Post by GrumpyDidcot on Dec 3, 2016 20:33:23 GMT
Hi folks, this will be a weekly update on my recovery after surgery.
Back story, 22/11/2016 6pm, knocked off the bike filtering on the left past a slow queue of cars by a driver who - whilst I'm alongside - gives one indicator flash and turns to the empty parking space he's just seen. I go over the handle bars and land on my right elbow.
Dazed, I say I'm ok and think I can finish the commute home. 10 seconds later and I feel the need to sit down.
I haven't realised the bike damage at this point. Yes, I had 2 lights front 2 lights rear, dayglo/reflective top.
The pain starts and witnesses call for medics and police. Driver has stopped and gives details. I nearly collapse with pain walking to the ambulance. Jersey and base layer sleeve has been cut off by the trauma team, X ray that evening reveals the need for surgery - next day (Weds). Hospital the next morning and the Doc says too much swelling, come back Monday. They put a cast on me. Mate helps me retrieve the bike - trashed - Paramedic kept it safe in her shed.
Mobile number the driver gave is unobtainable but the police have interviewed him and he has been charged with careless driving.
Monday 28/11/2016, operation to wire my elbow back together, pain and no sleep (Morphine helped), enough to keep me in for two nights, home with no cast (plenty of painkillers) I was the least injured in my hospital room, I feel lucky.
Home Weds 30/11/2016. Rang the drivers insurance company which wound me up a bit as it sounded like they were going to drag their heels in this matter. Kept following the course of 4 x a day Codiene and Paracetamol (and Laxatives). Gave these up Friday afternoon as I had a constant headache and nausea. First bowel movement this morning! No sickness or headache now.
Dressing check at my local clinic due on Monday, stitches out in 2 weeks with an x ray in 6 weeks to check on recovery. My hand looks a lot less swollen - it was double the size this time last week. Not shaved or cut my nails since it happened!
Typing with just the left hand is getting easier.
I've been depressed at the fact the my dominant right arm is useless, bought the waterproof cover for my arm and have got what looks like a more comfortable sling on order. Hospital has said no lifting for 6 weeks, cycling to work is a while longer.
I read mark072's comments on his injury - thanks for the insight as to what to expect.
Tesco home delivery was an hour and a half early this evening!
Haven't been in work since it happened but I'm keeping them updated and they are standing by me.
Sped things up a bit by employing a "no win no fee" solicitor for damages - 25% seems to be the slice they'll take on settlement.
I drive a car fully comp, I have third party to cover others if an incident is my fault while cycling. It's not the bike I'm too worried about, the 500SE was mine because of the reviews, not the lightweight CF speed machine I could have bought. My arm hurts and I don't know when I'll be back to normal. Cycling is my primary method of getting to work by choice.
Reply if you feel the need but, I'm distracted at the moment - don't take it personaly if you think I'm ignoring you.
Update soon, stay safe out there.
Back story, 22/11/2016 6pm, knocked off the bike filtering on the left past a slow queue of cars by a driver who - whilst I'm alongside - gives one indicator flash and turns to the empty parking space he's just seen. I go over the handle bars and land on my right elbow.
Dazed, I say I'm ok and think I can finish the commute home. 10 seconds later and I feel the need to sit down.
I haven't realised the bike damage at this point. Yes, I had 2 lights front 2 lights rear, dayglo/reflective top.
The pain starts and witnesses call for medics and police. Driver has stopped and gives details. I nearly collapse with pain walking to the ambulance. Jersey and base layer sleeve has been cut off by the trauma team, X ray that evening reveals the need for surgery - next day (Weds). Hospital the next morning and the Doc says too much swelling, come back Monday. They put a cast on me. Mate helps me retrieve the bike - trashed - Paramedic kept it safe in her shed.
Mobile number the driver gave is unobtainable but the police have interviewed him and he has been charged with careless driving.
Monday 28/11/2016, operation to wire my elbow back together, pain and no sleep (Morphine helped), enough to keep me in for two nights, home with no cast (plenty of painkillers) I was the least injured in my hospital room, I feel lucky.
Home Weds 30/11/2016. Rang the drivers insurance company which wound me up a bit as it sounded like they were going to drag their heels in this matter. Kept following the course of 4 x a day Codiene and Paracetamol (and Laxatives). Gave these up Friday afternoon as I had a constant headache and nausea. First bowel movement this morning! No sickness or headache now.
Dressing check at my local clinic due on Monday, stitches out in 2 weeks with an x ray in 6 weeks to check on recovery. My hand looks a lot less swollen - it was double the size this time last week. Not shaved or cut my nails since it happened!
Typing with just the left hand is getting easier.
I've been depressed at the fact the my dominant right arm is useless, bought the waterproof cover for my arm and have got what looks like a more comfortable sling on order. Hospital has said no lifting for 6 weeks, cycling to work is a while longer.
I read mark072's comments on his injury - thanks for the insight as to what to expect.
Tesco home delivery was an hour and a half early this evening!
Haven't been in work since it happened but I'm keeping them updated and they are standing by me.
Sped things up a bit by employing a "no win no fee" solicitor for damages - 25% seems to be the slice they'll take on settlement.
I drive a car fully comp, I have third party to cover others if an incident is my fault while cycling. It's not the bike I'm too worried about, the 500SE was mine because of the reviews, not the lightweight CF speed machine I could have bought. My arm hurts and I don't know when I'll be back to normal. Cycling is my primary method of getting to work by choice.
Reply if you feel the need but, I'm distracted at the moment - don't take it personaly if you think I'm ignoring you.
Update soon, stay safe out there.