Recovery from a severe concussion.
My American Zofingen debut was more like an audition for the Zigfield Follies (sp?). Therefore the whole rest of my season is doubt. I have a cracked left collarbone and a knee that is messing up my ability to walk straight and without pain. However, the real problem stems from a strong smack to my left temple. A week later I'm still on an alarmed hospital bed to keep me from getting up without a chaperone.
Yes, I'm going to be killing it in rehab but in the real world, what are the chances I'll be lining up for IMMT? Even with the goal of finishing it at all as opposed to the sub-11 I was targeting just last week.
Yes, I'm going to be killing it in rehab but in the real world, what are the chances I'll be lining up for IMMT? Even with the goal of finishing it at all as opposed to the sub-11 I was targeting just last week.
0
Comments
Peter, very sorry to hear about your injuries. Keep staying positive!
Heal up Peter! There will be others!
Hi Peter,
I had a nasty crash last September. Hit the pavement at 26 mph - broken collar bone, six fractured ribs and a severe concussion. The concussion ended up being the worst of the injuries in terms of negative effects and recovery time. On doctor's orders, I was not to do anything that could cause a fall and hit my head - the likely consequence would be in his words permanent brain damage. Biking was out and so was playing ice hockey
It took me a full 3 months before the headaches and other symptoms were gone and I was able work continuously in front of a computer. I kept in shape on the trainer and was able to move into November OS.
Take the time to heal
I suffered a pretty severe concussion in February skiing, despite wearing a helmet (I also broke my tibia at the same time). I've had many concussions throughout life, but this was by far the most severe. The symptoms and effects lasted for about 6 weeks. As someone else said, concussions are cumulative.
The thing that finally helped me get over it was basically checking out of life for a few days and sitting in a dark room with no lights, computer or television. Once I did that, and the fog started to clear (together with the leg healing), I was able to get on the trainer and start back slowly, although I could not have a tv on in front of the trainer or I would get a headache.
The bottom line is that, as you have undoubtedly learned, you should take the time to heal properly from the concussion. It is frustrating, but it's what you have to do to keep from having permanent damage. Ironman is not going anywhere, and will still be there waiting for you once you heal.
Best of luck with a speedy recovery.
John
Also a member of the Koncussion Klub
I got my bell rung pretty good in a motorcycle crash a last year. I was probably knocked out for only a minute, but I was out of it, completely, for about 6hrs -- conscious but asking the same questions over and over again, etc. I had what I can only describe as a buzzing in my head for 2-3wks. In retrospect, I wasn't very smart about it. Should have completely turned my head off for a week or so vs trying to continue working, etc.
The theme here is that you really need to stand down and just not worry about training, your Ironman, etc Your brain is OEM, with very limited aftermarket support. Gotta take care of the one you've got...
Sigh. Just to check things, I tried to just JOG some steps this morning before my first session. Literally on the third step I had to grab the hand rail and drop to a knee. And I was just going really slow and tentative to see if I could even do it. Humbling.
By the way, that brings up a word of advice I'd like to pass on. Never - and I mean NEVER - mention your former strengths in any way that even faintly suggests you could be bragging. Especially within earshot of your PT. She might say "Well let's see what you can do before we get started." You are DONE FOR if she hears any hint of that.
In all seriousness, we've focused on weaknesses that have arisen because of the accident. If I had finished the race and then completely vegged out on the couch for a week and a half I would lose about 10% of my strength in my legs for example. In this case I've lost almost all my ability to do certain motions, and in some situations under no load at all. I couldn't even do some simple balancing - with my eyes open - that I would have thought nothing of on Sunday morning. Anyway, my PT has this way of tweaking some movement to completely isolate a muscle group and instantly shut my mouth. This maneuver of hers seems to follow closely on the heels any utterance of confidence our self satisfaction.
Peter,
I've never had a concussion but my wife on the other hand has had two. If you are still doing speech and physical therapy and can't do simple balance exercises don't scramble the noggin by trying to jog even lightly in my opinion. Test things out when you feel good and I don't see any indicators of that at the moment. I'd even cut out the computer time and try to give as much time away from stimulation as you can mentally handle then take an IM dose of more time away from stimulation.
If you try to push it now you will make recovery slower IM will be there this year if you make it back but it will also be there next year too.
Heal up.
Gordon
I think you answered your own question about racing this year.
Let us know the progress as it comes.
Hey cousin,
this just describes my entire childhood with my dad/your uncle......every time he got a new machine or learned a new PT technique he'd drag me down to the office to figure out how the machine worked or play with the new technique...scarred for life.
Keep up the hard work and you'll be back in no time. IMMT is always a possibility so keep your head and motivation up!!!! Push yourself as far as is healthy and promotes growth, but not so much as to cause a set back. Also, say nice things to your wife--she deserves it and it may keep her from killing you on Saturday when she finally gets you home where there aren't any witnesses