iliac artery endofibrosis
08-03-09, 05:41 AM
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iliac artery endofibrosis
I'm a 50+ Clydesdale riding approximately 100 miles/week. This year I've been experiencing leg cramping and/or numbness on longer rides, usually 3-4 hours in to a century. On this year's Harpoon B2B ride I had to abandon the ride after 70 miles when my entire leg went numb and I had no power in my legs at all. The sports medicine specialist I saw believes it's external iliac artery endofibrosis. I learned that this was first diagnosed in France in the late 1980s and is something that cyclists and speed skaters get, caused by a high blood flow through the iliac artery and a kink in the artery up inside the lower abdomen as a result of being in a crouched position. The high blood flow through this restriction causes fibrous tissue to build up and restrict the flow of blood. I went home and did a quick google search, and the first article I came across was from a VeloNews medical column that began "following the death of Barloworld rider Ryan Cox following surgery for iliac artery endofibrosis..." Needless to say, that got my attention. Up to that point I was hoping it was something that could be addressed with a fit adjustment or a new saddle, but it seems surgery is the only way to address it. I can't imagine giving up cycling, but any surgery has risks so I want to think this over carefully before taking that step. Has anyone on the forum had this procedure?
08-03-09, 06:23 AM
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I don't know anything about the condition but I would inquire about the feasability of endoluminal stenting.
08-03-09, 11:16 AM
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Would a more open position help, or is the damage done?
08-03-09, 05:10 PM
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That would be my first question, as well. It could not hurt to raise the handlebar by a couple of cm, or possibly to invest in a shorter-reach stem.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
08-03-09, 06:04 PM
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The sports medicine specialist I saw believes it's external iliac artery endofibrosis
Personally I would make an appointment with a cardiologist and a pulmonary specialist and get proper testing.
08-04-09, 11:30 AM
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A valid suggestion, but with the strong caveat that "When your tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail."
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
08-07-09, 07:31 PM
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Obviously it makes sense to visit a vascular surgeon. I was diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease several years ago and underwent surgery to place stents just below the iliac. The results have been nothing short of miraculous. I went from suffering pain after walking 100yds to being able to ride 60+ miles without an issue. After 4 years there has been no deterioration.
The down side is that the top surgeons are very busy and so scheduling any kind of surgery can be slow. Good reason to make an appointment asap. I see you're in MA; my surgeon is in Providence RI so if you need a good vascular guy just PM me. I would strongly recommend vetting any specialist you might consider; this is not trivial stuff.
Good luck...
The down side is that the top surgeons are very busy and so scheduling any kind of surgery can be slow. Good reason to make an appointment asap. I see you're in MA; my surgeon is in Providence RI so if you need a good vascular guy just PM me. I would strongly recommend vetting any specialist you might consider; this is not trivial stuff.
Good luck...
08-07-09, 07:43 PM
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My best biking buddy just moved to Falmouth out on the cape - he is a VERY experienced Vascular surgeon and a big 50+ biker to boot, PM me and I will send you his contact info.
08-07-09, 08:01 PM
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Hey, you can't beat that; 2 offers of help. cyclinfool's buddy may be a better recommendation as far as insurance is concerned. Don't delay, do it and if it turns out to be nothing then you had a nice out to the Cape.
