Lance's Doctors Discuss Surgery Post-Op

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by mcbride74 on March 26, 2009 at 6:24 AM

This is just a bump in the road in your return. (Pardon the pun- couldn't resist!)Seriously--Hope all heals quickly and completely, Lance! Keep inspiring and empowering us with your personal strength & determination!
-Shannon McBride
Florence, AL

by pmcm11l on March 26, 2009 at 10:11 AM

Hey Lance! Tongue in cheek, I describe myself as a high level recreational
cyclist for my age. Post 8 yrs of tris, I am now in my fifth year of cycling exlusively. The learning curve was initially ragged: two fractured clavicles,
one concussion, much road rash. In the last three years, upright, climbing and descending w/o incident. But being 61 years and 2 weeks old, healing is slow, as I came to learn early in this decade. You have been an inspiration for cancer survivor's as well as those who esteem extraordinary focus and determination in others. Long winded way of coming to the point: focus on healing, straight arm away impatience, embrace your sense of humor, spin in place, and envision the starting line in July, fit hungry and ready to rock! paul s. san sierra hill jose

by kevlam21 on March 26, 2009 at 11:08 AM

Don't oxygen tents help heal quicker?

by friloux on March 26, 2009 at 12:48 PM

un petit bonjour de la france , en te souhaitant un bon et rapide r?blissement
go lance

by hmbmd on March 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM

Should have had a carbon fiber plate inserted for maximum weight advantage!!

by JackedUpOldMan on March 26, 2009 at 3:10 PM

The sooner you are cleared by your staff to ride the faster your fx should heal. this is due to collateral blood flow.
Good Luck!!!! Plan on on you overcoming this!!

by wingwitt on March 26, 2009 at 3:17 PM

Having had shoulder surgery resulting from a cycling accident last June, I so sympathize, Lance. DO WHAT THE DOCTORS, AND LATER, THE PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, TELL YOU. You'll be back in form faster than you think. Hang in there!

by marcysummer on March 26, 2009 at 4:59 PM

Unfortunately accidents and injuries are all part of what we do. You have a great team of docs to put you back together. I wish you the best Lance. It is great following your exploits.

by annetics on March 26, 2009 at 5:27 PM

hey lance, you can put one of those bouncy gym balls on your handlebars, and rest your hands on the ball, to take some of the pressure off of your clavicle when you first get back on the trainer. rest up.
-anne

by cfcotton on March 26, 2009 at 7:09 PM

by Mermaidztail7 on March 26, 2009 at 8:51 PM

As a fellow cyclist, my prayers are with you! We all know that you are a trooper and that you will do the best that you can do.. Please rest and take care of yourself! I wish you the best!
God Bless!
Cathe James
Cypress, CA

by Fx_This on March 26, 2009 at 9:18 PM

It's a Synthes LCP Plate. I'm not too fond of the interview with the surgeons. Clavicle Fx typically take 1:30 to fix, this taking 3-4 hrs questions what they acutally did during that time. 10 Screws seems like a lot, but I understand the importance they put on his career and stress to the Fx when riding. Simply put, I feel for Lance and the Fx in what he is attempting to do as a comeback. I do; however, not care for the BS the surgeons put forward.

by ctnz72 on March 27, 2009 at 2:16 AM

Broke my clavicle a year ago and just had the plate removed so I know a bit about these injuries. The scar takes time to heal, then you need to get mobility back in the shoulder. Get some back massages as your shoulder muscles will try to compensate and get knotted. You'll also have nerve damage and probably always have some numbness in the area. Sleep is also a problem especially if you usually sleep on that side. I'm trying to be positive for you but giving you a heads up from personal experience. PS: Good luck with your recovery - it was good to see you race in Adelaide!

by alfass on March 27, 2009 at 6:18 AM

Lance,
Just about thru with my clavicle break, titanium plate and 8 screws. Doing great at 8 weeks and I am 57 and not near the athlete as yourself. I'm back to snatching 44lb. kettlebells and have full motion. Back to group rides and hope to see you at Philly. LiveStrong, thanks for all you do!

by yoslater on March 27, 2009 at 7:07 AM

Hey Lance,

I now you have a team of doctors advising you on what to take etc. There is a Japanese wellness company called Nikken that has a product called OsteoDenx. It is an all natural bone health management capsule that will increase your bone healing process. Many testimonials and published reports if you want them. Check them out and get back on the bike and win the Tour again! (http://tinyurl.com/ahealthyme)

by barbetty on March 27, 2009 at 7:08 AM

Best wishes for a rapid and complete recovery - we don't want the French here to think you threw yourself down to avoid the TDF !!

by kathytam on March 27, 2009 at 7:36 AM

Lance. We wish you all the best. Me and my husband really look up to you. Please rest up - and ride the tour man. Its been a long few summers without you. We need you back.
-Kathy Tam
Laguna Niguel, CA

by mens-onsite on March 27, 2009 at 8:21 AM

You now Lance what happend in vallencia you broke your collebone and you won the tour for the first time in 1999 so i wish you you good luck .

Ron Jongen

by jacklig on March 27, 2009 at 8:28 AM

eh lance. i broke my collar bone and wrist on my bike last year. and the pain was intense. so tour and giro aside i hope you are as comfortable as possible and heal up without complications.

by guren on March 27, 2009 at 10:04 AM

Hi Lance,

All the best from Brittany in France, you're the best, you will win once more!

steph

by Wolfpod on March 27, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Lance, You're an inspiration to so many of us average recreational cyclists. With the best medical team at your disposal, you'll be competing again in no time. Check with your MD's regarding the use of an external bone stimulation device to expedite the healing of the fracture. They work great!! I didn't hear the docs mention this in this interview. Good Luck and God's Speed!!

Wolfpod-Yorktown, VA

by GREAVESSMITH on March 27, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Not to lay any blame , but you got me into cycling.
5 weeks ago I bust my elbow in 2 spots, now you have joined me.( though I suspece you didn't have to wait 7.5 hours in emergeny to get seen!)
I have a large event planned in july ( 200 mile Seattle to portland) , so do you.

I plan on using the extra "rest" as an incentive to come back fresh in July when it matters....i hope in some screwed-up way , it works out that way for you as well.

by Russhrew62 on March 27, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Lance, we were so excited to hear that you were planning to ride "Le Tour" again and equally as devestated to learn of the injury. However, after a little time to reflect we figured that this would just make you stronger and more determined (if that were possible!!) Here's hoping for a full and speedy recovery.
Good luck from Russ & Shirley T. Shrewsbury, U.K.

by aghardy on March 27, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Hey Lance
back to the apples again mate, we'll see you in Paris on the winners Podium anounced last but first. Good luck for a speedy recovery
Allan & Heather Hardy
Lytham St. Annes
England

by mr_positive on March 27, 2009 at 12:25 PM

Hi Lance, we are supporting you all the way. Sorry that the fracture turned out to be more complex than originally thought. I recall that Andy Hampsten won the Alp de Huez in the Tour de France and still managed to be among the top leaders even after breaking his collarbone in a previous tour. I understand that he was in excruciating pain and still went on, so I am hoping that you will be able to compete in the next tour with several months to recover, unlike what Hampsten had. I'm sure you can do it like he did.

by sclerodermadave on March 27, 2009 at 12:31 PM

Lance,
If you really want to win another " Le Tour DE France", Just do it......
Oct 28, 2008 I was hit going to work. This is the sixth time being hit.
I quit cycling and move from Columbia, South Carolina to Lowell, Michigan.
I am cycling again. Get back on your bicycle like you've told me and battle
Scleroderma and 29 plus chronic and fatal diseases. Just do it!

Respectful,

David Israel Brown

by stewkelly on March 27, 2009 at 12:46 PM

Hi Lance, Gave a tweet wishing you a successful surgery and rapid healing earlier on. I just wanted to let you know you are still in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there Bud, you've faced greater challenges before and conquered them all.
Stew Kelly
Sound Beach, NY

by FOLGORE5 on March 27, 2009 at 2:07 PM

CIAO LANCE , I AM YOUR ITALIAN FAN OF ROME , I WANT SEE YOU IN ITALY TO SAN MARTINO DI CASTROZZA AT MAY 12 TO THE GIRO D'ITALIA ....I WANT MEET YOU YOU ARE THE BEST !! STRENGHT AND HONOUR LANCE , WHEN A VERY GLADIATOR !! Francesco Quintiliani ( Rome )

by Masterlucas on March 27, 2009 at 2:16 PM

hi Lance
i wish u the best about surgery, i hope that u will win the giro d'Italia, i was so happy to see you in the Milan-Sanremo last week, and i really wish you the best, you seems like you come from another planet, believe me and the power will be with you as usual
Luca Castiglione
from Vibo Valentia - Italy
lcasti@libero.it

by burncoose on March 27, 2009 at 4:07 PM

by jbrizzi on March 27, 2009 at 8:44 PM

Lance, I know how I have felt when I've been injured, but at your level, I can hardly fathom the frustration of this incident. If I could carry some of this burden for you, I would. Instead, I will dedicate my training to you, vow to push myself harder when you can't, and I will keep my hope that you are able to heal in time to accomplish this goal. No matter what, you are our inspiration and we love you! If there is anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask. When you ride, we ride with you, and we know that you ride for us all.

by crisss on March 29, 2009 at 11:34 AM

You can still do it Lance. No doubt about it !!!
When you don't ride the Tour de France, it is uninteresting !
Please have a good rest and take very good care of you. We are waiting for you in France !
Cheer up, we help you Lance !

by Lindseyc1973 on March 29, 2009 at 6:10 PM

Lance
I hope that your rehab goes well, and you can return to racing as soon as possible. You are truly an inspiration to everyone, with not only your racing, but also your cancer foundation.
Lindsey Charles
Hutchinson, Ks.

by kmuller12 on March 31, 2009 at 6:58 AM

The power of suggestion is stronger than you think. The mind can heal the body but only if you are truly focused. Great reading suggestion for you is " The Cure Within" by Anne Harrington. Also, don't be too hard on yourself, the body speaks to you through injury and dis-ease.
K. Albers
Leadville, CO

by StefanKormylo on April 8, 2009 at 2:36 PM

Lance,
You inspired me to stay on my bike despite kidney failure and five years of dialysis waiting for a transplant. I got what I was waiting for and so will you. The dark days will make your victory even sweeter. Remember you have already won the only race that really counts.
Stefan Kormylo, Edinburgh Scotland.