Another kick in the...... arm!

Well, i've got all my dates ready for the first org. rideouts i'll be attending this year, being the AR that never was, and AR 2011.

On top of that i've managed to wangle a saturday off in the next four weeks with my supvisor so i can come to the uk to buy my next bike, all sounding good eh?

...Well i went upto the hospital thursday for a routine check on my arm after last januarys "not so dramatic" fall where i broke my elbow in 2 places. And after June's checkup the surgeon had assured me by saying, "your arm will be fine for years to come with the metal work in it. No need to operate Sir".
It's now changed to "best to operate whilst it's still in good condition" GO FIGURE?! Argggg just before the biking season and all my time off.
Anyway i'm on the waiting list thats supossedly 4-6 weeks long then will require a futher 2 weeks off for the cut to properly heal IF it all goes to plan.

Rant over from 1 unhappy biker for the second year running grumble grumble.... Matt.

[Littlepeahead]

Beg and plead to have it done after you buy your bike but before spring really gets here. I had the metal work taken out on 3rd November. My arm is so much better since, before if I even slighty knocked the plate I nearly cried, now it's fine. My stitches were out 2 weeks later and I could have ridden right away, with care as the holes need to fill in so the bone is a little weak initially. Unlike after the first op I had full movement and didn't require physio at all.

I keep meaning to get the titanium work out of my shoulder as when it's knocked it hurts like merry hell and every so often on of my nerves twangs on one of the bolts. But it's been in there now for the past 6 years or so, and so really can't be bothered to get it removed. The doc said it's possible to have it there for life, so I might just leave it there. If the metal work isn't bothering you, I would be inclined to leave it in place.

If at all possible have any metal work removed. I have plates in my ankle and rods in the leg which are now 40 year old and really give me pain but as bone has grown over them it would be a very complicated operation to remove it,them, and would most likely end up with a stiff ankle as they would need to fuse the bones together.
It may be a big inconvenience now but a even bigger load of pain and who knows what if you don't.
As for me ,I just live with what seems like toothache in my leg and keep putting it off till I will not be able to stand it any more,but then it is a stiff leg and ankle.

Having re-read the other posts just take the MEDICAL advice you are given. They are the people who know what is best for your situation.

[Littlepeahead]

My surgeon is quite hot though - so I didn't mind the extra appointments and I took him to cricket last summer. Which reminds me that I'm supposed to be having a drink with him soon - which he's allowed to do now I'm no longer a patient. He still despairs of me riding the bike and heading back to Thailand.

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

If at all possible have any metal work removed. I have plates in my ankle and rods in the leg which are now 40 year old and really give me pain but as bone has grown over them it would be a very complicated operation to remove it,them, and would most likely end up with a stiff ankle as they would need to fuse the bones together.
It may be a big inconvenience now but a even bigger load of pain and who knows what if you don't.
As for me ,I just live with what seems like toothache in my leg and keep putting it off till I will not be able to stand it any more,but then it is a stiff leg and ankle.

Having re-read the other posts just take the MEDICAL advice you are given. They are the people who know what is best for your situation.

Oooo sounds lovely, NOT! Yeh just a short term pain i suppose for longer term benefit like you say. Either way it's abit of a pain 2 years running just before the biking season to have problems . More to look forward to i suppose when i'm back on the bike! Matt.