Healing time for damaged internal organs?

[Nautonier]

So I've just come out of a 3 day stint in hospital as the result of a mildly serious over-the-bars incident off a drop (tire burping caused the crash). The bars came up under my ribs, crushing the liver, kidneys and spleen, causing a smallish laceration to the liver and a bit of bleeding/bruising(inside the liver), which has resulted in a clot. I've been told not to do any exercise of any kind for at least 6 weeks, which seems a bit over the top. Obviously I'm going to seek other opinions from other (sports) doctors, but I was wondering if anyone on here has had a similar injury and how long it took to come right. It's frustrating having something internal and unknown like this as opposed to more obvious injuries like broken bones, which have clearly documented healing times.

Also, can I drink? Having any kind of damage to my liver probably means no, but it would kill me to not be able to drown my sorrows if I really can't ride my bike for 6 weeks...

 

[eastie]

Obviously your docs would advise you to stay away from things that are simple to control that are likely to complicate recovery or kill you, it's the whole malpractice thing... Ask them what they would prefer you to die from, liver failure or clot moving from the liver due to heavy exercise? Their advice seems spot on for keeping you alive to die from something other than this.

I would stick to their advice on recovery for now, and re-assess at 3-4 weeks from now.

 

[Hugor]

Liver and spleen lacs can be fatal. I think 6 weeks is reasonable.

However its unlikely that whoever gave you that advice knows anything about internal organs, so I would trawl the internet and accept the advice your after from a random instead.

 

[Nautonier]

Advice from a hospital is based on ass-covering, I was hoping for advice from randoms with actual experience with internal organ damage.

 

[DeBloot]

Sports doctors and physios always give a more realistic view
They cost money, but worth it if you want to get back on your bike ASAP

 

[WarbyD]

Yes.. physio seems like the logical person to speak to for recovery from serious organ damage ... :faint2:

Seek other opinions (from suitable professionals.. like maybe a dermatologist, physio or naturopath?) but if I were you I wouldn't be in too much of a rush to get back on the bike. Recovery time sucks - significantly prolonged recovery time and/or permanent health issues as a result of rushing back into things is worse.

 

[driftking]

dude........

Follow the doctors advice, they are the ones who know your exact condition and its recovery time.

Healing is completely dependent on the severity of the injury and the individual personally, someone else's time cannot be used for yours too because it fits you better that its a shorter time. These are serious injuries you need to take the time off if not longer to be 100% sure.

Often people will feel better before they are completely recovered this is not a ticket to go ride or cut your recovery time down.

The average healing times will depend on the grade of the injuries. In which case your doctor will know this and treat you accordingly. Even once this time is up you usually need to see the doctor again for a final check in case more recovery is needed.

Yes.. physio seems like the logical person to speak to for recovery from serious organ damage ... :faint2:

Seek other opinions (from suitable professionals.. like maybe a dermatologist, physio or naturopath?) but if I were you I wouldn't be in too much of a rush to get back on the bike. Recovery time sucks - significantly prolonged recovery time and/or permanent health issues as a result of rushing back into things is worse.

Is that a joke?
If not im laughing anyway

:rofl:

 

[Minlak]

Here is an interesting experiment for you find a friend / work mate that you are in constant (read daily) contact with. Now grab a sharp knife and cut 1 finger each. Deep enough to be a "Cut" but not so deep you need medical attention . Now keep an eye on who heals faster. This will illustrate to you that every body heals differently. So there is no point asking randoms on the net what their experience was.

The thing you are really looking for is a "Clearance" to ride. If you want to ride earlier go and see the Doc's do whatever tests are needed and get a clearance to ride.

 

[Mywifesirrational]

I've come across a few ruptured internal organs whilst working in rehab in the hospital, we only see the more severe kind and usually rehab is only post healing / surgeons tick for some rehab to get them back to some lever of fitness.

From my experience it really depends on the organ, damage and surgery, obvious more serious damage results in greater rehab / return to life time. Usually it's a few months, with things like the stationary bike a good in between option.

Unless the physio works in this type of trauma, which very few do, I wouldn't see a physio, your specialist is the only person he knows your medical history and has the experience to make that decision, was there a follow up consultation booked?

 

[WarbyD]

dude........
Is that a joke?
If not im laughing anyway

:rofl:

Yes, yes it was.. Very much. lol ... I actually had someone offshore present a letter from a "Medical Professional" (that's how she described herself) in a previous job explaining to us that the environment in which we "forced" our employee to work offshore, the conditions of his accomodation, etc were causing him severe health issues including various levels of organ failure etc etc and that in her professional opinion we needed to make significant changes to suit him... A quick google of her name turned up that she was a naturopath specialising in skin conditions or something similar, and this guy was complaining of poor sleep. ... I'm sure she'd be happy to offer the OP advice! :thumb:

 

[pharmaboy]

Fuck me dead, is this a serious thread question?

When all of us stupid fuckers go riding after fractures not following doctors advice - the absolute worst thing that can happen is some form of permanent disablement.

For you - it's death - and yes I'm serious.

I can't even believe the question is being asked - are you a rugby league player perhaps?

And yes, there is ass covering going on - THEY are covering YOUR ass. - lucky that...

 

[willsy01]

Advice from a hospital is based on ass-covering, I was hoping for advice from randoms with actual experience with internal organ damage.

Jesus......

 

[Norco Maniac]

had a nasty off at State Titles five 1/2 weeks ago, broke two metacarpals, smacked up my liver (two lacerations) and adrenal gland on that side. spent three days drugged to the eyeballs and on a catheter with no food or oral fluids because they were expecting me to haemorrage and go into surgery at any moment.

day four i went into surgery for the metacarpals.

four weeks later i was still out of breath with diaphram bruising, at 5 1/2 weeks i'm contemplating back on the bike racing (hand is still too stiff even with pins removed) Nationals are three weeks away. i do hope to be there.

i hurt. i refuse to take painkillers except at night but i hurt. don't go back on the bike too fast. i'd normally commute but apart from a bit of rolling about on the bike, housework, cooking and a small part of the garden work in my Horticulture cert, i'm protecting my hand. taking calcium, vitamin D3 and magnesium.

I'm a Remedial Therapist and Reflexologist.

 

[poita]

If you would like to bleed internally and die, then by all means go for a ride. Otherwise I (not that you should listen to me) would take it easy until you see the doc again.

 

[99_FGT]

Heard of the Darwin awards? Do you have kids yet?

 

[fridgie]

Go for it, we aren't here forever anyway so who cares if you die now or later.....


Can't believe this thread exists.... :banghead:

 

[Knuckles]

Why has nobody asked the important question?

How's the bike?

 

[fridgie]

It's probably on a forum asking how long it should stay unridden for with an internal crack to its bottom bracket......

 

[Duane]

Like many here, I've busted a lot of bones, bruised a lot of internal organs and gone riding/racing shortly after. One thing remains consistent, in reflection.....it was all fucking stupid. Take your time, let your body heal. Death can wait.

 

[mtb101]

hey man it aren't worth risking your life just to ride your mtb ..... well maybe it is.

seriously, this is why you have a back up hobby - just take it easy until you're fully healed, you'll know when.