"Hottest Gimp" award

[Spectre]

Dectek once bubbled...
Your description on the race reminded me of my first and last Televised Bump Run. DNF

Now that sounds like there is a good story to be had. You'll have to fill us in.

First bump competition I was in had a couple 'technical difficulties' due to a lack of pacing ability. My friend and I ended up with really late bibs. We ended up 'warming up' for about 6 runs before our runs. In retrospect I was warmed up after getting down to the competition field, but no...I kept going... and going...and going.

By the time my competition run came, I was just about done. Made it through the top ok. Hit the first jump; Just a simple twister-spread. I landed, and knew there was going to be problems. Cruised through the middle section with my legs feeling more and more like jello. Hit the second jump with plenty of speed; double twister followed by an iron cross bromley that I held until the last instant by watching the shadows. Hit the ground and my legs didn't want to hold me up. I crumpled. Got up; but my legs didn't want to do much more. Ran the bottom completely limp [e.g. real fast, great line, looked great]... Then I tried to stop at the bottom.

legs crumpled again. Got up,l but one thigh had locked. I poled myself out of the course like a flamingo on skis. After about 5 minutes it finally unlocked. I couldn't walk for days :wacko:

 

[Spectre]

After some armchair medical study [and using the helpful arrows that the radiologist put on my MRIs]...

MCL and ACL is torn, and there is a bone bruise on the lateral side.

One of the images of the ACL is really cool, I'll post it when I get into the office tomorrow [and can download my digital camera].

Next update on monday.

 

[clementyn]

spectre,

good move to find out as much as you can before you let anyone cut on you! i find it strange that the average lay-person spends far less time researching their medical providers than they do a new car.

another resource to tap for finding more than just your average surgeon would be the physical therapist sports and/or orthopaedic clinical specialists (PT OCS or PT SCS) in your area.

go to this website to search by specialty area and state/city

http://apta.org/speccertdirectory/selectCCSForm.cfm

these PT's should be able to tell you not just which surgeon has the best 'reputation' or highest profile caseload, but much more importantly: who's grafts hold up best, who's patients have the best outcomes, the fastest recoveries, the most progressive rehab protocols, the fewest post-op complications, etc. like the second opinion you got after your accident - email and ask them who they'd let into their own knee...

if your serious about getting back into shape to race again your interview criteria for a surgeon needs to include a serious discussion regarding his/her post-op rehab protocol. chickdiver hit the nail on the head - early 'protected' weight bearing and early 'protected' rehab followed by long term progression all the way back to sport specific dynamic and functional requirements will be key for you.

pm me if you have questions on the rehab aspect. hope this helps.

- lorien

 

[Spectre]

Lorien, Excellent info. Thanks!

 

[Spectre]

Ok! I did an evening of medical study and I now feel I'm qualified to read my own MRI. Of course it's a beginners MRI because the radiologist already put nice little arrows at the interesting parts. Then it was a little web searching to find what those images are _supposed_ to look like.

So; without further adieu;

Spectre Undressed!

This first revealing shot shows the piece of cotton candy that was once an ACL.

 

[Spectre]

The full frontal view! (have me no shame?)

 

[notabob]

I'm thinking we should add that shot to the ScubaBoard calendar!! While not quite the centerfold material, I think it may deserve a spot. Maybe November.

-Roman.

 

[beepbird]

Hey Spectre,
I was skiing in Whistler this weekend and popped my knee too! I'm getting a good education on what I have to do just reading about your story and all the posts. My orthopod appointment is Tuesday.

I think I only frayed my left ACL, I was able to ski down the mountain almost one legged and am able to move it forward and back. I hobbled in and out of airports. I can drive and use my clutch, but I have a devil of a time getting in and out of my car.

Keep your reports coming!


Lindy