I just had a baaaad crash...

[run it, ride it]

Today was about my 5th time mountain biking. My friend Derek and I were nearing the end of our route, speeding down one last downhill. There were two jumps right in a row at the bottom. Derek cleared them both. I only saw the first one.

The bike's front tire planted between the jumps and acted as a catapault. My head slammed into the ground hard--the same place I hit it coming off my horse last week. Thank god, no concussion. Thank God, helmet. But it was one of those falls I knew I wasn't getting up from. My left shoulder was not sitting right. Pure determination kept me from blacking out from the intense pain.

It became clear I was far from mobile. Thank God, though neither of us had cell phones a runner stopped on the trail and called 911. The paramedics arrived within half an hour and managed to maneuvre the ambulance to within 20 feet of the trail I was on. Derek's brother came to pick up the bikes--no damage to the one that flung me, of course.

The ambulance ride back up the trail made for the absolute worst pain of my life. Indescribable. I moaned and yelled, came close to blacking out... but never screamed or shed a tear. I rationalized myself through the pain and made it where I had to. The paramedics were impressed.

I got a bed right away at Guelph General. The hospital staff threatened to cut off the jersey I was wearing and I would have none of it. I made them pull it off me in one piece even though it hurt like nothing else.

When they finally injected me with pain killers, after nearly two hours of agony, I just moaned "thank god" over and over as I numbed and stilled. My exhausted body could finally relax. I am still really hurting, but no pain now can compare to the initial trauma.

It was all I could do to stay conscious for x-rays, which confirmed a broken clavicle.

I'll be off the bike a while. And the horse, and running, and probably work when it starts. I pushed too hard too soon on the bike, made one misstep. And paid for it.

What an awful crash... but I will recover. The pain is bad but managable. I will have to take it slow, learn to listen to and appreciate my body. I have friends to help me get by, the amazing support of you ladies on the forum, and a whack of T3s.

[mountainchick]

Wow...best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[northstar]

Oh, no! :eek:

I am glad you are "ok." How scary. I hope you are able to feel comfortable as you start to heal.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Poor thing!!! That sounds just awful.
I wish you less pain with each passing day. Treat yourself well while recovering. :o

[7rider]

OUCH!!!
Oh, you poor thing!
Take care of yourself.
Don't get too hooked on those painkillers, tho!

[wannaduacentury]

Today was about my 5th time mountain biking. Long story short, I missed seeing a hidden jump at the bottom of a hill and got flung HARD over the handlebars.

Interesting facts:

-My clavicle is snapped in half.

-The paramedics managed to park the ambulance within 20 feet of the trail I was on. That is talent!

-An ambulance ride with a broken clavicle on trails? Worst pain of my life! I moaned and yelled but never screamed or shed a tear. Paramedics were impressed!

-Yes, the bike was fine.

-The hospital staff threatened to cut off the jersey I was wearing and I would have none of it. I made them pull it off me in one piece even though it hurt like nothing else.

-TYLENOL 3 IS MY NEW BEST FRIEND

Looks like I'll be confined to the forums and off the bike a while. What an awful crash... I actually hit my head hard the same place I hit it coming off my horse last week. No concussion and thank god for helmets!


I hope you feel better soon, I'm glad it wasn't worse. Jenn

[colby]

Wow! :eek: Glad you didn't get injured any worse, it sounds scary. A guy I work with got hit by a snowboarder while helping another snowboarder and broke his collarbone, until they discovered it wasn't a clean break he was just on pain meds and sent off to heal, overall pretty functional. It sounded REALLY painful, though.

I admire your strength, and here's to a speedy recovery. :)

[run it, ride it]

I hope you feel better soon, I'm glad it wasn't worse. Jenn

Thank you. After talking to my mother on the phone I realize how lucky I am; with that kind of force I could have snapped my neck instead.

[Python]

Ooh. Ouch. Hope you get better soon.

Sending healing thoughts your way.

[teigyr]

oooooh OUCH! ohmygosh ouch. I would've demanded far more than T3's!

At least you are ok!! I guess yeah, it could've been worse but still, that sounds pretty bad. Have you tried to sleep yet?

Sounds like there was skill all the way around though AND you impressed paramedics :D

[Mr. Bloom]

Hang in ther RiRi! Silver had a bad one a few months ago...and said the same thing about the ambulance ride.

Take it easy. Job one is recovering!

[singletrackmind]

First one's always the toughest. Hope you feel better soon minus the T3's, nothing like the feeling of your insides wanting to visit your outsides when you move it certain ways.

Don't forget a new helmet, got several weeks to shop for it. :rolleyes: :)

[Wahine]

yikes, I'm so sorry to hear about your crash. That's awful. Glad it wasn't worse. :eek: :eek:

As for pain management, take what you need to within the parametres of what the doc said was OK. Don't let your pain get out of control. You're much better off in the long run if you keep your pain down now. You'll get off the pain killers sooner and you'll be less likely to suffer from chronic pain. As for T3s, they are considered non-addictive. They do not cause physiological addiction tho some people claim that they cause psychological addiction. Another reason to make sure you take them at a frequency that keeps the pain down. You won't get that psych reinforcement of being in unmanageable pain and relieving it suddenly with meds, and cycling through that pattern.

If you are having to take a lot pain meds. Get off the T3s and ask the Doc to put you on straight codiene. T3s have acetaminophen in them which is toxic if taken excessively. Straight codiene is actually easier on your organ systems.

Take care.

[Zen]

9 AM vh1 videos
10 AM Divorce Court or Regis and Kelly
11 AM the Fabulous Sixty Minute Price Is Right Game Show or Ellen
12 PM News Radio
1 PM Divorce court again or some Britcoms on PBS
Maybe a nappy nap

Just an idea...

[KnottedYet]

((((((RunItRideIt))))))

[margo49]

The main thing is that your face, your bike and your jersey are in one piece; and that the helmet did its job. So did the collar-bone actually. That is what it's there for - to break instead of having your neck broken and/or shoulder ruined. Lucky it wasn't far worse. Well done the ambulance too.

You will be fine in no time.
Rest , eat chocolate and ice cream, check out the TE forums. Then have a little nap. Repeat for at least a week.
Then you can maybe go shopping for a helmet!

Thinking of ya!

[smilingcat]

A REAL BIG OUIE!!! And welcome to the club. My sympathy and wish you a speedy recovery.

Thing to be thankful about. You are young and in good athletic shape. So you will heal much faster than what the orthopedic doctor tells you. 3 month to 6 month did he say??You'll be pretty mobile in about 2 month (my recovery time the first go around). Eat and drink lots of caclium fortified food.

I am amazed how you could tolerate the pain of removing your jersey in one piece. :eek: :eek: And I am really suprised that you could be writing on the same day.

Really do take it easy for the next week. During the day, you might want to take naps with your upper body propped up a bit. Its really hard to get up if you lie down. For now, try to take your mind off the shoulder by watching TV or listen to music. And don't try to use your shoulder for few days. Let it settle down. Time will come soon enough for PT. And don't be alarmed if you have a huge bruise on half your back and on the front.

I wish you a speedy recovery and sweet dreams for now.

Sincerely,
Shawn

[Duck on Wheels]

OWCH! :eek: :mad:
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!! And meanwhile ....
Books? Biking magazines? Videos? Chocolate?

[run it, ride it]

oh god its almost 5am and I can't handle the pain. Looked under my bra top and the bone is not set against where it should be... think I gotta call derek to take me back to the er...

[rocknrollgirl]

I am really, really sorry that you had such a bad crash and that you are injured and in pain. Please keep us posted on your progress. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Speedy recovery.....

[runningteach]

I am sorry about the crash. The pain must be awful, but you are very lucky it wasn't worse.

[IFjane]

oh god its almost 5am and I can't handle the pain. Looked under my bra top and the bone is not set against where it should be... think I gotta call derek to take me back to the er...

Please give us an update once you get back home!

I broke my collarbone way back when - fall off a horse - & it jumped out of place once it was set. Setting it hurt so bad I did not tell anyone it had slipped - so now I have non-matching collarbones.

Good luck & heal fast!

[cosc]

I hope you'll be feeling better soon. Broken bones can be so painful. You now have a good excuse to be lazy and let friends step up to help you out.

[Jo-n-NY]

Sending quick healing wishes your way. I fractured my shoulder a year and a half ago while on my road bike. Yes, I have had better days. You will heal and be back on the bike, just take the time you need.

~ JoAnn

[pooks]

Anybody I know who has had to ride in an ambulance has talked about what a rough ride it is. Over rough ground with a broken bone? You are one tough person.

I am worried about your second trip to the ER. Hoping everything is going well for you...

[sbctwin]

Take care of yourself, Run It, Ride It. I had a bad spill a few years ago and that is why my mountain bike is now my commuter bike :rolleyes: .

[silver]

I hope you are doing ok this morning.

Yes, the ambulance ride is awful, isn't it!! Every little bump! My EMT was telling the driver to take it easy for me! And my drive was so far too. And then all the speed bumps into the hospital area. I tried to be brave, but I cried, mostly because I was scared though.

I too have nonmatching collar bones. :rolleyes:

Take good care of yourself!!!!

[SouthernBelle]

4th the discomfort of an ambulance ride. I rode in one strapped to a backboard once. That was miserable. Tried to talk the emt into unstrapping me, but it was no go.

Hope all went well at the er today!

[margo49]

4th the discomfort of an ambulance ride. I rode in one strapped to a backboard once.


5th it and 2nd the backboard too.
Better than being paralysed or dead of course.

[Jenn]

Bless your heart, the cycle angels were there, or it could have been ALOT worse!! DH broke his clavicle when we wen't tubing a few years ago, compound fracture to, the bone was sticking out of his shirt......I'm feeling faint at the memory of it and I know how much pain he was in with an hour ride to the hospital. So, I feel for you, but you were tough man, wouldn't let them cut off your jersey, I want you on my team!!;)
Hope you get to feeling better!!!
Jenn

[tangentgirl]

Ouch! I hope you start feeling better and heal up soon!

(And, yay! Your bike is ok!)

[Chile Pepper]

Ouch! A broken collar bone has got to be the most painful fracture. I broke mine when I was 20, taking a turn too fast in the rain. No ambulance ride for me, though--I actually rode my bike home. My collar bone was never really set, and it has never caused me any problems since. You're in for a rough couple of weeks, but you'll be fine once the bone heals.

[FreshNewbie]

Hugs and warm wishes to you:( So sorry to hear about your crash, I hope you heal really fast. All the best to you, lots of icecream and cakes for faster healing.

FN

[Ninabike]

So sorry to hear about your crash. I was twinging just reading about it, and the aftermath. Best wishes and a speedy recovery.

[Pax]

YIKES girl! What a nasty get off! :eek: Glad it wasn't worse and here's hoping you heal up quickly.

[spokewench]

Welcome to the Club! That is such a typical type of crash on a mountain bike! The good thing is that you don't always take out your clavicle! So sorry about your injury, but most of the time, the clavicle heals pretty quickly even though it is such a pain in the butt when you are trying to sleep or turn over, or (oh, do anything). The good thing is you can ride a trainer after the initial healing starts so you won't lose too much fitness.

Hope you heal quickly. Hang in there.

[sgtiger]

RunItRideIt, I'm sending out healing thoughts to you for a speedy recovery.

[han-grrl]

Good Karma to you for a speedy recovery!!!



Today was about my 5th time mountain biking. My friend Derek and I were nearing the end of our route, speeding down one last downhill. There were two jumps right in a row at the bottom. Derek cleared them both. I only saw the first one.

The bike's front tire planted between the jumps and acted as a catapault. My head slammed into the ground hard--the same place I hit it coming off my horse last week. Thank god, no concussion. Thank God, helmet. But it was one of those falls I knew I wasn't getting up from. My left shoulder was not sitting right. Pure determination kept me from blacking out from the intense pain.

It became clear I was far from mobile. Thank God, though neither of us had cell phones a runner stopped on the trail and called 911. The paramedics arrived within half an hour and managed to maneuvre the ambulance to within 20 feet of the trail I was on. Derek's brother came to pick up the bikes--no damage to the one that flung me, of course.

The ambulance ride back up the trail made for the absolute worst pain of my life. Indescribable. I moaned and yelled, came close to blacking out... but never screamed or shed a tear. I rationalized myself through the pain and made it where I had to. The paramedics were impressed.

I got a bed right away at Guelph General. The hospital staff threatened to cut off the jersey I was wearing and I would have none of it. I made them pull it off me in one piece even though it hurt like nothing else.

When they finally injected me with pain killers, after nearly two hours of agony, I just moaned "thank god" over and over as I numbed and stilled. My exhausted body could finally relax. I am still really hurting, but no pain now can compare to the initial trauma.

It was all I could do to stay conscious for x-rays, which confirmed a broken clavicle.

I'll be off the bike a while. And the horse, and running, and probably work when it starts. I pushed too hard too soon on the bike, made one misstep. And paid for it.

What an awful crash... but I will recover. The pain is bad but managable. I will have to take it slow, learn to listen to and appreciate my body. I have friends to help me get by, the amazing support of you ladies on the forum, and a whack of T3s.

[F8th637]

Hope you feel better soon and if you do need a second trip to the ER that they get it right this time. You're a trooper!

[run it, ride it]

They took more x-rays when I went back to the ER; the bone has shifted since yesterday with a 1.8mm overlap. I will be booked for surgery hopefully tomorrow to get a plate screwed in so that the bone heals in place. The pain is still terrible as the pieces grind together but the thought of having them secured is reassuring. My mother drove up to stay with me for a while, so I am in good hands.

Thank you ladies so much for your support and I will keep updating in my disconnected one-hand type...

[ace]

So sorry for your suffering, kiddo. I'll be sending good thoughts your way. And get some better pain meds!

[mtbdarby]

Hey girl - hang in there! Sorry to hear about the surgury but sounds like you're handling it well. Maybe it's time to update your name RiRiJi (jump it?):p

Keep us posted.

[missymaya]

Dang that stinks! I hope you get well soon and sending positive energy for a speedy recovery your way!

[Bikingmomof3]

Feel better soon!!! *hugs*

[7rider]

They took more x-rays when I went back to the ER; the bone has shifted since yesterday with a 1.8mm overlap. I will be booked for surgery hopefully tomorrow to get a plate screwed in so that the bone heals in place. The pain is still terrible as the pieces grind together but the thought of having them secured is reassuring. My mother drove up to stay with me for a while, so I am in good hands.

Thank you ladies so much for your support and I will keep updating in my disconnected one-hand type...

Owie, owie, owie!! :eek:
Good luck with the surgery. Major bummer that things have shifted and you're still in such pain. I hope this helps lots.
Take care!

[silver]

Even though I'm sure you would rather not have the surgery, i think that you will probably be more comfortable after it. And you won't have a big bobble on your collarbone.

Hang in there!!!

[IFjane]

RiRi - hang in there! You will be back on the bike soon. {{{HUGS}}}

Keep us posted on your progress - and let your mom do everything she can for you while she is there!

[luv2ride94]

Bike wrecks suck... but make for great storys ;) My ambulance ride afterwards was the worst too, well not the worst, the worst was when they promised i wouldnt feel anything or remember anything when they reset it.. they were wrong on both parts! Anyway, heal fast, I'll be praying for you and eat lots of JELLO i was told it make your bones fuze faster? Don know if its true but it sure tast good :)

[run it, ride it]

The orthopaedic surgeon called to tell me that the clavicle plate he ordered should be in tonight and my surgery will happen tomorrow. I'm nervous but excited! I guess my situation is sort of considered an emergency, but I am so thankfull nonetheless the surgeon is willing to do it on a Sunday. I told him straight out more than once that short term discomfort is not an issue to me; future functionality is top priority. I could have just left the bone to heal overlapped, but I will get so much more out of proper corrective surgery--this is the girl who had no qualms about Lasik not one year back, and I don't regret it for a second; I doubt I will regret this.

Oh goodness; cake and ice cream and jello--I'm a vegetarian with a wheat allergy ;) but thank you for the kind words! With the codeine taking its toll I'm not up to eating much of anything. It is, however, doing its job and managing the pain.

I was a little worried when my period came this morning two weeks early--usually I can set a watch to it. But after talking to my mother I realized it was probably due to the intense stresses I've been under over the past few weeks (find my post near the bottom of this page for more detail from the day it all started: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=188659#post188659). Basically, I finished my undergrad, boyfriend of three years broke up with me--and since that post, I started seeing a new guy, came off the horse, started mountain-biking pretty hardcore, helped more than four people move across town, had this accident, haven't told work yet--and I still have to move out! My subletter moved in and I'm camping out in the living room. Whew! I'm certainly starting a very new life chapter, but I'm still stuck partway in limbo.

My mother met the new guy I'm seeing and approves--he brought me (homemade meat-free/wheat-free) chilli and (thoughtful) books and movies last night and chatted with us over tea. He loves horses, he actually gets me, has the kindest soul, works with kids, cooks, is going somewhere in life, does as many diverse physical activities as do I (including mtbing) ... not to mention, he is -good-looking- (nordic skiing, rock climbing, soccer and lacrosse--yum). Forget the last guy who never so much as talked to me! I've had two crises in the past week alone and this new guy has been there for me. When my horse threw me onto my head, I feebly called him asking if he'd call me before I went to sleep--instead, he offered to let me stay at his place for the night so he could periodically wake me up. That sweet man held me all night long and never once thought of taking advantage of the situation--and it's not as though there isn't chemistry between us. We have this amazing sensual, intellectual connection--I love that it's not just about sex. But I digress!

My dear mother is more in love, instead, with the guy whose bike I crashed on! I guess I get where she's coming from: he drove me to the er at 5am and wouldn't leave me be till she got here at 3pm. Had to remind her that he has a girlfriend, I'm not necessarily attracted to him in the same way, and I woulda done the same if the tables were turned and say he'd come off my horse instead! But I digress; he IS wonderful regardless, and I have a great support system of new friends and family.

Saw my dad--he is totally on board about the surgery. I'm glad; I trust his opinion as a family physician himself and he answered all my silly questions about anesthesia. My mother, who also works in the healthcare field, has already said she's referred lots of patients to the surgeon who will operate on me and never heard a complaint. It's reassuring to have connections!

My mother cut my sports bra off me today--had to be done eventually, and I plan to attempt a gentle shower later. After trying to determine the best way to rip the seams so it could be resewn, she just sliced through the easiest part and told me she'd buy me a new one as part of my graduation present, as well as replace my very cracked bike helmet.

Then she asked, by the way, was I thinking of anything in particular I wanted for a graduation present? I hadn't much thought about it--my parents raised me well to appreciate what I have and to work hard for everything. But I had no trouble coming up with something more exciting than financial help with the horse's yearly spring innoculations. The first thing that came to mind was: money to go toward a mountain bike! The crash happened on a bike I was borrowing from the guy who got me started in the whole thing (and who my mother secretly wants me to marry), and he's offered to pull some strings helping me find my own bike.

Before my mother had a chance to react, I reminded her that the day we bought my other 'big present' nine years back, the horse, he'd thrown me off thrice and I had to go to the hospital thinking he'd stepped on my cheekbone. And look at all the happiness that horse has brought me since then: all the character he's built; how hard I work to afford to keep him; all we've accomplished; how much we've taught one another.

But far from support my argument, of course, that only reminded me that I needed a new equestrian helmet as well as bike helmet because that very same horse bucked me onto the very same head and shoulder the bike did about one week back. Oops. Not what a parent wants to hear.

Oh boy! Sorry for the novel; you'd think typing with one hand would make for shorter posts, but no such luck! I will keep you ladies updated, and once again, thanks for all the words of support and reassurance (Silver, you come to mind in particular--I remember reading all about your crash and your ability to pull through has certainly inspired me), and am I ever glad to hear I'm not alone for interesting ambulance rides! :D

[silver]

riri, I so hope that your surgery goes well. Your surgery will be more extensive than the surgery that I had after my wreck, I had to have a chest tube inserted. but I can't help but think that you will really be able to heal up quickly after it's done. I'm so glad that your mom is there. I think no matter how old you are, your mom is the only one who can really take care of you.

My mom came after my wreck and she would come to my room every day and wash my hair in a basin. Ahhh!!!!!!! That made me feel so much better.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you the my period came early after my wreck. They told me in the hospital that is common. This is my theory, the body reacts to extreme physical stress but shutting down all unnecessary (to the body's survival) functions. That includes trying to sustain a baby.

i think that you are like me and that this whole experience will just heighten your appreciation for the physical activities that you enjoy and that once you are back at it (and you WILL be SOON) that you will enjoy them all the more.

Take care!!!!!

[run it, ride it]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/transfusions/broken.jpg

pre-surgery. You can see the clavcle overlapping on my left side. I will add more pictures after it is screwed back in place!

[silver]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[SandyLS]

Ouch! That does look painful. I'm glad the codine is helping. Good luck with the surgery tomorrow and best wishes for a quick and full recovery.

[margo49]

You are lucky it didn't puncture. Doesnt look too displaced thought.
Make sure your shoulder doesn't end up dropped after its all over. (Good PT)
Good luck with the surgery.
Eat ice cream (for the calcium).

[run it, ride it]

margo: it is displaced enough to be borderline for surgery--which I wholeheartedly opted for because straightness and evenness is VITAL to me as an equestrian. My horse will not tolerate my riding with a dropped shoulder and my physiotherapist already knows he's going to be put to work!

I will eat plenty of non-wheat yogourt and frogourt for calcium, no worries!

[pooks]

Good luck with your surgery. It sounds like you're already having good luck with finding friends and boyfriends!

[smilingcat]

Hi riri,

You have a wonderful family and a wonderful boy friend. So nice of him to keep an eye on you. To stay up with you most of the night to make sure you are alright. Then drive you to ER. then stay with you until your mother came by. He is really special. You are in good hand. Well, now that you've graduated, maybe this is a good time to take some time off and recouperate. Let your boy friend take care of you for a while.

Wish you the best and a speedy recovery.

[IntenseRide]

I remember watching my husband go over the bars on a very steep downhill, he flipped several times, thank god he separated from his bike. His shoulder hangs down now as it was never set correctly. Actually, he says he has more flexibility now then before :confused:, but I will never forget the pain he was in as we walked two miles back to the trailhead. I wish you a 100 percent recovery, sending all the healing thoughts your way I can. :)

[margo49]

[QUOTE]margo: it is displaced enough to be borderline for surgery--which I wholeheartedly opted for QUOTE]

Good for you!
I was of the near enough is good enough school myself, but am suffering the consequences (later, ie now; or should that be now,ie later?).
Seemed like a good idea at the time and I don't regret it much (or often); but now the kids are bigger if I was in a similar situation I would prob'ly treat things more seriously/thoroughly

[DebW]

Good luck through your surgery and healing process. I was like Margot and let my fractured clavicle heal as it was. The overlap in the collarbone hasn't presented a problem, and the sharp bone ends smoothed out over time. But I assume that by having the surgery you'll be able to move your shoulder much sooner and avoid possible frozen shoulder and months of painful PT. BTW, looks like you have very little swelling or bruising around your collarbone which should improve your healing. I had lots of swelling and bruising that took 6 weeks to go away. Somewhere on the board (a thread about bike scars?) is the x-ray of my clavicle which was snapped into 4 pieces.

[margo49]

BTW, looks like you have very little swelling or bruising around your collarbone which should improve your healing.


I thought that too, then I thought - it hasn't come out yet (in technicolor)

[run it, ride it]

worse break than it looked, surgeon said. good thing he went in. unbearable pain, intense swelling, months of painful pt starting today. titanium plate will have to come out later but good it's in now. surgeon a mtber too--gave me special stitches so it heals nicer... even though he has to go back in later.

morphine hardly did a thing for me and percocets aren't much but I will get by.

advice: dont' ever break your clavicle. sucks.

[Pax]

worse break than it looked, surgeon said. good thing he went in. unbearable pain, intense swelling, months of painful pt starting today. titanium plate will have to come out later but good it's in now. surgeon a mtber too--gave me special stitches so it heals nicer... even though he has to go back in later.

morphine hardly did a thing for me and percocets aren't much but I will get by.

Glad you're done with the surgery, I'm sending you lots of healing vibes!


advice: dont' ever break your clavicle. sucks.
Been there, done that...agreed it SUCKS!

[margo49]

titanium plate will have to come out later but good it's in now. .

You can leave them in you know as long as they aren't bothering you.
You just go "ping" at airports.
In the meantime... rest and ice cream

[run it, ride it]

the surgeon said I don't have enough fat on the area for it to be comfortable in the future. certainly I will leave it in until it really bugs me.

and at least -that- ping will draw attention away from the barbells in my nipples! ...which my mother saw for the first time when she helped me tape them down for surgery... at least they seemed tame in comparison to the bone jutting out of my shoulder, right?

[crazycanuck]

R & R..

Sorry to hear about your crash. I hope time passes quickly & you can get back on your bike & horse soon.

Take care
C

[silver]

hang in there!! Are you home? Do you still have the morphine? I tell you what....I LOVED my morphine pump. Morphine was the only thing that would touch the broken bones pain. The nurses told me the best ways to manage the pain. I don't want to say cause it might not be right for you and you know....I'm not a doctor and all that, but the nurses knew better ways to deal with it than the doctors.

I know it doesn't seem like it now, but you will be better soon! Take good care and try to get some sleep.

[IntenseRide]

and at least -that- ping will draw attention away from the barbells in my nipples! ...which my mother saw for the first time when she helped me tape them down for surgery... at least they seemed tame in comparison to the bone jutting out of my shoulder, right?


*SNORT* Funny....I love it!

[run it, ride it]

no more morphine. I didn't much like the sensation of being on it and was happy to get off the IV. pain today is managable. just a little dizzy from the percocets, really sensitive to sounds, and numb on my shoulder. I took a very careful shower last night and can't describe how good it felt to wash off all the betadine and blood and sticky goo from all the tape on me. the constipation really is no fun but I'm eating lots of fruit and fibre and drinking all the water I can, as well as taking stool softeners.

my mother told me that often the first day after surgery is bad, the second you'll feel a little better, and the third can be rough. I'm enjoying day two and hoping to get a few avenues of my life sorted out... work is not going to be pleased...

[Pax]

Isn't that first shower a slice of heaven!! Glad you could take morphine, it's good stuff for pain if you're not allergic to it (projectile vomiting and hives for me).

[IFjane]

RiRi - did the morphine make you itchy all over? That's what happened to me - I had some given to me during surgery almost 2 weeks ago & I itched all over until it was out of my system. Couldn't scratch enough!

Heal quickly - hang in there - it will get better & you will be back on that bike soon.

[run it, ride it]

the morphine just made the room spin as though I were reaaaally drunk. I wasn't quite so nauseous as I would be were the room actually spinning from alcohol, but the power of association was enough that I just wanted it to stop.

[7rider]

Yowza.
It's been many years (10, in fact) since I last had surgery for my own mountainbike crash. That was my knee. But I do remember morphine pumps, Vicodin (talk about spins! Oy!), and the blessed relief of the first real shower.
Take care of yourself. Rest well. And good luck with the rehab.

[run it, ride it]

post-surgery--compare to the pre-surgery pic earlier in the thread! The surgeon set the bone back together and screwed on a titanium plate. I have some nerve damage but I prefer that to having bones fused improperly for the rest of my life!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/transfusions/owwww.jpg

I can't move my shoulder for two months, but nonetheless I am getting along well. maybe a little -too- well. DGIS (dear guy I'm seeing) has been an absolute sweetheart--I'm currently mid-move and sleeping on the couch in my apartment, so he offered his bed a few times. no, no! not what you think--no pressure at all on his part. but, you know, new relationship: pressure or no pressure, the tension was killing us both!

last night we just hit the end of our rope. the leash snapped, and broken bone or no broken bone, well... if a lady may comment with no ill regard toward her purity of character: we were careful but CREATIVE. ;) I'll tell you what--those cycling muscles come in very handy when you have to get creative. I'm glad to be sore somewhere other than my shoulder for a change! Oh, I know, I'm bad! what if I'd injured something further? what would the surgeon say!? teeheehee.

I've just entered a phase of my life where I am happy for the first time in years and years--got out of a dead-end relationship with a guy who didn't appreciate me, finished my degree... I can't even express how much good change did me--learning to mountain bike, finding great new friends and having fun adventures... this whole shoulder thing is just a blip on the radar, and after feeling such pain the pleasures are only amplified (percocets don't hurt, 'neither).

ohh, he just invited me over for dinner, so I will end my novel!

[pooks]

"Creativity" is a very healthy part of a relationship. You go, girl!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've just entered a phase of my life where I am happy for the first time in years and years--got out of a dead-end relationship with a guy who didn't appreciate me, finished my degree... I can't even express how much good change did me--learning to mountain bike, finding great new friends and having fun adventures... this whole shoulder thing is just a blip on the radar, and after feeling such pain the pleasures are only amplified (percocets don't hurt, 'neither).

ohh, he just invited me over for dinner, so I will end my novel!

Oh I am SO happy to read this! How wonderful for you and you DESERVE every bit of it. :p :p Keep nurturing yourself and your new loving relationship. :p :p

[Wahine]

I've always said, variety is the spice of life. Being creative is essential IMO.

Great news RiRi. The collar bone looks good and it's great that you've got someone so kind to take care of you.

Heal fast.:D

[Grog]

I also couldn't stop smiling when I read your message. You're in a happy place. Stay there (while going forward, if you know what I mean). :)

[run it, ride it]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/transfusions/awesomestitches.jpg
Finally pulled off the rest of the bandages, and I think I am in love with my surgeon: is that not the most incredible stitching job you've ever seen?

thank you ladies for the amazing words of support and encouragement. they have been so helpful, reassuring, and reaffirming throughout recovery.

I've had a very busy past few days. I went shopping for a new helmet with DGWBTM (Dear Guy Whose Bike Threw Me), who works at a bike shop in Toronto and hooked me up with his employee discount--we also had the priviledge of shopping after hours and stayed in there until well past 1am!

The helmet is ordered! sexy Giro E2 in matte slate/titanium... yum... also got new Tifosi sunglasses (my Ryders broke in the horse crash a week earlier), and Sugoi full-fingered gloves that can only be described as 'handgasmic.' Of course, I've been wearing them around the house nonstop with arm warmers, much to my housemates' vague confusion but acceptance.

I also got back on a bike! For real! In the bike store I hopped on a kids' bike with training wheels and tore around the displays. Shoulda seen the grin on my face! Now DGWBTM is tempted to hook me up with training wheels for my roadie, lol.

two days ago I went for a gentle mall trip to soothe my wounds through summer skirt shopping. I cannot describe in words how much will power it took not to try and ride my bike there! I took the bus.... then realized I didn't have a bus fare home! No matter: I happily walked the 4.2km. sunny day, nice breeze, and I took the route past the friendly cows at the vet college. oh, how simple pleasures thrill me now!

speaking of four-legged creatures, yesterday I determinedly (but gently) climbed back on the horse--now, before the reprimands begin, do understand that I've owned this horse for nine years; I've had my 86-year-old grandfather on him, young cousins--people more fragile than me. he knows when to have fun, but he also knows who to look after. the sweet boy did everything he could to make my ride comfortable--we ambled around at a walk, jogged briefly, and he gave me half a round of the most smooth rocking horse canter before gently stepping back to a walk. that boy stood so still while I climbed back off onto the mounting block, even when I accidentally booted him in the flank swinging my leg over. he knows. this is the horse who carried me home half-unconscious after a terrifying road accident, who whinnied and paced the fence trying to get to me when I fainted and didn't get up, who caught a leg over a line he was tied to and instead of panicking looked trustingly over to me and stood till I freed him. oh dear, here come the waterworks... not a tear shed during the whole clavicle incident, but once I start thinking about that sweet horse I'm a fountain.

DGIS (Dear Guy I'm Seeing, not to be confused with DGWBTM (yes, I've got guys taking care of me all 'round!)), is just... I honestly can't believe he's real. So sweet and caring, strong sensual side, a body to die for, loves horses and wants to go on bike rides with me once I'm healed.

but I have been pushing it: today is moving day and I could not be in worse shape. thank god I have everything packed and ready to go, but I didn't get any sleep last night--first from a pain in my chest so sharp I could scarcely breathe (which thankfully went away before I contemplated trip #3 to the er), and now from some very swollen tonsils. I'm exhausted and nauseated and just hoping there's enough left of me to direct the move (DGWBTM was kind enough to offer to move me).

I apologize for yet another novel... I have enough range of motion in my off arm to type with it again, mwahhahaha!

[Pax]

riri - Gorgeous scar!! You owe the doc a nice bottle of scotch for that beauty! :D

[FreshNewbie]

RiRi, you are one tough gal. Happy to hear that your recovery is going by fast and that you already having fun ;) You totally deserve it. Stay as positive as you are.

Marina

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

"RiRi"- I like that nickname! :)
It does my heart good to read your "novels". Keep writing them! :p
Such happy inspiration to everyone here. :p :p
Rest and heal and don't overdo, now! :cool:

[margo49]

Beautiful stitching job.
It made everything so much easier that you only had the fracture there and no compound-ing.
I agree - it's worth a bottle of scotch

[pooks]

riri --

Your horse sounds like every young girl's dream -- and my dream, too.

I'm glad you're doing so well -- now DON'T PUSH IT!

Or trip number 3 to the er will happen.

[tap-tap-tap]

Have you turned every hair on your mother's head gray?

(I love reading your novels, too!)

[run it, ride it]

Work finally got back to me. I will get paid for one-and-a-quarter days and be put on leave of absence until I'm back in action. Case in point: I still have a job. and I have such mixed feelings. this means I'll have to stay out here in the middle of nowhere for three months, without a vehicle (and no, there's nowhere to road bike safely or MTB at all). I have no excuse not to; the job pays well, and I won't pushed beyond my limits. But part of me knows that staying in my university town with people to ride with and DGIS and friends and finding a job, even if not one with amazing pay, is -possible.- I never have liked it here, I never have liked my job or the people I work with...is it really worth the money to be here? I can't say.

DGWBTM moved me with his truck. the whole trip was torrential rain and we narrowly missed a tornado. Had to stop to fix the tarp over all my earthly possessions more than once. Oh boy. it was like even the weather wanted me to stay.

seeing DGIS could be tricky at best, and the relationship is so young I've just had a TASTE of it before having to throw this wrench in--my first non-long-distance connetion with a guy in eight years. three months seemed a really short time in the relationships that started out long distance. but because this started within close proximity, it looms like an eon. I don't want to kill what we've got, because it's so fun and interesting and unique. the second I arrived here i've wanted to go back.

I have, of course, been overdoing it. I won't even say what I did, not to anyone (telling my mother I hopped on my horse was bad enough!). I'm not sure I've even ever completed the same task by myself without a broken bone. But I do insist it was safe and I used every part of my body aside from that arm to do it. No worries, I don't plan on returning to the ER--it's a bit of a drive from out here!

perhaps a change of weather will lighten my mood and speed along my recovery. maybe even work will be tolerable, and I'll find ways to get back to the town I miss so much. Or maybe I'll just haul anchor and run straight back in a few weeks regardless.

[Brina]

I am so sorry - a broken collarbone hurts like hell. I had a very similar type fall and injury from skiing a few years back.