General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Crashed my bike today Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2008-08-10 6:29 PM

User image

Pro
4608
20002000500100
Brooklyn, NY
Subject: Crashed my bike today
I was out for an 85 mile ride and had a horrible crash at mile 42. I ran over huge roadkill, of all things, and flipped right off the bike. I was going around 19 or 20 and smacked my face on the pavement. I kept my teeth luckily, have 9 stitches in my chin, road rash all over my face and can't bite down so no solid food for me! But the worst of it is below the neck. I can't lift my left arm. Xrays didn't show any breaks so they recommend a follow up MRI. I'm still in the ER waiting for my abdominal CT results. If that's clear, I can go home and start recovering.Those of you who've had bad crashes, how long was your recovery? I'm going to try to see an ortho doc ASAP, but until then have no idea what I'm in for and all this waiting here has me thinking. I'm wondering if my season is done, or if I'll be able to ease back into training shortly.And I think I now have a great excuse to get that new bike!


2008-08-10 6:32 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-08-10 6:37 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Champion
6046
5000100025
New York, NY
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

Oh how horrid!

ok Ms. Type A! you are still in the ER!!!!

deep breath, take the pain meds they are going to give you and chill.  Wait a few days and see what injuries are present.

Then you can see what is up with the season and training.

 

heal up! 

2008-08-10 6:39 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Ehh. Sounds terrible. The road kill always ends up in our traffic lane. Part of the difficulties we face out there. I hope everything works out OK. Spinal and back structural issues are nothing to mess around with. My worst crash, when I went through the back of a parked Audi I didn't see, I didn't have a pelvis break, but bruised up really bad. Cat scan ruled out any horrible stuff right away. The bruise was nicely shaped like a mirror image of by bike fram since it kicked up and slammed into my backside. You could see 3 frame tubes all lined up.

I'll be honest: It's going to be an uncomfortable for a couple weeks for you. Ice, pain meds, anti-inflams and rest. Yes, your season is likely shot. No, you likely won't be riding next week or next month. Note: I have a hard time actualy folloing my own advice here and reliaze you'll not want to either. But, do what your comfortable with and what the doc allows. You'll recover then come back stronger.

I got taken out by a car Tuesday and my road bike is trashed too. Shopping now. I like this, but availability is scarce. 2009 it's going to be modeled after the Prince line. If it fits...

Edited by pitt83 2008-08-10 6:45 PM




(pi_fp508_whit_me.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
pi_fp508_whit_me.jpg (25KB - 11 downloads)
2008-08-10 6:41 PM
in reply to: #1593087

Master
2115
2000100
Dothan, Al
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Wow, I am so sorry to read this. Please make sure all of your films are reviewed by an  experienced Radiologist. I love E/R docs... some of my best friends are E/R Docs, however they are not Radiologist and can some times miss things on X-Rays and MRI's. Best of luck healing, and keep us informed how recovery goes.
2008-08-10 6:55 PM
in reply to: #1593094

Pro
4608
20002000500100
Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
TriToy - 2008-08-10 7:37 PM

Oh how horrid!

ok Ms. Type A! you are still in the ER!!!!

deep breath, take the pain meds they are going to give you and chill.  Wait a few days and see what injuries are present.

Then you can see what is up with the season and training.

 

heal up! 

I can't deny I'm type A, but before you think I'm completely insane, I was in the ER for 8 hours with tons of waiting and only my blackberry to kill the time. But I am a little insane, no doubt


2008-08-10 7:09 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Extreme Veteran
576
500252525
Bethpage, New York
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Sorry to hear the news, although glad there's no major breaks! Here's to a speedy recovery!!
2008-08-10 7:26 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Extreme Veteran
505
500
Lakeland, FL
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Sorry to hear about the crash.  Take your time healing.  About 2 years ago I face planted and ended up de-gloving my upper lip, luckily I kept my teeth too. It took about 12 stitches to close it up. Get some mederma(sp?) it will help with the scarring, but wait until the stitches come out.  Otherwise it will keep the scab too wet to heal.  Get well soon.
2008-08-10 7:29 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Extreme Veteran
710
500100100
Wilmington, NC
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
I crashed myself on May 25th this year. I ended up breaking my right shoulder (the humerus head) but wasn't diagnosed until 6 weeks post the accident. I couldn't move my right arm either...especially above my head. I had an xray but that didn't show the break. My ortho MD sent me to physical therapy thinking I had impingment syndrome or a rotator cuff tear but a MRI 6 weeks later showed the break. I knew something was wrong b/c physical therapy was torture and I couldn't tolerate it. My shoulder was getting worse and not better. Just in the past two weeks have I started swimming again and I am still in some pain but not like I was. I am doing a half ironman in one month from now. I have been able to bike and run throughout the entire injury. Take this week easy and let it heal...hopefully you will have a speedy recovery!!
2008-08-10 8:01 PM
in reply to: #1593096

Master
2020
2000
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

pitt83 - 2008-08-10 6:39 PM Ehh. Sounds terrible. The road kill always ends up in our traffic lane. Part of the difficulties we face out there. I hope everything works out OK. Spinal and back structural issues are nothing to mess around with. My worst crash, when I went through the back of a parked Audi I didn't see, I didn't have a pelvis break, but bruised up really bad. Cat scan ruled out any horrible stuff right away. The bruise was nicely shaped like a mirror image of by bike fram since it kicked up and slammed into my backside. You could see 3 frame tubes all lined up. I'll be honest: It's going to be an uncomfortable for a couple weeks for you. Ice, pain meds, anti-inflams and rest. Yes, your season is likely shot. No, you likely won't be riding next week or next month. Note: I have a hard time actualy folloing my own advice here and reliaze you'll not want to either. But, do what your comfortable with and what the doc allows. You'll recover then come back stronger. I got taken out by a car Tuesday and my road bike is trashed too. Shopping now. I like this, but availability is scarce. 2009 it's going to be modeled after the Prince line. If it fits...

 

I would hold off on buying this.. There are some interesting things coming out from Pinarello for 2009...  

2008-08-10 8:05 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Expert
770
5001001002525
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Damn, that sucks. I'm hoping for the best and that nothing's broken/messed up too much. Glad to see you have the right attitude and are already thinking about bike shopping!

Yet one more reminder to look ahead while riding. I catch myself pretty often looking down while tired or hammering during a ride. Things happen quick on the road.

Good luck with the tests and to a speedy recovery.


2008-08-10 8:21 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Expert
957
5001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

Sorry to hear about the bike crash.  That sucks- just rest and let your body heal.

And you said you couldn't lift your arm.  If nothing is truly broken, my guess is shoulder separation (I'm not in the medical field).  It's a common injury that happens in falls and it's a very common injury in cyclists/triathletes.  Depending on the severity of the injury, the ligaments that hold the AC (shoulder joint) are either sprained or torn.  I suffered a grade one, the least severe injury 5 weeks before Ironman Lake Placid.  Couldn't swim really at all for 3 weeks (mostly kicked), couldn't ride outside for about 2 weeks (hurt too much holding on to the handlebars).  Running never bothered me, but that largely depends on one's injury and their own personal running style.

From personal experience, unless you have a huge triathlon coming up (like an Ironman), it's best not to push the recovery from any shoulder injury.  It's just not worth it.  3 weeks after my IMLP attempt (I recovered enough to swim pretty fast), and I was just allowed to swim a little free a few days ago.   By pushing through to be able to race and then swimming the time I was able to somehow pull-off, I created a couple of other minor issues in my shoulder.  Had I not raced and pushed the recovery to race, my shoulder would have been back to normal about 2-3 weeks ago.  

Good luck with everything and physical therapy may be your friend here, depending on the issue. 

2008-08-10 8:41 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Expert
805
500100100100
Portland,OR
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Really sorry to hear about the crash.  Hope nothing turns out to be broken and you heal soon.
2008-08-10 8:45 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Champion
18680
50005000500020001000500100252525
Lost in the Luminiferous Aether
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
No good advice or interesting crash stories here, just wishing you well and hoping you get better soon.
2008-08-10 9:13 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Veteran
385
100100100252525
Chaska, MN
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

Good luck on recovery....That stinks...

I hope all goes well and BEST WISHES!!!!

2008-08-10 9:23 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

I'm sorry...hope you can get some good medical news..nothing serious to deal with.

I crashed last year and it was a bit difficult to figure out when I could do what. I had a grade 2 AC separation. With PT I was able to race 2.5 months later and did a HIM 4 months later. What was hardest for me was running and swimming..not cycling.

You need to listen to your body, ask lots of questions, get the best medical support team as possible that understand your desires as an athlete both sports Ortho and PT if needed, and make some good decisions.

It would probably be better for me to have taken more time off and allowed my body more time to heal but that didn't fit with my goals.



2008-08-10 10:17 PM
in reply to: #1593081

Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

Sorry to hear about your wreck, and I hope you recover quickly.  I went down pretty hard on my right side a couple weeks ago, and the most of my road rash is finally starting to heal up, though my hip is still sore.  You sound like you had a tougher go of it, so I won't venture a guess as to how long it might take you to recover.

Maybe I can cheer you up with a story my brother told me about a crash he had back in his cycling days -- he had a rear tire shred at about 50 mph on a downhill and ended up sliding all the way to a stop on his a$$.  I guess his shorts were completely gone by the end.  Tough way to lose weight off your fanny.

2008-08-10 10:45 PM
in reply to: #1593402

Pro
4608
20002000500100
Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
SevenZulu - 2008-08-10 11:17 PM

Sorry to hear about your wreck, and I hope you recover quickly. I went down pretty hard on my right side a couple weeks ago, and the most of my road rash is finally starting to heal up, though my hip is still sore. You sound like you had a tougher go of it, so I won't venture a guess as to how long it might take you to recover.

Maybe I can cheer you up with a story my brother told me about a crash he had back in his cycling days -- he had a rear tire shred at about 50 mph on a downhill and ended up sliding all the way to a stop on his a$$. I guess his shorts were completely gone by the end. Tough way to lose weight off your fanny.

I'm sure it wasn't funny at the time, but it made me laugh Thanks.

And thanks to everyone for the well wishes and for sharing your experiences. I'm planning to see a doc ASAP and will be resting and taking it easy until I'm sure things are ok.

2008-08-11 7:05 AM
in reply to: #1593081

Elite
3683
20001000500100252525
Whispering Pines, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
I hope you have a speedy recovery! I hope mine isn't as bad when it happens! Good luck!
2008-08-11 7:29 AM
in reply to: #1593081

Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Sorry to hear about the crash. Hope you're doing ok today and they can figure out what's going on with your arm.
2008-08-11 7:39 AM
in reply to: #1593081

Master
2021
2000
Alpharetta, GA
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
WOW, that sucks. Glad to hear that nothing is seriously broken. Hope you have a speed recovery. I know after my bike wreak I could barely move for a few days. Take it easy, and you will be back on your feet in no time.


2008-08-11 8:06 AM
in reply to: #1593081

Elite
2998
2000500100100100100252525
Fishers, Indiana
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Speedy recovery wishes your way...great job on keeping positive and light with all of it though! Heal fast!
2008-08-11 8:39 AM
in reply to: #1593081

Expert
1074
10002525
Madison, MS
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today

Auughhh! So sorry to hear about the crash.

I had my first serious crash in April. I also face planted. Broke two teeth, but no stitches. Road rash all over my face, shoulder, and knee, and a sprained wrist. I raced a HIM two weeks later. Not my best day, but I was glad I was able to do it. I healed pretty quickly, but I was mostly cuts and bruises (and snaggly teeth). Teeth are fixed (I still need a cap). Mywrist turned out to be the worst problem. It wasn't fractured, but after the race, I ended up wearing a splint for 2 weeks. It still hurts, so I'm guessing any soft tissue damage, sprains, or fractures are going to keep you on "light duty" for a while. I would definitely take it easy...I found that the crash took a lot out of me physically and mentally.

Anyway, good luck, and I hope you heal fast! 

2008-08-11 9:05 AM
in reply to: #1593081


175
100252525
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Nothing helpful to add, other than I hope you heal quickly!
2008-08-11 9:28 AM
in reply to: #1593081

Champion
4835
2000200050010010010025
Eat Cheese or Die
Subject: RE: Crashed my bike today
Here's to a speedy recovery.

As far as not being able to lift your arm. I'd venture a guess at a shoulder separation. I did a grade 3 (tore all the ligaments in the AC joint) and the ER doc missed it because my clavicle settled into place when my shoulder was in a neutral position. She said the huge bony knot on my shoulder when I moved was just tight muscles. She said to go see an Ortho if it wasn't better in a few weeks.

In the end, I'm glad she missed it. Since I was under the impression it was a bad bruise. I used a sling for a day, and iced a couple times a day for a few days. I was mountain biking 6 days later. Riding didn't hurt, trying to bunny hop or lift the bars hurt like hell though. I even crashed again 7 days after the injury and had to get stitches for a cut to my Eyebrow. The wife wasn't to happy about spending 2 Sunday's in a row in the ER. This was last fall and I hadn't started swimming yet. Running was uncomfortable but if I kept the muscles around the joint engaged it felt find after about 6 weeks.

I ended up not getting the correct diagnosis for 10 weeks because of moving and having to find a new doctor. By that time I had full range of motion and almost full strength again.

If you do have an AC separation, my suggestion is to find a doc/physio who is aggressive in the rehabilitation. I beleive I healed so fast because I acted as though I wasn't injured and went right back to everyday life. That particular injury doesn't really heal. It's just a matter of strengthening the muscle around the joint to compensate for the no longer attached ligaments (grade 2/3) For a grade 1 separation, treat it like a sprain because thats what it is.

YMMV.

Good luck.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Crashed my bike today Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2