Elbow update

I went back in this afternoon for another round of x-rays, and time to chat with the orthopedist. Although he requested an "in-splint" x-ray, the brace covered the area to be seen, so I needed to remove it for a good shot.

This is a print of the x-ray (I need to remember to bring my camera with me next time), cropped:

The text was added by me. You can see where the bone spur I have tore away from the bone (That was the initial injury on 12/28/09). Additionally, if you look at that bone spur, you can see a break in it. That was what happened 24 hours after the initial injury at the gym, when I slung my backpack on my back. Worse injury, in other words. This shot was actually taken on 12/31/09.

So, today's film shows that the bone spur hasn't moved. Which means it is still a partial tear only, and should heal on its own. But, with my propensity to shred things really well, cautious optimism is the term of the day. No surgery now, thankfully! Hopefully never. When the doc checked it out, and had me pull up with my forearm against his hand with my arm bent at about 90 degrees, it still hurt like hell. Extension is good, though, which bodes well also that it isn't torn horribly.

At this point, I am still to keep it in the brace, but I can remove it for very passive exercises when I am at home (and still for showering, thankfully). Otherwise, it stays braced. Even while sleeping. No lifting with my left arm at all. This will continue for another 5 weeks. Any increase in pain, "pop", or no improvement over the next few weeks will send me to have an MRI. But not for now. And yes, I am still banned off my bike.

Thank you to everyone for all your well wishes while I deal with this injury. Your thoughts and prayers are very appreciated.