Training Injuries/surgeries

[LISA J]

Hey, I'm a fbb preparing for a surgery this week, and I'd like to get some feedback and info from the ladies who have also had to go through surgery, recovery and rehab from an injury. I have dislocated and torn my (upper) left bicep in 3 places (SLAP tear) while bench pressing. This is my less dominant arm, so I am concerned that it may not return to its original size. I'm also hoping that the scars won't be too terrible.
Two years ago, I had my (rt) rotator cuff repaired with a full recovery and competed 1 1/2 years post op.
It really sucks because I had planned on competing this year in MIAMI. Now I'm wondering if I'll even have a good offseason (put on more size) for 2007.
During my time of recovery (@ 6 mo's), my plan is to do a great deal of leg and cardio sessions with a slightly modified offseason diet.
Any feedback from bb, fitness competitors/trainers (regardless of injury) is greatly appreciated. It just kills me not to be able to train my upper body.
THANKS!

LISA JAMES

[Gina Davis]

Hi Lisa,

I am sorry to hear about your injury! Last year I tore my distal biceps tendon requiring surgical repair which postponed my pro debut until this year. I am presently 8 weeks out from the Europa and all systems are a GO! Symmetry is on point and feeling great. There is a really good thread on Mayhem if you are interested in checking it out: http://www.musclemayhem.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32269&page=2&pp=20&highlight=distal+bicep+tear

Key to recovery is INTELLIGENT rehab and PATIENCE!

Good luck to you--contact me anytime with any questions I may be able to help you with.

G

[hans]

Sorry to hear about the injury Lisa. You looked awesome at Nationals in Atlanta.

Great thread though - thanks for posting.

Hans

[Amanda Dunbar]

Lisa,

Be careful and listen to what your doctor says... with the proximal tear that you have, it'll be a bit different than Gina's because you now have involved the labrum of your shoulder... you really need to be careful if you decide to train legs before your doctor releases you because of the instability you have in that joint. (especially a simple exercise like leg pressing, you put lots of pressure and strain on that joint doin things like this) It could dislocate again very easily because of all the atrophy and decreased strength/stability from the injury and surgery.

Your therapy is going to be pretty slow paced at first because just like Gina, you have to wait for that tendon to heal. You aren't going to be able to rush healing... wait for that... build back your range of motion (within the limits set by your PT and doctor). Please do not rush it... you'll be right back where you are if you do because you'll re-tear it.

Good luck girl,

Amanda

[LISA J]

Thank you GINA, HANS, and AMANDA for responding. I see the doctors tomorrow (TH) for pre op. The surgery is scheduled for FRI (7/7). My doc is awesome; he repaired my torn rotator cuff 2 years ago. He has also worked 2x on my husband's knee. As a matter of fact, one of those times was just last month!! He's still not fully recovered from the repair of his torn meniscus, but hopefully he'll take good care of me anyway. (haha)

HANS: Thanks for the kind words about ATLANTA. I'd love to be there again in 2007.

AMANDA: I appreciate your expert advice. I never would have thought that about leg presses, but it makes perfect sense. I tried some light sets yesterday and saw exactly what you mean. Almost anything that tenses or strains that area when I'm not specifically training it, I will avoid.
My injury is a big enough setback, rushing through PT or taking risks will only prolong my rehab. Now, I have to just keep telling myself that.

GINA: Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the MM website. I remember hearing about you tearing your bicep. When I learned of my injury, I thought of yours, but I also remember something that you said somewhere. . . Contests are won in the offseason. I'm a little concerned that a productive offseason may not happen for a NOV 07 competition. My doctor thinks things should be OK in 6 months, so we'll see.
How exciting it must be at 8 weeks out from your pro debut! It's great that your bicep regained normal symmetry. I wish you nothing but the best at the EUROPA.
I will probably email you at a later time. (here? or your website?)

LISA