Collapsed Lung and Broken Ribs The Acute Phase Return To Sport
Collapsed lung and broken ribs the acute phase return to sport. What that can look like for an athlete.
Really helped with the overall body damage and the recovery that I was strong and fit pre crash. From the gym work I do I think I got away a lot better then it could have been hitting the ground at that speed (45 mph). I have some meat on my bones. Because I’m lifetime fit and was in top condition pre crash recovery has gone exceptionally fast compared to less fit people. That says a lot for living a life of being strong and fit.
Working with a doctor who knows me, knows sports and has also come back from this exact injury. ( Dr. Jeff Shilt )
Using breathing lung strengthening device 2-3x / day plus in warm up during rides. 6-10 reps. Started at 100 at the hospital and now up to 2500 on the measurement.
When coming back from any injury or illness it’s important to remember that numbers are simply points of reference, information. They are not personal and you want to avoid being emotional or emotionally attached. It’s simply part of the process.
Dec 2 crash date
Dec 8th surgery and hospitalization.
Dec 12 return home
Dec 13 - 16th 30min light walking
Return to bike indoors trainer(Dec 17th)
Day 1-3 (Point of reference pre crash threshold 230- 250, Threshold HR 165- 175)
45min
HR 95-115
Watts 130-160 Normal sweat breathing seems more in line with first activity after 2 weeks sedentary
No coughing
*When I tried to spin between when I went to the ER first and the 6 days with the collapsed lung HR was 120-130 , sweating like crazy, couldn’t breathe and watts 50.
Coughing like crazy.
Day 4
Steady 45min trainer 20min build 170-200watts. HR 120 build to 150.
Breathing in line with effort
Sweat rate in line with effort
Day 5
60min total trainer
Build watts and HR
10min warm up
30min 150-170watts 115-125HR
15min 180-200watts 140-150HR
P.M Gym: 2-4 x 12-20 LIGHT weight on cable machines
Leg Ex
Leg Curl- upright seated
Leg Press- supported back
Glute Press
Slider Lunge
Day 6
** Gym was too much yesterday. Going to leave that out for now.
** Was feeling unmotivated and sad today. But important to remember to just do the ride, even if it’s not what we want. Don’t be “greedy” Be thankful and do what you CAN do.
Bike:
1:05 Total
2 x 20min build 180-210 watts 150-160 HR
10min between HR back down under 100 in the recovery at easy spin under 100 watts.
Day 7
Morning walk 60min to get out in the sun. Missing my friends, the outdoors, the fun of the group rides. Get up and get out in the sun!
Bike:
Warm up 15min
Twice through: ( Total 12min stair step)
3min 150-160watts
3min 170-185watts
3min 190-210 watts
3min 220-240 watts
5min easy between.
Cdwn 5min
Breathing normal
HR built to 170 for last 3min of each stair step.
No coughing
Rib pain 6/10 ( low grade constant pain but it’s always there right now)
Left chest from sternum out across breast numb. ( Been that way last 3 days but constant)
Day 8
10min warm up
30min 150-160watts
15min 185-200watts 150 HR
5min cdwn.
Breathing normal
Rib pain 5/10
Numb lat and chest spot on left side ( like when you go to the dentist type numb)
Day 9
Ribs more sore today from sleeping funny. Hard to get on the trainer but I remind myself at least I can do SOMETHING. I’m thankful for that.
60min total.
Waves of 5-10min step up’s between Z2-Z3-Z4. Wave steps.
Day 10
60min with 45min @ 195-210 watts steady. HR built from 130–to 170 for last 10min.
Ribs still hurt 6-7/10.
Breathing seems good.
Day 11
Follow up appointment. Follow up x-ray and examination from the doctor. No fluid in the lung, back to full capacity breathing volume, Ribs will just take 6-12 weeks to be fully healed. Doctor mentioned again how lucky it was being so fit when going through this. That allowed me to not only handle the level of injury at the time without more severe issues, but heal back in this short period of time.
I am cleared to continue forward and return to sport under the same guideline steps of injury. Build back, use symptoms as my guide.