Fractured Pubic Bone

[PaulaC]

Does anyone have advice? >I fractured my pubic bone, and after lots of xrays, bone scans and MRIs, my doctor said I basically have to wait for it to heal. He said I can ride and exercise, but to "listen to my body." If it hurts a lot, then I should stop. Anyway, I've tried a few different saddles, I've avoided riding (yuk), I'm doing physical therapy, I'm icing when swollen, I'm taking Ibupropen, etc, etc. My hips, inner/outer thighs, pelvic area and lower back get very sore after physical activity. My doctor said these symptoms are because of the injury. He said all your muscles and tendons are attached to this area, so it hurts all around it. >I'm "allowed" to use my body, but the soreness and pain is a bummer. This started in December 2002, and now it's October 2003 and I'm frustrated. The doctor said this is a common injury, and that it takes a really LONG time to heal. Any comments or advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
Paula

[pedalfaster]

Having only broken "minor" bones, I can only offer sympathy.

What other forms of exercise can you do? I'm thinking it's important that you still get your daily dose of endorphins! Would swimming do the trick? I'm in the pool a lot when injured.

Good luck and best wishes.

[Veronica]

I second the swimming advice. You might also try a water aerobics class. What a bummer. Hang in there.

Veronica

[PaulaC]

Thanks for the comments and warm wishes. Yes, I started swimming back in March. I swim a least 5-days per week. I also lift weights (upper body), exercise my ABS, and walk too.
Thanks again!
Paula

[Dogmama]

Can you ride a recumbent at a gym? No weight on the public bone, but exercise for the legs...

Just a thought.

[annie]

Paula,

I broke my pelvic bone a little over two years ago. Not being at all a medical person, I don't know if that is quite the same bone as you broke. I broke the part of the bone that is shaped like an oval. I broke it in two places, exactly opposite of each other. I had no surgery. I was told it would heal on it's own, which it did. Right after it happened, I could not walk. The pain was very severe, from both the break and tissue damage and trauma. I was on crutches and could put NO weight on the leg on that side at all for a couple weeks. After that, it improved slowly, but it kept improving. I was back at work within 4 weeks, hobbling around on crutches. I went for walks with my crutches. I got out and moved as much as possible. Pretty soon I was down to one crutch. At 6 weeks after the crash, I got on my bike indoors and rode for about 5 minutes. It felt good just to do that! I had to climb on a stool to lift my leg over the bike, but it was worth it. By 8 weeks, I was able to go for short rides outside and it just got better from there. I had to get over my fear of falling again, but physically, things turned out well. No residual pain or effects from the break. I was extremely lucky. My point is....... unless your break is totally different from mine, I am surprised it is taking you so long to heal. Almost a year? That's a long time! Bones are supposed to heal in 6-8 weeks. Tissue damage about the same time unless there is some major damage going on. Have you thought about going to a different doctor and getting another opinion on what's going on? Maybe getting new advice on what would help you heal? Do you take any vitamin/mineral supplements? Do some more checking. Good luck! My thoughts are with you. Let us know how you are doing.

[DoubleLori]

The pubic bones make up the lower front part of the pelvis, i.e. in between the legs. The pelvis itself is composed of 6 bones (3 bones on each side that are fused together: ilium, ischium, and pubis). In between each half of the pelvis is the sacrum, which is part of the spinal column, and the pubic symphysis, which is a somewhat flexible attachment to allow for childbirth.

[karen_fish_bio]

I fractured my pelvis 3.5 years ago (april of 2000). I also had a massive head tramau, and my inability to walk was blamed on the head injury. It was about 9 months later that the fractures were found and another 9 months after that before I really was able to ride and run again. Eighteen moths before riding again!!! Here I am 3.5 years later and still struggling, things like tying my shoes are very hard, running is something I can do for 2 months and then all of a sudden it hurts so bad I am back on crutches....a few months off and I can run again. But the cycling has stayed with me....I love my bikes and they are teh only thing keeping me sane.


My advise: go easy in all aspects to allow for more riding time. Swim when even riding doesn't help. Don't give up and stay in therapee.

If I am struggling this bad to come back from a crash that happened to me as a 23 year old (27 now) I really wonder how the old ladies ever recover!
Karen

[annie]

[i]
If I am struggling this bad to come back from a crash that happened to me as a 23 year old (27 now) I really wonder how the old ladies ever recover!
Karen [/B]



Karen,

As a 48 yr. "old" woman, who crashed and had a broken pelvis at age 46, I can assure you we definitely heal and recover (See above post.) and come back better than ever.

[mtnsnowsnake]

Hi there,

I too badly cracked my tail bone during childbirth about 15 years ago. Although the bones technically healed, I've have recurrent problems with a "catch" feeling in my tail bone area ever since. AND I cannot sit for long periods of time without having to get up and stretch and move around. However, I find cycling hasn't been a problem so far. Being in the medial profession, I would follow what your doctor suggested and let your body tell you if and when its too much. I second the swimming and/or any other activities that would help strengthen your lower back/tailbone area without the stress. Go luck and hope your riding again soon.

LYnn