Cycling with an abscess/while sick

[lacyliz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the middle of treatment for a tooth abscess . Actually on antibiotics right now so the swelling is somewhat down and am going to the oral surgeon in Friday for a procedure to remove the abscess, root etc.

Is it safe to cycle while going through some of this (of course, if I'm in pain I will stop)- I just don't know if intense exercise has the ability to make the infection flair up or get worse. Any experience out theer with this issue or another around illness and cycling? Thanks in advance for your help Liz

[KnottedYet]

I wouldn't do it simply because acute tooth and jaw issues mess with your balance, sometimes in very subtle ways that can have a detrimental effect on the bike.

Knot-has-far-too-many-tooth-and-jaw-problems

[LBTC]

Good point, Knot! I hadn't thought of that!

Seems like some light spinning on the trainer would be alright, but I bet you don't want to raise your heartrate too much.

Good luck with the surgery!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[nebiker]

I would say check with the doc's before you do anything. BF had wisdom teeth out a while ago, and that prevented him from doing any exercise for a while at the request of the doc.

[Kalidurga]

And LBTC makes a good point of not raising your heart rate. The last time I had dental work done, I did strenuous exercise the next day. The increase in my heart rate made the area around my tooth throb very painfully. For that reason alone, you may want to stick with very gentle exercise until you're healed.

[lacyliz]

Thanks, everyone - I know you're right. It's just that the weather has just turned warmer here and I'm itching to start cycling on the road regularly again . Well, there is more good weather coming - better safe than sorry as my mother used to say. Hope to be up and pedaling again shortly...

[whippetgirl]

I will pitch in my 2cents as a dentist....
Without a health history and knowing your particular situation, it is hard to give and get direct advice about a case like this.
Remember, however, that you do have an infection. This is a "stress" on your body, so if you choose to exercise (which should be okay if your health history is clear) keep it moderate and don't overdo it.
When you go to bed, sometimes it helps to prop up your head on a couple of pillows to keep comfortable and get a good night's sleep. Has your doctor prescribed any anti-inflammatory medication? (e.g. ibuprofen).
Finally, you will most likely be given post-operative instructions by your doctor following whatever procedure is done. Read them and follow them for an uneventful recovery! Best wishes and speedy healing.
Don't forget to eat well and drink fluids for proper healing, too.

[momof4greatkids]

+1 to Whippet, and I defer to your expertise as a dentist.

I would add that the infection, especially one large enough to result in an abscess, puts a stress on your body and increases your metabolic demands. You will tire more easily than if you were healthy. I'd just do easy spinning, no hard intervals or hills, stay well hydrated and take it real easy. You're obviously an intelligent woman, listen to your body and just do overdo it. I don't think you have to completely refrain from cycling, though.

Colleen (RN)

[lacyliz]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks, wippetgirl- great to hear from a dentist. I had my apicoectomy done yesterday and am now recovering from that. According to my Endodontist, cycling is Ok starting 48 hours afterward as long as I feel Ok and don't push especially hard (as he said, no centuries tomorrow) but some moderate exercise is fine). I'm taking ibuprophen - was given Vicoden if I needed it but haven't. I have a very clean health history- really no other medical issues (Thank God). Hopefully I'll be climbing those hills in a week or so. Until then, I'll take it slow. Thanks so much everyone!

[whippetgirl]

Great to hear you are doing well. You'll be back on the bike in no time!
Rosellen.