Good news/bad news

Back in June I reported that the initial problem I had with a new bi-ventricular PM had been solved, and I was now experiencing a noticeable improvement in the limitations to my cycling. Less breathlessness climbing hills, more endurance, and more all-round enjoyment. So, I decided to go on a short touring break in the UK Cotswold hills. The bad news is that on the first day out, I hit a pot hole, went over the 'bars, landed on my head and somersaulted onto my back. I don't actually remember it, but I had just passed another cyclist going the other way. He heard the crunch, and stood over me while waiting for an ambulance. I suffered skull fractures around my eye sockets, a broken vertebra in my neck, a few lacerations, and enough bruising to suit a small army. I'm home now after five weeks in hospital, nursing the bruising around my back, and hoping the benefits will still be there when I get back in the saddle. Wish me luck!

Philip

7 Comments

Oh no!

by HoneyBadger - 2013-08-21 05:08:45

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a return to good times cycling pronto!

Oh Dear

by Alma Annie - 2013-08-21 06:08:48

What an unfortunate thing to happen in such a lovely part of the country. 5 weeks in hospital is no joke, but I hope that you are more or less mended with not too much lasting damage. What hospital were you in?
Although I have lived in Oz for 48 years I was brought up in the Cotswolds, lovely in summer, too cold for me in winter!
All the very best for you to get back to cycling.
Alma Annie

Geez

by Bostonstrong - 2013-08-21 07:08:41

Be careful getting back on. Hope the benefits are still there but your conditioning might be a little different after 5 weeks in the hospital. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Wish you get well

by Duke999 - 2013-08-21 07:08:43

I wish you get well soon. Man, you are a stud dude.
Just be real careful next time. :-)
Have a nice and relaxing day.

Duke

Speedy recovery from cycling disaster

by Selwyn - 2013-08-21 08:08:25

Wishing you well.
Aren't you lucky.
My sister in law went over the handlebars and by the end of the day was declared brain dead. Although not wearing a helmet, she suffered a fatal 'contre coup' brain injury- there is some doubt whether a helmet would have saved her. On the other hand, I went straight out and bought the wife and I helmets, as the kids had helmets, but not the adults.

I have the urge to shout to people cycling without helmets to wear one! Who has not fallen of a bicycle?

Incidentally, a few days after pacemaker insertion I was out riding my bicycle as the arms are held steady ( unless you crash!).

Thanks for your good wishes

by philip.thecyclist - 2013-08-22 05:08:35

Thanks to all you wellwishers. I'm still feeling a lot of back pain which restricts my movements and tires me out. The physios in hospital put me on an exercise bike to see how I fared, and my legs felt fine. So, I should be able to get back to some gentle riding pretty soon.

Alma Annie - I was in Gloucester Royal hospital for two weeks before being transferred to a local hospital. I've toured the Cotswolds regularly 'cos there are lots of quiet lanes, and the hills are not too demanding for my post-PM abilities. I'd been waiting all year for my new bi-venttricular PM, and was so much looking forward going back there. Well, there's allways a next time!

Philip

recovery

by LeeT - 2013-08-30 09:08:00

My goodness you hit a hard spot but you're in recovery and will do fine. It's difficult to think it might have been worse give thanks you're alive and your pacemaker is still in tact. I too am somewhat athletic and have compromised my work-outs I now focus on my leg and back strength. Will probably start a swimming program soon. Good biking stay well.

You know you're wired when...

You need to be re-booted each morning.

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