The Official CityOfChicago Rehab Thread

[CityOfChicago]

Hello, and welcome to my nightmare.

As some of you know, in September I was involved in a MC vs Auto accident, where I was the cyclist. Amid bruised ribs, 30 staples in my rock, road rash, and tears, I also suffered a SLAP tear in my right shoulder. A SLAP tear is a tear in the shoulder labrum that is located at the top of the labrum and runs front to back. It's a special kind of b1tch because the tear is directly beneath where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum. So, whenever I would contract the biceps, it would pull the labrum away from the bone. The MRI also revealed significant bone dissolved from my collarbone and bone spurs to the acromium. A veritable hat trick of bad news.

I had surgery on 03MAR09 (three weeks ago). An anchor was drilled into the top of my shoulder blade and the labrum was tied down, and both the collarbone and acromium were filed down to remove damaged bone/spurs. Yes, it was as painful as it sounds.

Through HS and college I competed in powerlifting and strongman. After PL, I didnt have to worry about weight classes, so I've eaten and lifted my way to between 240-241. I'd guess my BF at around 15%. Lifts were strong before accident. I dont do flat barbell bench anymore, but my incline was at 255 for 10 and my squat was 320 for 20.

I had to quit lifting in December because the collarbone was falling apart. All told, after surgery I've lost shy of 1.5 cm from the bone. I was still able to do legs (press/ext/curls only), abs, and cardio. BW stayed constant.

The day after surgery I started rehab. I go 3d/wk. first 2wks was all passive ROM and stretching, this past week I've added isometrics. This week I add cardio (TM walking and stepmill). I am not allowed to actively move my arm and I have to wear the sling for 6 weeks (3 more). Full recovery is between 5-6mo.

Since I will be starting my fitness program in stages as I'm allowed to, and by the time I can actively use the shoulder, it will be about 5 months without any lifting. You can imagine the deconditioned state I will be in.

I will use this thread to post updates, progress, and setbacks. I'll try to keep a log so that everyone can get a good understanding of the recovery process, and hopefully to inspire others to tackle their own obstacles to fitness, injuries be dammed. Hopefully, you all will check in and help me stay inspired as well.

Thanks!

[CincyCop]

First and foremost...I'm glad to hear that you survived the traffic accident and a full recovery is the prognosis.

Sounds like you have a good plan (regarding physical recovery) in order.

What is your age?

[CityOfChicago]

A very sexy 32....go tell the ladies. :cool:

[CincyCop]

A very sexy 32....go tell the ladies. :cool:

LOL!

Good deal regarding 32. The reason I asked was that I noticed after I turned 40 (I'll be 45 next month) injuries received seemed to heal a bunch slower.

You should bounce back like 'Flubber' at the age of 32, imho.

[CityOfChicago]

I hope so, Fred McMurray. I told the surgeon he had to fix the thing 6 million dollar man style becuase I have a bitter disregard for my own body. I told him that I'm more prone to Mr. Kool-Aid through a fence then try to drag my 240 over it. It weels all right now. I'm not supposed to use it for anything for those 6 weeks, but you know how iit is - 2230hrs and you have a couple pints and test it out. Cant lift it higher than my nipples, but my wife is a couple inches shorter than me so thats perfect. :D

[Norm357]

Dude, that sux! When are you going to be able to get back to work?

[CityOfChicago]

July or August.

[Norm357]

July or August.

Ugh. Dr. Norm prescribes you beer.

[Switchback]

Hahaha @ "sexy 32" and bouncing back "like flubber"!!!! Oh, the restraint I am showing!
:D

Once you get the clearance, I will whip your *** back into shape, CoC... and no homo comment from any of you out there, thinking of jumping on that one.

[Norm357]

Hahaha @ "sexy 32" and bouncing back "like flubber"!!!! Oh, the restraint I am showing!
:D

Once you get the clearance, I will whip your *** back into shape, CoC... and no homo comment from any of you out there, thinking of jumping on that one.

Hmmmmmmm

[Jynkxxie]

You both are homo's. :D

[CityOfChicago]

Ugh. Dr. Norm prescribes you beer.

Liberal application commences nightly

[Switchback]

You both are homo's. :D

You obviously knows you better than me, as she is shooting 500. :D

[CityOfChicago]

You obviously knows you better than me, as she is shooting 500. :D

???

[Switchback]

???

Hahaha

Do I really need to explain. :D