[EME]

5-6 months until I'll be released to train on my own again.

The doc says 90% of the healing occurs in the first 8 weeks after surgery.. but then it takes a lot of rehab to get the muscle back to the point that you can train regularly again.

- EME

Originally Posted by 2Ripped4U

Any idea until its healed? few months at least I expect

[2Ripped4U]

Originally Posted by EME

5-6 months until I'll be released to train on my own again.

The doc says 90% of the healing occurs in the first 8 weeks after surgery.. but then it takes a lot of rehab to get the muscle back to the point that you can train regularly again.

- EME

wow, sorry to hear that long of time, I coulden't imagine how much that must've hurt

[SoMdHunter]

Dayum EME! I would have thought as far as you were into your routine, you would have had no problem. I mean, one would think that by your 3rd set everything would be all lubed up and ready.
I also lift with DB's, and only just started to do the BB Benchpress. I had originally set myself a goal of 100lb dbs by Christmas, but I encounter tennis elbow which has set me back. So like you, I'm slowly increasing the weights again.
Anyway, thanks for the information, and I hope you have a very speedy recovery. You have the build I am trying to attain, so I'll be careful to avoid injuries as best as I can.

[Peaked_18]

When do you start rehab?

[EME]

Hey Peaked,

My next appointment with my Ortho doc is Jan. 27th.

If things are looking good at that point, I'll get to take the sling off, and he'll start me on rehab.

Also, at that point, I should be able to start doing some leg work and seated cardio, but no upper body other than the rehab.

I'm going to approach the rehab sessions like training sessions. I'm sure it will be tough, and probably painful, but I'm going to think of it like I'm training for a competition, and keep the goal in mind with every exercise they have me do.

- EME

Originally Posted by Peaked_18

When do you start rehab?

[EME]

I really had no indication on the day it happened that anything was wrong.. no tightness, no hint of pain or soreness, nothing until it tore.

As for your progresssion.. just take it slow. Wait to move up in weight until you can get solidly get your target reps and sets with no assistance.

Then, make small jumps.. I'd recommend 5 lb jumps at a time with dumbbells in most cases.

For me, I had already been at these weights previously and was just trying to get back to them again after laying off for a while. For this reason, I thought I could probably progress upward more quickly, but that was a bad decision. I was basically going up 10 lbs per week with my top weights, and it probably should have been 5lbs at the most. Lesson Learned.

I will be taking it VERY slow when I'm cleared to return.

In fact, I'll probably stay with the Hammer Strength and Life Fitness machines for the first month back at least, just to get used to moving weight again.

- EME

Originally Posted by SoMdHunter

Dayum EME! I would have thought as far as you were into your routine, you would have had no problem. I mean, one would think that by your 3rd set everything would be all lubed up and ready.
I also lift with DB's, and only just started to do the BB Benchpress. I had originally set myself a goal of 100lb dbs by Christmas, but I encounter tennis elbow which has set me back. So like you, I'm slowly increasing the weights again.
Anyway, thanks for the information, and I hope you have a very speedy recovery. You have the build I am trying to attain, so I'll be careful to avoid injuries as best as I can.

[Peaked_18]

Originally Posted by EME

Hey Peaked,

My next appointment with my Ortho doc is Jan. 27th.

If things are looking good at that point, I'll get to take the sling off, and he'll start me on rehab.

Also, at that point, I should be able to start doing some leg work and seated cardio, but no upper body other than the rehab.

I'm going to approach the rehab sessions like training sessions. I'm sure it will be tough, and probably painful, but I'm going to think of it like I'm training for a competition, and keep the goal in mind with every exercise they have me do.

- EME

Sounds good, hopefully you can start rehab soon. I remember tearing my hamstring one year in baseball when I was about 12. Rehab was pretty tough, sucks when you struggle to lift 1 lb. I hope all goes well and you hit rehab asap.

[EME]

Wow, Holy Atrophy Batman.

I can't believe how fast I have lost size and weight as a result of this.

It's been just over three weeks since the injury and a little over 2 weeks since surgery and I'm currently down 15 lbs from my pre-injury weight.

I measured my Right Arm last night and it is already down 1 inch from my pre-injury measurement, and it isn't even the immobilized arm! My Left Arm is significantly smaller than my Right since it isn't being used at all.

My chest, shoulders, back, everything really, is already much smaller.

My doc told me to expect this, and also that the muscle will all come back.... but it's mentally pretty difficult.

Unfortunately, bodyfat is going up too from the lack of activity.

So, I'm going to basically switch to a cutting diet with extra BCAA and nutrient supplementation.

I'm going to keep Protein high, start back on my fat burners, and reduce my cals somewhat.

If I'm going to be a LOT smaller, I at least want to be lean. I definitely don't want to be small AND fat, LOL.

I'm really looking forward to being able to do some cardio and legs next month. Just being able to have some activity is definitely going to help.

- EME

[Hybrid]

Like the doctor said it will all come back.

Really sucks though man. Hope you get better quicker than usual!

[Trick D]

You will get it back... the mind will play dirty tricks on you when you look in the mirror... And we are talking about EME here aren't we? We know you will be back at the top of the game in no time!

[EME]

Thanks guys.....

Didn't mean to sound depressed..( just re-read my post ). I'm doing fine.
I understand what's happening and I know it will come back.

Really, I'm just amazed how fast the atrophy is occuring. My left arm looks NOTHING like it did 3 three weeks ago.

It will probably be the same way on the rebound though too. I bet I look bigger every day when I can start training again.

It's just amazing how fast the body can change.

- EME

Originally Posted by Trick D

You will get it back... the mind will play dirty tricks on you when you look in the mirror... And we are talking about EME here aren't we? We know you will be back at the top of the game in no time!

[Sky9]

Originally Posted by EME

It's just amazing how fast the body can change.

- EME

You're exactly right EME, it is amazing how fast the body can change, and heal. You'll be back in no time, just take it day to day like you are doing with your diet, you're going to live to lift another day. Get well soon bud.

[SoMdHunter]

Hang in there bro. I know what it feels like to feel like you are shrinking away. Long story but 3 years ago I was down to 147lbs due to a serious sickness.

You'll get back into it, and man o man it will feel good to!

[EME]

Thanks guys.

I feel like I have said this 1000 times, but it really does feel good to have everyone's support.

Next month will mark 21 years of training for me, and in all that time, I have never taken off 3 weeks. I guess it's starting to get to me.

But, as I said in an earlier post, I know I have been blessed with a lot of very good things in life, and my issues are very minor compared to the problems of others.

I know that in no time I will be back to doing what I love again.

That said, it really does help to know you guys are following along with me, and to know I have your encouragement along the way.

Thanks again,

- EME

[Old Navy]

Hang in there, Michael. Take the time your body needs. You are a Professional Bodybuilder. You will compete again. We are your support team. You have a good fan base.

[Lift]

Originally Posted by Old Navy

Hang in there, Michael. Take the time your body needs. You are a Professional Bodybuilder. You will compete again. We are your support team. You have a good fan base.

[EME]

Thanks guys.

Much appreciated, as always.

- EME