To cut out the sentimental stuff (because I feel absolutely lost and in deep depression) and get straight to the point:
I suffered a lot of scarring from surgery for my right lung. My anterior serratus has two big scars. I sustained heavy scarring on the right side of my back (three big keloid like scars which aren’t quite keloids, 5 big scars altogether) http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=28lapg3&s=6 (I don’t have my camera with me and that is the only picture I have)
I have a winged scapula
Basically, I have to know, is it possible to build muscle given the injuries I have sustained? I have been given the all clear to physically train with weights by my doctors, but I am unsure whether I would progress in terms of muscular development since a lot of my nerves were damaged.
I have been in rehab for a long time now with movement issues and since 17 my life has been plagued by health problems (I am 21 now and my life is disappearing before me)
I just don’t know, I want to give up, but doing so will mean my life has become meaningless because I will be a shell of my former self.
Of course I am not a doctor but if you have been given the OK, that’s great!
I dont think that you scar will hamper gains much, if at all.
You may have some issues with movement if the scar tissue impairs movement of the muscles / skin. there again maybe not. I’d advise this:
try a general good training program (starting strength, 531, etc) and try a lot various exercises for assisstance, if any are difficult due to impaired movement make a note of them (you’ll want to re-evaluate at a later stage). Basically try to see what you can do, stick with the basics if you can do them, start light to learn proper style.
Basics:
Squat
Deadlift
stiff leg deadlift
overhead press
Power Clean (if you can get somone knowledgeable to teach you)
Bench press
Close grip Bench
Dips
Bent over row
Chins / pullups
Seated rows
Lat machine
BB curl
Calf raise
Abs : planks, crunches, leg raise, back raise
Try everything, buy DONT try to do everything at the same time, its good to have alternatives you can do so that you can add variety when needed.
Best of luck!
You are a young guy, you’ll bounce back. Frankly, those scars don’t look all that bad. There’s guys on here, MaximusB comes to mind, that have some really nasty looking shit that they’ve fought thru and made themselves into healthy, strong, muscular men. There’s going to be movements you can do to make progress and there may be some stuff you can’t do. Do what you can. You’ll build in areas and you’ll rehab in areas. My guess is, even if you can’t be all that you could have been, you can still be more than you have ever been. Just be patient, smart and don’t give up.
Do not give up. It will be a slippery slope. Like you said, if you don’t start doing the things you want to do, you will just end up more depressed. Spend time with friends and have an active social life - in my experience, that and exercise are some of the best things to overcome clinical depression.
You are a 21 year old male with no apparent hormonal dysfunctions, or muscular impediments other than those that you have mentioned. You absolutely can make gains. If, at your current stage, you feel like you physically cannot do weightlifting exercises, look up a pdf of Convict Conditioning online. Download it. It is a great bodyweight program, and the first couple months are very very basic movements (e.g. fully standing-up wall pushups) that I think you can do. If not, and this might not be supported by other members her, perhaps look into basic yoga.
Even if you do start with weights, start SLOWLY, and with perfect form. You’re not in a rush. After a few months you will start lifting harder and make more noticeable gains. The last thing you need is an injury, and in your current state (which I’m assuming is not very active), you’re more susceptible to one.
Good luck PM me if you need anything, I’m also a young guy tackling chronic problems interfering with exercise
The great Michelangelo took a marred, damaged piece of discarded marble, and created one of the greatest sculptural masterpieces in the history of the world.
Do some research into the injuries sustained by guys like Louie Simmons and Dave Tate and what they have done since, and then ask yourself whether or not you should give up.
PM me if you need anything, I’m also a young guy tackling chronic problems interfering with exercise