Bummed...Bicep Injury

[Cuffs]

Holly sh*t! I've been away way too long. Great to still see some familiar bro's around. The site looks great! Hope all my long time bro's, and chicks, are doing well. Guess I need to catch you dudes up on some of my going-ons. I took a break for a bit to get my life back on track. I went through a little bout of depression, got my finances/credit (that my ex-wife F'd up) back in order, moved, changed jobs, bought a new house, am with a very cool chick, bought a new car, recovered from two injuries and a long battle with the flu, have been riding my Harley as much as I can and have been customizing it. It seems my life is going good now, my focus is once again solid, and more important, I'm genuinley happy. At least I was up until the other day...

I was at my gym (some damn fine chicks working out at this new one I go too. Becomes distracting at times...lol) and was at the end of my workout. This day was my chest/tricep day. Anyways, the last station I was going to for my triceps was being used. I didn't want to cool down, so I decided to give my biceps a little pump by doing 20 reps on the preacher bench, only using a 30 lb dumbell. I finished with my right arm and switched to my left. I was wearing my earplugs for my i-Pod that form into my ears and allows the outside noise to be limited. On the down of my 4th rep, I heard 3-4 sickening pops in rapid succession. At he same time, I was looking forward at the mirror in front of me and actually saw my left bicep detach and quickly climb upwards towards my shoulder/armpit area. I looked and found that there was about a 3" gap from my inner elbow to where the bicep balled up to and the area near the inner elbow where my bicep started, was now flat and quivering. There was very little pain involved.

The next morning, about 15 hours after this occurred, I went to my doctor's office. The area at the inner elbow was already beginning to bruise. My doctor wasn't in, so I had to see his PA. She looked at my arm, grimaced and told me she couldn't do anything until I've had an MRI. She said "it doesn't look normal, there's something wrong. I think you tore something". I was like "no sh*t!" So, they made my MRI appointment, which is in one week (the soonest they could get me in). Now, my arm is almost completely bruised with some discomfort. The bicep is starting to come back down and it makes my arm look even freakier. Looks like I have two biceps.

I did some research and from what I found, it looks like I may have a Distal Bicep Tendon Rupture. Only less than 5% of bicep tendon injuries are of this nature and can be attributed to a degenerative tendon. It can heal on its own, but will have limited strength and motion. Surgery can repair it to near normal use. However, it's a 4-6 month process with surgery, healing and PT. This news really bummed me out. I was getting my summer cut on and was on track. I know I'm self diagnosing myself at this point and need to wait for the MRI reading before feeling "sorry" for myself.

I may take some pics of the injury. If I do, I will post them up. I thought I'd start this thread for informational purposes in case any peeps here go through the same type of injury.

So, I'll try to keep this thread updated with results and information as I get them.

 

[tattoopierced1]

Remember, they give a longer healing time for "normal" people.. I broke my arm and was back in the gym after about 6-8 weeks.. Dont let it get you down, let it motivate you to get back better and stronger.

 

[jmh80]

Cuffs,
Good to see you back, bro. Nice to hear everything other than the bicep is going well for you.

Best of luck with the tear. Don't get yourself down man.
We are here for you.

 

[toughchick401]

welcome back cuffs I hope you have a speedy recovery

TC

 

[DBinMD]

Back in 2001 I had one of those injuries my surgeon says he’s only seen once in 10 years, I tore both my quad tendons. The surgery, healing and PT took 3 months; I wasn’t allowed to do anything for 4 wks after surgery. 4-6 months seems long to me, too. But it depends on how you define the healing process. In my experience, when he says “full recovery” he means being able to do what normal people do. So while I suspect you’ll be in the gym as soon as therapy is over in less than 4 months, it may take longer than 4-6 months to get back to what is normal for you. A couple friends of mine tore shoulder ligaments this year. The all-round athlete took a few months to fully recover. The muscle-head took a year. The difference being the all-round athlete only wanted to bench 200lbs, while the muscle-head wanted to get back to 400lb.

Good luck, just try to be patient and motivated.

 

[DmitryWI]

Cuffs, my man, so glad to see you around again, still with the same girl? So glad to see you recovered from your divorce.

 

[T-Bone]

Hey Cuffs!!!. Good to see you back!

 

[DAdams91982]

Welcome back Cuffs, long time. Good to see you around again. Now the Ex.. are we talking about the one in your last legendary thread?

Adams

 

[Cuffs]

Now the Ex.. are we talking about the one in your last legendary thread?

Adams

Yeah, the same ex. The divorce took 2 1/2 years to finalize. She filed, then dragged her feet to submit her portion of the paperwork, then didn't show for a hearing that I wasn't informed of. The judge threw the case out and I found I was not even legally separated anylonger. She filed again, when it finally sunk in that I had no interest in taking her back. That process took a little longer than expected, but it was final 2 months ago. Hell, I haven't even seen her, except in passing on one occassion, in almost 3 years. I only have two bills to take care of that she dumped on me. She owes me arond 15K, but I'm going to write it off as a loss. I wish that one thread was still around.

 

[T-Bone]

Yeah, the same ex. The divorce took 2 1/2 years to finalize. She filed, then dragged her feet to submit her portion of the paperwork, then didn't show for a hearing that I wasn't informed of. The judge threw the case out and I found I was not even legally separated anylonger. She filed again, when it finally sunk in that I had no interest in taking her back. That process took a little longer than expected, but it was final 2 months ago. Hell, I haven't even seen her, except in passing on one occassion, in almost 3 years. I only have two bills to take care of that she dumped on me. She owes me arond 15K, but I'm going to write it off as a loss. I wish that one thread was still around.

Here ya go Cuffs,


http://anabolicminds.com/forum/general-chat/30409-my-world-crashing.html

 

[Cuffs]

Here ya go Cuffs,


http://anabolicminds.com/forum/general-chat/30409-my-world-crashing.html

LOL...Thanks T-Bone. I was actually referring to the Crazy Night thread that was deleted along with the adult section we used to have. There are a couple of threads I need to catch things up on.

 

[Cuffs]

My arm is actually getting worse. It's bruised from about 2" from my armpit all the way to the bottom of my hand. There is also some swelling and tightness. I feel constant light buring and the area itchess at times.

I'm disappointed with my doctor's office with how they have handled this thus far. Basically saw me for 2 minutes and kicked me out the door. A week for the MRI is not acceptable in my book. However, they did contact imaging places at two different hospitals and Thursday was the earliest they could get me it. I just wonder if I go to the emergency room, if they would have an MRI done that visit?

I already know the routine of what's going to take place. I'll have my MRI, then the resuls will be sent to my doctor office. My doctor will set me up with a visit probably tuesday, wednesday, or thursday. I will then be referred to a specialist who will need to fit me into to his/her schedule.

One of the problems is that if I need surgery, the longer it is put off, then it will require a different type of proceedure. Instead of one incision, I may require two, with one of them being a larger crecent shape. At least that is what I get from researching this type of injury and what methods are used to repair it.

 

[Trauma1]

My arm is actually getting worse. It's bruised from about 2" from my armpit all the way to the bottom of my hand. There is also some swelling and tightness. I feel constant light buring and the area itchess at times.

I'm disappointed with my doctor's office with how they have handled this thus far. Basically saw me for 2 minutes and kicked me out the door. A week for the MRI is not acceptable in my book. However, they did contact imaging places at two different hospitals and Thursday was the earliest they could get me it. I just wonder if I go to the emergency room, if they would have an MRI done that visit?

I already know the routine of what's going to take place. I'll have my MRI, then the resuls will be sent to my doctor office. My doctor will set me up with a visit probably tuesday, wednesday, or thursday. I will then be referred to a specialist who will need to fit me into to his/her schedule.

One of the problems is that if I need surgery, the longer it is put off, then it will require a different type of proceedure. Instead of one incision, I may require two, with one of them being a larger crecent shape. At least that is what I get from researching this type of injury and what methods are used to repair it.

Hey bro, sorry to hear about the injury. I wish you a speedy recovery my friend. In a quick answer to your question above - I'm a nurse and work in the emergency room. I can tell you from experience that there is no way that they would do an MRI for an E.R. visit unless it is warranted to confirm a diagnosis in an emergency situation.

If it's not deemed an emergent testing situation, they won't think twice about sending you home with a referral and outpatient testing.

I know it's crazy how they delay stuff like this, but i see them do it to people all the time. Good luck though brother, all will work itself out in the end.

 

[Cuffs]

Well, I had my MRI on Thursday and went stright to my doctor's office to see if she could put a rush on the results to be sent. She took another look at my arm, which was swollen and purple as f*ck now, gave a painful look and immediately called for th results to be faxed over. A couple hours later, I received a phone call from my doctor informing me that my left bicep tendon suffered a complete rupture near the elbow area and surgery is going to be required to reattach it.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on Monday. The dude has a good reputation and works a lot with sports injuries. I'm hoping his schedule is clear an he can slice me open soon, so I can begin healing.

I'll post up what I learn from Monday's appointment.

 

[DmitryWI]

Man, sorry to hear that, it sucks big time. On a serious note... that will teach you how to curl fifteen pounders.
Don't curl anything heavier than can of beer next time.

 

[Wickedrebel]

Well, I had my MRI on Thursday and went stright to my doctor's office to see if she could put a rush on the results to be sent. She took another look at my arm, which was swollen and purple as f*ck now, gave a painful look and immediately called for th results to be faxed over. A couple hours later, I received a phone call from my doctor informing me that my left bicep tendon suffered a complete rupture near the elbow area and surgery is going to be required to reattach it.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on Monday. The dude has a good reputation and works a lot with sports injuries. I'm hoping his schedule is clear an he can slice me open soon, so I can begin healing.

I'll post up what I learn from Monday's appointment.

I'm new here. But i feel for ya man. I hope everything goes good for you and just take as much time as you feel is needed to heal. That has to be painful. I remember about a year ago i was racking 435 bench and turned my head and neck to make sure i had it up there and pulled some muscles in my neck and middle of my back. It killed me for about 2 weeks no heavy lifting for that time. But never as bad as what happen to you. Good Luck Bro..:cheers:

 

[Trauma1]

Best of luck with the surgery cuffs and a speedy recovery!

 

[Cuffs]

Guess I'm going to run a few days a week. I may train some legs and do some light high rep lifts fo my right side just to keep me from becoming lazy. I'll probably look like a freakwhen all is said and done with a large right arm and a sucked up left...lol.

 

[Cuffs]

I saw the Orthopedic surgeon I was referred to and I must say, I was not impressed in the least bit. I brought my MRI images on a disk for him to view, as I was instructed. The dude didn't even take a look at them and handed the disk back to me saying I could keep them. He didn't even make a copy for my file. He spoke to me for no more than 5 minutes and told me an injury like this is not usually repaired surgically. He wants it to heal on its own and have me go to physical therapy twice a week for a month. I flexed me arm for him and asked about the muscle separation and the lump that makes it look like my bicep was split in two. He told me I woul need to make a descision on whether I want to "trade a lump for a scar" that it was more of a cosmetic issue for down the road. I was like, "F*ck yeah!" A scar is much cooler looking than a F'n deformed arm.

As I left his office, I was trying to figure out how the hell a tendon is supposed to heal itself through physical therapy when it is completely ruptured and has retracted up the arm??? So, I drove straight to my doctor's office to make another appointment with a different orthodepic surgeon so I can get a second opinion. Maybe the one I saw today was right, but I don't want to chance it with his word only. I want someone who is going to take the time to look at the injury and lay out what my options are.

This whole deal is making me very frustrated. I'm ready to tell them to cut the arm off and replace it with a cool bionic one...lol.

 

[Wickedrebel]

I saw the Orthopedic surgeon I was referred to and I must say, I was not impressed in the least bit. I brought my MRI images on a disk for him to view, as I was instructed. The dude didn't even take a look at them and handed the disk back to me saying I could keep them. He didn't even make a copy for my file. He spoke to me for no more than 5 minutes and told me an injury like this is not usually repaired surgically. He wants it to heal on its own and have me go to physical therapy twice a week for a month. I flexed me arm for him and asked about the muscle separation and the lump that makes it look like my bicep was split in two. He told me I woul need to make a descision on whether I want to "trade a lump for a scar" that it was more of a cosmetic issue for down the road. I was like, "F*ck yeah!" A scar is much cooler looking than a F'n deformed arm.

As I left his office, I was trying to figure out how the hell a tendon is supposed to heal itself through physical therapy when it is completely ruptured and has retracted up the arm??? So, I drove straight to my doctor's office to make another appointment with a different orthodepic surgeon so I can get a second opinion. Maybe the one I saw today was right, but I don't want to chance it with his word only. I want someone who is going to take the time to look at the injury and lay out what my options are.

This whole deal is making me very frustrated. I'm ready to tell them to cut the arm off and replace it with a cool bionic one...lol.

Naw hang in there bro. But i would suggest finding another Doctor ASAP..

 

[DBinMD]

I saw the Orthopedic surgeon I was referred to and I must say, I was not impressed in the least bit. I brought my MRI images on a disk for him to view, as I was instructed. The dude didn't even take a look at them and handed the disk back to me saying I could keep them. He didn't even make a copy for my file. He spoke to me for no more than 5 minutes and told me an injury like this is not usually repaired surgically. He wants it to heal on its own and have me go to physical therapy twice a week for a month. I flexed me arm for him and asked about the muscle separation and the lump that makes it look like my bicep was split in two. He told me I woul need to make a descision on whether I want to "trade a lump for a scar" that it was more of a cosmetic issue for down the road. I was like, "F*ck yeah!" A scar is much cooler looking than a F'n deformed arm.

As I left his office, I was trying to figure out how the hell a tendon is supposed to heal itself through physical therapy when it is completely ruptured and has retracted up the arm??? So, I drove straight to my doctor's office to make another appointment with a different orthodepic surgeon so I can get a second opinion. Maybe the one I saw today was right, but I don't want to chance it with his word only. I want someone who is going to take the time to look at the injury and lay out what my options are.

This whole deal is making me very frustrated. I'm ready to tell them to cut the arm off and replace it with a cool bionic one...lol.

Despite being a specialist, they still make mistakes. You’ve had one opinion from your doc that recommended surgery, and one from the specialist who said otherwise. So if you’re not satisfied then another opinion is the smart thing. I’d suggest you google your injury and see what you can find out while you’re waiting for the next appointment. It really helps to be prepared before you go in so you can challenge the diagnosis if need be. For instance you had a point about “how the hell a tendon is supposed to heal itself through physical therapy when it is completely ruptured and has retracted up the arm”, but didn’t think about it until afterwards. That was one mistake I made, too, not being assertive enough. ISTM, most physicians spend minimal amounts of time with their patients, so you need to be able to think fast to get your needs across to them.

Good luck