Post surgery progress

[Cajunrider]

Some of you may know that I ruptured my right (dominant arm) Distal Bicep Tendon on February 24th of this year. I was merely pushing my utility trailer onto my driveway, something that I've done countless times before. This particular injury only affects 2 of 100,000. The bicep tendon normally ruptures or tears at one of the two shoulder connects rather than on the radius bone of the forearm. My sports medicine surgeon says this is more common in folks over 50 who's muscles are stronger than their connective tissue. Anyway, this is just to caution guys and gals on lifting objects heavier than you can handle such as trying to muscle up a tipping Nomad. If it's past the point of no return, let it fall. It will more than likely stop at the crashbars with no damage to the bike or to you. I had the tendon reconnected on March 5th with the endobutton/retaining screw procedure. The surgeon sutured a pin on the end of the tendon and carefully drilled through the radius bone avoiding the many nerves that surround the elbow. The pin and tendon are passed through the radius and it is held in place by the button that folds out on the reverse side of the radius. A titanium retaining screw anchors everything in place. Surgery lasted 2 hours and so far appears to be successful. Had the 13 staples and cast removed on the 20th of March. No physical therapy prescribed yet but may be after my April 20th follow up appointment. My range of movement is slowly returning. It's hard to be patient when you are active. I could have skipped the surgery but would have not been able to lift the grandkids, turn a screwdriver, or pull a wrench with my dominant arm. I've included a few pictures pre and post op.

This is 4 days after the accident.



Another with the bicep fallen and retracted towards my shoulder.



Seven days after surgery.



And the incision a week before the staples were removed.



At this point, I still can't eat, brush my teeth, or tie my shoes with my right hand but I'm slowly getting there. In just 4 weeks, I've become a pretty effective Southpaw. Hoping to be back on the Nomad for the SC Regional Rally in Van Buren, AR first week of June. I certainly hope all are enjoying this beautiful riding weather we have been having. Wish I could join you. Take care.

[trip]

Glad to see you're doing better Mitch.... I hate it that you're having to go through all this, but like you say... in the end you'll be better off.

Heal up my friend and we'll see you in Van Buren.

[blowndodge]

FCK Mitch I didn't know?!! over a year ago I tore my right bicep muscle in half riding with Dave. My Nomad starting to tip over and I tried to catch it and I heard it pop. At first I thought I tore my tendon and panicked because I had no use of my right arm. Not much you can do about it as sx is not going to do much but if I try to "make a muscle" with my right bicep it sure looks weird.

Of course the over "50" people do this more often. I used to lift weights in my late teens until about 30 and had some good guns at one time. I would have thought I was immune to that but I guess not... Get well my friend.. I bet that hurt like a mutha...

[AlabamaNomadRider]

A little humor for you Mitch. Guess you have learned to wipe your butt with the left hand by now. Don't ask me how I know. I almost lost my fingers at work back in 2004 and couldn't use my right hand for anything. Got to where I was pretty good with the left. Still wipe with my left hand over 7 years later.

Really sorry to hear of your unfortunate accident. Guys our age have to really be careful. So many ways we can hurt ourselves. We just can't do the things we once could. Take care and heal quickly. More than likely you will have therapy. Get ready. That is a lot of fun.

[petenomad]

Don't rush it. Make sure it heals well before you stress it. Hope to see you in June.

[chainsaw]

Glad your healing well, we will keep you in our prayers. See you in Van Buren.

Gene, to much information.

[VulcanE]

I didn't know about this Mitch, sorry to read about it, but I'm glad to see your doing better, keep healing, and remember, "we're not 18 any more".

[cnc]

Glade to hear you are progressing. I know how frustrating it is to want to get going on stuff but are forced to wait while you heal up. Don't try to push it too quick.

[Top Cat]

I didn't know of your injury either Mitch.
Hope you heal quickly and 100%.
They say your only as old as you feel, how old do you feel right now.

[cactusjack]

Wow Mitch, I didn't know about this. I hope you recover quickly, my friend!

[Loafer]

Sorry to hear of your unfortunate situation.
Heal quickly and completely.

[trip]

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

A little humor for you Mitch. Guess you have learned to wipe your butt with the left hand by now. Don't ask me how I know. I almost lost my fingers at work back in 2004 and couldn't use my right hand for anything. Got to where I was pretty good with the left. Still wipe with my left hand over 7 years later.

Really sorry to hear of your unfortunate accident. Guys our age have to really be careful. So many ways we can hurt ourselves. We just can't do the things we once could. Take care and heal quickly. More than likely you will have therapy. Get ready. That is a lot of fun.

Gee, that's nice to know Gene.....

[glwilson]

Apparently you have been keeping quiet about your injury!

It appears you are on the down-hill side of things now. I imaging it is going to remain sore and stiff for a long time though. I hope it goes smoothly for you.

As stated many, many times... it is pure hell getting older.

Apparently we don't get any smarter either... at least not enough to know when we can no longer do what we used to!!

[waterman]

Mitch, heal up quickly. And nice story. We all know that Darlene just keeps beating you up.

[Cajunrider]

Originally Posted by waterman

Mitch, heal up quickly. And nice story. We all know that Darlene just keeps beating you up.

Yep.....I've been involved in an abusive relationship for 38 years. Gene, I know what you're talking about but I didn't want to offer TMI. When it happened it was painful enough to lose my lunch. Kidney stones, torn rotator cuff, and blown knee were all a walk in the park compared to this. If the neighbors would have been outside they would have heard it snap. Things are slowly getting better. I'm limited to 1 pound load on the bicep until 4/20 and then may progress to 3 - 5 pounds. Doc says it takes a minimum of 16 weeks for bone to grow around the button and screw before muscle strengthening can begin. With PT I can be back to 100% in 6 months. Thanks for all of the well wishes. Just do me a favor and think about me when you're enjoying this great riding weather.