Fractured elbow. Recovery.

[RDL]

So in my seemingly never ending run of set backs I’m now off the rower after losing it on some oil commuting into work. Result one fractured elbow.

I’ve not had a chance to speak properly with a consultant yet regarding recovery and rehab and so far have had a less than satisfactory run with the hospital and the guidance post accident has potentially made things worse it seems.

I should be seeing the specialist next week and told surgery may be required. Hopefully not though, but after two weeks (guidance online seems to be initially 3-6 weeks to ‘heal’) I’ve regained minimal wrist rotation back and also unable to straighten arm beyond what it was the day of the accident. Possibly to be expected, however after further x-rays today that didn’t appear to please (along with earlier guidance) the doctor I spoke briefly with, and has resulted with the referral to said specialist, I’m assuming he was expecting differently.

I’ve been looking at some physio bits online and see most don’t recommend proper weight bearing for 10-12 weeks so can’t imagine rowing would be advisable before then either.

I’ve pretty much accepted the rower will be collecting dust for several weeks now.

So, accepting we are all different, and until I get to the point I can start my rehab, has anyone else suffered a fractured elbow (radial head in my case) and how did your recovery go?

[Dangerscouse]

No advice, but I'm sorry to read this. Best wishes for your recovery

[RDL]

No advice, but I'm sorry to read this. Best wishes for your recovery

Cheers Stu.

It’s been quite a blow tbh. Whilst my rowing is not where I was last year I was feeling overall ‘fitter’.
The prospect of a long lay off is a real downer though.
Risks of certain activities though I guess and tbh I in hindsight I am probably lucky it wasn’t worse.
The accident happened a 4am and I went down that hard I ended up fully in the road. A few hours later and with full rush hour traffic could have ended much worse.

Some positive news today though.
I received a phone call from the consultant and having reviewed the X-rays with the specialist he is satisfied that bones are in line and healing as expected so intention is to progress me to physio in a couple of weeks and feedback as required should progress not be made or issues arise.
Downside. No heavy lifting for 12 weeks which ties in with stuff I’ve been looking at online that have you introducing push ups into rehab at the 10-12 week mark.
I didn’t bother to ask about getting on the rower before the 12 weeks. I’ll save that for the physio, however at this point I’m going to just mentally prepare for 12 weeks plus.

Going to take the next couple of weeks to just rest and after speaking with physio, start running (assuming not advised otherwise of course) and doing whatever exercises given. Realistically could probably start running now. Maybe over thinking things but don’t want to risk causing issues so wait I shall do!

Fingers crossed all goes to plan now and the healing and recovery goes without issue.

[Dangerscouse]

No advice, but I'm sorry to read this. Best wishes for your recovery

Cheers Stu.

It’s been quite a blow tbh. Whilst my rowing is not where I was last year I was feeling overall ‘fitter’.
The prospect of a long lay off is a real downer though.
Risks of certain activities though I guess and tbh I in hindsight I am probably lucky it wasn’t worse.
The accident happened a 4am and I went down that hard I ended up fully in the road. A few hours later and with full rush hour traffic could have ended much worse.

Some positive news today though.
I received a phone call from the consultant and having reviewed the X-rays with the specialist he is satisfied that bones are in line and healing as expected so intention is to progress me to physio in a couple of weeks and feedback as required should progress not be made or issues arise.
Downside. No heavy lifting for 12 weeks which ties in with stuff I’ve been looking at online that have you introducing push ups into rehab at the 10-12 week mark.
I didn’t bother to ask about getting on the rower before the 12 weeks. I’ll save that for the physio, however at this point I’m going to just mentally prepare for 12 weeks plus.

Going to take the next couple of weeks to just rest and after speaking with physio, start running (assuming not advised otherwise of course) and doing whatever exercises given. Realistically could probably start running now. Maybe over thinking things but don’t want to risk causing issues so wait I shall do!

Fingers crossed all goes to plan now and the healing and recovery goes without issue.

Yeah, good point about rush hour traffic. Hopefully rowing won't be too much of a strain on your elbow, and good news that it sounds like they're happy with your progress so far.

[RDL]

Yeah, good point about rush hour traffic. Hopefully rowing won't be too much of a strain on your elbow, and good news that it sounds like they're happy with your progress so far.

Yeah didn’t really consider the possible implications of time at the time. Reality is I was probably lucky all told.

As for rowing any movement that involves a pull or push is none too comfortable at present so whilst it might be less than 12 weeks I’ll see what physio says.

Fingers crossed for a smooth recovery now. I’ve added some stabilisers to my Xmas list too!

[Dangerscouse]

I’ve added some stabilisers to my Xmas list too!

Hahaha, and a zorbing ball

[RDL]

Quick update on this one.

Spoke with consultant last week and they are happy with bone/joint alignment and healing so transferred me to physio.

Had a short session with physio later in the week. Have been given some very simple exercises to do to work on flexion and (pro)supination and a date to return in new year where I can hopefully begin working on strength again and get back in the seat.

Fingers crossed.

[JoeChaos]

I got my rower and a new Brompton for my commute at about the same time. I used my rower for a couple of short rows to get into it. Then a week after starting to commute on my Brompton I hit a pothole and on landing I broke my arm at the joint, just below the elbow. Bones were aligned so I wore my arm in a sling for a few weeks. 7 weeks I was cycling again but i think 10 weeks before I rowed and that hurt a bit.

Unfortunately I didn't experience that new toy enthusiasm and my rower got putb away for a year or so. I'm about to try and get into it again.

Imho I wouldn't rush back to the rowerg. When you do get back on it take it slow and listen to your body. I found rowing seemed to put strain on my elbow at first. Bear in mind I'm no expert and my experience won't be the same as yours, but I think taking it slow and steady is a good idea.

I hope you recover well and get back to it safely.

[RDL]

…

Imho I wouldn't rush back to the rowerg. When you do get back on it take it slow and listen to your body. I found rowing seemed to put strain on my elbow at first. Bear in mind I'm no expert and my experience won't be the same as yours, but I think taking it slow and steady is a good idea.

I hope you recover well and get back to it safely.

Cheers.

I actually got the clear from physio a couple of weeks ago to get back on it but have struggled to motivate.

Did 15 minutes light today though and felt good. Slight ache but I expected that. Was fine within 30 minutes of finishing.

Just going to take it slow. The machine is going nowhere so I have the luxury of going at whatever pace feels right.

[Dangerscouse]

Just going to take it slow. The machine is going nowhere so I have the luxury of going at whatever pace feels right.

Good to hear. You'll be back on it properly soon enough

[RDL]

Just going to take it slow. The machine is going nowhere so I have the luxury of going at whatever pace feels right.

Good to hear. You'll be back on it properly soon enough

Cheers Stu.

Yeah I'll be back up to speed soon enough. Just need to get comfortable again and then start to work it up.