Today I went to the surgeon who operated on my clavicle at the Tucson Orthopedic Institute for my first follow up visit post-surgery. He took X-rays and went over my progress with me. Good news! Things are healing quickly and I was given the green light to start running gently! Wooohoooo!!
It's been almost 3 weeks since the crash and 2 weeks since the surgery, so I'm pleased overall. The real drag right now are my ribs. New Xrays revealed two fractured ribs, not just one as originally thought. This is likely why it hurts so much to move my torso or engage my core in doing things like sitting up and breathing! :)
So, to celebrate my progress, today I went out on a very slow and very painful 5 mile run. Every step hurt the ribs and I had to wince due to the pain. It felt like those last few miles in the marathon when you're digging as deep as you can into your 'suitcase of courage' (credit Phil Liggett), but it also felt great to finally get back out and run as opposed to walking, as I've been doing now for a few weeks.
I can also ride the trainer as much as I can tolerate (umm, that would be about 45 minutes!:), so I'm starting to bust a gut and do some tempo work with power ranges in the low 300 watts to start getting my bike mojo back. I might sneak out on the road soon...but don't tell my doctor. :)
Swimming won't be for another 5 weeks as it takes 6 wks for the bones to 'knit'. I have a 6-inch plate and 6 screws on top of the clavicle , and then one screw holding a couple broken pieces together. The doc said it was one of the most challenging surgeries on a collarbone he's ever done! He did a good job and says I should have full range of motion too... so if anyone needs a good doc, let me know.
So, that's my progress report. IMAZ is still in the realm of possibilities for late November, although it'll be sllllooowwww.
I'll be in Madison for IMWI next weekend so stop by our booth in the Ironman store to say hi if you're in town. And good luck to everyone racing this weekend!
Train smart,
Coach Troy
Follow Coach Troy Jacobson's progress as he manages family life and running an endurance sports coaching business while training for multisport racing as a Masters athlete. Learn more at www.coachtroy.com and friend him on facebook!
Good Lord Troy! You are very lucky. 2 Broken ribs! No wonder you hurt so much. I'm so sorry. But glad to here you are healing fast. Fit people usually do heal fast. Take care and don't overdo it.!
ReplyDeleteCoach Troy, your scar is hot! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is good! Hmmm, might be unduly stringent, but couldn't you do some deep-water running (esp. for intervals), and also - is there any reason (other than tedium!) that you shouldn't do some kick sets in the pool?
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