wphamilton

I can't tell my wife or orthopedist but it felt so good after two weeks that I had to say it somewhere. OK, it was just around the parking lot but ... I think I can ride with little jarring and almost no weight on my hand. I'm scheming to commute on Tuesday.

The surgeon said that even Lance waited three weeks on a broken clavicle, but he did finally admit that as long as it was a route I knew perfectly (check), flat with no hills (check, mostly), not strenuous and no weight on my shoulder (I can do that) that it's not necessarily problematic. I can't call that a green light but not full stop either. Now if the rain will just hold off ...

stapfam

Quacks don't understand that some things have to be done. Providing it will not cause pain or further injury then no problem. But that is the problem-- NO PAIN and NO FURTHER INJURY.

wphamilton

I think that works for me. The shoulder joint feels like it was dislocated or at least wrenched, and pain there is going to warn me before I get too much jarring or weight on the clavicle plate joining. Seriously it is a little risky but I think it's at least 10-1 odds of no issue. I've set up my beater bike that can take larger cushy tires and it has a more relaxed "french fit" type setup.

Wife said I should try a short ride tomorrow before trekking out on a long commute. Fine by me I've been on the stationary in the company gym last week and between you and me that doesn't cut it. I don't know how some cyclists can stand all those winter hours on those things, but they do have my respect.

GeorgeBMac

The doctor has the knowledge and can give you the facts. But you have the body and the instincts.

I would respect the doctor and his knowledge but I would also follow what my body and instincts were telling me. But, it also sounds like you, like many, are addicted to biking and your brain is telling you that you need a little snort of cycling just as a crack addict needs his snort.

So, please be sure it is your body and instincts telling you it's OK and not your addiction.

jim p

Just remember it is all fun and games until the crying starts. Why risk a big set back?

wphamilton

Because, like GeorgeBMac said, there is an addiction (although that's far to strong even as a metaphor). Other reasons. I am a cautious person, no set backs only set forwards.

Take it easy, I plumbed the surgeon's extensive knowledge and he knew what I was doing. They're mostly pretty smart people. We came to an unstated agreement, or compromise if you will, although I'll be jumping the gun a few days. I get cut a little slack because I'm way ahead of schedule already. I'll know more tomorrow, and if the risk estimation increases I'll back off.

Phil85207

Life is about decisions. Some good and some not so good. We have to live with them regardless. Its good to listen to advise from "experts", but we have the final say.

GeorgeBMac

It sounds like you've looked at all the aspects and you're smart enough to know that neither you nor the physician have all the answers. That's a good combination!

Best of luck with your ride. May it be a very good one.
... And, when it is, watch for the big danger of over-confidence on Tuesday.

wphamilton

Yeh, that's what got me in this mess to begin with. Apparently there's no age limit on that ...

Bikey Mikey

Hope you don't have a fall--that would really screw things up. Just be very, very, did I say very, very careful.

wphamilton

Six miles, really slow - zone 1 slow and smooth. It feels good and if there are no pangs starting by tomorrow then it's a go for Tuesday. But I can tell it's going to take some time to get my confidence back.

jppe

My cousin was a professional cyclist but crashed his motorcycle in a rainstorm on the Interstate and was in the hospital unconcious for several weeks. He pulled through and they eventually sent him home to let his bones heal. His doctor sternly told him to stay off his bike but he didn't listen. When his wife went back to work he sneaked off on bike rides. He healed up much, much faster than what everyone was expecting. Seem to work for him......

wphamilton

Just thought I'd give a final update and close this silly thread out, unless someone else wants to take it somewhere. Thank you for all the comments, cautions and support.

I wound up riding in on Tuesday, Wednesday and today, skipping Thursday on general principle. It's all good, in fact every ride has been an improvement. I'll chill for the weekend, and after that I think I'm back in the saddle again!

GeorgeBMac

Congratulations!

Just, as I said before, beware of overconfidence and take it carefully... I think in these circumstances, the problems are more likely to happen when the person thinks everything is OK before it really is. remember, that bone is probably still healing. It's like paint that isn't completely dry. It feels dry, but underneath it is not done yet.