cycle recovery and food intaking

pgflyer

I have been a keen cyclist since 2006. I am late 40s and weigh 202 lbs. or 92.6Kgs. I suffer from Lumbar & Cervicothoracic Spine pain due to disc damage and bulging which also effects the Nerve in the left leg and the neck. I have also had fractures to both legs in work and sporting injuries, Most recent in 2013 Spiral Fracture of the Tib & Fib and what I would call Compression Injuries from a spiral Dive to avoid power lines whilst Paragliding in 2011. along with Vibration White Finger from years of using heavy breaking tools. Some days I can cycle for 25-35 Mile and feel reasonably good, but other days I feel like I've been hit by a truck. I had a good discussion 6 months ago with a Hospital Physio who told me to take the pain relief tablets prescribed in order to get through the pain and to do the rehab work. I am aware that the lumbar disc damage is impinging on a nerve which affects my left leg, but I've had problems trying to understand what other damage I may have done to my legs below the knee. It feels like I have damaged nerves, Ligaments, Tissue and Muscle. Trying to explain this to the medical professionals has been fruitless to say the least. mainly because everything is moving properly and there is strength in the movements. Its the internal damage that is not being recognised and understood by the medical profession.

I am not really sure what pain relief I should take. I have a number of things at my disposal such as Co Codamol Soluble, Naproxen, Paracetamol, and Tramadol. The tramadol does seem to help me after a ride, but due to its ability to make me drowsy I would not take it before a ride. I don't take them all at any one time or mix them.

I am also concerned that the Leg Muscle does not grow to the same size and strength as it used to. which also brings me to the question of what foods and supplements should I be consuming and should I rest my body more regular and just do say a 25-35 Mile ride every few days. Before the 2011 Accident I was a regular Jogger and I have been unable to Jog Since. I don't know what else to try to get repaired. I've tried swimming, Which I do enjoy. I've done Gym Training and weights for years, but struggled after the last sessions after the spiral fracture. So I have deliberately left it alone. I like walking with my Dog.

sloppyschleckonds

pgflyer wrote:

I like walking with my Dog.

What breed of dog is it?

hypster

To be honest, given the medical history you quote, I'm not surprised at the lack of response you have had on a general cycling forum. About the only thing I can suggest is that you seek out a medical professional like a physiotherapist who specialises in sports injuries including cycling.

I'm guessing you will have to pay private but at least you might find someone who has experience in the sort of problems that you detail.

In terms of general cycling and training/nutrition advice, you really need to define what your goals are. Training for hilly century sportives will be different to recreational cycling for just a bit of general fitness for instance.

JayKosta

An important basic recovery item is to have a serving of protein and carbs very soon after an exercise session. Choices include 'real food' that is ready for immediate eating, commercial recovery drinks, low-fat chocolate milk, etc.
And then a good meal after you've gotten washed, etc.

Due to normal changes during aging (which for me became very noticeable after 35y), recovery is slower. So the process of improving physically seems (to me) to be limited more by the amount of rest and recovery that is required, than by the desire to exercise more!
Certainly, doing the exercise is what promotes the improvement, but make certain to be adequately rested so the exercise session is most beneficial.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

pgflyer

Thanks for your replies Guys. I totally agree. I have thought of seeking better advice from a Sporting Injuries specialists Team. I also agree, more rest is needed instead of pushing too hard like I was a young kid again.Thanks again.