Silver is Home [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

bikerchick68

11-07-2006, 06:28 PM

You must be SO glad to be home! I believe that if I'm gonna hurt no matter which bed I'm lying in, I'd rather be in my own :) I read the completed post about your accident and wow. Just wow. I am SO glad you are here to type and tell about it... it must have been very scary for your friends as well... I have been with 2 friends who have crashed and both times I swear my heart stopped for a moment til I saw them move...

As to the meds, remember that your body having pain is it's way of telling you something is wrong... the meds keep it relaxed enough to allow the healing process to happen... I have to say, I hate taking stuff too tho!

Hey girlyman... despite the amount of estrogen flowing thru your veins now we still think you're a stud. :D the updates have been great... thanks!:)

colby

11-07-2006, 06:56 PM

Hooray, Silver is home! Hopefully your recovery is speedy. :) Your description of the accident is very surreal. I hate being on meds myself, also, but sometimes it's the best you can do for your body. Hang in there!

Bad JuJu

11-07-2006, 06:59 PM

It's always so nice to be home from the hospital! Rest and get well, girlfriend!

Bikingmomof3

11-07-2006, 07:20 PM

Whoo Hoo! Welcome Back Silver! :) I am glad to hear you are home. Please get plenty of rest and take care.

KnottedYet

11-07-2006, 07:23 PM

Hooray, Silver!

and three cheers for Girlyman!

margo49

11-07-2006, 07:40 PM

wonderful!

Xrayted

11-07-2006, 07:43 PM

Welcome home, Silver! :D So glad you're doing better. And a big thanks to girlyman. What a guy. :cool:

LBTC

11-07-2006, 09:19 PM

Silver, that was one bad**s crash you had, girl, and look how strong you are! A few days in hospital, 5 broken ribs, etc....and here you are posting! Wahoo!!!

Take your pain meds. Relax lots so you can heal comletely!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

ClockworkOrange

11-07-2006, 11:05 PM

Hi Silver

It's great to know you are OK, your poor body must be somewhat traumatised let alone racked with pain.

I'm not religious but after reading your accident report, I think you are right about your guardian angel.

Just take it easy and keep taking the tablets, as they say.

I hope your hands are OK............I have noticed the beautiful silverware that you make.

Take care and that goes to Girlyman too.

Sally

bacarver

11-08-2006, 12:16 AM

Hi Silver -

I'll be in Evansville on the 13th. Appointment is 2PM. I have no idea how long I'll be at the doctor's office and/or what to expect. The MRI of my left wrist was less than fun. Wonder what lies ahead? Ganglion cycst is my best guess, but the mystery is why I've had left wrist pain now for almost 3 years. You have my e-mail. Send me your address/phone number and other info and a quick stop by may be possible.

Wanna hear something funny? After my bike wreck, I was on Percocet for a short time. I always knew when it kicked in because I started talking like Daffy Duck on helium. The first time it happened, it totally cracked me up.

If I am able to visit, I'll bring my "boo-boo" book that I made as I recovered.

Isn't that Katie kid awesome for someone who is only 12!!

Barb

SR500

11-08-2006, 03:37 AM

Silver, wishing you the best recovery. Sorry to get in late, I read through some of the post, and wow, you've had a tough time. Enjoy that new bike when you are able.

SouthernBelle

11-08-2006, 04:46 AM

Silver's home!!!

When I cracked my ribs, I found it easier to sleep in my big comfy chair for about a week & a half. I could use the arms to help me turn and get up. Otherwise, I was lake a turtle on it's back.

spokewench

11-08-2006, 06:54 AM

That's wonderful Silver and Girlyman! It's so hard being in the hospital and having your loved one in the hospital. Now, you can get better!

chickwhorips

11-08-2006, 08:00 AM

glad to hear your back at home silver. thanks for the updates all along the way girlyman. :)

mtkitchn

11-08-2006, 03:28 PM

I'm glad to hear that you're home, Silver. Take good care of yourself and thank Girlyman for keeping us updated!

Trek420

11-08-2006, 06:01 PM

Glad to hear that you're home. Looks like girlyman takes good care of you. Heal up quickly.

silver

11-08-2006, 06:35 PM

Hi lovely ladies! Oh, it's good to be home. There were days when I knew I needed to be at the hospital, but it is nice to be home now.

Oh my there is so much to tell you all. let me see if I can get up pics.

The silver bike.....back wheel taco'd , probably from impact from falling out of the air

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0509.jpg

Top tube dented from impact from the handlebar twisting back, probably what made me pop up into the air.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0512.jpg

Really not in terrible shape. It cost $100 to get it back to ride-able condition

colby

11-08-2006, 06:43 PM

Really not in terrible shape. It cost $100 to get it back to ride-able condition

I'm amazed at how well your bike held up. :eek:

Too bad it doesn't only cost $100 to get you back in ride-able condition. ;)

silver

11-08-2006, 07:30 PM

Oh, dear, I don't even want to imagine what my hospital bill is. :eek:

ok, here's a pic of my helmet, see the indentation of gravel?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0515.jpg

cracks on the inside, not sure if you will be able to see this

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0517.jpg

silver

11-08-2006, 07:35 PM

And now me....I'll put these in links (hopefully, I'll be able to figure it out)

my elbows and knees:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0498.jpg

my right hip: and this is several days later....(warning graffic)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/etsterling/100_0501.jpg

that's my chest tube hangin down. :eek: :eek:

LBTC

11-08-2006, 08:38 PM

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
wow, silver! that looks very owwy!

Take good care of you! Enjoy every little bit of improvement, take your meds, and rest often. It's not often the universe forces us to rest!!

(gentle) Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

colby

11-08-2006, 08:55 PM

OW OW OW!! :eek: You have battled with the pavement, and are emerging victorious. Yeesh!

ClockworkOrange

11-09-2006, 12:00 AM

Oh Silver, you poor love.

I know I have already posted on this thread but when I saw your photos, how absolutely awful, you must be in so much pain everywhere, I really do feel so sad.

Silver, let me thank you, I posted a thread yesterday with regards to info on wearing a helmet. After looking at the state of your helmet after the crash, I realise how dumb I have been, in not wearing one. :confused:

So, despite all you are going through, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you.

Am off to look at helmets asap.

Now you get yourself better real soon but keep letting TE know of your progress.

Big hugs.

Sally
x

emily_in_nc

11-09-2006, 03:32 AM

silver

11-09-2006, 05:20 AM

Silver, let me thank you, I posted a thread yesterday with regards to info on wearing a helmet. After looking at the state of your helmet after the crash, I realise how dumb I have been, in not wearing one. :confused:

Sally
x

Sally, I saw your post but didn't want to reply there. I fully believe that I would be a vegetable today if I didn't have my helmet on. Please do wear a helmet, my dear! and thank you for your sweet words.

elaine

silver

11-09-2006, 05:24 AM

Silver, wow, you are quite a trooper. Those are some awful-looking owwies!

When I had my crash (April 2005) that fractured my pelvis, I was bad off on the inside, but only had two small scrapes on the outside (thumb and elbow), since I didn't slide but just went right over sideways with all the force going to my hip. My helmet also "looked" perfect, but of course I replaced it anyway, since my head did hit the pavement (after my hip!) I looked a lot better than you on the outside! I would have been an even bigger baby than I was if I'd been all scraped up on the outside -- those things HURT.

Healing wishes!
Emily

Emily, my hip looks ugly but it's still pretty superficial. my biggest pain comes from the broken ribs. and the thing thtat kept me inthe hospital form 10 days was the collapsing lung. but even though the doctors say its ok my pelvic bone hurts. so I've wondered if there's something wrong there.

It hurts to bang the ole hip bone on the pavement, doesn't it?

Emily I'm feeling afraid of riding again. how did you go back?

elaine

mary9761

11-09-2006, 05:31 AM

You may not have broken the hip, but you could have BRUISED the bone. I fell once right onto my shin hitting the edge of our concrete steps, I was in terrible pain and the swelling was something aweful, ended up having bruised the bone. I hope you heal up quick, let those pain meds work for ya though. ((((gentle hugs))))
Mary

bike4ever

11-09-2006, 05:52 AM

silver

11-09-2006, 05:59 AM

Mary, I think you are right, that there may be some element of bruising there. it just feels loose, like after childbirth. They said everything looked fine on the scans. And I know that a great element is the inactivity when I was on the suction chest tube. I could not be "unplugged" to take walks like theyusually take the patients on to keep them moving. I'd have to move around a small 4x4 foot space in my room.

Mary thank you for your continued kind words. I'm soooo glad that we got to meet at the Hilly. I only wish that I gotten to spend more time with you.

silver

11-09-2006, 06:04 AM

Elaine - I am so glad you are home. Please try to rest. I am also glad you responded to Sally in regards to a helmet.

When I crashed in April (no where near as bad as you), I received a "deep bone bruise" in my left cheek bone. I was lucky it was not broken; unfortunately, it still is uncomfortable at times even today. My doctor at the time told me it can take up to 6 months to heal these type of bruises.

When you can, I would suggest you get up on your bike on a trainer to spin. Get comfortable again with your bike. I know it can be scary back on the road - I am still playing mental games going around corners. Everyone I speak with says this will take time.

Rest and I am glad you had on a helmet.

Thank you, that sounds like a good idea. Right at first Ifelt so determined to get back on the back on the bike, but as the days go on and dealing with this pain in reality (trying to go about my regular life, not in the hospital with lots of vistiors stopping by to tell me how great I'm doing) now I'm getting so fearful and teary about trying to ride again.

I feel quilty for having the Madone sitting downstairs in my kitchen and for causing everyone so much trouble.

elaine (feeling whiney this morning)

DeniseGoldberg

11-09-2006, 07:02 AM

Right at first I felt so determined to get back on the back on the bike, but as the days go on and dealing with this pain in reality (trying to go about my regular life, not in the hospital with lots of vistiors stopping by to tell me how great I'm doing) now I'm getting so fearful and teary about trying to ride again.

I feel quilty for having the Madone sitting downstairs in my kitchen and for causing everyone so much trouble.

elaine (feeling whiney this morning)
Elaine -
Try not to feel guilty about not riding. Right now it's much more important to give yourself time to heal, and to ease back into both your normal daily life and riding. Your bike will still be there when you're ready; I'm sure she is patiently waiting.

I don't know if it will help you any, but recovery from my own crash (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/denise2004crash) experience took longer than I expected initially. I was off of my bike totally for 6 weeks, and then it took me a number of months to work up to my previous mileage levels. Give yourself time; I'm sure that you will be back.

--- Denise

SR500

11-09-2006, 07:11 AM

Best wishes for continued fast recovery. Feeling good on the bike will take some time. Start slow, ride a trainer some, take it easy, you will be back. The really neat thing is you will LOVE that Madone, riding it will be so much different then your 1000, IT will help you get back as much as anything else.

mary9761

11-09-2006, 07:34 AM

I too wish we'd had a little more time together at the Hilly in October. I'm just glad that we saw each other at all in the madness that is pre-ride LOL!! There's always NEXT year. Get well!

eclectic

11-09-2006, 09:30 AM

So glad to hear you are home safe and sound. (well almost sound)

Wow - after seeing the pics it really hit home, accidents do happen - I haven't had a bad crash since 1975 and at that I wasn't really injured except for some road rash (I was very lucky - 25mph going down hill and another kid riding with us was screwing around and locked pedals w/ someone else - domino effect - we all went down and slid, and back in the no helmet days)

Healing body and mind thoughts and prayers being sent your way

Triskeliongirl

11-09-2006, 10:10 AM

Hi Silver- speaking as another recovered crash victim I totally understand where you are coming from. I broke my pelvis, hip, sacrum and L5 vertebrae when hit by SUV who made an illegal right turn into my hip. At first, I was afraid it would hurt too much to ride a bike, so I just hopped onto a gym exercise bike to see that I could physically do it. But, then I was afraid to face traffic, so I just started back with slow easy rides on a car free bike path. After about a month of this I was ready to face the road. The hardest was facing my commute, and to this day I sometimes get panic attacks on the street I had my accident on. The first time I road through the intersection, I burst into tears, not even realizing how much emotion was stuck inside, but it was also cathartic to get it out. My husband also had a serious crash, and the only way both of us can really enjoy riding again was to make rules that decrease the liklihood of another accident. We don't ride in the dark, we don't ride on wet pavement, we take our descents cautiously, we choose our riding buds carefully, only paceline with folks we feel have good bike handling skills, and try to 'ride within ourselves'. We also ride very defensivley. If we don't make eye contact with a driver, we don't go even if we have the right of way if we think they didn't see us and could end up hitting us. I also think its important to give yourself time to heal. Don't feel guilty about anything, when you are ready to ride again, you'll know. And, remember we are hear when you need to talk about it. -eileen

BeeLady

11-09-2006, 04:46 PM

Geeze silver - so glad you are home. Right now job 1 is taking good care of yourself; please don't pressure yourself about if/when you'll be back on your bike. That will take care of itself when the time is right.

You are a brave, tough lady. Please be gentle and patient with yourself!

Eileen - I had no idea about your bad wreck. You mentioned an accident, but
I had no idea it involved an SUV and broken bones! I'm so glad you are back cycling and have the voice of experience to help Silver and others.

silver

11-09-2006, 05:43 PM

thank you ladies, dang i'm so emotional tonight.

latelatebloomer

11-09-2006, 05:47 PM

Silver, I am so glad you are home and as a human, not a brussel sprout! I wasn't nearly the rider you are when I had my crash (same kind as you, just lower speed, so not so banged up) and I did have to work out some panic. People here really helped out, I took my time but didn't quit. I will always be a cautious rider now - and I think that's a good thing. DH has never gone down, and I hope he never, ever does:( :( :( but I think he's foolhardy sometimes. Hugs to you and Mr.TE:p

Bikingmomof3

11-09-2006, 05:48 PM

((((Silver)))))))
Please give yourself time to heal and allow yourself the emotions. We are here to listen to you. Remember this will take time. Be gentle to yourself and your body.

CyclChyk

11-09-2006, 05:54 PM

Silver - you have every right to be emotional! Don't sweat the small stuff.

As far as being afraid to ride again, I agree that you will do it at your own pace. Perhaps however, you might feel more comfortable starting on bike specific paths or trails and not on roads with cars.... then slowly as you feel your confidence return, perhaps ride in group rides (safety in numbers). Re-evaluate how you feel at that point.....

Take your time. We'll be here when you need us ;)

silver

11-09-2006, 06:07 PM

thank you ladies for listening. I know from past surgeries that there is an emotional breaking point afterwards...for each and every one....I've gone through it....so you'd think that I'd be better at dealing with this.

Even though there was a car involved in Sam's death, there wasn't a car in my accident. Just the road and me. So it's like there's fear everytwhere. last week lying in the hospital bed I would have told you without a don't that this would not get me down ....now I'm not so sure. It's scary to feel this. But it just seems that every time that I start to make progress that I hit another obstacle.
Sorry ....I'm NOT usually like this.

Dogmama

11-09-2006, 06:15 PM

Silver, you're entitled to every emotion you feel. The most important thing is that when you are going through hell, keep walking. I think you know that.

emily_in_nc

11-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Emily I'm feeling afraid of riding again. how did you go back?

You are completely normal, never fear. It definitely took awhile for me. I was unable to ride for several months while my fractures healed. After about two months, I was able to start slowly riding on the trainer. I had my first road ride about 4 months after my crash. I was slow and could only do short distances at first. I was nervous about riding anywhere near others (my crash occurred when I hit my husband's wheel when two large dogs ran out right at me without my seeing them until the last moment). I had residual hip pain on longer rides, which took some of the fun out of riding, but I did manage a hilly 50-mile event 5 months after my crash (Sept. '05).

That's still my longest ride to date, because the following month, my father died in a car accident, and that made me even more fearful of the road and just what could happen out there -- I just felt far too vulnerable on a bike. I didn't ride on the road for about nine months after that, but I did start mountain biking this past June and loved it. I bought a lighter mountain bike and concentrated on that, since I didn't have to worry about dogs or cars. Of course, mountain biking being what it is, I managed to fall several more times as I attempted single track and realized how little I knew about technical bike handling despite years of road riding, but no broken bones (just a few bruises, abrasions, and yet another new helmet!) I did finally get back out on the road a few times later this summer, doing rides up to the 30+ mile range, but I'm certainly not riding like I did prior to my crash -- I used to ride five days a week, and this year I think I rode (on the road) five times total! But each time I felt a little more comfortable.

Sorry I can't be more encouraging. For me, it's a combination of continuing pain issues from my pelvic injuries that you will hopefully not have from any of yours, and definitely some psychological issues. And then there's the fact that getting away from road cycling for awhile allowed me to discover other activities I enjoy a lot too -- hiking, running, kayaking, and of course, mountain biking. Now, instead of forcing myself to road ride in the cold over the winter, which I always endured rather than enjoyed, I'll spend all winter hiking (a much warmer activity!) And who knows what next year will bring? I might get back to road riding, I might not. I just try not to pressure myself too much and go with what feels right to me at the time.

I surely hope you will be back on the road sooner and with less "baggage" than I have. But be gentle with yourself and only do what you are comfortable with. You will find your own time table.

All the best to you!
Emily

CyclChyk

11-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Right now, tonite, you are too close to it. And in my experiences, the more you think about it, the closer you are to it, the more emotional you become about it.

The good thing is that you are still healing so you don't have to make any decisions about it tonite. Or even tomorrow. And before you know it, the feelings you have tonite will pass and you will want to ride again. And if you don't, it's OK..... that's the good part about this ~>its your decision to make. Not anyone elses.

silver

11-09-2006, 06:48 PM

thanks CC DM and emily. I would usually deal wtih feelings like this with exercise and I can't.

You've done so much to cheer me up. I think that I'll take my narcotics and see it reducing the pain helps my emotional state.

annie

11-09-2006, 07:02 PM

I would usually deal wtih feelings like this with exercise and I can't. .

You said it, right there. Not being able to relieve those feelings makes them seem so much worse. Is there something else you can do now, that you enjoy? Do you crochet or paint or do any crafty stuff? That can help keep your mind off your worries.

After I healed from a broken pelvis, I could not bring myself to get out on the road, much as I missed riding. So I took my first rides, all alone, on a trail. Even when I got back on the road, I could not ride anywhere close to another rider(having gone down in a paceline.) The fear was very real. But the love of riding was stronger and kept me out there and gradually, very gradually, things got better and I got most of my confidence back. I STILL, to this day, over 4 years since it happened, am not comfortable in a pace line. I'll do it, with people I totally trust, but not often. And I prefer not to. You just need to give yourself however much time it takes, till you desire to ride overcomes your fear. Then take it slowly. Please don't feel guilty about not riding! Be kind to yourself. It will all work itself out in time. My thoughts are with you.

annie

silver

11-09-2006, 07:11 PM

annie, yes, I'm very crafty, actually. I'm a silversmith. And I've got orders piling up. But I'm afraid to go to my workshop for fear that I won't be able to wrk. It's still very uncomfortable to raise and use my right arm, because that uses the right ribs to stablilize. I just got home fomr the hospital on Tuesday and I need to go to the workshop tomorrow and see if I can actually do any work. Iv'e even thought that maybe if I stood while I worked that it would be better. Sitting hurts worse.

knowing that you all have been down this "road" before gives me hope.

luv2ride94

11-09-2006, 07:54 PM

My crash wasn't AT ALL as bad as yours. but when I had nothing to do it was worse cus thinking about it. Find a new puzzle or something to do instead of having time to do nothing but think. I kinda helps for a while. At least it did for me :) I hope u feel better everday! ~ KT

ClockworkOrange

11-10-2006, 03:31 AM

Sally, I saw your post but didn't want to reply there. I fully believe that I would be a vegetable today if I didn't have my helmet on. Please do wear a helmet, my dear! and thank you for your sweet words.

elaine

Silver

I just read your recent comment, well, hope this does not make you any more weepy.

Guess what, I just chose my helmet, now if I had not read what you wrote, those very thought provoking words above, I may have seriously regretted it one day. Hey, I could start calling you St Silver!!! :D

You can check my funky helmet out on my helmet thread.

Thanks................now all I want to hear is that you getting a little better each day, I expect you will have several grotty days but am sure they will get fewer and fewer.

Take very good care.

Sally

7rider

11-10-2006, 04:58 AM

Silver,
Glad to see that you are home again.
Rest up. Heal well.
Take your time - don't rush yourself. Now might be a good time to catch up on those books (or magazines, or newspapers) you've been meaning to read or movies you've been meaning to watch. The road will be there waiting when you are ready to return, and so will your circle of friends.

bikerchick68

11-10-2006, 08:03 AM

Silver... just wanted to tell you I'm aching right along with you... I'm glad these wonderful women have been able to help address your fears... I can only imagine what you must be feeling... just know we're all listening. Continued thoughts to you for a good recovery... both physical and emotional... hugs...

Jo-n-NY

11-10-2006, 08:43 AM

Silver, I am happy to hear you are coming along. Yes, it is a slow process, but who is in a hurry anyway.

I wanted to add to the "fear" area. I crashed last year also although not as bad. I ended up with a fractured shoulder and road rash. Like you it was just me and the road. My tire got caught in a groove of bad roadway and down I went.

I felt the need to keep myself in some kind of shape so my husband brought in an old Schwinn exercise bike as I could get on and off of that without using my arm, then I progressed to the mtn bike on my trainer, again, I didn't have to put pressure on my arm to get on and off, then eventually on went the road bike, although I still could not fully reach the handlebars.

Then I felt let me try this outside, BUT I used my mtn bike and took it ever so slowly as I was fearful also. I just went around my small quiet development for about 15 minutes. That was enough for me and it felt good. I did the same the next day but a little longer. I eventually got on my road bike, but ever so slowly. Bottom line I took baby steps. I was out of work for 10 weeks. My goal all season was training for a century ride, but that did not happen, the century that is.

On a better note, I did achieve a century ride this past May.

Going through the winter on the trainer then when weather broke, slowly heading outdoors where I left off last year worked out best for me. Now I am riding better than ever, not as much as fit, but for alertness. My husband kids everyone that they better not ride too close to me because I need lots of space around me.

I hope this adds to help you somewhat along with what all the other ladies have said. Go by your own agenda; there is nothing to rush into.

~ JoAnn

silver

11-10-2006, 09:14 AM

Ladies, i still feel weepy today, but so much more hopeful for the amazing stories of recovery that you all have shared. I know that I have support network that will get me back.

Already I feel plans developing in my head on how to get past this.

thank you so much for being here for me.

elaine

Bikingmomof3

11-10-2006, 09:32 AM

We are always here. :) Remember a lot of us are going through the rollar coaster of emotions, for various reasons, and so your feelings are very much understood. (((((HUGS)))))

mary9761

11-10-2006, 10:34 AM

Silver, anxiety/depression can be and is a natural part of the healing process when you've had a severe injury. Part of it comes with the injury itself and then the realization/fear that your life may be changed forever. Let yourself feel the inevitable emotions that you WILL experience it's part of healing. When you are physically and emotionally ready you will come back stronger. Give yourself time, but don't do like I did when I was injured in 1988 when I fell down 13 steps and had 2 compression fractures in my back. I gave up on everything and wallowed in my depression. I lost over a decade of my life because I didn't think I would ever be able to do things/be physical again. (I used to dance for my exercise) I gained 150+ pounds and my physical health went downhill along with my mental health. I wish that I'd gotten on a bike years ago. It's been a long road back, but I'm healthier physically and mentally than I've been for a long time. I still have days that I think I might want to crawl back into the hole I dug for myself, but then I remind myself of where I've been and where I DON'T want to return.
We're here for you whenever you need us.
Mary

margo49

11-11-2006, 06:43 AM

This might sound silly but when I was just after my (Terrible Tractor Near Death By Squashing) accident;
I would set aside an hour each day (11 am- 12 noon) and think all my sad and frightened thoughts.
It was in between the Morning Dr's Round and midday antibiotic infusion so I was sure of no interruptions. I continued the routine when I got home till I felt it was enough.
I would just lie there and let all the thoughts come and sometimes I would be angry as H*ll, sometimes I would sniffle quietly, whatever. The rest of the time I was all "GO" - visitors, meditation, visualisations, hospital routines, walking up to the helicopter landing area in the fresh air, etc etc
So I was ok most of the time and I also knew that I had that time to let go or get into it or however you want to call it.