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2005/08/07, 11:56 AM
hey, first time visitor to this site, but lifetime fitness freak (former collegiate swimmer, and now at the gym every day lifting/cross-training).
5 days ago at preacher curl, started with too heavy of a weight. When completely extended at rep 4, felt intense, strange, buckling in lower bicep area. Pain immediately, and weakness, clearly a significant injury. My right bicep now looks different: bascially no muscle in lower bicep area, and when touched I can't locate the tendon. My doctor took a quick look and thinks it's a streched tendon/ligament (not quite sure of his use of words). Prescribed some pain pills, and said to take it easy for a week.
I'm beginning to wonder if it is more severe than that. Will this injury heal on its own? I'm not a novice when it comes to the gym, and very high threshhold for pain. But, this has me worried. If, in fact, this is more serious than we previously thought, what needs to be done?
I plan to get another opinion asap, but just wanted some input at to the possible extent of this injury. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
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2005/08/09, 10:40 AM
Matt,
Welcome to FT. Just what does your bicep look like? Is there a large bulg near the shoulder? If so, I would find a sports doc immediately as you have probable torn the tendon. Which means you need a surgery to repair, and the sooner the better as you don't want the scar tissue to stunt the healing process. Expect aroung 12 weeks of rehab after surgery.
Also, please complete your profile.
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Chad
John 3:16
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2005/08/10, 12:07 AM
Chad, thanks for the reply. No bulge in the shoulder, but about the bottom 1/4 of the bicep has curled up, leaving an obvious void in the right arm. It's beginning to feel a lot better, but still looks the same, which is why I'm concerned. Is it possible that the tendon is simply pulled? And, if so, will it go back to normal eventually?
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2005/08/11, 01:28 PM
Matt,
If it were me, I would be seeing a doctor ASAP. Anytime that you have malformation, ("bottom 1/4 of the bicep has curled up...) then you really should seek medical advise. I would hate to think that you didn't see the doctor until it was too late, because of something you read on a discussion board. As I tried to say earlier, if you have done damage, then the treatment needs to be done soon, or it may not heal as well as possible.
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Chad
John 3:16
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2005/09/09, 02:55 PM
Matt,
It could possibly be a torn or ruptured disat bicep.
When the distal biceps tendon ruptures, it usually sounds and feels like a pop directly in front of the elbow. At first the pain is intense. The pain often subsides quickly after a complete rupture because tension is immediately taken off the pain sensors in the tendon. Swelling and bruising in front of the elbow usually develop shortly after the pop. The biceps may appear to have balled up near the elbow. The arm often feels weak with attempts to bend the elbow, lift the shoulder, or twist the forearm into supination (palm up).
The distal biceps tendon sometimes tears only part of the way. When this happens, a pop may not be felt or heard. Instead, the area in front of the elbow may simply be painful, and the arm may feel weak with the same arm movements that are affected in a complete rupture.
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2005/09/09, 03:00 PM
Tearing the distal bicep may also ball up more toward the shoulder.
Doctors usually treat a ruptured long head of biceps tendon without surgery. This is especially true for older individuals who can tolerate loss of arm strength or if the injury occurs in the nondominant arm.
Not having surgery usually only results in a moderate loss of strength. The short head of the biceps is still attached and continues to supply strength to raise the arm up. Flexion of the elbow may be affected, but supination (the motion of twisting the forearm such as when you use a screwdriver) is usually affected more. Not repairing a ruptured biceps reduces supination strength by about 20 percent.
Nonsurgical measures could include a sling to rest the shoulder. Patients may be given anti-inflammatory medicine to help ease pain and swelling and to help return people to activity sooner after a biceps tendon rupture. These medications include common over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen.
Doctors may have their patients work with a physical or occupational therapist. At first, your therapist will give you tips how to rest your shoulder and how to do your activities without putting extra strain on the sore area.
Your therapist may apply ice and electrical stimulation to ease pain. Exercises are used to gradually strengthen other muscles that help do the work of a normal biceps muscle.
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2005/09/09, 07:19 PM
Matt
I just visited a sports surgeon this morning. I tore my bicep tendon...down by the elbow..not up by the shoulder. We mostly talked about getting it fixed. He said that most people under 60 choose to get it repaired. He did say that the pain would subside and it would be just a matter of dealing will the deformation. You can lose some strength but not really enough to be too concerned about.
I chose to have the suregery next Tuesday. I don't like the deformation and just wnated it back to normal. Easy out patient surgery that takes about 1.5 hrs....with about a 3 month total re-hab. This clinic did both my shoulders so I know how good they are.
Good Luck
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2005/11/14, 12:39 PM
I had my distal elbow tendon repaired Aug 12 after a July 30 injury. Two incisions, no pins. Seem to have gone fine, but my doctor not the greatest communicator. Was in cast for 3 weeks, then a removable cast for about 2 1//2 more so I could start bending it. Doctor said no physio needed, not to do anything weight bearing until three months from surgery, which is now. Only problem I have is a tingling on top of forarm, he said likely "bumped" the nerve, or the cast was too tight, said should resolve. What I really don't know is what exercises should be done or avoided, and how long until I can get back to full weight? Any ideas or experiences?
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Quoting from dougd:
Matt
I just visited a sports surgeon this morning. I tore my bicep tendon...down by the elbow..not up by the shoulder. We mostly talked about getting it fixed. He said that most people under 60 choose to get it repaired. He did say that the pain would subside and it would be just a matter of dealing will the deformation. You can lose some strength but not really enough to be too concerned about.
I chose to have the suregery next Tuesday. I don't like the deformation and just wnated it back to normal. Easy out patient surgery that takes about 1.5 hrs....with about a 3 month total re-hab. This clinic did both my shoulders so I know how good they are.
Good Luck
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2007/09/11, 01:05 AM
Hi, I have torn my disat tendon in my left arm, I am a freelance cameraman with no insurance & have to keep working. Does anyone know if it is possible to avoid surgery with a complete tear (of the tendon) off the bone and how long it may take to heal without surgery. I think I could deal with a little less power in my left arm as I am right handed. At 51 years old I dont care about how it looks, just getting back to work is priority one. Also will I be able to play guitar as easily as before?
Any response will be much appreciated!
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2007/09/11, 11:37 AM
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but tendon's don't generally heal on their own. However, the surgery isn't highly invasive.
How did you come to the diagnosis of a torn distal tendon? If it was through a doctor, why didn't you ask him/her?
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SQUAT MORE ~Jesse Marunde
Mortal by birth.
Strongman by the grace of god.
Blood Guts Sweat Chalk
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2007/09/11, 10:13 PM
Hi wrestler, I had an ultrasound scan & saw a GP and have a complete tear off the bone of the distal muscle. Today
i will see a specialist so I guess I will find out if there is an option to leave it or not. I have read on the net that it is possible to not operate but you lose mobility & power in the arm. In regard to your question about asking the doctor I have seen 2 GPs the first at Gosford hospital (here in Australia) left me waiting 4 hours in the casualty ward on low priority and when eventualy treated said it would heal itself gave me some panadol forte - strong pain killers and sent me on my way . The 2nd doctor has booked me the specialist, who i see today. I have been doing net research since seeing the docs and have read about the possibility of not operatinon forums. Cheers and thanks for your response,
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Quoting from wrestler125:
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but tendon's don't generally heal on their own. However, the surgery isn't highly invasive.
How did you come to the diagnosis of a torn distal tendon? If it was through a doctor, why didn't you ask him/her?
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2007/09/11, 10:54 PM
Yea, you can go without surgery. But don't expect to be better anytime soon.
Just make sure all your research isn't just you trying to find what you want to hear...
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SQUAT MORE ~Jesse Marunde
Mortal by birth.
Strongman by the grace of god.
Blood Guts Sweat Chalk
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2007/09/26, 08:49 AM
Had surgery today, will update. Cheers
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2008/01/07, 10:53 PM
New to the site injured my bicep Oct. 1 with insurance, family doctor finally sent me to specialist who sent me for MRI and shows a rupture of lower bicep with deformity. Specialist has decided on non surgery which I think is wrong. Been going to Ot since Oct still lifting no weights just stretching,electric therapy,ultrasound,icing,message therapy. I'm a firefighter and need my strength in my dominant arm have a doctor visit Jan. 10 should I see if surgery is out of question now since its been 3 months. Thanks for any help
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2008/01/20, 08:41 PM
Just had distal bicep tendon rupture reattached 1 week ago, 2 weeks after tearing it off whilst yacht racing. From my discusions with a number of surgeons it is possible to reattach it months down the track depending on damage. One issue is that the tendon shrinks and ends up too short to reattach. If this is the case, they take some tendon from your leg and use this to reattach the bicep tendon, yuk.
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2008/05/20, 12:15 PM
This is my first post. Last week I ruptured my left Bicep at the elbow. My tendon is completely torn off the bone. I go into surgery this Friday the 23rd. I have been lifting weights and working out for over 23 years. I have been training in Brazilian Ju Jitsu for the past 4 years and got my arm caught between the mat and the guy I was wrestling with. I felt no pain but I heard a little pop. There is now about a 2 inch gap between the bottom of my Bicep and the bend in my arm. I have heard that it takes a good 6-9 months for a good slow recovery. I am wondering about the pain level after surgery. My doctor has said that I will have about a 4-5 inch insition at the bend in my arm and another inch insition on the back of my forarm. They will also drill into bone as well. For anyone that has had this surgery what was the pain like after surgery and how long did it last? I will keep posting on my progress and I guess next week I can answer my own questions.
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Quoting from MattinNYC:
hey, first time visitor to this site, but lifetime fitness freak (former collegiate swimmer, and now at the gym every day lifting/cross-training).
5 days ago at preacher curl, started with too heavy of a weight. When completely extended at rep 4, felt intense, strange, buckling in lower bicep area. Pain immediately, and weakness, clearly a significant injury. My right bicep now looks different: bascially no muscle in lower bicep area, and when touched I can't locate the tendon. My doctor took a quick look and thinks it's a streched tendon/ligament (not quite sure of his use of words). Prescribed some pain pills, and said to take it easy for a week.
I'm beginning to wonder if it is more severe than that. Will this injury heal on its own? I'm not a novice when it comes to the gym, and very high threshhold for pain. But, this has me worried. If, in fact, this is more serious than we previously thought, what needs to be done?
I plan to get another opinion asap, but just wanted some input at to the possible extent of this injury. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
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2008/05/26, 12:14 PM
It's a shame nobody sticks around after they post...I ripped my lower tendon on May 8th, had surgery on the 13th, and on the 22nd, had my bandages removed and was put back in the splint with sling. I get my staples removed on 6-2-08. I am able to remove the sling during the day as long as I am careful not to extend past 90 degrees. I sleep in the splint to prevent unconscious movement.
The need to stretch my other side is almost unbearable, but I can do it because of the sympathetic affect, if I stretch the good one, the torn one aoutomatically starts quivering and spasing and I am fearful of a cramp occuring and ripping the repair.
Like 'firertb,' I am a cop and need my strength to return to work...I wish some of these people would come back and follow up on their progress.
Some things I haven't seen mentioned on this thread:
-This injury (lower distal) is extremely rare and occurs in 1 or 2 in 100,000 people.
-Generally occurs in males over 40.
-Unrepaired (conservative treatment) injuries can recover with as much as 30-40% power loss.
As rare as this is, my father has the exact same injury, but as a senior, he did not elect for surgery. My biggest fear is that I feel the same thing coming on in my other arm, pain in the soft tissue of the joint, which I had in the injured area before from heavy lifting at another job. Hopefully, the uninjured one will strengthen as I rehab as well.
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2008/05/29, 06:14 PM
I am still here. I had my surgery on the 23rd of May 6 days ago. It went well. I was suprised that I really have had no pain from the surgery. I am going back to the gym tomorrow to start working out again. I have a 90% splint on all day long and I get my stickes out next week. The doctor says after 30 days I can move to 45% and after 60 days I can start to rehab. I am taking supplements such as calcium, msm, gloucosamin, condroiden and fish oil. I am also taking an anti oxidant juice 3 times per day with acia berry in it. I get it at costco. It is supposed to be the one of the best anti oxidants in the world. All in all I feel great.
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Quoting from madwand:
It's a shame nobody sticks around after they post...I ripped my lower tendon on May 8th, had surgery on the 13th, and on the 22nd, had my bandages removed and was put back in the splint with sling. I get my staples removed on 6-2-08. I am able to remove the sling during the day as long as I am careful not to extend past 90 degrees. I sleep in the splint to prevent unconscious movement.
The need to stretch my other side is almost unbearable, but I can do it because of the sympathetic affect, if I stretch the good one, the torn one aoutomatically starts quivering and spasing and I am fearful of a cramp occuring and ripping the repair.
Like 'firertb,' I am a cop and need my strength to return to work...I wish some of these people would come back and follow up on their progress.
Some things I haven't seen mentioned on this thread:
-This injury (lower distal) is extremely rare and occurs in 1 or 2 in 100,000 people.
-Generally occurs in males over 40.
-Unrepaired (conservative treatment) injuries can recover with as much as 30-40% power loss.
As rare as this is, my father has the exact same injury, but as a senior, he did not elect for surgery. My biggest fear is that I feel the same thing coming on in my other arm, pain in the soft tissue of the joint, which I had in the injured area before from heavy lifting at another job. Hopefully, the uninjured one will strengthen as I rehab as well.
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2008/05/31, 03:36 AM
Hi folks,
Completed the surgery on Apr. 26, 2008. Still writing with one finger so I like to keep the correspondence short. I was given a simillar response from the orthopedic surgeon as some others as far as recovery goes, they also indicated 40% loss of strength if surgery not done. That was not acceptable as I am a carpenter. I was told six weeks with cast (two weeks with initial cast and then removal of staples and half fibreglass cast for four weeks. After that two weeks of physio. Recovery is going well, good surgeon and GP. Of course there was pain after the surgery, but as the axiom goes "no pain no gain". Listen to your doctors and follow their advice is the information of value that I have to offer (mind you I have good doctors).
There probably isn't a lot of response on the board after surgery because typing is a pain.
Thanks
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Dale
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2008/06/04, 05:49 PM
Just got my stickes out today and the doctor said I can start doing a little small movement streches. No pain at All. Heading to the gym to work legs!!!!!!!!!!!
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2008/06/04, 08:56 PM
>There probably isn't a lot of response on the board after >surgery because typing is a pain.
I was hoping for replies from people who were at the rehab point or beyond.
I got my staples out on Monday June 2. That feels a lot better, it was like somebody constantly digging their nails into my skin. What a hideous scar it's gonna make!
Has anyone else had the supplements recommended by their doc, or was that just something you do on your own? It seems like everybody's case is comepletely different even though we all have the exact same injury.
My doc says 4 weeks from now I should have full extension of my arm and then start adding weight (bands).
At least now I can stretch the rest of my body without my injured arm sympathetically cramping now. Ain't it great to be able to pick your own nose again?
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2008/06/10, 12:38 PM
belandi, i had surgery the day after you.. 2 incision.. was in a hard cast of a week.. been in a range of motion brace since the cast came off.. at 3 wk post op i had the brace unlocked from 90 degrees and was allowed to actively extend my arm to -30 degrees, passively flex it to +120 degrees.. still at that point in my therapy.. june 26 i go back to see my surgeon again, hopefully get the ok to persue some active flex. exercises..
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2008/06/17, 07:14 PM
Hi i am a 55 year old dude who doesn't act his age. I just ruptured my distal bicep tendon. Doc. is doing surgery friday. He said the rupture was dangerously close to a main nerve for my hand. I'm scared,.... this doc. was a cleveland indians sports ortho. doctor. So I think he is a good bet. :surprised:
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Quoting from MattinNYC:
hey, first time visitor to this site, but lifetime fitness freak (former collegiate swimmer, and now at the gym every day lifting/cross-training).
5 days ago at preacher curl, started with too heavy of a weight. When completely extended at rep 4, felt intense, strange, buckling in lower bicep area. Pain immediately, and weakness, clearly a significant injury. My right bicep now looks different: bascially no muscle in lower bicep area, and when touched I can't locate the tendon. My doctor took a quick look and thinks it's a streched tendon/ligament (not quite sure of his use of words). Prescribed some pain pills, and said to take it easy for a week.
I'm beginning to wonder if it is more severe than that. Will this injury heal on its own? I'm not a novice when it comes to the gym, and very high threshhold for pain. But, this has me worried. If, in fact, this is more serious than we previously thought, what needs to be done?
I plan to get another opinion asap, but just wanted some input at to the possible extent of this injury. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
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2008/06/16, 03:21 PM
Just found this site and thought I'd join in.
A little bit about me. I'm 40 and have been lifting weights since the 80's. I'm in good shape, healthy and keep active.
I ruptured my (distal) bicep tendon, at the elbow, almost 3 weeks ago. The MRI confirmed that it is a complete rupture with tendon retraction. I did this while doing preacher curls using only a 30lb dumbell as I was only going for a quick pump. I heard the tendon pop and saw my bicep retract upward. No pain was felt at the time. My arm ended up bruised from the middle of my palm to my armpit, and had some significant swelling as well. I have been doing research on my recovery options and the majority seems to side with surgery.
I went to an orthopedic surgeon who my family doctor refered me to. The surgeo basically blew me off, telling me this type of injury is typically not repaired and that I would have to live with the deformity. He wrote me a prescription for physical therapy, handed me back my MRI disc (which he didn't even review, or keep a copy of for my file) and sent me on my way. The visit was less than 5 minutes.
I'm being refered to a different orthopedic surgeon to obtain a second opinion. My appointment is next Tuesday.
The bruising is almost gone. Most of the pain I have is in the forearm area, with tightness at the inner bend and towards the bicep. I'll post up after my next appointment and let you all know what I am told.
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2008/06/18, 08:30 AM
cuffs, i could understand not repairing a proximal rupture.. but seek out a 2nd or 3rd opinion, at 40 yrs old you'd be better off getting it fixed.. i would try to see a sports ortho.. it'll be worth it in the long run..
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2008/06/18, 04:50 PM
Yeah, this is definitely a distal rupture and not a proximal. The first ortho advertises himself as being a sports ortho, but I found he mainly treats knees and shoulders. The next one I go to is supposed to be more of a sports ortho. However, I located two sports orthos who have worked on olympic athletes, college and pro football and baseball players. I think one of them will be my best bet.
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Quoting from bitsmith2k:
cuffs, i could understand not repairing a proximal rupture.. but seek out a 2nd or 3rd opinion, at 40 yrs old you'd be better off getting it fixed.. i would try to see a sports ortho.. it'll be worth it in the long run..
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2008/06/18, 05:04 PM
cuffs, good luck.. the quicker you get it repaired the better.. the healing process is a pain..
i guess it would depend on how active you are and what you do for work, what kind of insurance coverage you have too could also lead him to tell you not to get it fixed..
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2008/06/22, 07:27 PM
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Quoting from denzee:
Hi i am a 55 year old dude who doesn't act his age. I just ruptured my distal bicep tendon. Doc. is doing surgery friday. He said the rupture was dangerously close to a main nerve for my hand. I'm scared,.... this doc. was a cleveland indians sports ortho. doctor. So I think he is a good bet. :surprised:
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well it is sunday, I had surgery friday for this distal bicep tendon. The pain is not bad, but I am relieved it is reconnected. I couldn't live with a gimpy arm. I advise anyone out there who ripped this bicep tendon to get it fixed. I am very glad it is on the mend. I need my arm. I am an electrician. My doc. is one of the leaders in this field. If you are wondering about it and a doctor says it is not serious and don't get surgery to fix it. Then get another doctor. Cause if you don't get it fixed you will surely regret it.:big_smile:
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2008/06/24, 03:37 PM
I saw my new orthopedic surgeon today and what a difference in professionalism and opinion. He took the time to review my MRI, check my arm, questions about my history and what it is that I do for a living, and came to the conclusion that surgery would be my best bet. He also gave me options of not having it repaired and advised of what could be expected if it wasn't. He also advised of the problems that surgery could run into, such as the possiblity of nerve damage. The Doc showed me what type of incision that would be used and to what down time to expect.
I haven't said before, but I am a police officer and I am assigned to an aggressive unit that targets street gangs and particular criminal acts of significance. I am also a member of SWAT, which is physically challenging and requires frequent fitness exams. So, it is very important for my arm to be fixed as best as possible. Otherwise, I can be shelved and assigned to a much lesser role with my agency, and I'm just not ready to be put to pasture, so to speak.
I'll post up when my surgery gets closer. I should be called with a date later today.
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2008/06/25, 08:48 AM
best of luck cuffs.. i'd imagine you'd be pushin a pencil, doing paper work for close to 12 weeks.. good thing is the re-repture rate is small, and from everything i've been told the tendon heals 100%..
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2008/06/26, 01:48 AM
Hello again
I'm now at 7 1/2 weeks after surgery. Cast is off and I've started physiotherapy. The tendon is re-attached fully and I will be able to take full weight on the arm at 8 weeks, I just won't have the strength to do it.
Things are going well but its going to be a while before I gain the strength back in my arm, but at least I will be able to get it back. No surgery = 40% loss of strength in that arm with little hope of regaining it.
Whatever you do don't leave the surgery too long. After 3-4 weeks the tendon starts to be reabsorbed into your body and they have to remove a tendon (partial achilles) from your leg to complete the surgery, with a smaller rate of success.
Its frustrating to have a weak arm (not to mention a skinny flabby arm) but it will all come back I'm told. Just find good people and listen to them. A wise man has many councillors.
Someone asked about supplements. The Orthopedic Surgeon didn't mention anything, but my research and talking to my Chiropractor brought up a substance called methylsulphinydemethane (MSM). It had the added benefit of making my fingernails and hair grow in better and it got rid of chronic heartburn that I was dealing with. Of course if your not dealing with a sulfate deficiency the results won't be as pronounced but it is a water soluble supplement and very safe to take (look it up). If you try it for 2 to 4 weeks and it does nothing, stop taking it.
Hope this helps.
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2008/06/26, 02:02 AM
I just joined this site because of the great dicussions Ive read relating to my injury.
I am 28yrs old and an ex college football player still very active in a variety of physical activity. Working out and lifting weights are a part of me.
About 4 weeks ago I tore the long head of my bicep tendon completely during a water sking accident. At first, all I noticed was swelling and lots of bruising. There was hardly any pain so I carried on with my activties moderatly. I few weeks later everything seemed ok besides the popeye bulge that I now have. I went to a Ortho Surgen and he acknowledged that I have torn my long head. He swore up and down that it did not need to be fixed, and that was that. He said that i don't need it and would never know the difference. I have a hard time accepting this.
Again I am only 28 and live to push the limits of physical activity. I have hesitated to start lifing hard again, so I havent put the bicep to the test yet.
Do I seek a second opinion, or is the best option to take the non-surgery route? Also, what kind of time line do I have to get this repaired?
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2008/06/27, 11:19 AM
relentless or anyone, if you want IM me and i'll give you a site with loads of info and discussion, i just dont want to spam the board with another site.. i'm 29, injured on apr 26, got fixed on the 27th.. just got out of my range of motion brace terday andyes wont be able to lift anything for 3 more weeks. the recovery and rehab protocal vary from surgeon to surgeon.. i've heard of guys doing lite weight curls at 4 wks, whereas i'm not going to be able to start until 12wks..
so fyi, i had 1 wk in a hard cast, like 2 in a range of motion brace locked at 90 degrees.. then another 6 in the rom opened up to give me active extension and passive flexion..
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2008/07/03, 05:49 PM
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Quoting from denzee:it has been about 3 weeks since injury. I had surgery, the bad news is... if you dont have insurance you will be looking at a 7000 dollar surgery bill. That is not including therapy and doctor visits. Mine was paid by workmans comp.
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2008/07/03, 09:44 PM
bitsmith2k, Why don't you just post it? That's what we're all here for.
I am amazed at the wide range of experiences. I don't like my doc cause he refuses to spend much time on Q&A, but at least he wasn't such a jackass as to tell me I don't need a bicep muscle.
I'm at 6 1/2 weeks (? May 14 surgery) and trying to stretch my arm out straight. I was finally authorized to lift 3 pounds at my last visit a little over a week ago. While at my job that this occured on, I carry around a tiny 2 pound dumbell and just let it hang. After a while it aches, I let go and flex, then repeat all through my shift. I can't understand someone being be able to take full weight on the arm at 8 weeks. Sounds dangerous. and painfull.
Everyone's saying they felt no pain when the injury occured. I heard 3 snaps and it felt like someone had punched me full on in the bicep. I had no bruising.
Now I have this really intense pain in the side of my hand, above the thumb and into my forearm, right on the edge, the bony part with no muscle. Really hurts if I extend my fist downward. Imagine pointing straight out, then rotating your index finger downward without moving your arm. That really hurts. Don't know if it's just a result of toting that dumbell around.
I'm just glad I didn't have a moron doc that likes crippling people with bad advice.
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2008/07/04, 09:21 AM
madwand, mine felt the same.. i describe it as a really good charlie horse in the arm.. though mine sounded like fabric tearing.. thought i just ripped my jersey until i looked down and my bicep was retracted up my arm..
the site is:
http://www.topix.com/forum/med/orthopaedic-surgery/TF4NG32PC4CQMUHSF
if you have the time read all the posts.. its cool to see other people at the same stage of recovery as yourself and how they're progressing..
mike
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2008/07/05, 01:13 PM
It has now been just over 6 weeks since my surgery. All in all it has been alot easier then I first thought or had heard about. I have not been wearing my brace for about 2 weeks now. I am still very careful with my arm I have started lite lifting on my uperbody now. I will work out on the machine benchpress and use very slow movements and very lite wieghts. Since my surgery I have been taking calcium, MSM, Glucosamine and Condrodine. I start Range of motion therapy in a week although I can almost straighten my arm all the way without any tightness.
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2008/07/05, 04:53 PM
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Quoting from bitsmith2k:
the site is:
http://www.topix.com/forum/med/orthopaedic-surgery/TF4NG32PC4CQMUHSF
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Much more useful info at that site, I must say. Except for some ignorant stuff like people sayin they were starting PT 4 days after surgery. But overall, it gives a terrific idea of where you stand in your progress.
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2008/07/07, 06:22 PM
I just joined this site in hopes of hearing about some other peoples experiences with this sort of injury. I believe I may have torn my distal biceps tendon this weekend when I was mugged but I am not in any sort of severe pain. My arm is bruised medially on the forearm near the ulna and is kind of "empty" just above the elbow. I thought I heard my shirt get torn but there are no tears anywhere on it so I think it may have been the tendon popping. Thats the bad.
The good is that I can still lift a few pounds in the arm, albeit much less than how much I could before the injury. I am also not in severe pain, Im taking ibuprofen but I could live without it. Were all of you in severe pain and unable to supinate and bend your arm? I am thinking that I might be able to do a curl solely because of the strength of my brachioradialis muscle but I am not sure. I am going to see an ortho on thursday to be sure about my options but I was just wondering if you guys had similar experiences. Could you bend your arm? Could you flip your forearm around to the palmar side?
Thanks guys.
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2008/07/08, 10:17 AM
Mine hurt like I got punched in the bicep. Not severe pain. The pain was more in my gut as I started panicking in the realization I had just done something major to myself. You can tell if it's torn cause your bicep no longer will slide up and down as you curl. Cause it can't work unless attached at both ends. I heard 3 distinct snaps and pops when mine tore. I was at work and tried to go back to putting some picture frames on a shelf, I couldn't even lift one 8X10 frame. The empty spot is normal, that's where your bicep is not any more.
Get ready to learn lots of physical actions with your other arm!
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2008/07/08, 11:04 AM
i could curl my arm, but no / very limited supination..
you should be able to use your good hand to feel the tendon.. bend you bad arm to 90 deg. and try to supinate your hand.. while doing this press the inside of your elbow.. if the tendons ruptured you wont feel it there
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2008/07/08, 09:51 PM
Thanks for the info guys. My bicep slides a little bit when I do curls and I can feel a tendon remnant still attached to my radius so Im thinking it may be a partial tear but who knows until I get to see the MRI or the ortho checks it. I can do curls with five pound weights but I used to be able to do sets with 45's in each arm so its a pretty big reduction in strength. Ill keep you guys in the loop. Good luck with your injuries.
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2008/07/09, 12:01 PM
My surgery date has been set for the 23rd. That is the soonest my doc could get me in. He gave me the option of filling in any cancellation he might have, but that would be less than a 24 hour notice and I can't do that. I go in for my pre-surgery consultation on the 17th and get my scripts for my meds and such. I'm gettting more and more anxious and a little nervous. I never had a surgical procedure before, but I trust this doc. I'm even going to ask him to give me some meds so I can sleep well the night before. Otherwise, I'm going to toss and turn all night.
I stopped lifting completely and have been running 3-4 miles a few times a week. I'm just trying to stay in some sort of condition, especially for post surgery. I've dumped 12 pounds since the date of my injury. The loss of muscle is depressing...lol.
dbizz...I hear you about the loss of strength. I was able to do sets with 75's in each arm, and I ruptured my tendon while using a 30. Now, I have some strength, but it is painful. I overused it the other day and my arm swelled up a little and ached for about 3 days. Supination is the worst part and I do have a little pain while trying to straighten my arm, mostly at the elbow and in the top portion of the forearm.
I'll try to post up after my pre-surgery consultation.
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2008/07/12, 06:46 AM
bitsmith2k, dbizzler, cuffs, and others... I hope this isn't uncool of me to suggest this, but come on over to topix.com: http://www.topix.com/forum/med/orthopaedic-surgery/TF4NG32PC4CQMUHSF
We have many people posting there about this injury and get into lots of good arguments about how to approach rehab. Sometimes there are 10 or 15 posts or more per day. I'm a little over six weeks post-op after partially tearing my distal biceps tendon probably twice and then rupturing it completely after not listening to what my arm was telling me.
dbizzler... Sorry to see how you got yours hurt... but I hope that you've STOPPED DOING CURLS. I know it's hard to give it a rest, but it doesn't take much to rupture the tendon completely after a partial tear. Trust me, I know from experience/stupidity.
cuffs... Surgery is a breeze. One second you're talking to the anesthesiologist about random crap and then the next second they're unhooking you from the equipment, and the procedure is done. And you feel good because they've given you tranquilizers and pain killers and all sorts of fun stuff. (Oh, and by the way, request NOT to have a nerve block.) You never even know what happened to you. You may feel some pain a few hours later, but you'll have Vicodin or Percocet or the like to help deal with that. Overall, the pain isn't bad and goes away almost completely after only a day or two.
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2008/07/12, 07:08 AM
cuffs... I forgot to mention, the more active you can stay, the better. You can do cardio and work legs and abs within a couple of days after surgery. It will keep you sane and will also stimulate circulation that will help your tendon heal.
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2008/07/16, 11:35 PM
Yo,
Surgery went well. The doc squeezed me in pretty quickly and said the tendon was waiting right there for him meaning it hadn't retracted. It was a complete tear by the way. Pretty shocking how little such a serious injury can hurt. I guess all of the pain sensors were just yanked away. Im casted up and the pain from the surgery is pretty much gone. No nerve block or nerve damage. The doc said a stationary bike and leg lifts are cool but to stay away from breaking too much if a sweat mainly due to the risk of infection. Good luck guys.
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2008/07/17, 05:01 AM
dbizzler... It's amazing how different we all are. When I had my total rupture, it hurt like a m****rf****r. Glad to to see that you escaped surgery without nerve damage (so did I) -- many people aren't so lucky. I was in a splint for the first eight days and, although I live in a fairly sweaty place (Central Valley of CA, where temp in summer can exceed 110 deg), I had no problem with infection. By eight days, when I had the splint and stitches removed and full cast emplaced, the incisions were essentially fully healed. I started heavy cardio exercise (on StairMaster) at nine days post-op; you won't be allowed to run for at least several weeks. Please check out topix.com (http://www.topix.com/forum/med/orthopaedic-surgery/TF4NG32PC4CQMUHSF ). A lot of experienced people post there daily (I'm only seven weeks post-op), and we can all help you work through the questions or problems you encounter in the coming days.
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2008/09/02, 09:24 PM
just a question?
I am 53 yo male who worked out regularly until I hurt myself about a 18 months ago (alot of pain in the forearm area}I visited a ortho surgeon who saw swelling and a little black and blueing. He took xrays and they were negative. He felt that if I was feeling improvement week to week I should leave it be. After constant setbacks and weakness in my arm (40% loss of strenth) I am still feel alot of pain. Today I visited a different ortho surgeon and he is sending me for a MRI and a nerve damage test. He said my bicep is atthophed.He also feels that I might have a ruptured bicep tendon. My questions are
1- If surgery is needed at this late stage what am I looking at as to sucess rate?
2- As to surgery and what will my recovery be like?
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2008/09/05, 01:34 AM
bullet1000 -- How did you hurt your arm? Did you notice a that a gap formed between your biceps and elbow crease? Did you have extensive bruising on your forearm? Do you notice that your biceps doesn't move when you flex the arm? These are symptoms of distal biceps tendon rupture. A late repair can be done with a graft, but only a doctor can tell you for sure if it's possible. Your first doctor should have ordered an MRI, as an X-ray won't reveal soft tissue damage. Make sure that you speak to a surgeon who specializes in elbows, as distal biceps ruptures are uncommon. You might have to go to a large city for this.
Check out this site: http://tendonsurgeryinfo.com/distalbiceps/index.php
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2008/09/05, 06:49 AM
brjoy - Thany you for taking the time to write to me an danswer my questions.I was warming up my daughter(softball pitcher)and she threw a pitch that i had to turn the glove competly aron in the opposite direction to avoid taking it on the ankle.I I was in immediate and substantial pain with a burning feeling inside my arm.I do have a space which can be noticed whe I try to use a lat machine.Idid have swelling and a black and blue to the area. I had a MRI yesterday and a nerve test for today .I will keep you posted with the results. thanks again t
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