Thoughts?

[misty]

So, I've been riding my bike for weight loss, and last night I found a little blood at the top of my underwear. I searched for the source and couldn't find it. Today, I woke up, no blood. Jumped on the bike, rode for a bit, potty, blood again. So, embarrassed, I asked hubby to help search out the problem. He found a " rashy spot" in my butt crack. Needless to say, the bike is not an option anymore. My question is, do I have my first ever pressure sore, and how do I treat it? I'm in bed now, on my stomach, afraid to move. Please help!

[Dodger67]

Definitely stay off the bike while it heals.
Is the seat a "generic" type or do you have one that really fits you properly?
I found a few possibly useful websites -
http://bicycleseatreviews.com/
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
http://www.blayleys.com/articles/womensfit/index.htm
http://www.athleteinme.com/ArticleView.aspx?id=298

[misty]

The seat is a chair type seat with some cushion, but not much. It is a stationary, and I only have the seat that came with it.

[jellolegs23]

Definitely stay off the bike until it heals at least. Keep an eye on it to see if it heals or becomes infected. Stationary bikes are the worst for creating pressures on the bottom. When your spot heals I would recommend possibly looking at a recumbent bike if you still wish to use a bike for exercise or maybe find something else to use. If the spot gets worse don't hesitate to see your doctor.

[misty]

I had to google the difference between a stationary and a recumbent bike. Turns out, the one I have is recumbent apparently. Regular "chair" style seat with a back rest. I believe, whatever it is, the bike and I will no longer be friends. Time to find a zumba video. That seems to be the most popular suggestion, and it looks like fun!

[Dodger67]

Is there any chance of you getting back on the tennis court?

[misty]

I'm not sure. Its a pretty long drive just for tennis, but if that's the only way to get the weight off, I'd do it.

[Ziggy]

Could it just be chafing? If so, a simple powder might help.

[misty]

I'm not sure what it is, and this is a rare event where I'd rather not post a pic to let public opinion decide! LOL!

[technovicki]

Too bad about the bike but how long were you riding? If you were just starting out then maybe just 20 minutes until your body gets adjusted to the bike. Unfortunately with a recumbent bike you can't easily switch out the seat, as seat position and type of saddle are very important on a standard bicycle. If you do try the bike again I'd recommend where biking shorts, yes, spandex shorts as they are padded in all the right areas.

I don't wear padded shorts on my mountain bike but do on my road bike. I also have an indoor trainer that I can set a regular bike on and train indoors.

In the end I just hope you find something that works for you. When I lived in I loved riding around memorial park and the one by Allen Parkway.

[misty]

I was doing between 30 and 45 minutes twice a day. Probably too much. After I heal, I may start over slower. I'm really thinking zumba looks fun though! Just couldn't find a DVD today, after looking at 3 different stores. Next stop: ebay!

[Noefnway]

How about a rowing machine? It incorporates many muscle groups and if you a have a shunt,it does n't cause the shunt to malfunction

Patrick

[Dodger67]

What does excercise have to do with shunt malfunction?

[nyd]

Did you push too hard when shitting the day before?
I often push too hard when suffering from constipation; hence sometimes causing cracks and minor bleeding. When I walk too much the following day, I often notice a blood spot(s) on my underwear.

Wow, 30-45 minutes? You are a pro! I used to cycle (both on real and gym bikes), but I'm too lazy now. When I was 17 (first year in uni), I would exercise on the gym bike for 10 min, break 20 min, then bike again for 10 min(so total only 20 min). Now at 26, I have lost the youth and vigour I once had.

I suggest swimming -- You get a more balanced exercise (whole body exercise) at your own pace.

I personally don't find exercising an effective way to lose weight. I tend to eat more after exercising, so the calories burnt are added back. Eating less (with minimal exercise) works better for me. I got down to 50kg (110lbs) a few months ago and I'm still maintaining it.

[Justy Me]

Could it just be chafing? If so, a simple powder might help.

That reminds me....Misty, when it heals (which should be fairly quickly considering that you just spotted it) there is a really good product I have used when I exercise that is excellent at preventing chafing and creates a barrier between skin and surrounding material. It's called Anti Monkey Butt (stupid name, with cute packaging lol) They have a "regular" version and a lady version. I find the first smells fresh and pleasant and the lady version smells like old school Chantilly perfume. Anyway I am glad Ziggy asked that question because I feel that everyone could benefit from having this product at their disposal. You can find it on Amazon or Drugstore.com...Amazon.com also holds a few from the collection of Zumba DVDs.

[jveprek]

I'd rest up a bit, then try again with a nice exra padded seat topper :)