My cycling accident update

[emily_in_nc]

Hi all ~

I got so many kind comments when I posted here about my dog-induced pelvic fractures a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to let you know that I've put together a blog. I did it all yesterday but pulled bits and pieces from emails I'd written friends since the accident as well as a personal journal I'd been keeping online. From now on I'll keep it up as often as I have anything new to report. If you're interested, it's here:

Emily's cycling accident blog (http://www.livejournal.com/users/emily_c_smith/)

Also, many thanks to Susan and the entire gang at Team Estrogen, who sent me a lovely get-well card they'd all personally signed. What a great company! :)

I'm hoping to get a cushy new saddle (since I have broken pubic bones) and slick tires for my MTB this week and put it on the trainer, where I'm now allowed to pedal very easy (no resistance). I wouldn't be able to get my leg over the top tube of my road bike, so the MTB will be nice for that, and I think the more upright posture will help me now too. Looking forward to trying that out very soon!

~Emily, getting stronger every day...but still a long way to go

[Veronica]

Oh, that's terrific, that you can start pedaling again. :p You know us, we'll say be very careful and listen to your body.

V.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'm delighted to hear that you're able to move on to a real bicycle - even one that is inside of your house! It sounds like you've made significant progress, and I will definitely continue to follow along in your blog.

Sending more wishes your way for a good recovery...
--- Denise

[SadieKate]

Wonderful to hear how fast you're healing! I can certainly attest to the butt-scooting method of ambulation. I also had a full leg cast off and on for a couple years - try sitting on the toilet with that! You'll look back and laugh at some of the things you do to stay comfortable and you'll probably develop some positional habits that will stay with you along time. It is wonderful to hear that you can be back spinning so soon and how much activity you're getting. Keep posting and we'll keep reading!

[CorsairMac]

I was just thinking about you today and wondering how you're getting along. Thanks for the blog and the update. Still keeping you in my thoughts! Go slow, heal fast!

[annie]

Emily,

Awesome that you can soon start to pedal on a bike! Indoors, or not, it won't matter, you will be so thrilled to be ON a bike. I know I couldn't lift my leg over my bike when I first started after a broken pelvis. I put the bike in the trainer (I was using a road bike) and set a step stool next to it and managed to get on that way. To say it was worth the trouble doesn't even begin to describe the feeling of actually being on a bike again and knowing I was that much closer to recovery. It hurt like he** to get on but once pedaling, it was wonderful!! I was VERY carreful not to overdo it. My first session was only for 15 minutes. I actually was in tears, I was so relieved to be on the bike and pedaling. A very emotional moment. I wish you joy and healing! I'll be checking your blog.

annie

[KSH]

WOW! Way to go on the recovery!

You know... I don't *know* you... but I thought about your story this weekend.

I was riding in the MS150... on some country roads... and there were two dogs running into the street. I thought about your horrible accident... slowed down... unclipped...and kept a close eye on the dogs.

They stayed away...but I tried to prepare myself just in case.

Take care... and heal fast!

[Roadrunner]

Oh, that's terrific, that you can start pedaling again. :p You know us, we'll say be very careful and listen to your body.

V.
Hey Emily Really glad to hear your improving so much. Take it easy.I echo Veronica in saying be careful and listen to your body :)

[nuthatch]

I can't believe you're already mended enough to do some riding indoors!! How exciting!! :D

[massbikebabe]

Emily:

You just hang in and give the body and soul the time it needs. I have shared your blog with my 13 year old daredevil...hope you don't mind...I just want him to see what can happen even when you are careful!! Take Care Sweetie :D

karen

[KkAllez]

Emily, hugs and a quick healing! I looked at your blog. Poor girl. Wish the quickest of recoveries.

K K

[DeniseGoldberg]

Emily -
Last night I finally had the time to read your entire blog. Your description of your time in the emergency room brought tears to my eyes - what an awful day you must have had. It sounds like you've made significant progress, although it may seem slow to you. Although it's really hard sometimes, please remember to go easy on yourself. I'm sure you'll get back to the biking activities that you love, but unfortunately I can tell you from experience that it can take longer than you want to get back to your pre-crash levels of fitness. The important thing is that you are working your way back.

More good thoughts are winging your way.
--- Denise

[KnuckleSandwich]

Emily....I'm so sorry to hear about your accident! (I don't check the board very often...so obviuosly, I'm a bit late!)

You helped me out while I was researching my Aegis Swift, and I appreciate how thoroughly you answered my numerous questions! Thanks again! I just got it on Monday....its a pink carbon Rocket!!

Good luck on your recovery! From experience, I know its a tough road...but, you seem like a tough cookie. Patience is the key, one mile at a time.....


Danielle

[Pedal Wench]

I'm amazed that you're recovering so well and so quickly! I hate to say this, but although it seems fast to us, I'm sure it's been interminable to you. Good luck, and be strong. Sending you pink-bike well wishes.

Leslie

edit: Emily, I hope you take this the right way. I read some parts of your blog, and I am overwhelmed by the love and support that you have. Barry sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. Sometimes it takes bad things to show you how good things can be. Take comfort that you are surrounded by people, family and friends who are taking pleasure in helping you out. In a very strange way, you are a lucky woman.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily -
Last night I finally had the time to read your entire blog. Your description of your time in the emergency room brought tears to my eyes - what an awful day you must have had. It sounds like you've made significant progress, although it may seem slow to you. Although it's really hard sometimes, please remember to go easy on yourself. I'm sure you'll get back to the biking activities that you love, but unfortunately I can tell you from experience that it can take longer than you want to get back to your pre-crash levels of fitness. The important thing is that you are working your way back.

More good thoughts are winging your way.
--- Denise

Denise ~ your post brought tears to my eyes. I had read your accident journal awhile back and was amazed by your recovery and steadfastness. At the time I read it, it was with idle curiosity, as I would surely never be in such a position myself! :o I guess I thought accidents only happened to other cyclists, not to me. But now I know better, and even through all the pain this accident has caused me, I know that I am wiser now. Thanks for your kind thoughts!

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Emily:

You just hang in and give the body and soul the time it needs. I have shared your blog with my 13 year old daredevil...hope you don't mind...I just want him to see what can happen even when you are careful!! Take Care Sweetie :D

karen

I'm thrilled that you have shared my blog with your son or daughter (I'm assuming son, based on the daredevil characterization!) I too felt pretty invulnerable before my accident. I'd ridden over 10K miles in the last few years without a single crash. I now know that it can happen to anyone.

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Emily....I'm so sorry to hear about your accident! (I don't check the board very often...so obviuosly, I'm a bit late!)

You helped me out while I was researching my Aegis Swift, and I appreciate how thoroughly you answered my numerous questions! Thanks again! I just got it on Monday....its a pink carbon Rocket!!

Good luck on your recovery! From experience, I know its a tough road...but, you seem like a tough cookie. Patience is the key, one mile at a time.....

Danielle

Danielle ~ Awesome about your Swift. You will love it! I was thrilled to see that my bike didn't seem to sustain any damage in the crash other than a scuffed up saddle. I will have it checked out by a LBS before I ride it again, of course, but it looks as pretty as ever! Thank goodness... Enjoy your bike! Post a photo of it if you can; I'd love to see it. I bet Crystal on girlbike.com (http://www.girlbike.com) would love to add it to her pink-bike gallery as well!

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

edit: Emily, I hope you take this the right way. I read some parts of your blog, and I am overwhelmed by the love and support that you have. Barry sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. Sometimes it takes bad things to show you how good things can be. Take comfort that you are surrounded by people, family and friends who are taking pleasure in helping you out. In a very strange way, you are a lucky woman.

Leslie ~ You are so right. I do know how very fortunate I am. I have amazing friends and family, and especially my dear husband of 20 years (this coming May 25!), Barry. I couldn't have done any of this without all the support I am receiving. I am also lucky to have support of so many people I don't even know personally out here in cyberspace, like this wonderful community. Thanks to all for your kindness and generosity of spirit! It really does me a world of good. :)

Emily

[CorsairMac]

I just wanted you to know Em - I went on a long ride with some friends recently and asked them ahead of time "what do we do in case of loose dogs?", the consensus was we would speed up and ride like Hades, calling out to each other to make sure we didn't lose anyone. So thank you for calling to my attention something I would've never thought about asking. I'm just sorry it was your accident that made me think of it.

[emily_in_nc]

I just wanted you to know Em - I went on a long ride with some friends recently and asked them ahead of time "what do we do in case of loose dogs?", the consensus was we would speed up and ride like Hades, calling out to each other to make sure we didn't lose anyone. So thank you for calling to my attention something I would've never thought about asking. I'm just sorry it was your accident that made me think of it.

Hey, that's great, CM!! I'm just glad to have raised a few folks' awareness of this. It is very smart to have a plan in place prior to the situation arising.

Emily

[MomOnBike]

"what do we do in case of loose dogs?", the consensus was we would speed up and ride like Hades, calling out to each other to make sure we didn't lose anyone.

I'm not convinced that acting as prey to a large preditor (which, after all, is what all dogs are) is a good idea.

What worked for me on my trip was to slow down, make myself big and bark NO! I used a deep chest voice and projected a lot of confidence. Of course, I'm a big woman and had dog spray in my hand when I did it.

The idea is to let them know that you are bigger, badder and meaner than they can ever hope to be. So far, with the dogs I've encountered, this method has worked better than running like a scared rabbit - which I had tried in the past. I'm not pretending I can bluff all dogs - that's why I carry dog spray. I don't intend to lose a confrontation with a dog.

One more thing. If you slow down, or even stop, the chances of a really bad wreck go down dramatically, and your chance of scoring a direct hit with the dog spray goes up.

One last, last thing. DH turned a bear once with this method when were hiking. :eek:

MomOnBike (AKA Alpha B-i-t-c-h and proud of it)

[SadieKate]

Oh gosh, I think you have to be quick with your thinking for each and every time. I think Corsair's discussion with her ride partners is the start. You've all got to agree to start talking to come up with a plan immediately. Hubby was climbing a steep hill when crazy lady purposefully let out her 2 crazy-trained Great Danes and sent them after him. On a hill that steep he was going so slow that he was automatically prey and the dogs were smart enough to get on both sides of the bike so he couldn't use the bike as a shield. If he had been able to go down hill he probably could have gotten away. I know I've out sprinted small dogs on the flats that would have come right under the cranks if I had stopped and gotten off the bike. I know that my best deep-throated growl imitation has stopped a few.

The good thing is lycra is an excellent pressure bandage. Hubby rode back to the car, drove to the Doc-in-a-Box where the triage nurse didn't believe him when he said he'd been bitten by a Great Dane. He rolled back the bandage and, voila, she decided that spurting blood was not a good thing to have in the waiting room.

[nuthatch]

Hubby was climbing a steep hill when crazy lady purposefully let out her 2 crazy-trained Great Danes and sent them after him.

So, did you sue her?

[SadieKate]

So, did you sue her?No, her trailer burned down the following week (I promise that it wasn't us!!! :eek: ) and it wasn't the first time for the dog attack. Law enforcement took care of it and there certainly wasn't anything for which to sue her, unless you wanted the cinder blocks under her trailer or the weeds in her yard.

[nuthatch]

Wow! Talk about just deserts!

[Cdalekat]

I know pelvic break pain all too well. :(

Just take care of yourself and be careful with the trainer. I pushed myself too hard while healing and I paid for it for months!

You are doing well - best wishes for continued healing!

---
ETA: After reading your blog....
.... I still have some various hardware within me. I was told that surgical grade hardware doesn't set off metal detectors. In fact, I did test it at an airport and never set off the detectors. So you might be ok in that respect! :)

Also, there are few cases in which keeping the hardware is required - I've had most of my hardware removed because it caused me additional pain (and therefore was covered by insurance). Don't hesitate to get pain checked out even a year from now - I tend to grow bone spurs in injury areas - it's pain that you *don't* have to live with!

[Jo-n-NY]

Hi Emily,
I also was thinking about you during the week. Due to organizational changes here are work, I have been very busy I just got a chance to long on to the TE board.

I am happy to hear you continue to do well. You sound in good spirits and with that attitude you will get better quickly I am sure. This may sound silly but I printed out your blob to read on the train ride home. I am sure it will make for very interesting reading.

Thanks for posting the update. Continue to keep in touch.

~JoAnn

[emily_in_nc]

I know pelvic break pain all too well. :(

Just take care of yourself and be careful with the trainer. I pushed myself too hard while healing and I paid for it for months!

You are doing well - best wishes for continued healing!

---
ETA: After reading your blog....
.... I still have some various hardware within me. I was told that surgical grade hardware doesn't set off metal detectors. In fact, I did test it at an airport and never set off the detectors. So you might be ok in that respect! :)

Also, there are few cases in which keeping the hardware is required - I've had most of my hardware removed because it caused me additional pain (and therefore was covered by insurance). Don't hesitate to get pain checked out even a year from now - I tend to grow bone spurs in injury areas - it's pain that you *don't* have to live with!


Oh gosh, sorry you've been down this road too. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

That's good news that you didn't set off the plane metal detectors. We'll be rescheduling our 20th anniversary trip for late this year, so that will be my first test of it. As far as having the hardware removed, though...that's more surgery...ugh! :eek: I sure hope I don't have to do that. The doc never mentioned that possibility, but I'll try to remember to ask him at my next appointment. I really want to be done with hospitals! Fortunately, my pain is very minor at this point - I only took two ibuprofen all day today, prior to exercise. I'm at 4.5 weeks since surgery. I do have muscle tightness, and numbness below the incision, plus the occasional odd feeling/sensation, but not actual "pain" any more, even when I do my exercises (other than muscle pain like you'd get at the gym). Perhaps I'll get lucky and heal up really well. Hoping.....!!!

Emily

[Cdalekat]

As far as having the hardware removed, though...that's more surgery...ugh! :eek: Fortunately, my pain is very minor at this point - I only took two ibuprofen all day today, prior to exercise. I'm at 4.5 weeks since surgery. I do have muscle tightness, and numbness below the incision, plus the occasional odd feeling/sensation, but not actual "pain" any more, even when I do my exercises (other than muscle pain like you'd get at the gym). Perhaps I'll get lucky and heal up really well. Hoping.....!!!

Emily

Second surgeries are WAY easier than the first! (yes, I've been through this more than one time - different body parts thought).

It sounds like you are already doing better than me in the pain department. I'll be honest - 5 years after the fact and I still have pelvic pain everyday. (It's the nature of where my breaks occured - I was almost paralized)

I definitely know what you mean by the weird sensations, but it really does sound like you are doing phenominally!!!! In case you were worried - walking again will be easy. Stiff, maybe, but totally do-able! :D

Hope your 20th anniversary trip is a blast! :)

[Jo-n-NY]

Hi Emily,
I just wanted to quickly mention that I read your blog. You mentioned that you might have a numbness where the surgery was done and afraid that the feeling would not come back. I have had a few surgery's over the years, one on my ovaries, two c-sections both in the same place as the ovaries and my thyroid removed. I will say that in all incisions I had numbness. In my case it did last years, but it was not a problem for me. I just got use to it but feeling did eventually come back.

Just thought I would offer you that bit of info on my past experience.

~JoAnn

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Emily,
I just wanted to quickly mention that I read your blog. You mentioned that you might have a numbness where the surgery was done and afraid that the feeling would not come back. I have had a few surgery's over the years, one on my ovaries, two c-sections both in the same place as the ovaries and my thyroid removed. I will say that in all incisions I had numbness. In my case it did last years, but it was not a problem for me. I just got use to it but feeling did eventually come back.

Just thought I would offer you that bit of info on my past experience.

~JoAnn

JoAnn ~ thanks for sharing your experience. The doctors told me that the numbness could last forever or recede very slowly. So, I guess the jury is still out on what will happen. I can live with it even if it never goes away. If I hadn't had the surgery, I would have risked healing up wrong with a great likelihood of sacro-iliac (SI) joint problems, leg length discrepancy, and chronic pain, all of which would have given me problems cycling in the future. I can certainly live with some numbness and a 6" incision since it resulted from the surgery to fix me up right. :) And check this out - I'm riding indoors again!!! No resistance and only 15 minutes, but at least it's a start!


http://home.mebtel.net/~emilys7/emily_mtb_trainer.JPG

~Emily

[snapdragen]

:D ;) :D ;) Kewel! ;) :D ;) :D ......

[Jo-n-NY]

Emily, you look great. By the looks of the pic, I wouldn't have even thought you had any kind of accident. It looks like you are just riding your trainer. Keep up the good work, keep smiling, and that up beat attitude and you will be back to your good ole self in no time.

I will keep checking for your updates.

~JoAnn

[CorsairMac]

Wooohooo Em - you sure do look purty on a bike ma'am!....and those raspberry gloves??....do I remember a thread about those gloves???? ain't no thing resistance or not, 15 secs or 15 mins....you're on a bike......life does Not get any better than that now does it!

[Roadrunner]

Lookin' good. Great to see you on your bike. It's great to see you're recovering so well. Keep up the positive attitude ;)

[nuthatch]

Yay, Emily! How long until you can get back on the water as well?

[DeniseGoldberg]

Emily -
I love your big smile as you are pedaling - you look great on your bike. I know recovery takes a long time, but you're clearly working your way back if you can manage even short periods on the bike (on the trainer). Still sending wishes your way for a full recovery in as short a time as possible!

--- Denise

[emily_in_nc]

Yay, Emily! How long until you can get back on the water as well?

Hopefully not too long - sometime this summer, I'd think. I need to be able to walk without a walker or crutches, and to get into and out of the kayak, which has a pretty small cockpit. Once I'm in, I'll be just fine. My husband built a rolling kayak cart, so I wouldn't need to be able to help him carry it to/from the put-in area. I'm sure I'll be paddling again before I can safely ride a bike outdoors.

Emily

[annie]

The JOY of being back on the bike - even for 15 minutes indoors on the trainer! I am so happy for you! Enjoy! :D :D :D

Is that white box next to the bike your mount/dismount aid?

annie

[Pedal Wench]

Wow!!! Emily! I'm so thrilled to see you back in the saddle! You are an inspiration! Really - to be back up and even trying to ride at this stage is so impressive. Keep us posted - you look terrific! (And, where CAN we get those gloves???)

Leslie2

[emily_in_nc]

The JOY of being back on the bike - even for 15 minutes indoors on the trainer! I am so happy for you! Enjoy! :D :D :D

Is that white box next to the bike your mount/dismount aid?

annie

Thanks! And yes, the white box is like a stepping stool to help me get my right leg over the bike. You can see my walker behind it.

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Wow!!! Emily! I'm so thrilled to see you back in the saddle! You are an inspiration! Really - to be back up and even trying to ride at this stage is so impressive. Keep us posted - you look terrific! (And, where CAN we get those gloves???)

Leslie2

I got them (FREE!! :D ) from cathleen on this site. I love them, and they fit me...well, like a glove! :D

Check out this thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2344&highlight=raspberry+gloves

You'll have to ask cathleen where she got them. I just got lucky! I've been using them with my walker to cut down on the hand pain I get. They have a nice big pad on the heel of the hand part that helps so much. Thanks again cathleen, if you are reading this!!

Emily

[Pedal Wench]

Emily! I forgot about that thread. I'm currently debating if my rasberry Nike Ventoux's will clash with the celeste on my Bianchi...

[annie]

Emily,

Isn't it amazing how it can HURT to walk, but get on the bike and pedal.......... it's a whole different story! I honestly, truly believe, whether it be mental or physical, that getting on your bike and pedaling 'round and 'round, getting the blood circulating through the bone and injury, is extraordinarily healing, both to the body and to the mind. And one assists the other in healing. Pedal when you are able and keep those positive thoughts flowing.

annie

[RoadRaven]

Inspiring pic, Emily
So great to be a part of your determination, positivity (is that a word?) and inspiration...


Excellent to find an excercise that you happen to have a passion about that doesn't pain you... it will def help in bone and muscle recovery

Arohanui from Aotearoa