I was gonna call this "Things 240 lbs People Should Not Do", but I digress if only for a moment!
First was the bad chicken. Now, while on my vacation of all things, an accident involving hubris and a water trampoline. August has not been my month.
The day after we arrive in Lake Chelan, WA, I was on an Aqua Jump (a big floating trampoline). Mind you, I can do a front flip on these things. Well, I gave a back flip a try. Got enough height. Got my tuck. Not enough rotation speed. I landed right on my head.
This story could have obviously ended much, much worse. But it didn't. I tightened up everything just in time. But I knew something was wrong the minute I tried to swim back to shore and something was moving around in my chest. I didn't go to a doc at that moment because I didn't want to ruin my family's vacation on the account of my stupidity. But yesterday, my first morning back home and my 36th birthday, was spent at my doctor getting a battery of tests done and x-rays. The good news was that there was no damage to my neck or vertebrae. But my suspicions were confirmed when they found left rib #5 fractured (I landed while still tucked).
I didn't get the Vicodin as prescribed: I'm iffy about anything that strong, and I can deal with the pain. It is, however, very annoying and inconvenient. I've been told to avoid vigorous activity for a month: no running, nothing that would involve my lifting my left arm, nothing that will cause me to twist or jostle, no jumping. I tried floor presses today and it was ok for a moment until I felt my rib starting to move. I tried SSB bar squats,too (since it keeps my arms close), and learned just as fast how much load the ribs bear even from above (most of the pain was in the bottom position). Dragging sled won't be a problem (belt around the waist), neither will walking. I can't sleep on my left side: I did and when I woke up the rib settled into place and made me double over. Damn if I sneeze or cough, can't laugh too hard. Since it was not caused by severe blunt trauma, the rib was still in one piece and should heal without surgery.
I could take the gung-ho route and train with it. But one month is a small price to pay compared to what could have been, or a badly healed bone. I won't sit still, but I will be smart about it.
6 comments:
Ouch! Wise man say, gung ho, no no no. Hope it heals up with a month of rest. Happy to hear that it wasn't your neck, that could have been REALLY nasty.
Alberto - Glad to hear that something more drastic didn't happen. Stay away from the gym, like the doc ordered, and get some rest. You'll come back just as strong. Good to see you posting again!
Chris D.
http://www.strengthnews.net/
Ouch! Look after yourself - one month isn't as long as it sounds. No point knocking yourself out for much longer by sneaking in a workout or two.
ugh, this kinda stinks but at least its only a month. Take it easy and heal up then come back with a vengeance! Good Luck!
Fractured ribs hurt! I fractured 2 ribs 10 years ago and had a hard time breathing, sneezing, laughing. You can deal with it, but it is annoying. Good luck with your recovery.
Thanks for the encouragement, guys. My rib's healing, but I'm resisting the temptation. My weight is staying at about 233, I'm sure I've lost some muscle but I'm going to be patient about this.
Rawpowerlift, funny you should mention the breathing part. I'm now to the point where I can take full breaths without pain, but two weeks of short ones and now I get winded going up the stairs.
Jon, I left a comment on your blog. I'm glad you're getting better and decided to keep the fingertip.
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