Off the Sidelines

The broken finger has been quite the adventure.  I learned a lot and have a new appreciation for being able to do everyday tasks with my hands.

The splint came off 3 weeks after surgery (4 weeks after injury), but the pins stayed in.   I couldn’t believe how stiff the fractured finger AND my pinky finger got.  It was a real eye-opener how hazardous immobilization can be, even when required as in this case.  Got the pins removed 4 weeks after surgery (5 weeks after injury).  No, it didn’t hurt – surprisingly so.

As soon as they were out I started riding again, just short 20 mile rides.  The hand hurts with weight on it, especially over bumps.  Pulling the brake handle makes me cringe.  And the Arizona summer heat swells up the hand plenty.  But, the riding itself is a thing of beauty.   Sure feels good to get back in the saddle.

For the last 2 weeks I’ve been going to physical therapy, which involves heat application and then prolonged moderate stretching.  Repeating this process frequently at home has led to good progress so far.  I’d say those joints are now more than 90% functional, and my range of motion is close to 100%.  Sporadic aches and swelling happen all the time, which the doc says is normal.   Doc says the bone is now 80% healed, and my range of motion is way ahead of normal schedule – good to hear.

Incidentally, my physical therapist is a renowned local athlete.  Used to be an elite amateur Cat 2 racer, regularly finishing in the top echelons of big local races (El Tour de Tucson, Tour de Scottsdale, etc.).  He now is an elite distance runner, placing very near the top in local marathons.  Although he is completely out of my league as an athlete, I thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with him – doing the therapy and talking bicycles and track in parallel.

The Surly is currently in the shop.  The front derailleur is being replaced (spring fractured), and I decided to get the rear cassette and chain replaced as well.   Jack and I just might get in a short tour this fall after all.