Post surgery progress

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Mitch we are having some great riding weather. Sure hate you are missing out on it. The physical therapy will help a lot. I know I have been through it a few times now. It always helps get you back. Take care and good luck Mitch.

[usranger74]

Mitch - here is wishing you well.

[Yellow Jacket]

Dad gum it Mitch! Sure am sorry to hear that this happened to you. Maybe I can use this as an excuse with the wife to quit with my chores around the house! Will be praying for a full and complete recovery. Take care buddy.

[Idaho]

Hey Mitch, sorry to hear about your injury. As GW noted it is hell growing old. I hope you heal quickly and return to the road on two wheels soon.

[Cajunrider]

Went to the surgeon for a follow up visit yesterday. Small amount of fluid buildup at the elbow. Range of movement is good including flexation, pronation, and supination. I've been given the OK to progress from pulling or lifting 1 lb to 3 - 5 lbs. I asked if I could take short rides on the MC. He said "we'd better wait". I told him that I was discouraged with my progress. He said not to be because my progression has been better than normal. He's been practicing for 35 years and has only done about 60 of these procedures. Although for some unknown reason the frequency of this type of injury is increasing. Be careful when lifting something heavy that might shift or grabbing something that can straighten a flexed arm quickly. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

[Loafer]

Glad to hear you are progressing in the right direction. Do what the doc says, and you will be happier than if you don't.
Heal quickly.

[Netnorske]

News to me too Mitch, but it sounds like you are on the the road to recovery. Hope you heal up quickly so you can get back to a more normal existence.....

[audiogooroo]

Believing you'll be back to 100% soon Mitch. Hang in there man.

[Top Cat]

Mitch, in your original post you said, "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."
I am assuming these stay in permanently, correct?
I know it sucks not being able to do the things you want but be patient, it will take time.

[jmorrow]

Mitch, glad everything is healing well, hang in there and give it time. See ya'll in VB in June.

[Cajunrider]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Mitch, in your original post you said, "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."
I am assuming these stay in permanently, correct?
I know it sucks not being able to do the things you want but be patient, it will take time.

Yes Tim, bone grows over the pin and screw but it takes at least 16 weeks before this begins to happen. After this, bicep strengthening exercises can begin with 5 lb dumbells. I'm allowed to do wall pushups now, light presses, and light tricep exercises. And by light I mean 3 lbs. Patience isn't one of my greatest assets but I don't have any choice but to follow directions. A tear or separation at the retaining screw would mean starting all over again with 3 choices. Leaving it as is, having a shorter tendon preventing full extension of my arm, or having a cadaver tendon grafted onto mine. I don't like either of the 3 so, I will follow his directives.

[cnc]

Mitch hope you continue to progress and come back 100%.

[Top Cat]

Doing wall pushups and lifting 5 lb dumbbells has got to be kinda scary after so long not using your arm. Can you feel any stretching or pain where the pin is?

[Cajunrider]

No pain there. Numbness from thumb joint to incision at the crease of my elbow. Similar to waking up at night after sleeping on your arm. Pain is confined to the upper wrist and in my shoulder from instability. I'm blessed to have come this far so quickly so I'm not complaining. I'm just hoping for a green light to ride by the end of May. If not, I'll cage to the rally.

[Cajunrider]

I've been seeing marked improvement daily. Range of movement is nearly 100% at the elbow and wrist. Good enough to roll up 39 miles this afternoon on the Nomad. Needless to say, it felt great to ride. I hadn't ridden since October. I'm ready for Van Buren in a month.