This blog is submitted with permission from my wife to help educate the cycling community. She has this! And she is scheduled to have surgery this Tuesday.Dot had been complaining since an ICUP race in July that her right leg was getting numb and painful when she would run or bike. Then this week it would hurt when she would even try to walk fast for a few minutes. When this happened her right foot would turn completely white. She went to a sports doc yesterday and had an Ultrasound that showed an Arterial clot in her Iliac artery! Today she had the angiogram shown below. The ends of the paper clip show where there should be signs of the contrast in the artery but there is nothing. That section will need to be bypassed by a graft.
Apparently, this is a relatively new condition being found predominantly in intense cyclists that is becoming more prevalent as there are more people taking up the sport. The theory is that the constant bending at the waste causes repeat trauma to the artery and it begins to scar. Scarring then narrows the artery limiting flow and also sets up increased clotting risk. Signs to watch for is exercise induced pain and numbness to the leg with some loss of capillary refill (color). In the end stages diminished pulses than the other side are possible.
Dot is being a sport about it but the frustration shows. Her frustration is that by doing all the right things such as exercise, diet, and no smoking she gets a major health problem before she would have if she didn't stay "healthy". Not fair. Is it?
The recovery from surgery has generally been 90-100% to full activity with some athletes returning to full competition. But as Dot said at the end of last season- she is retiring from racing. Was her mind and body telling her something then?
I love you, dear!
14 comments:
Was it caused by the EPO? Just kidding.
Wow, not good. Dot, I hope you heal well and fast.
And Karl, you're back still in a bad way? Man, double whammy.
Hard times at the Vizmeg Estate. At least it is winter and not spring, summer, or fall. Hope you both heal more quickly than expected.
Thanks for the kind words. It was good I didn't leave for the Temecula race this weekend.
Dot and Karl....this sucks! My XC skiing partner and biking pal is laid up for a bit. Let me know if I can help out. Take care and know I am sending lots of good, positive energy your way. Tasha
Lyna has had 2 years down time due to Sacro Iliac problems along with sciatica. Just now getting back on the bike, no clots in MRI's/scans etc found. Of course she just messed up her calve kick boxing, 'Tennis Calf' is the laymans term.
Question, Does Dot do balancing exercise? I expect yes, but just interested, you know, ab exercise AND lower back, leg presses or similar for full Leg strength etc...????
Bob,
She is the queen of cross-training. Have you seen her soon to be cut into six pack? I agree that core is critical and I need to do more of it, but not Dot.
Total suckage! It'll be over before you know it though and you'll be kicking butt. Karl, I hope Bob hasn't seen Dot's sixpack.
This is not good. I hope the surgery goes well. I have seen Dot's six pack, she definitely does not need any core work. BTW you know she has a race in May, is she still going to be able to do it? Let me know if I can help in any way.
Kendra
We are here for you.
Edd & Ellen
That's really scary and thanks for getting the word out. Just sad that Dot's being the poster child. Hope all goes well and recovery is quick.
Dot, best wishes and I hope you can recover soon.
Very bad news. Hope surgery goes well and recovery is full. Hang in there, Dot!
Sorry to hear this. I hope all goes well. I'm sure she's strong enough to overcome any obstacle.
Was wondering how your wife is now and what the outcome was. I think I have the same problem and am worried I will have to stop cycling and running.
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