Riding after axillary lymph node removal

bloo

Hello

I really want to get back into mountain biking after being far too long out of the saddle.

Over the past year or so ive been treated for melanoma and in september had my axillary lymph nodes removed from my left armpit. The docs said that from now on I should try not to get my left arm scratched, cut or bruised in case of infection as it might swell up and do something terrible.

Anyway, I just want to see if anyone else is in a similar situation, or has any advice for some sort of protective clothing i could wear, or is going back onto some single tracks a bad idea?

cheers
bloo

I'm not sure this is the best place to ask for medical advice OP. I'd recommend talking to your doctor, see if it's possible to get him/her on the phone. He/she should be happy to answer all your questions.

Lumen

If I had received medical advice not to "scratch, cut or bruise" my arm, I would seek another sport than mountain biking.

Even if you protect your arm from scratches and cuts, I would have thought that bruising is inevitable sooner or later.

seamus

Mountain biking is one of those sports where you can reasonably expect to come down hard on your arms/shoulders more than a normal person should.

Of course, it's about quantifying that "something terrible" if you injure yourself and what you can do to minimise risk when you do injure your arm. There are few sports that don't carry at least the slightest risk of injuring yourself. Even jogging or running carries that obvious risk of tripping and falling onto your shoulder.
Playing golf you could pull a muscle in your shoulder resulting in internal bruising.

If it was just a matter of being extra cautious and getting an antibiotic injection any time you injure your arm, perhaps it might be considered worth the risk. If it's a trip to A&E for 48 hours of observation...then perhaps not.

You can of course get body armor to cover your shoulders and forearms, but it won't prevent damage, only minimise it. Plus you'll sweat like a mofo when climbing.

I would speak to your doctor again to get him to quantify the risks as well as the "what do I do" when you injure your arm.

Beasty

Agree with the last three posts - we can't offer advice on such matters here, and I suggest you speak to your doctor about whether MTB'ing is appropriate.

Thanks

Beasty