my century, dog crash

[Miranda]

Hello, my TE friends. Been MIA for 2 reasons: 1) my pc crashed :(; and then *I* crashed:(. What a mess...

After much wonderful advice from here on TE, and 3 months of long hard training work, I felt ready:cool:.

Two weeks prior to event, I got sick:( w/some crud the kiddies brought home from school. But, was mostly recovered and didn't want to NOT show after all that training time.

At mile 10, the route split for 100. Felt pretty good and went for it. Things were going right on plan until mile 50. In a word: dog!:eek::mad::(

Over the bars head first...

If the Garmin graph is right, even with attempting to brake, my crash speed on impact was 23mph.

Unfortunately my helmet shifted on impact, and I have some head lumps & abraisions. But, it certainly took the first blow. Pic doesn't show all the damage. But, an idea.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg230/rotarydial/IMG_2828.jpg

Without it, pretty sure I'd be scrambled egg brains. I called Giro and think how I crashed was part of the shifting issue. I usually get it on super tight too. Maybe this day (of all days) I could have missed a click in that RocLoc. Will never know for sure.

Next my beloved Rudy Project glasses split in two and into my left eye socket. Think they saved my eyeball from getting scraped out on the road though. I have a huge shiner & blood in my eye.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg230/rotarydial/IMG_2833.jpg

Left side of face totally scraped off... It's ***nasty***. That one I thought was too graphic to post a pic of.

Onto collar bone, shoulders, and a roll to the blade which trashed by favorite TE jersey pictured below. The ER RN dug the jersey threads out of me. The skin is back on the road somewhere.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg230/rotarydial/IMG_2836.jpg

Somehow my new carbon ride only has a cosmetic scratch in the fork. Think it's because she cartwheeled over on top my body to break the fall. The crank must have been the source to cut up my legs. Other than the crank cuts, my lower half is ok. The white bar tape is going to need a change.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg230/rotarydial/IMG_2849.jpg

The ER doc said my xrays showed no fractures. But now unfortunately I'm having more collar bone / shoulder pain. Going to a orthoped doc appointment this week. I passed the neuro checks, but my brain just feels like a slight fog at times. I'm at a point too, I think I'm having some post crash depression...

I can't believe in a split second my century was trashed for the whole season:(. Though, logically... I feel lucky to be alive.

Oh, and get this bs:mad:...
The words of the property residents of the dog said the following:
"... oh yea, our dog LOVES to chase bicycles:eek:... there has been a lot of bikes going by today... he has been chasing them all day!":eek::eek: Sherrif was a total jerk-face & ultimately nothing will be done I'm sure, but the man said, "... why would I need to keep my dog confined?:confused: ...I live out in the country, etc."...

Uhhh, well, I'll give you one reason... TAKE A FREAKING LOOK AT MY FACE!!!:eek::mad:

Not the first century report I dreamed of finally being able to post.:( But, that's what I have to share.

Miranda

[owlice]

Miranda,

The most important thing is that you are still here and able to post about it. Thank goodness! I'm so sorry you had a crash, and such a bad one, but wow... going as fast as you were, and you have no broken bones? You are one tough chick!!!

The dog owner is an idiot, which of course you already know.

I wish you a speedy and complete recovery!

Owl

[Blueberry]

Ouch - just ouch!! I'm so sorry:( That really sucks.

Do you have a leash law in your county? If so, talk to an attorney. It might be worth claiming against the homeowner's insurance. It'd at least be worth having somebody write a nasty letter. I'd also let the ride organizers know. It's a problem when there are dogs on the route chasing riders all day - they might want to route elsewhere next year. Yeah, it sucks, but sometimes avoidance is all you can do with stupid owners.

Here's hoping all of you heals really quickly (and as scar free as possible...)

CA

[pfunk12]

Wow, Miranda...so sorry to hear about your crash. It sounds awful but from it seems like it could have turned out a lot worse. I'm glad to hear that your bike doesn't have any wounds! :) I hope you feel better soon.

[OakLeaf]

Aw (((((((Miranda))))))) that s*cks. Hope you heal up quick. Use plenty of Traumeel, and don't feel bad about resting - pain is exhausting. Your training plan right now is rest and heal.

And what CA said.

[Owlie]

Wow...I'm really glad you were able to post about it...yikes. Rest and heal up. Gentle ((hugs)) for you too.

[tctrek]

YIKES!! I am so glad you are up and about although it sounds like you need some time to heal and pull together your inner spirit. I really think dog owners should be more responsible, but out here, we get chased on just about all our rides. I hate being chased by dogs :mad:!!

[andtckrtoo]

Man some people should not own dogs!! I'm so sorry you were hurt, especially like that. I'm sending quick healing vibes!

[bikerchic]

Man that sucks Miranda!

Eventually you'll get to the place where you've got this behind you and are working hard training for your next century. Certainly you're body bruises will heal long before your bruised ego......we all remember our first crash! Sounds like you are one lucky gal to live to tell the tale!

Heal fast girl and remember there will be other century rides!

[Cataboo]

MIranda, I wish you were in better shape, but I'm really glad your bike's okay. I think you should possibly keep that handlebar tape - it looks pretty hardcore.


I hope you heal quickly!

[Grog]

I'm really glad you're around to tell the story.

I agree about what all the others said about the dog owner. This person really needs to learn a few lessons in good citizenship.

[channlluv]

I'm glad you walked away from that crash at all.

What happened to the dog? (And yeah, the owner is an idiot.)

Roxy

[crazycanuck]

Miranda,

I'm sorry your bike season has ended abruptly. :( Please take the time to be gentle & heal in your own time.

You'll be back on your bike but don't rush into it.

Take care of that noodle!

C

[runningteach]

I am so sorry and sending you healing vibes. Thank goodness for helmets. Gentle hug to you. Crashes are scary.

[lph]

OW!! :eek:

Many good healing vibes to you! The depression will pass, and you will have a whopper of a story to tell your grandkids.

[Miranda]

Thx... you guys are awesome:cool:. I really need some uplifting thoughts and support now. Appreciate that.

Gheez, after looking at my shoulders in the mirror after last's night wound cleansing shower ritual, I think the it's separating from the collar bone.:(

That bump where the collar bone meets the shoulder is more prononuced than the other side now. *sigh*

I usually sleep on that side. Over the w/e the swelling was subsiding, and it seemed to be hurting a bit less. Thus, at some point in bed when I rolled over, I got on the lefty. I can remember it hurting, but just passed out asleep since I was happy to be in my normal position.

Crud... thinking the pressure maybe threw it over the edge. Wish the ortho doc scheduler would have given me a sooner appointment than end of the week.:( I assume there's something that needs done to help the separation heal together properly.:confused:

Oh... and the dog owner... that one I'm still thinking about what to do.

[deeaimond]

Hey Miranda,

Glad that you've good enough to be back posting on this thread. For the face, Dr Burt's green salve (forgot the name right this moment but its in a green tin) is really good at preventing scarring... i dunno if its too late... don't let the scabs dry out completely...

Take time to heal, and be back on the bike soon!

Hugs,
D

[redrhodie]

(((Miranda))) I hope you get better soon. Listen to your body, eat a little extra, and rest a lot. Healing takes a lot of energy.

[papaver]

Whoow... what a nasty fall. i'm glad you're still here to tell us about it.

[bmccasland]

Gentle hugs to you Miranda! But glad your bike made it through OK :o

As for the dog owner, get a lawyer? :mad: Especially if there's a leash law in the county. Maybe talk to a supervisor in the police department. That dog caused an accident, and for the officer to write it off is unacceptable.

Hope you get to feeling better soon.

[Medianox]

Sorry you crashed...but glad you were not more seriously hurt.
Hope you heal quickly.

I agree that the dog owner is an idiot-hope you are able to have some closure on that eventually, I'm not usually one to say go for suing someone, but your circumstance sure sounds like that may be a valid option.

Dogs can be wonderful companions and I love them in general but when I'm on a bike they make me apprehensive...once on our bike path there was a large pitbull looking dog just kind of loping along off leash on my side coming towards me...and his owner was riding a bike! The dog was criss crossing in front of me and I was sure I was going to hit him-so I said "shoo!" real loud as he went in front of me (and I was going real slow) and his owner said, "nah, he's ok...he won't hurt you!"...and I was too shocked to even answer him. Sometimes I think the dogs are smarter than their owners.

[Ja Da Dee]

What to do about the dog? Give your insurance company alll the details. The Dog Owner admits his dog runs in the street and was chasing riders. He might not believe that he needs to confine his dog, but his insurance will still need to pony up for your medical bills since his dog caused damage when it was running on the street. If your health insurance is anything like mine, they will be happy to shift the payment obligation.

Wishing you a fast healing.

[Selkie]

Miranda - I'm sorry to hear about your accident. Irresponsible dog owners never fail to amaze me with the way they rationalize their bad behavior (the dog was being a dog, but the owners were being xxxxxxles). While I'm not a big fan of lawsuits, I think you should go after these people. It might make them think twice about letting the dog roam free (dangerous to people and to their dog, for chrissake).

Hope the shoulder is not broken (been there myself). In the meantime, sending you lots of healing vibes. Be good to yourself.

[Red Rock]

Miranda I just wanted to wish you well on the recovery of all of this. I hope your next century is a more plesant experience. I am glad that you are still in one piece along with your bike. Sounds like this dog owner needs his head put correctly. Do what you have to do to help rectify the situation. I can not help you there.

Take care of yourself.

Red Rock

[sfa]

Ouch! I'm so glad you weren't injured more seriously and are here to tell us about the crash! I'd call the ortho today and ask if you can be seen sooner. Tell them to at least call you if there are any cancellations.

And never mind whether or not there are leash laws in that county. A leash law would make it easier to go after the dog owners, but even without the laws I think you have some recourse through their insurance company. They were aware and admitted that their dog had been chasing bicycles, creating a dangerous situation for all of the riders and specifically for YOU. They need to be held accountable.

Sarah

[MartianDestiny]

And never mind whether or not there are leash laws in that county. A leash law would make it easier to go after the dog owners, but even without the laws I think you have some recourse through their insurance company. They were aware and admitted that their dog had been chasing bicycles, creating a dangerous situation for all of the riders and specifically for YOU. They need to be held accountable.


I agree with this. Specifically stated leash law or not an owner is responsible for their dog's actions (at least here, and there are off leash legal areas here). That they knew the dog was doing this and allowed it is disturbing and negligent (dangerous for the dog, not to mention traffic!). I suspect you'll be successful in getting their insurance to cover your injuries and bike, which will hopefully make the idiot owner think twice about not containing or training his dog :mad:

Hope you heal well and are back on the bike soon.

[deeaimond]

Hey Miranda, I sound like such a bimbo to worry about the face, but I think i posted a few seconds after u did. I'd be so worried about the collarbone area too. I hope theres not too much pain and the doctor will be able to tell u something conclusive. meanwhile u're def in all our prayers.

even your own dogs can get in the way sometimes. In chinese, there is really a saying that says 'good dogs do not get in the way'...

I always yell that at my dog when she trips me. When i get ready to go to work, i need to make sure she can't get out of the house, otherwise i'm afraid she'll run into the bike... in her strange state of excitement...

D

[indigoiis]

Hi Miranda. I feel awful reading your ride report. What a bummer and your injuries sound worrysome! Do what they say and take time to rest. :(

[arielmoon]

Big hug for you cause I know first hand what this is like!

The owner of the dog that hit me first denied the possibility "He's never chased anyone before!"

"Well actually he chased me and a friend 3 weeks ago"

so she says "Well, if you knew there was a dog that chased you why would you ride on this road?" I though my BF was going to have a canary!!

If there are leash laws like there are here, you have a valid case against the home owner's insurance. I have yet to make a claim in my case, not having been released from my DR's care.


I hope you are feeling better and back riding soon!

[staceysue]

How awful! What a rotten ride. I hope you'll be back in the saddle again soon!

"Duh - my dog just loves to chase bicycles and you shoulda seen all them biciclers riding past here today! He had him one heck of a time. They oughta do that every day!"

It might not be a bad idea to notify all the homeowners along a route before a race, though. Country folks have their habits (I knows - being as I'm one meself).

[CenturyGrrl]

Miranda - I agree with what several others have said, about having your insurance company or lawyer handle this. Your medical bills might be extensive, and your homeowner's or renter's insurance company will almost certainly ask for the dog owner's name and address.

As a dog owner, I know that if my dog were to run in the street in front of someone's car, I would be held responsible and liable for any damage. (Massachusetts law, I looked it up when this did happen to one of my sister-in-law's dogs.)

Especially since the owner KNEW that his dog did this, it was extremely negligent on his part not to control the mutt.

I know that this is just more bother and worry for you while you're recuperating, but something has to be done so that this dog doesn't succeed in his quest to kill the next cyclist that comes along.

[staceysue]

I've designed the flyer that should go out on every country home's door (on the race route)!

WARNING! (pencil drawings of police badges on either side of the word - and great big black fonts)

ATTENTION ALLA Y'ALL!!!

There's gonna be a bike race runnin' right past yer house on ___(plug in date)____!

Now - y'all probly don't know this but there's what's called a LEASH LAW in this here county! What that means is that everybody's dogs are supposed to be on leashes all the time!

Now, we don't care what you do with your dogs most of the time, but on ___(plug in the date)___ when we're having this here race, you better have your dogs inside or on leashes or yer a$$ is gra$$. You hear what I'm tellin you? GRA$$!!!

If one of yer dogs so much as steps foot on the road during this here bike race, we're gonna be callin' in some attorneys, and you're name's gonna be in the paper. Heck - we might even call in a television crew.

KEEP YER DANG DOGS ON LEASHES OR IN THE HOUSE ON ____(plug in date)____!

This is yer one and only warning. We aint gonna count to 3 like yer mamas.

[HoosierGiant]

I've designed the flyer that should go out on every country home's door (on the race route)!

WARNING! (pencil drawings of police badges on either side of the word - and great big black fonts)

ATTENTION ALLA Y'ALL!!!

There's gonna be a bike race runnin' right past yer house on ___(plug in date)____!

Now - y'all probly don't know this but there's what's called a LEASH LAW in this here county! What that means is that everybody's dogs are supposed to be on leashes all the time!

Now, we don't care what you do with your dogs most of the time, but on ___(plug in the date)___ when we're having this here race, you better have your dogs inside or on leashes or yer a$$ is gra$$. You hear what I'm tellin you? GRA$$!!!

If one of yer dogs so much as steps foot on the road during this here bike race, we're gonna be callin' in some attorneys, and you're name's gonna be in the paper. Heck - we might even call in a television crew.

KEEP YER DANG DOGS ON LEASHES OR IN THE HOUSE ON ____(plug in date)____!

This is yer one and only warning. We aint gonna count to 3 like yer mamas.


ROFL!!

Unfortunately, in this here neck o' the woods, most people aren't literate enough to comprehend the notice!

[beccaB]

There is a person on one of our routes who has dogs that have chased us, she told her neighbor that she wishes people would not walk or jog or ride bikes on her street. She works with my husband and when he told her we were worried about her dogs getting hit when they chase us, she said " I hope they do-that will serve them right(the dogs) for being out in the road. " Her neighbor who's child is one of my bus kids, complains that the dogs charge at her kids when they go outside and play. What an irresponsible dog owner!

[staceysue]

ROFL!!

Unfortunately, in this here neck o' the woods, most people aren't literate enough to comprehend the notice!

LOL - here too!

If somebody WAS able to read the notice, though, that would give them time to get out their lawn chairs and buy some more beer.

[HoosierGiant]

LOL - here too!

If somebody WAS able to read the notice, though, that would give them time to get out their lawn chairs and buy some more beer.


Yep! So they could have a front-row seat to watch Satan and Bruiser in action!

[MartianDestiny]

I know that this is just more bother and worry for you while you're recuperating, but something has to be done so that this dog doesn't succeed in his quest to kill the next cyclist that comes along.

I agree something needs to be done. But point of contention: the dog has no "quest to kill the next cyclist that comes along". Dogs like to chase things, dogs think it's a fun game, dogs want to have fun. That's it. (exception to the VERY small minority that actually do want to catch and attack you, but even those don't want to "trip" you to death). He has no idea that if he misjudges distance or otherwise causes an accident that he could kill you and/or himself. The dog is a victim too, of an uncaring, negligent owner that can't be bothered to teach him that chasing is bad or contain him such that he cannot. The owner is the one that's in the wrong and needs a wake-up call...big time.

[channlluv]

I hope you're feeling better today, Miranda. Were you able to get an earlier appointment with the doctor? How's your shoulder today? And how's your face? It all just sounds so painful. Are you still getting foggy?

If it's not too painful to remember the details, what happened with the dog exactly? Did he catch you and grab your foot or run in front of you, or force you into something else that made you wreck?

I agree with those who have said to complain to the Sheriff's office. That kind of bodily injury requires some accountability and for the officer doing the questioning to see your injuries and then blow it off, that would really make me angry. (Kenyonchris, any input there on what she might do?) You were not breaking any laws doing what you were doing. That dog - the owner, really - was the one causing a public safety hazard. Not the riders.

I'd also see if someone with the ride organization has some pull with local law enforcement or maybe legal assistance in getting your medical bills paid for by the owner. I'll bet if he gets your medical bills, he'll be more responsible about letting his dog run loose and chase people.

Staceysue, that flyer is a hoot.

Roxy

[hipmama]

So sorry to hear about your crash and I hope that collar bone is on the mend.

I agree as a dog owner, it would be MY responsibility to keep my dog from cyclists and to pay for any damage or injuries caused by my dog. I hope something works out for you and that you are on the mend.

[Miranda]

Thanks you guys for those additional post of support. It helps.

Well, I learned today if you just physically show up at the doctor's office, looking completely pathetic, beat-up, and beg:o desperately for assistance... you get in.

The short of it is that my shoulder / collar bone acl appears to have seperated. Plus, the doc is concerned about my neck too.

Was pretty much last patient of the day so the office scheduling staff had gone. One of them will call soon. Doc wants me to have an MRI of my shoulder / collar bone, and neck area. Ordered PT as well.

Doc's first impression was that it would heal without surgery; but wanted to see my MRI results to determine that for sure. Plus, something about PT assessing me.

My arm just hanging by my side feels like it did when my kids were toddlers holding my hand and trying to swing on me like a piece of playground equipment.

I asked if I should be wearing a sling or something for support.:confused: For now, to my surprise, he said "no". He does not like to see shoulders get "frozen". Guess people get in pain and don't move at all... then things heal tight w/limited range of motion etc.

Steering the outdoor bici is a "no-go" he said. But, I could spin my legs only stationary.

I told him I teach spinning at my gym. Boss & buddies have been covering my classes. I miss it.:( I couldn't do everything on the spin bike. But some stuff. Doc said that would at least give me "something". He sees a lot of athletes and knows we need our happy exercise endorphines. That's nice since some docs just say "deal with it, and give the sport up".

Just waiting to hear about the appointments. But...

OMG:eek:... I HATE:mad::( that MRI machine. I've been in it serveral times in my life. I'm cholostrophobic and emotional upset triggers the real problem of my asthma. They drug me, but sometimes it's still just bad. Yuck.

[wackyjacky1]

Holy *beeeep*! What an awful experience. http://foolstown.com/sm/158.gif Hang in there, Miranda. Here's to your swift recovery. http://foolstown.com/sm/inv.gif

[Cataboo]

Miranda, can you have an open MRI done? You don't have to get into the tube for those.

[Blueberry]

Take heart on your shoulder. I had a partial AC joint separation and bicep strain from my crash in early July. I had x-rays - no MRI. I'm still going to PT (when the scheduling people don't screw up), but 80% came back really fast - loads better in about a week, and then most of the rest of the 80% in the next 2 weeks. Still seeing lots of improvement (and my life is back to normal, more or less).

Take it easy - ice, anti-inflamatories and not sleeping on that side are your friends. And yes - they don't like to sling it. It tends to cause more problems if you're over 25 (or so says my sports med doc).

CA

[Fredwina]

what I was told when I broke my elbow was that those joints would "freeze" from lack of activity. Most of my PT work was aimed at restoring a full rande of motion
keep your chin up.

[ilima]

Wow, Miranda. I am glad you are well enough to post.

But please, please get your insurance involved. You are going to have significant medical costs, you are going to lose income (maybe your job, cuz who knows in this economy whether they'll hold it for you), and you may have lasting, permanent damage for which you deserve to be compensated. Not to mention if your face ends up with permanent scarring.

Seriously. I'm not the lawsuit type, but you are due some serious pain & suffering and loss of income $$$.

Watch out for the dog owner's insurance company trying to give you the bum's rush & sign your rights away to get just a dribble of money.

Heal well!!!!

[bacarver]

Hi Miranda -

I was taken out by a pit bull in June of 2005. That was my first wreck and it changed my life. I went through the experience even though I wanted to wish it away. I learned that patience, rest, and allowing my body to heal on its own schedule was better than pushing recovery. I decided not to pursue legal action for several reasons. I put all my energy into getting better and getting back on my bike. My husband did take on the local politicos and gained satisfaction though that route.
I went to several doctors and was unfortunately treated poorly by all of them but one. The one who helped was the one who told me to rest and back off.
I decided early on that I would start each day with a positive, pleasant attitude and a shower. I got myself in the shower each morning even though I had to crawl/hop the first week to get the job done.
Being in a bike wreck shows you the stuff you're made of.
Talk to someone who can see the entire picture now and down the road. You may be too consumed with your injuries now to deal with legal counsel, but you may want to take this on later. Keep the options open.
You will heal. Listen to your body and help it as it sorts things out.
Barb

[OakLeaf]

get your insurance involved.

Your insurance will be involved as soon as they receive the ER claim. They'll send you a subrogation form they haven't already. But they will be looking out ONLY for their interests, NOT for yours. Once they've recovered whatever fraction of your medical expenses they pay, they are done.

Your insurance company won't get you any recovery for your lost wages; pain and suffering; any recovery for permanent scarring; any replacement of your gear which it sounds like is too small an amount to submit to your homeowners'/renters' insurance. If you need a lot of therapy for your shoulder (sounds likely) and your insurance doesn't cover it (in general pretty likely with most insurance plans), they won't help you get recovery for that, either.

Get an attorney of your own. At least talk to someone; nearly all plaintiffs' firms won't charge you for an initial consultation.

[Jo-n-NY]

Miranda...so sorry to hear about your crash. A few years ago my season ended on Labor Day because of a crash where I fratured my shoulder. I put my mtn bike on the trainer because it was easier to get on and off and pedeled sitting upright because my arm was in a sling. It mentally felt good to keep my legs spinning.

I think that was a horrilbe attitude of the dog owner. Something needs to be done, not just for you and your future and what you will intail during recovery, but for any other cyclist that rides past their house.

BTW...I often thought if keeping my shoulder mobile would have been better because PT was so painful as my shoulder was stuck and I still do not have full range of motion. Then again it might be different with a collarbone than a shoulder.

as you have heard from others, take time to heal

~ JoAnn

[Fredwina]

The way it was explained to me was that the time you spend with the joint immoblie is a comprise - it better for healing to keep it immoblie, but the more you keep it immoblie, the more (and more painful) PT you need to recover your ROM:)

[ilima]

Your insurance will be involved as soon as they receive the ER claim. They'll send you a subrogation form they haven't already. But they will be looking out ONLY for their interests, NOT for yours. Once they've recovered whatever fraction of your medical expenses they pay, they are done.

Your insurance company won't get you any recovery for your lost wages; pain and suffering; any recovery for permanent scarring; any replacement of your gear which it sounds like is too small an amount to submit to your homeowners'/renters' insurance. If you need a lot of therapy for your shoulder (sounds likely) and your insurance doesn't cover it (in general pretty likely with most insurance plans), they won't help you get recovery for that, either.

Get an attorney of your own. At least talk to someone; nearly all plaintiffs' firms won't charge you for an initial consultation.

Her insurance company can get the ball rolling as far as legal responsibility. I'd probably contact my homeowner's insurance first.

I don't think a lawyer is a must have, however.

[Miranda]

Thanks for those added thoughts. The support really helps. And it gives me some more things to think about.

At least for now I have worked out getting my MRI test, PT evaluation, and follow-up doctor's appointment. I visited the site where I will get my MRI and chatted with the tech too. That made me feel better about it. The unknown in itself can be a scary thing sometimes. Think I'll be ok for the test now (& doc did order sedation, good thing).

Back to Advil and ice for now.

Miranda

[emily_in_nc]

Miranda, I am so very sorry to hear about your crash! I had a dog-induced crash in 2005 while training for a century. I have posted about it many times on this forum, but here was a post I looked up that detailed what I did to recoup my expenses and my experience talking with a lawyer. Not sure if the link will post the entire thread or my exact post, but if the entire thread comes up, look at page 3 for my long post.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=414919&highlight=pelvis#post414919

I certainly wish you the best. I will never be 100% but am riding again, running, hiking, etc.

Take good care and heal well,

Emily

[malkin]

That sounds like a wicked wreck.

Take care. It can take a long time and it probably seems like forever.

[ivorygorgon]

I work for a personal injury attorney. Consult with an attorney now, not later. You likely have a good claim. Please don't hurt it by trying to deal with insurance companies on your own. Please get legal advice. Just because you consult does not mean you must file a lawsuit. Consulting will simply give you more information and options. Most PI attorneys consult for free and represent you on a contingency fee basis (no money up front.).

Also, I have to tell you that if you are considering a claim, do not post details on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc. These postings can and will be used against you by the insurance companies. I am not trying to be scary, but this is just fact.

Take care, I truly hope you feel better soon. As a dog owner and lover, I am appalled at how some dog owners are, they give the rest of us a bad name.

[Miranda]

Just wanted to say thx for those additional replies. Appreciate the input and well wishes.:)

[sundial]

Oh Miranda, what a horrible crash! I can only imagine how painful your injuries are. Is your skin healing nicely? Are you able to sleep much? Is your shoulder feeling better? Are you finished with that dreadful MRI?

I learned that there is an ebb and flow to healing and your body will let you know each day whether it's one step forward or two steps back. I've also learned that pushing the body to heal quicker does not always work and may actually create more setbacks.

Of the injuries I have encountered, I believe the psychological trauma is the worst. The internal dialogue can be very draining and affect nearly every aspect of living. What used to be routine now becomes a battleground for emotional chaos. Anger, bitterness, and depression take their turn at making life more complicated. And it makes you feel even more isolated. If you are feeling this now, do you have someone you can talk with--someone who can help you reframe your thinking?

With each day know that you are making progress--even if it's incremental improvements. You are not alone and there is much support for you here. Count each day as a blessing that you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are touched by your presence.

With many gentle hugs,
~Cathy