Well, My Summer's Over

[lauraelmore1033]

I was hit by a huge truck while riding on the Centennial trail on Wednesday. Broken ribs, unbelievable amount of pain and swelling over most of the left side of my body, and I am one unhappy camper. I just cancelled my STP registration and have my finger hovering over the cancel button for a tour in Idaho in August.

I was hit while riding through an area of the trail that runs through kind of an industrial area. The truck was in the driveway for one of the businesses. I stopped, made eye contact with the driver and assumed he was waiting for me to cross. By the time I was half way across the cross walk, he'd decided to pull out. I was screaming, "Hey! hey! hey! as his grill continued to loom closer and closer on my left side, and I remember thinking, I don't friggin believe it! as the grill made contact with my torso. Jump cut in consciousness, and I am writhing and bellowing in the street with the wind knocked out of me. I remember sirens and somebody running up with a chair, because I had started to get up, because I didn't want to lie back on the busy road like I was belatedly directed to do. The EMTs insisted that I needed to go to the hospital, where it was determined that if I was seriously injured, I would be in more pain. An officer came in and took my statement and tried to insinuate the accident was my fault because he didn't think I had the right of way. (pretty sure I did) He also said that I had caused an awful lot of damage to the truck, but my bike (the Bacchetta Bellandare) didn't appear to be damaged at all! (The back wheel had been run over and wasn't really rolling any more when we picked it up) .
I've had two days to reflect on it, and I am getting angrier and angrier by the minute. It could have been so much worse, though. If I'd been riding my tadpole trike, which is way lower than the bellandare, he would have rolled over me and crushed my body. If I'd been riding the tricross, I would have been higher off the ground and being violently flung to the ground would have done more damage to me.

[malkin]

Ouch!
I'm very sorry this happened to you! Give yourself a little time to gather your wits before making decisions about August.

Sending wishes for peace and healing.

[salsabike]

Laura, I am glad you're alive, girl. I am wishing you well.

And get a lawyer with bike case expertise! John Duggan is a well known local name. MM_QFC also knows a good lawyer. PM if you need her email.

[Catrin]

So sorry that this happened and so glad you survived! Sending prayers and wishes for healing.

[ny biker]

Oh wow. So glad you weren't more seriously hurt.

I agree about talking to a lawyer.

I hope you feel better soon.

[lauraelmore1033]

Thanks for all the kind words. I was only planning to get a lawyer if the insurance co gave me trouble. Do I really need a lawyer?

[OakLeaf]

Oh man lauraelmore, that's awful. You should be angry - furious! Hope you heal up quickly.

You need a lawyer. You think the insurance company and the trucking company don't have dozens of them?

[salsabike]

Laura, it's the right-of-way exchange with the police that made me think you should consult a lawyer.

[Crankin]

You need a lawyer. My DH has one for his case against the woman who turned left in front of him last year.
Insurance companies do all sorts of things that are not nice. Get a copy of the police report and see if there were any witnesses.

[Pax]

Holy cow, glad you're still here to tell the tale!!

I'll second Crankin, get a lawyer now. Pretty much no one is on your side in these things so getting someone to represent you and your needs is very important.

[ridebikeme]

First off, I'm glad that the accident wasn't more serious! Take some time to let your body heal, and like all the others have mentioned... get yourself a lawyer. You are going to need someone to look out for you, no one else is going to... especially the insurance companies. AND definitely get a copy of the police report.

Take care, and heal quickly.

[smittykitty]

How scary! So glad you weren't hurt worse! What a stupid mistake on the driver's part. And the officer, well totally ridiculous! So sorry for your pain and ruined summer. There are some really busy areas on that trail! But this still should not have happened and totally not your fault! Take the summer to rest in the backyard lounge chair and get back at it as soon as you are ready. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[thekarens]

I agree, get a lawyer. It already sounds like they are trying to put the blame on you and I can guarantee insurance companies aren't any better.

Heal fast!

[lauraelmore1033]

Well, my insurance company (State Farm) says THEY consider me a pedestrian, and totally in the right. We have no fault personal injury coverage of $10,000 which should cover everything, but they will be pursuing coverage from the truck driver's insurance. I don't think the driver was a professional truck driver, just some young (dumb @$$) with a taste in trucks too large for his particular driving skill set.

[lauraelmore1033]

Good for that. It's a relief not to have to deal with being 'at fault' in such a situation.

But more importantly, how do you feel? Are you healing?

There is still a lot of pain. The ribs are going to take at least 2 months to heal. The inflammation in my hips and tailbone is subsiding to more tolerable levels, but my arm and shoulder are still horribly bruised and swollen. I have moments where I feel very lucky to be alive, and then the pain meds wear off and I find myself not feeling so lucky.

[Catrin]

From what I understand most, if not all, insurance companies consider cyclists to be pedestrians - so glad to hear that is so in your case. I hope your recovery is sooner than later! I would still have a lawyer in mind just in case legal counsel is needed.

[rebeccaC]

Sorry to hear this and hoping the healing goes well….if you’re having problems sleeping and if you live in Wa. you might look into edible marijuana for that instead of your pain meds.

[lauraelmore1033]

Sorry to hear this and hoping the healing goes well….if you’re having problems sleeping and if you live in Wa. you might look into edible marijuana for that instead of your pain meds.

That's a thought. I wonder if it would help with the constipation problem (totally tmi, but I haven't had a bm since weds...)

[salsabike]

Pain meds will do that, Laura. Have some nice vegetables. :) Rebecca, that's a good idea, too.

[lauraelmore1033]

oh, I am choc full of vegetables.:D

[ny biker]

Oh my yes, call your doctor if the bm thing doesn't resolve itself. You don't want that to become a significant problem.

Fwiw, my friend broke her femur in a bike crash in mid-March but she is already riding again, slower and shorter rides than before but riding nonetheless. You will need time to heal but you'll make it back too.

[OakLeaf]

Yep, opiates will do that. FWIW, after my faceplant, I got way more relief from Aleve than from the Vicodin that they prescribed, though I didn't have any fractures. MJ is a good suggestion, or failing that, at least add a stool softener or Milk of Magnesia, they're pretty benign.

The second and sometimes third days are usually the worst ... hope you're hanging in there.

[Crankin]

DH had to quit the Vicodin after 2 days, because of the stomach issues. He used Tylenol for a week, until his surgery, and then after the clavicle surgery, he took Percocet for 2 days, and then back to the Tylenol. Vegetables did no good at all!

[Catrin]

Hang in there, yeah opiates can have certain side effects for both stomach and sleep. Hoping things start easing soon!

[Pax]

DH had to quit the Vicodin after 2 days, because of the stomach issues. He used Tylenol for a week, until his surgery, and then after the clavicle surgery, he took Percocet for 2 days, and then back to the Tylenol. Vegetables did no good at all!

After my knee replacement it was colace and milk of mag for four days before anything happened, opiates just suck!

[Helene2013]

What a nasty accident. Hoping you heal quickly, without too many complications.

[lauraelmore1033]

Whoa! I just now had a chance to look at my helmet and I was very surprised to see 3 cracks in it! I didn't even think I hit my head! I almost went without my helmet when I realized I had forgotten to bring it out to the car with the bike, reasoning that since I was riding a recumbent on a trail, it wasn't as important. Now I'm feeling extra, extra lucky...

[Eden]

Oh man - sorry to hear this happened to you. I had something similar but without any really bad consequences recently. I was turning left and someone came up to the opposite stop sign after I'd started across. I thought I made eye contact with her too, but right about when I was just in front of her she gunned it and rammed me - fortunately slowly and when I yelled (and probably her kids in the back seat yelled too….) she hit the brakes, so she just bumped me.

Don't let any police officer tell you otherwise - a driver exiting a driveway does not have the right of way a MUP is treated like a sidewalk in this case and the driver has to come to a full stop, check for pedestrians and yield.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, I learned years ago eye contact means nothing. The few who do see you are aiming for you on purpose. It's pretty much as simple as that. But holey moldy, SO glad you were wearing your helmet!

[AppleTree]

:eek::eek::eek: Oh Laura, I am just HORRIFIED to read this... I'm so sorry that happened to you, can't imagine how scary that must have been. Holy $hit.... Stupid, stupid drivers...YOU were in the path right in front of them and they say YOU should have yielded.... oh give me a break... Was this in Lake Stevens?? I can't think of any other industrial area along the trail there.. honest to gawd can't believe that happened. We always think we are safe on the trail. But thank heavens, as bad as it was, it wasn't even worse, and it could have been worse. I would also get a lawyer in this case, $10,000 may not be enough in the long term, if you need ongoing therapy for anything that may show up later?

What a year this has been! MY DH crashed on ice in January, broke ribs. I crashed at the Tulip Pedal in April, knocked myself out...thankfully wearing my helmet, which was cracked in two places. So we both have had ambulance rides this year, both of which were our faults (I hit a ridge on a rough patch of road near Mt. Vernon)...

Well, so glad your beloved Sparky is still there waiting for you to heal. You WILL heal and get back in the saddle again... for now just take the time you need to rest and recover. Oh and good luck with the constipation..., my DH went through that when he took his pain meds for his ribs... it was not fun or easy to get that resolved. He needed more than "fiber" to get things moving again, if you know what I mean. :rolleyes:

[Jolt]

Ouch!! Sorry to hear that happened to you, and glad it wasn't worse. Heal up quickly! And yes, take a stool softener with those pain meds, they are notorious for causing constipation. Not something you need on top of everything else.

[lauraelmore1033]

thanks everyone, for your support. Cindy! I had no idea you'd taken a fall recently. I hope you are all healed up yourself. Yes, beloved Sparky is all I'm allowed to ride until the ribs heal. My Dr actually said I could TRY to continue training for STP on Sparky, but I decided it was just too much pressure. He said to let my pain be my guide, but there is also the element of anxiety about being on the road when the reckless drivers are absolutely everywhere. I am opiate free this morning, and was considering taking the trike out for a spin (after buying a new helmet), but the thought of all the traffic I will have to engage with just on that mile jaunt over to the Interurban is giving me a fluttery stomach.

[Catrin]

Take it easy and do what is comfortable to you. Is there a park with low volume roads large enough that you could take your bike? Country roads in an area where they are accustomed to cyclists?

[lauraelmore1033]

Oh, I'm sure there are, but lifting a 40 pound trike up into the van with broken ribs is probably not on the menu...

[Catrin]

Yep, that wouldn't work. Just looking for ideas when you are ready to ease back into riding. I had hoped you might have a hitch-mounted rack, some of those are easy to use (others, not so much).

Also the word "trike didn't register. I hope you are feeling at least somewhat better!

[lauraelmore1033]

definitely feeling better. Not taking any opiates, but there is still significant pain. I FEEL like I could comfortably ride a two wheel bike, but my Dr has forbidden it because of the risk of falling and worsening the fractures in my ribs.

[shootingstar]

Your doctor's advice restriction is warranted. You want to heal properly.

That was a horrible accident Laurel!

[Catrin]

I agree, take your time and heal!

[ny biker]

definitely feeling better. Not taking any opiates, but there is still significant pain. I FEEL like I could comfortably ride a two wheel bike, but my Dr has forbidden it because of the risk of falling and worsening the fractures in my ribs.

You definitely don't want to rush things.

Once the pain subsides, you might be able to ride a stationary bike or a 2-wheeled bike on an indoor trainer as a way to start moving again without the risk of falling. But clear it with the doctor first.

[Dragonfly5]

Sorry so to hear of your accident Laura. I hope you heal quickly and are back on your bike soon.

[Lelani Carver]

So sorry you're hurting, Laura! For that other problem, avocados are high in fiber and sorta slippy, too. We eat a lot as they're great for diabetics, and can affirm that they really, er, do the job.

[lauraelmore1033]

I usually eat a lot of avocados myself--when I can readily go to the store, and am not relying on a stash of pre made microwaveable crap. Did not know that they are great for diabetics. Is that because they are low GI? Well, anyway, I've been off the opiates for a couple of days now. I'm finding they are only good for taking pain levels down a couple notches when it is at higher levels. When the pain was at an 8-9, it maybe took it down to a 3 or 4. My ambient pain level is around 3-4, so the Vicodin doesn't seem to do much.

[ny biker]

I'm glad your pain is not as bad as before. After ankle surgery (many years ago) I found that the Vicodin made me sick to my stomach so that I couldn't even look at food. I stopped taking them as soon as possible.

I had not realized that avocados help with, what's the word, motility? I don't eat them that often, though. I do like prunes which are tasty little snacks that you know you will never over-indulge in, so they're good for something sweet when you're trying to watch your weight.

[Owlie]

Just read this. How scary! So glad it wasn't worse. Take care of yourself, and let yourself heal.

Gentle virtual ((hugs)).

[lauraelmore1033]

Just read this. How scary! So glad it wasn't worse. Take care of yourself, and let yourself heal.

Gentle virtual ((hugs)).

I know! I should totally be dead!

[lauraelmore1033]

Boy what a winner! The @$$ hat driver has tried to evade responsibility at every turn. I don't think he's going to get away with it, because of Wa State law, but it is almost as traumatic as being hit was. First, when we got the police report, the driver claimed that there had been no collision, that I had fallen over and hurt myself. (yeah, thrown three feet into the street, no injuries on the side I landed on, but broken bones in the side facing the truck...) My statement was not included on the report for some reason, and the cop reported that I was uninjured and my bike was undamaged. Our insurance agent called and said that the insurance listed on the report had no record of our boy as a client. My husband tried calling the driver and when he realized who Brian was, and what he was calling about, he said, "sorry, no hablo inglese, bye, bye." Brian called the officer who'd taken my statement and found that he was on vacation for two weeks. He spoke to someone else who was able to pull up the picture that had been taken of the insurance card and give him the number of his local agent. Brian called the agent, who noted that the jerk had actually cancelled his policy after the accident. probably thought that a claim couldn't be tied to him if he no longer had the policy, but the agent said that since he had coverage on the day of the accident, I would be covered. I was eventually called by an insurance adjuster from that company who took my statement and seemed to believe my story. She said it should be fairly straight forward, and they should be able to wrap things up soon. She expressed concern that her client wasn't returning her calls, so I imagine, he thinks that being uncooperative will make it all go away. We shall see if things pan out. My insurance agent has assured me that State law compels that insurance company to cover my medical costs for the very real injuries I have sustained. Thank goodness they are minimal!

[Crankin]

It's amazing what is ok to not include in a bike accident police report. It sounds like all will go in your favor.

[lauraelmore1033]

Fingers crossed... I was shocked also! Of course, no citation for the driver was generated.

[OakLeaf]

Ugh.

If you gave a statement, you should make sure it gets attached to the police report. Your lawyer will have a better idea how to do that in your particular jurisdiction.

Hope you're recovering well.

[lauraelmore1033]

I suspect the statement is sitting on the desk of the officer who went on vacation. I'm fairly confident it will get attached. I'm also fairly confident that the insurance company is going to cooperate. If they don't, then, we will be adding legal fees to the cost of the settlement.

Physical recovery is going ok. The pain gets better every day, and I am able to get out and do a long walk on my favorite river trail every day. I can actually ride my tadpole trike, but I am restricted from lifting it into the van to ride on a trail, and I can't bear to ride it on the road with all those crazy drivers. I cannot stop running the accident over and over in a loop, and that is massively upsetting. Almost makes me wish I HAD sustained a head injury, so I wouldn't have to keep remembering it...

[Crankin]

It sounds like acute stress disorder... what you are describing is extremely common and normal after an accident, natural disaster, medical emergency. Now is the time to practice some meditation and/or other calming strategies, as well as learn how to stop AND replace that loop in your head. It may be worth seeing a therapist for just a couple of times, to learn this stuff, and be able to ride on the road without fear.

[ny biker]

You might want to look into counseling to deal with the emotional effects of the collision. And those costs should also be covered by the driver's insurance.

As for the rest of it, I recently was involved in a 3-car collision and had problems getting cooperation from the insurance company of the driver who caused the crash. Some of those problems were because both of the other drivers were trying to avoid responsibility by not returning phone calls. I found my own insurance company to be extremely helpful in dealing with all if it -- advising me on what I should do and what I could expect, as well as calling the other company at one point when I couldn't get past voicemail. At one point they told me that after a certain amount of time they will go ahead without any statement from the driver. Hopefully your insurance company can provide similar support to you.

One thing to note is that you do not want to accept any money from them until you are sure that you are completely 100% healed -- once you cash their check, they will consider it final and you will have no recourse if any injuries require additional treatment.

Dealing with the aftereffects is truly a frustrating process. I hope you're able to get through it without too much difficulty.

[qcuthbert]

How are you doing ma'am?

[lauraelmore1033]

Yeah, I know I probably should see a therapist. I am doing a lot of things in a meditative fashion,like my walks. I do think it is helpful. Nybiker, that is awful! What is wrong with people? Don't they have a conscience? Yes, my insurance has been very helpful and supportive (STATE FARM, everybody). They even sent me a hand written get well card. I understand about not accepting any money until I am healed. I already had a complication with the fractures, requiring another visit and xrays. The fractures, which were "nonseparated' are now slightly separated. My Dr has warned that I need to be especially careful to avoid further damage to lungs and heart. Not signing anything with that hanging over my head!

qcuthbert, I'm doing a little better every day. Hope your riding is going well.

[Lelani Carver]

I usually eat a lot of avocados myself--when I can readily go to the store, and am not relying on a stash of pre made microwaveable crap. Did not know that they are great for diabetics. Is that because they are low GI? Well, anyway, I've been off the opiates for a couple of days now. I'm finding they are only good for taking pain levels down a couple notches when it is at higher levels. When the pain was at an 8-9, it maybe took it down to a 3 or 4. My ambient pain level is around 3-4, so the Vicodin doesn't seem to do much.

Glad you're off the opiates and not in as much pain. Have you lined up rehab yet? It seems crazy when you're hurting, but my doc wasn't happy when I delayed starting rehab after my neck went out, he said I needed to not wait and let things lock up.

Yeowtch!

Off topic: eat avocados, watch your blood glucose readings improve. They're slick!

[AppleTree]

Whew, pretty hard to believe someone would act that way, what a pin head... I assume that he wasn't driving a company vehicle then, just his own personal car?? I would sure wait to cash any settlement check from the insurance company, with broken ribs something might still show up later... a lawyer would still be a good idea. Maybe just call and talk to one and see what they say?

I can imagine how scary to be back on your bike after all that, how brave to try... keep trying, it will get better. Start slow, take it easy! Don't let the pinheads win! After I fell and hit my head (after my bike hit a ridge in the road, totally my fault), the first few times I was back on my bike I was gripping the handlebars so hard it made my hands hurt. Every bump I hit made me panic. I'm still very leery on poor road surfaces, that's for sure, but don't feel nearly the panic I did the first couple of weeks. I kept reminding myself that I had ridden nearly 10,000 miles over the last five years or so without incident and could probably do it again, ha ha.

Unbelievable that the driver got off without even a ticket! What happened to the vulnerable user law in this state?



Boy what a winner! The @$$ hat driver has tried to evade responsibility at every turn. I don't think he's going to get away with it, because of Wa State law, but it is almost as traumatic as being hit was. First, when we got the police report, the driver claimed that there had been no collision, that I had fallen over and hurt myself. (yeah, thrown three feet into the street, no injuries on the side I landed on, but broken bones in the side facing the truck...) My statement was not included on the report for some reason, and the cop reported that I was uninjured and my bike was undamaged. Our insurance agent called and said that the insurance listed on the report had no record of our boy as a client. My husband tried calling the driver and when he realized who Brian was, and what he was calling about, he said, "sorry, no hablo inglese, bye, bye." Brian called the officer who'd taken my statement and found that he was on vacation for two weeks. He spoke to someone else who was able to pull up the picture that had been taken of the insurance card and give him the number of his local agent. Brian called the agent, who noted that the jerk had actually cancelled his policy after the accident. probably thought that a claim couldn't be tied to him if he no longer had the policy, but the agent said that since he had coverage on the day of the accident, I would be covered. I was eventually called by an insurance adjuster from that company who took my statement and seemed to believe my story. She said it should be fairly straight forward, and they should be able to wrap things up soon. She expressed concern that her client wasn't returning her calls, so I imagine, he thinks that being uncooperative will make it all go away. We shall see if things pan out. My insurance agent has assured me that State law compels that insurance company to cover my medical costs for the very real injuries I have sustained. Thank goodness they are minimal!

[shootingstar]

Almost makes me wish I HAD sustained a head injury, so I wouldn't have to keep remembering it...

I know you were kiddin'....but no one wants a head injury. No I don't remember my accident ...at all. But my partner said just after I was knocked down by another cyclist...I got up and was talking. But medically in terms of my brain....all the short-term memory for 6 hrs. after accident was lost forever. Yes, true, better for me, not to have been aware of actual accident.

Later all, if available to you, take up some counselling. What sorts of activities /hobbies do you /are your pursuing outside of cycling, besides hiking? Do you think when you are healed you will need physiotherapy too?

I've been cycling just on weekends when there's less traffic and more time for me. I hope to return to bike commuting to work soon. I had my accident on Jan. 1/15.

[lauraelmore1033]

Whew, pretty hard to believe someone would act that way, what a pin head... I assume that he wasn't driving a company vehicle then, just his own personal car?? I would sure wait to cash any settlement check from the insurance company, with broken ribs something might still show up later... a lawyer would still be a good idea. Maybe just call and talk to one and see what they say?

I can imagine how scary to be back on your bike after all that, how brave to try... keep trying, it will get better. Start slow, take it easy! Don't let the pinheads win! After I fell and hit my head (after my bike hit a ridge in the road, totally my fault), the first few times I was back on my bike I was gripping the handlebars so hard it made my hands hurt. Every bump I hit made me panic. I'm still very leery on poor road surfaces, that's for sure, but don't feel nearly the panic I did the first couple of weeks. I kept reminding myself that I had ridden nearly 10,000 miles over the last five years or so without incident and could probably do it again, ha ha.

Unbelievable that the driver got off without even a ticket! What happened to the vulnerable user law in this state?

Well, I have been able to get out and ride the trike on both the Sammamish river trail and the Centennial. Dh was kinda babysitting as I did the Centennial, since there are several crossings (did ok!) and a bit of elevation gain, which made breathing fairly painful with the broken ribs. He made me a light weight ramp out of garage door track which attaches easily to a central cross piece that rests on the bumper, so I can easily load and unload the trike from the van. I'm still on the fence about getting a lawyer. I initially thought I just wanted to have the medical costs covered and the bike repaired, but as I get angrier, and have more time to think about it all, since every effort requires a considerable amount of recovery time, I begin to see what every one is talking about. Before May 27th, I was in excellent health, had lots of stamina and strength. Now, I'm feeling like I'm made out of glass, still in a fair amount of pain, and have lost so much ground as far as stamina and strength are concerned. That jerk took something very precious away from me.
We were supposed to do a little mini tour in Bend Oregon this weekend, but it was too late to cancel, so we are stuck going. Dh will get to ride, and I will be twiddling my thumbs. Stp is cancelled as is our Idaho tour.

[lauraelmore1033]

I know you were kiddin'....but no one wants a head injury. No I don't remember my accident ...at all. But my partner said just after I was knocked down by another cyclist...I got up and was talking. But medically in terms of my brain....all the short-term memory for 6 hrs. after accident was lost forever. Yes, true, better for me, not to have been aware of actual accident.

Later all, if available to you, take up some counselling. What sorts of activities /hobbies do you /are your pursuing outside of cycling, besides hiking? Do you think when you are healed you will need physiotherapy too?

I've been cycling just on weekends when there's less traffic and more time for me. I hope to return to bike commuting to work soon. I had my accident on Jan. 1/15.

I thought about you after I posted that, and realized, yes, what you just said there. I wouldn't want to have gone through your ordeal. I hope i didn't upset you by saying that. I don't think I'll need any physiotherapy. Everything still works as it should, it's just the ribs that are broken, and all the restrictions are to avoid falling and/or worsening the break. my Dr told me a fall could kill me!

I am actually doing much better with the traumatic aspect of things. When I was still hashing and re-hashing everything, I didn't seem to have the "processing space" in my brain for anything other than reliving the incident. I took up a beading project to keep my hands busy as I was sitting, staring blankly into space. Pretty soon, I noticed I was able to shift my focus onto the project. Every row of beads represented another instance where I was going over the crash in my mind, and after quite a while, I was just focusing on the placement of beads, and the mental image was losing it's power. I'm not explaining it well, but at some point, a switch seemed to flip and, well, I'm not just sitting and staring anymore. I do still seem to have a lot of moments where a rage boils up inside, but I get a sense that there is an end point to it. Somewhere close.

[ny biker]

I thought about you after I posted that, and realized, yes, what you just said there. I wouldn't want to have gone through your ordeal. I hope i didn't upset you by saying that. I don't think I'll need any physiotherapy. Everything still works as it should, it's just the ribs that are broken, and all the restrictions are to avoid falling and/or worsening the break. my Dr told me a fall could kill me!

I am actually doing much better with the traumatic aspect of things. When I was still hashing and re-hashing everything, I didn't seem to have the "processing space" in my brain for anything other than reliving the incident. I took up a beading project to keep my hands busy as I was sitting, staring blankly into space. Pretty soon, I noticed I was able to shift my focus onto the project. Every row of beads represented another instance where I was going over the crash in my mind, and after quite a while, I was just focusing on the placement of beads, and the mental image was losing it's power. I'm not explaining it well, but at some point, a switch seemed to flip and, well, I'm not just sitting and staring anymore. I do still seem to have a lot of moments where a rage boils up inside, but I get a sense that there is an end point to it. Somewhere close.

I'm glad you're progressing. It is hard to balance -- you don't want to ignore the emotions but you don't want to dwell on them either.

[shootingstar]

I I took up a beading project to keep my hands busy as I was sitting, staring blankly into space. Pretty soon, I noticed I was able to shift my focus onto the project. Every row of beads represented another instance where I was going over the crash in my mind, and after quite a while, I was just focusing on the placement of beads, and the mental image was losing it's power. I'm not explaining it well, but at some point, a switch seemed to flip and, well, I'm not just sitting and staring anymore. I do still seem to have a lot of moments where a rage boils up inside, but I get a sense that there is an end point to it. Somewhere close.

Excellent for bead work. It seems to have come into resurgence ...here and there.

I've been doing art on my own, with evening courses here and there over the years. I walk a lot, some minor book reading and do stretching exercises during last 6 months. I also blog which taps into a lifelong love of writing and taking photos. All 3 activities /pursuits have been part of me ..a few decades ---before cycling passion bit me 24 yrs ago. And they are all passions for those who know me well, that are an integral part of me.


Cycling is icing on the cake ...and I view something to do as long as I'm healthy. If not, (and this will happen far off in the future), I have these other passions.

[lauraelmore1033]

Ha! Driver who thinks he can avoid responsibility by not co-operating with his insurance, is more than willing to co-operate with MY insurance! He was happy to give them the statement that he "didn't see" me (and didn't deny hitting me or hearing me screaming at him to stop) and didn't realize that my insurance company will now share it with his, and since it was under oath, it is official! Gotcha! I think.
1

[Crankin]

That guy must be a true moron.
It sounds like you are doing a good job of processing the memories. Just be aware that it's a somewhat recursive process, and odd things may trigger feelings when you think it's done.

My good news is that DH's lawyer called yesterday. The woman's insurance company has made a first offer for settlement. It's a pretty good offer, but she is going to make a counter offer for a bit more. We'll definitely be taking another cycling trip next year!

[lauraelmore1033]

And as an added bonus, there was a witness statement added to the police report that stated she saw the truck hit me in the cross walk!

[ny biker]

Excellent!

[OakLeaf]

D'oh!! That should help with a quick resolution. :rolleyes:


Don't be too quick to rule out PT though. The longer I go with my now 3-1/2 year old injury (and the more I'm forced to figure it out for myself when practitioners aren't trained to see the whole fascial picture), the more I realize how much my displaced sternum contributes to the symptoms. There are LOT of spinal and core muscles that attach to the ribcage. Hope you heal MUCH more completely and quickly than I have!

[lauraelmore1033]

That guy must be a true moron.
It sounds like you are doing a good job of processing the memories. Just be aware that it's a somewhat recursive process, and odd things may trigger feelings when you think it's done.

My good news is that DH's lawyer called yesterday. The woman's insurance company has made a first offer for settlement. It's a pretty good offer, but she is going to make a counter offer for a bit more. We'll definitely be taking another cycling trip next year!

Dh had been protecting me by not letting me see the police report, and now that I have the chance to read it, I realize that it was the COP (who wasn't there) who said I'd fallen over, and that I hadn't fully stopped. He'd even changed the placements of the vehicles involved on the little diagram, so it looked like the collision had happened before the crosswalk,(rather than the middle) like I'd just blown through the stop. Small town police! To be fair, the Driver is probably a new comer to this country, doesn't understand how these things work, and might have felt intimidated by the police and the claims handler from his insurance company. It's also possible that the claims handler didn't bother to use an interpreter, and the driver just didn't understand what she was asking (which was convenient for her...)

[lauraelmore1033]

D'oh!! That should help with a quick resolution. :rolleyes:


Don't be too quick to rule out PT though. The longer I go with my now 3-1/2 year old injury (and the more I'm forced to figure it out for myself when practitioners aren't trained to see the whole fascial picture), the more I realize how much my displaced sternum contributes to the symptoms. There are LOT of spinal and core muscles that attach to the ribcage. Hope you heal MUCH more completely and quickly than I have!

Yeah, there are still some hard, lumpy areas on my shoulder and elbow joints, and I could see that turning into something ouchy in my future. My dr did take xrays of my hips and spine and determined that there were no fractures or compressed areas, and my alignment was excellent, so hopefully, it will stay that way.

[AppleTree]

Dh had been protecting me by not letting me see the police report, and now that I have the chance to read it, I realize that it was the COP (who wasn't there) who said I'd fallen over, and that I hadn't fully stopped. He'd even changed the placements of the vehicles involved on the little diagram, so it looked like the collision had happened before the crosswalk,(rather than the middle) like I'd just blown through the stop. Small town police! To be fair, the Driver is probably a new comer to this country, doesn't understand how these things work, and might have felt intimidated by the police and the claims handler from his insurance company. It's also possible that the claims handler didn't bother to use an interpreter, and the driver just didn't understand what she was asking (which was convenient for her...)

Guess I'm not too surprised the police were favoring the driver in their report of the accident, but gee whiz... that is great news there was an eye witness who came forward though... I think you are being very kind and generous in regards to the driver...maybe undeservedly, but forgiveness is the first step to healing, right? At least that is what they say... Glad to hear the you have been able to get out on your recumbent, sunshine and fresh air are healing balms.

[ny biker]

Changed my mind, so deleting this.

[kajero]

I read about your horrendous experience. Even though this horrible thing happened a few weeks ago, I am still sending my prayers and hoping you will have a 100% recovery. I know how horrible those bike riding crashes are having experienced two serious ones myself. It's hard to recover physically and mentally.

I hope all goes well with the insurance, too. You deserve the best.

I hope you are able to bicycle as you want in the future. I love to ride and need to get around there again.

[lauraelmore1033]

Your kind thoughts are appreciated. Even getting around in the car is difficult in some places. We drove over mountain passes a couple of days ago and I was having a full blown panic attack. I have heeded the wise advice given here as I simply don't have the tools to deal with the situation. I'm sure it will get better someday.

[NbyNW]

I've only been on the boards very infrequently, and just saw this ... how awful, but I'm so glad you are still with us! Hope the healing continues in a general positive trend ... IME sometimes it's non-linear, especially the emotional stuff. I hope you can find a counselor who can help you with the emotional trauma. Hope you are getting all the support you need.

[lauraelmore1033]

All I've got to say at this point is thanks to the drivers insurance company for #ing around with me, instead of settling for the paltry amount I would have accepted and thanks for all the support and advice about seeking representation I received here.

[Pax]

Glad things are shaking out.

[lauraelmore1033]

It shouldn't take getting a lawyer to get the insurance company to do the right thing, but I guess I'm actually lucky they dragged their feet.

[kernowcyclist]

Thank goodness you are ok, if somewhat damaged. Could have been unthinkable. Stupid driver!

[khg]

It shouldn't take getting a lawyer to get the insurance company to do the right thing, but I guess I'm actually lucky they dragged their feet.

My husband is a lawyer whose specialty is suing insurance companies for bad faith (not paying for stuff that their policy says they'll pay for, and for which you have been paying the insurance company premiums)--unfortunately there is plenty of business for him :(