that my surgeon wants me on crutches for another 2 weeks! Slight set back mentally but my hip is feeling loads better. Current rehab is a lot of stretching and movement exercises to get full range back in to the hip. I'm pleased to say that the range is 100 times better already than it was before surgery. Not quite full range but very close and physio is happy that I will get the full range back.

Cant wait to get back out on the bikes and really start putting some miles in but have a feeling this may be a few months off still. I'm hoping that once the crutches are gone I can really start ramping up the rehab and get in the pool and gym as soon as my surgeon allows. Sitting around is becoming a real bore, although going out for lunch everyday is good but my waist line may not agree! :oops:

kingrollo

Thats great news - you sound very upbeat which is always a good sign. Despite all the expertise I always think knows best how well they are doing.

The rest will probably help you - sure you will be flying next summer

I went to a private physio - who examined me - and wrote a letter to my GP saying my hip needed further investigation. GP still said no - a bit of googling told me next step was a formal complaint to the health ombudsman - I wrote again to the GP informing him of that I would do this...........Then surprise, surprise he called me in - examined me - and agreed to refer to a sports injury consultant.

welsh_14

That's great mate I hope they finally give you a proper diagnosis and you get yours sorted.

Rehab seems to be a long road to full recovery but at least I feel like I'm getting there in a way. Just miss the bikes ha-ha!

JayKay3000

Sucks man. Feel for you. I bust my neck and I'm only one months into recovery 3 to 4 to go. To be honest I found the best time was in hospital because there is always things going and and some sexy nurses hovering over you and you feel like you are getting better with scans and operations cast time is simply a waiting game before the hard work of physio begins.

I find the recovery at home the worst as even though I'm mobile and living back @ parents because I'm not safe on my own it's tough to keep occupied and doing stuff especially as it being winter it seems to be raining most days. Friends work in the week and TV and the internet gets pretty boring after a while.

I've had the whole crutches lark and I remember I did put on weight, but you are going to put on a bit and your fitness is going to be suck.

I'm lucky I can walk and try to keep as active when it's not raining. Looking at the bike is the best way to make yourself feel depressed though. Mine is in the shed and I simply look at it now and again to make sure there is air in the tires.

Weight wise if I feel hungry I drink liquid instead. Tea or water because it makes you feel full and eating is just a way of getting through the boredom.

Make the most of the down time to make plans or investigate stuff u'd not normally have time to do. I finally got around to my bucket list for example.

Wasting time writing essay style replies that no one will have time to read is just a way to pass the time.

You could write a diary to track your recovery. My arm was shot from my bike crash and it's interesting to remember how I could not even move it and now it feels like it never happened.

I'm neither here nor there with mtb. It was a massive part of my life before the accident, but if I can't do it then i'll simply continue hiking mountains. What's done is done. No point in crying about it. Better to have lived the current set of memories than never had them at all.

Although at the moment I am still getting back on the bike. People call me crazy, but you could fall down the stairs and break something or get hit by a car. Life is a calculated risk. If you took on board all the dangers in everyday life u'd never get out of bed and even then someone might bomb your house. :roll:

welsh_14

Man i'm sorry to hear about your neck! I hope all goes well with your recovery.

I'm pleased that at least I know that I will be able to do everything I did before and hopefully more! Mine wasn't as life changing as yours could be, but I really hope you get sorted out and back to everything you love.

I agree that sitting watching TV and internet browsing does start getting boring after a while. I'm hoping to be back at work soon though!

I have spent the time planning the things I'm going to do once I am fully fit. I haven't been fully fit for years so getting there and keeping it is something I'm looking forward to. I know what you mean about people thinking you are crazy, but you would regret not trying these things if you didn't. If you didn't get out on the bike how would you know if you ever could again. I suppose the nature of the sport we all enjoy means that we are the type of people who look at the dangers and still take the risks. Being outdoors and mtbing, running, walking, playing rugby etc is when I feel most content and happy. If there are increased risks then that just adds to the fun!!

Anyway enough of my ramblings and I hope your rehab goes well and keep us updated with how you get on.

welsh_14

Well I have just been to see my surgeon today and he brings could news of a sort...

I am finally allowed off my crutches after 7 weeks, feels very, very strange trying to walk without them

I have been allowed to go back to work and drive, but the bikes are still a big no no. He seems happy with how the operation went and the pictures looked very cool. Not everyday you get to see the inside of your hip!

He says I have a good few months of rehab to go and that it will be painful but at least I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. See my physio tomorrow to see where we go from here.

The only downer was that he did some rudimentary tests on my other hip and has slight concerns that this one is starting to show signs of the same problem. Hopefully if it is it will last me a couple of years before going through it all again!

Ordered some new wheels in preparation for being able to ride again which I am hoping will be sometime in January or at the most February.

Anyway hope you other guys are also getting sorted and keep us updated with your progress.

welsh_14

Well just an update on my rehab. After over 3 months of physio I finally got out on my bike today. It was just a run up the coast on the gravel cycle paths and road. Lets just say it didn't go well! Hip gave up and back to being in agony and hardly able to walk.
Pretty annoyed with the physio as I specifically asked whether I was ok to go out on this type of ride and she said it would be perfectly fine and there would be no pain (she used the word would and not should...) she has also now discharged me saying it is fine. Well safe to say I will be going back to the doctors and asking for a new physio, I'm also thinking of going to a private physio instead.

Anyway enough moaning, but lets just say it has got me pretty down hearted about it all! Just want to be able to ride again!!!!

kingrollo

Gutted for you mate. Seems you have done everything asked of you - but a set back - hopefully a minor one.

Ive made progress (of sorts) all the scans came back clear for my hips. But they reckon (well know) I have a hernia - currently on a waiting list for surgery - hopeful by the end of feb. Rehab is only 6 weeks if all goes well.

It may be after that lay off that things have 'stiffened' up a bit - maybe pilates, or flexibility will help ? - could you try a turbo trainer next time ?

welsh_14

I guess that is progress and hopefully a hernia is easier to fix? although I've never had one so wouldnt know! At least you now know what the problem is though which is always a good thing.

I have been on the exercise bike before this which has been causing a little pain but nothing close to what happened on Saturday. Going back to the docs to see if they can shed any light on it. Then may look at a private physio to do the job properly!

kingrollo

Any more updates - Im hoping youve been to busy cycling to reply.

I have my hernia op monday - hopefully I can move forward after this.

welsh_14

Unfortunately I havent been out since the run up the coast.
I have been referred back to the surgeon to have a look at because I'm starting to lose the movement in it again so I see him on tuesday and go from there!

Good luck with the op on Monday. hope it goes well for you!

kingrollo

welsh_14 wrote:

Unfortunately I havent been out since the run up the coast.
I have been referred back to the surgeon to have a look at because I'm starting to lose the movement in it again so I see him on tuesday and go from there!

Good luck with the op on Monday. hope it goes well for you!

I feel for you mate - hope they get you sorted soon !

Had my hernia op today - not in as much pain as I thought - keep posting updates

welsh_14

How are you feeling after your op then? How long are you out for? Fingers crossed for you that it solves your problems!

I've seen the consultant today, back to being banned from riding for another 2 months. He doesn't think I have done any permanent damage (thank god) but wants to see me in 2 months and if the pain is gone then happy days, if not we have to look at other options! So looks like it is back to swimming for me :roll:

kingrollo

welsh_14 wrote:

How are you feeling after your op then? How long are you out for? Fingers crossed for you that it solves your problems!

I've seen the consultant today, back to being banned from riding for another 2 months. He doesn't think I have done any permanent damage (thank god) but wants to see me in 2 months and if the pain is gone then happy days, if not we have to look at other options! So looks like it is back to swimming for me :roll:

Bit painfully today. I am ok as long as I don't move ! - getting up, standing up , is a bit of challenge. 2 months should take you nicely into may ! best time for it.

If this doesn't work for me, I am going to get a recumbent bike.

welsh_14

Well good luck to you with your recovery!

Think I might join you with a recumbent, wonder what they are like off road.....