Home› General Training Discussions

Broken ribs

WisemanWiseman
in General Training Discussions
I'm now one week removed from a group ride crash. I got the worst of it with 3 broken ribs, bruised hip and road rash. Feeling much better than I did this time last Sunday, but wanted some guidance from others who may have dealt with this.
I've done nothing this week , still on pain meds, but I think I can go back to just Motrin this week. Swimming and any core work is out of the question...coughing really hurts. Trainer ez spinning ?
Nothing important on calendar until IMFL in November, so plenty of time to get ready...I just feel fitness going away and fatness creeping in.
Bill

Comments

  • new2703new2703
    I broke a couple ribs summer 2011, while mountain biking. Non displaced so no threat of lung puncture. Crashed on Sunday and was in the pool on Monday. Swimming really helped. Non impact and good for shoulder mobility. The other thing it helped was keeping the intercostals loose. First 2-400 meters hurt like hell but eventually loosened up. Started jogging the following week. That brought about a whole new level of pain. Every time took a step felt like the rib cage was going to fall down. First week alternated swimming and jogging. Every week seemed to get easier till eventually it was tolerable.
  • cgres123cgres123
    When that happened to me the best I could do was to ensure I could work to provide for the family the rest of the stuff was put on hold. Breathing was difficult for me too. Rest up this is not as important as your health and recovery.
  • Bruce ThompsonBruce Thompson

    Bill...sorry to hear about your crash.  Hang in there, you will recover.

    I crashed in Sept 2011 in a HIM and cracked 2 ribs, strained the muscles between them, road rash, bruised hip.  For me, swimming was a no go.  the catch and pull hurt like hell.  it was 3 months before I could do a hard pull.  however, I was able to ride the trainer ( no chance of a crash on that) after about 10 days and  started running again after 3 weeks.  I suggest that you try all 3 events (go real EZ) after another week or so and see what hurts and what doesn't.   Do what doesn't hurt, don't do what hurts.  Your body is your new coach, not RnP, until you are better.  You have plenty of time to prepare for IMFL and you can still have a good raced.  I set PRs at both the HIM and IM distance in 2012 after my crash in 2011.

    Good luck.

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    Broke 3 ribs (non-displaced) in an "I'll still deny it happened" drunken pool slip in Belize in 2010. Most painful injury I've ever had. Your ribs impact every movement and every single breath you take. But since docs don't really do anything about them (no wrapping, casts, etc), the only thing you can really do is let pain be your guide. If you're doing something that hurts - then don't do it!

    Further advice based on my experience...don't go zip lining the next day after breaking your ribs. Also bumpy boat rides in a flat bottom boat, also not a good idea. That is all!
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Yep, pain is your guide.

    Get off the hardcore pain meds and use Tylenol or Motrin instead. As I deal with my own stuff I'm sooooooo glad I don't also have broken ribs and/or clavicle. Those injuries truly, truly suck

  • WisemanWiseman
    Thanks guys...scott, you're nuts. I could hardly get in and out of bed for several days !
    Actually feel human for first time today. My idea is to get on trainer tomorrow for an ez spin. Wouldn't attempt swimming or lifting yet.
    Bill
Sign In or Register to comment.