Roller Derby Should I or Shouldn't I

[mindyandy]

Hi guys. I wanted to get your opinion. I want to join Roller Derby. I love roller skating and am very good at it & they wear protective gear, however I don't know if this is something that I can do being post surgery. I am asking your opinions. Has anyone here done any physical contact sports post surgery? If I were to join I know that roller derby is physically challenging but I don't know how hard you can get hit after you have brain surgery (even 20 years post) ya know.

Thank you guys
Mindy

[Archer]

I wouldn't join.  I couldn't roller skate before surgery, I don't think I'd be any better now. 

All kidding aside, I am no Dr. but I'd give myself another year if I were you.  You are only 3 1/2 months post surgery.  I am less than that but know I am not totally healed even though I feel great. 

Maybe this is a question to ask Dr. Schwartz.

[alabamajane]

I agree Archer,, doesn't sound like a good sport immediately after brain surgery no matter how well you skate,, I am about 8 mo out and wouldn't even consider any activity that would jar my head much less cause me to fall down and possibly hit my head,,  JMO though,, not a Dr.. ask your Dr  for sure,  he is the only one who's opinion counts,, Jane

[Jim Scott]

Mindy ~

I would definitely ask your doctor about this.

It would initially appear to be a risky proposition but with protective gear it may be fine and the challenge of skating and physical contact could even be a benefit for regaining confidence in your physicality.   I admire your eagerness to engage in a very physical sport but make sure you're not taking any unnecessary risks that could cause problems. Please let us know your doctors opinion.

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

As others have said, this is definitely something to ask your doctor about.

Jan

[MDemisay]

Mindy,

I admire your spunk, girl! However, I am not sure that you are ready for it! I am sure that you are brave though, and want to show us what can be done! My doctor said to me a long time ago, Michael, if I said sure you can go scuba diving but if you were to have a convulsion down there that would be your last scuba dive!

That was when I was 17, I am now 55, needless to say I did not scuba dive ever again. I did do other things not as risky, and I lived to tell of it. What about just plain old roller skating without the ruff and tumble? for example although I never went scuba diving again I did and still do enjoy swimming with mask and fins.   


The point is, try dialing it back a notch!  As others have said here what does the doctor say?   Have fun without the risk!


Mike

[arizonajack]

I used to watch Roller Derby on TV. Those people want to kill each other. I'd vote no.

[rupert]

What color are the uniforms?  If you decide to do this,  send us a picture of you and the team.  Check with Doc, then go for it.

[mindyandy]

Thanks for all the opinions. Dr. Friedman said it is ok as long as I wear a helmet. Be careful. I'm excited. I ordered my gear & go Wednesday to check it out. What you guys had seen on TV long ago is not real. It was like wrestling all staged. Real roller derby is tough but there are rules. You cannot use hands. No hitting above the neck or below the hips. You pretty much can shoulder check or knock them over with your hip. Watch videos on youtube. The ones where they are hitting and using hands is not how it really goes.
Rupert I will send pics later 

[arizonajack]

Real roller derby is tough but there are rules. You cannot use hands. No hitting above the neck or below the hips. You pretty much can shoulder check or knock them over with your hip.

I suggest you study up on the concussion problems that football players are having. And they use helmets. Also look up contracoup injuries.

Doesn't make sense to me that anybody willingly invites brain damage.

But it's your brain. I guess you can do with it what you will.

[james e]

Just do it! I ran for years and it provided me with years and years of joy. But, now I am paying the price. My feet collapsed and my shoe size went from 10 1/2 to size 13. My poor old knees ache while I walk. I look back and wonder if it is worth the penalty I am paying now. The answer is yes...today. Maybe when I am 80 and cannot walk, I may have second thoughts. Just remember, there is always a price to pay when you play any athletic game. The question is....will it be worth the price I will have to pay! Only you can answer that.

[Jim Scott]

Mindy ~

Enjoy the sport - and stay safe!

Jim