After ditching my cane just a couple weeks ago, and expecting surgery a week ago, the last thing I expected was some positive news. To my surprise, over the last two weeks I have improved significantly. I attributed a lot of it to anti-inflammatories, which I was allowed to take with the stress fracture out of the picture.
Today was the big doctor’s appointment that would determine my spring. Since I knew there was still some junk in my hip, and with some continued popping and clicking, I still expected to need surgery soon.
To my surprise, my doctor (or PA, as the doc was out of the country) was encouraged. He even gave me the green light to do some riding, and suggested I work in some swimming while I’m at it.
I can begin immediately, or at least once the weather cooperates. There’s a good chance that’ll be this weekend.
What a relief! I cannot express how much I have missed doing what I love!
I’ve lost a lot of fitness over the last few months, and gained a little weight, so I’m going to begin by going easy. Daylight saving’s time is just around the corner, which makes this the perfect time, but I’m still going to be careful. I’ll jump into the group rides, but will stick with the B, or maybe even the C groups. I’ll try not to ride more than 2-3 times a week, and very gradually work myself back into shape.
Not Out of the Woods Yet
The doc said that the fact that I cycle makes it easier for me to resume training. If I was a runner, I would still need more time. Just because I can ride, however, does not mean everything is as it was.
There are some lingering issues in my labrum. It looks like there is no tear, but MRIs are not exact. There could be something there that wasn’t picked up. He said that he would not be surprised if a scope was necessary a few months down the road. Since France 2014 is still in the distant future, I’d rather get the diagnostics out of the way during this season rather than delay the next one. He expects that we’ll have some idea around May whether this will slow me down any further.
Even though the hip has improved, it still has some soreness. He suggested I play everything by ear and report anything out of the ordinary. I’ll see the doctor again in a month.
I tried to ask some good questions. I want to train, but I also want to be sure this doesn’t come back. What could have caused this? Stress fractures usually are caused by overuse, repetitive motion that wears down the bone. Some good friends that I trust and respect have warned me that this could have originated with poor form or by expecting too much of my body.
The PA, in his 15 years in sports medicine, had not seen an injury like this with a cyclist. We’re talking a LOT of patients here. We revisited Bridge to Bridge, where I theorized that this first took place, and it is still the likely scenario. He was familiar with Grandfather Mountain, and could see how the intense pressure required to climb the hill could do this type of damage. It is a freak injury, but one that is possible.
Phew. I still can’t believe it.
Let’s ride ………
SteepClimbs.com 
February 28th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Great news!
February 28th, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Sure is. Even if I’m riding at 12 mph, I cannot wait to get pedaling again.
February 28th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
Awesome brother. Woohoo! Now take it easy!
February 28th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
This will definitely be an ‘Easy does it’ month, but I’ll that over couch duty anyday.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
Very NICE!!! I know you feel like a horse in the gates, but take it S-L-O-W. Just my personal opinion, but if it was me I would cut the “2-3 rides a week” to 1 and pick up the extra slack in the pool. Play it smart.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
That’s very good advice, and don’t worry — being very careful. They want me to play it by ear. I’ll probably take a day of rest after each activity, see how I feel, and I’ll keep doing whatever it is that hurts less (if at all).
February 28th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Super news, geat to hear it.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Thanks, Suze. I had a beaming smile as I left the doctor’s office.
March 1st, 2013 at 3:18 am
Great to hear, Aaron. Take it slow and easy is all I can add. Do you have a trainer you can jump on and spin?
March 1st, 2013 at 6:04 am
Sure do, and considered some easy spinning last night, but I’d rather my first ride back be on the road.
March 1st, 2013 at 10:24 am
Just in time for the Classics!
Awesome.
Awesome.
Awesome.
March 2nd, 2013 at 9:59 am
The classics and warmer weather. Awesome, indeed.
March 1st, 2013 at 7:12 pm
Very good news. I’m pleased to see you plan on taking it easy. Lets see if you can follow your plan when some chump B rider breaks off the front and you KNOW you can take him! 😉
March 2nd, 2013 at 10:00 am
LOL. Yes, that competitive spirit is still in there, and this will require discipline, but after enduring the last few months, I think I’ll not be shamed in letting that chump go. Now once I’m comfortably healed and riding well, that guy is toast!
March 1st, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Very pleasing news.
March 2nd, 2013 at 10:00 am
Thanks, it has been a good week.
March 2nd, 2013 at 10:34 am
Congrats on the green light! Always great to get back on the road! Have fun.