Orthopedic Advise?

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2003 14:03:25 GMT

Hey Tall Paul, Do us "experienced" swimmers a favor and let us know how you make out with the "ailments" you have mentioned. At the least, maybe we can learn/possibly prevent things from your misfortunes...:( Best of luck...please let us know how things work out. Sincerely, Fisch

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2003 15:40:38 GMT

Hey Paul! I'm swimming the 200 backstroke also. Want to race????

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Paul Smith — Mon, 30 Jun 2003 03:19:06 GMT

After another round of x-rays (inconclusive) and now an MRI which ruled out a fracture (yeah). However it appears that there is some pretty decent ligament damage (to many years with aspirations of playing pro beach volleyball), however most likely brought on by attempting to swim the 200 backstroke (funny guy Sam!). Actually (and sadly) they think its also possibly Gout (big bummer), or sadly a 44 year old stuck inside a 95 year olds body (no offense to any 95 year olds). Oh well, heavy doses of antinflamatories and the occasional trip to the doc to have blood drained from the joint when it blows up again! At least I get to come out and race Phil in that 50 back in two weeks!

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2003 14:18:41 GMT

Paul - I see that you are in Vail, CO. (lucky #@&#^@) Highly recommended that you go to Dr. Richard Steadman's clinic in that neck of the woods. When I was with the US Olympic Committee (Sports Science & Medicine Division), we often recommended that banged up skiiers, among others, go there. They have put together more extreme leg injuries than nearly anyone else. Be brave. -LBJ

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2003 13:51:24 GMT

Paul I'm sure this was aggravated by swimming one too many 200 back races! Hope it turns out better than the first reports. Maybe I can come out to Santa Cruz and join the race.

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2003 12:40:11 GMT

Paul/Fritz, I can assure you that 200 Backstroke races are the best thing for your ankles! 50 Back races only aggravate those annoying joints, get to the distance stuff and start healing!! :D

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

MegSmath — Tue, 17 Jun 2003 09:07:25 GMT

Paul, I'm so sorry this happened to you! I broke my left forearm several years ago, and the orthopedist told me to go ahead and swim (obviously, it was in a removable splint, and it wasn't a displaced fracture). He said it wouldn't cause any more damage, and it might speed healing. I can't say that I was actually training, because I couldn't get much of a "grip" on the water, but at least I didn't totally lose my endurance. I did a LOT of kicking. I think that break did heal quicker than some other breaks I've had, and it certainly helped me keep my sanity to be able to get in the water! Good luck! Meg

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 13:49:11 GMT

Perhaps the x ray was not interpreted correctly. Wait and see what your orthopedist says; things may not be all that bad. Swimming doesn't involve weight bearing anyway.

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 10:37:57 GMT

yech :( Paul, I was planning to fill you up on pizza and beer the night before that event .. . I couldn't figure out how to make you shorter, but I figured I had a chance to make you a little wider. It does not look like we will be seeing each other at the PMS championships. Don't rush the healing process.

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 09:54:09 GMT

Originally posted by gull80 I am a cardiologist but did discuss your injury with an orthopedist. Most likely you will need immobilization (with a splint) for 4-6 weeks and no weight bearing for the first 2 weeks. Oh dear... feel better soon!! peace...

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 08:56:39 GMT

I am a cardiologist but did discuss your injury with an orthopedist. Most likely you will need immobilization (with a splint) for 4-6 weeks and no weight bearing for the first 2 weeks. Surgery may be necessary if this doesn't work. Of course this is without seeing the x ray and examining the ankle. Good luck.

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Former Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:39:48 GMT

Paul, I'm not a Doc...but just want to encourage you to stay strong, and to wish you good luck with recovery.

RE: Orthopedic Advise?

Paul Smith — Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:16:15 GMT

Phil, you'll still get your chance as we have to make the trip regardless. Beer and pizza sounds pretty good at the moment, the reality of this injury sucks big time!