I have an extensive labral tear involving the left posterior superior labrum, anterior superior labrum, extending into the anterior-inferior labrum. The
biceps anchor is partially torn as well. This isn't my first labral tear. I had a SLAP lesion in my right shoulder
(2x
) and a bankart teart - three times were repaired via surgery with one being an open repair. Not sure how the left tear occurred, may have happened a couple months ago when I was lifting weights. I'm pretty athletic with a long history of sports, working out, etc.
I was training for NAPA HITS full ironman in April when the precipitating accident occurred. I continued to train after and completed the ironman
(which I came first my age group!
). That was may practice ironman with IM Lake Tahoe as my A race. If it were anyone else, my doctor would recommend surgery sooner than later. However, because of my level of fitness and my goal to complete IMLT, he said I can use pain as my guide to determine when to have surgery. If all goes to plan, I can have surgery after IMLT.
The caveats: the tear can worsen or my bicep tendon tears more and detaches. If that were the case, I can have surgery sooner than later.
I've dealt with a similar injury to my right shoulder, but I was not training for an ironman. After the weight lifting incident, I stopped swimming. I didn't swim for over two months and then swam for 2 weeks before HITS Napa to make sure I don't drown. I had to compensate for my left stroke however.
My plan is to keep biking and running, minimize any over head movements and heavy lifting. Then, as I did before, try to incorporate swim at least 3 to 4 weeks before the race.
Thoughts?