Dawn,
Healing wishes sent your way! Getting to shower had to make your day after some tough sounding ones. Take care, and we all look forward to hearing your progress.
Shubie
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Dawn,
Healing wishes sent your way! Getting to shower had to make your day after some tough sounding ones. Take care, and we all look forward to hearing your progress.
Shubie
This is the part that makes NO SENSE to me. Driving shoudl be a privilege and when you prove that you can't handle the responsibility you shouldn't be allowed to do it.Quote:
Originally Posted by invsblwmn
I just wanted to notify all of you that the person who hit and killed a cyclist in my small town about 2 years ago was recently found and tried. He got 10 years for manslaughter.
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/20...7bzlobaton.prt
The penalties aren't always so light. I thought justice was done in this case.
Karen
Oh my gosh girl..hugs to you..get yourself healed and feeling better then worry about ridin' that bike. The bike will be there waiting for you. Best wishes, and hopefully the guys insurance will be paying for your loss.
OMG! Healing vibes coming your way. I hope your recovery is speedy.
painful but grateful to be alive. address here is helen simpson rehab room 289,4300 Londonderry Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109 c/o dawn temple
painful first day of rehab, but learning alot and meeting some amazing people. still grateful to be alive, but i cannot imagine not riding again. the support u all have given, truely provides much strength to deal with the pain. thank you all;) dawn
Hi Dawn. So sorry to hear about your accident. I was also hit by an SUV commuting to work, now almost seven years ago. My pelivs, hip and sacrum and L5 vertebrae were broken. I now have a twisted hip and 3 cm leg length disrepancy (LLD). I still ride, but it changed the way I ride forever. I ride much more defensively, and have 'rules' about when, where, and how I ride. What I can tell you is that its a process. Right now your goal is recovery. I started back on a stationary bike in a gym, and then a car free bike path. It took time, and then I had to work through the physical issues of the LLD and I finally resolved it with a custom crank set that compensates. The hardest was being able to ride through the intersection I was hit in. Even harder, was starting to enjoy my commute again (which took probably 6-7 YEARS). PM me when you are ready to talk about any of this. But right now, focus on getting well. I firmly believe the adage 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.' Learn about yourself and grow from this. Try to see the silver lining. -eileen
Yeah, with you on that one GeonzQuote:
Originally Posted by Geonz
And who cares if this person is 80 (age is often a reason here for lighter penalties) we are talking about complete upheaval of not just IW's life and wellness, but also her entire family. Her friends will also be affected and all of us that are following her progress... how many of us that have read how this happened will assume ANY kind of safety on a green light/pedestrian crossing?
This needs to be well-publicised, this person should lose their right to drive. A speeding ticket is an insult and a callous disregard for the well-being of those entitled to use the road. What would have been the result if it had been a 5yr old on the way to school?
I trust by you saying, IW, that your attorny is taking care of you, that your attorny is following up more compensation (haha, that seems a ridiculous concept, how can money give back to you what was taken??) than a speeding ticket - getting this person to pay all medical costs, transport costs, insurance costs...
Wishing you speedy healing and each day with less pain in it...
since the driver was cited, the costs of IW's care (and pain and suffering, etc, etc) will go to the driver's insurance. There is a max; above which will then go to the driver's homeowner's insurance or even a lien on their real personal property.
This person won't be driving again. I highly doubt it.
Not to sound like a nasty wet rag, but do not discount the power of the AARP in keeping senior citizens driving. My XH was a paramedic in a predominately retirement community (Sun City, AZ) and ooohhh the stories he would tell about accidents and the total lack of penalties.Quote:
Originally Posted by mimitabby
So will be up to Dawn's attorney to force the issue of compensation and penalties. Or at least compensation. There's civil law and criminal law. I agree, this should be criminal. It's criminal to beat someone to a pulp but often only civil to run them down (unless there's intent).
Must get back to that %#&* report I'm supposed to be writing.
Hope you get to feeling better Dawn. Gentle hugs to you!
Righto.
First... sending healing thoughts your way...
Second, though... the elderly driver who killed Jan Briese here in Illinois (her picture is on the IDOT bicycling maps) didn't even know he'd hit anything... and got *no* consequences. There was, I believe, a verbal agreement that he wouldn't drive again. Nothing binding... and, welp, no consequences. Farnsworth, the guy should at least have to do community service. Go out and pick up litter by the side of the road or something. THINK ABOUT THE CARNAGE YOU CAUSED!!!!
And *maybe* he is... and if so, he own't *mind* doing community service.
And our fearless girl who killed Matt Wilhelm because she was too busy downloading ringtones... probation, fine for "wrong use of lane," and she had already gotten enough tickets to lose her license... *IF* the 'system' hadn't somehow lost track of her assorted red-light-running and speeding habits...
And... and... and... but no, the current attitude is that driving is something we all NEED to do. However, there was a time when people honestly felt like we should all be allowed to drink a bit as long as we found our way home. Change can happen.
Hang in there~~~ day two is tomorrow and we're with you...Quote:
Originally Posted by invsblwmn
Community General is good people :). They did Mom's hip replacement, and their rehab people were great for her. You've got good doctors and nurses, and that will help.
*thinking good thoughts for you*
here, good people, no, the best! i work professionally with the hospital system associated with this rehab. these people were my friends, now are my family.
painful three hours today. who thought that squeezing your buttocks was exercise, i thought it was just for preventing embarrassing scents in a meeting.:D
i never coud stay in bed more than 6 hours a nite, now close to 20 hours seems like not enough. my roomie is an beautiful 81 croatian immigrant whom stroked a week ago. her storiies of wwII take my mind off of the pain and on the gratitude for love and support of my drs, nurses, n therapists.
tired from typing 1 handed, but must give u updates. U all cannot begin to see the strength u give me, laughter is always food 4 me. Triskeliongirl-we will talk, if u are open, i need ur wisdom. by the way, cookies, esp chocolate chip, have healing powers :) Take care, d
Yikes! How awful for you! Big Hugs and positive heal-y thoughts!
Of course I am open. For now, just rest, and get your strength back. Its a PROCESS....... The silver lining is that living through something like this can have other things in your life suddenly take on increased meaning, the people in your life, your health, all kinds of things. Hang tough, you will heal, and no matter what you will come back even stronger!Quote:
Originally Posted by invsblwmn
[QUOTE=Triskeliongirl;250396 The silver lining is that living through something like this can have other things in your life suddenly take on increased meaning, the people in your life, your health, all kinds of things.[/QUOTE]
So true! My passion now is photography. I was brought to it by breaking my humerus in a bike crash, losing my dog to cancer, being shunned by people we thought were friends, developing a not-quite-explainable illness, etc, over the last 9 years.....Each difficult situation has developed my spirit and its connection to my camera more acutely. You will grow from this, but it may take years before you really see how. In the meantime, take the time you need to fully recover, and look for the joy that can be found everywhere - if not in every moment, at least in every day.
Still surrounding you in butterflies,
Hugs,
~T~
(((((Dawn)))))) (((((((Dawn's Sweetie))))))
I have patients who I *know* shouldn't be driving, but there's nothing I can do legally to stop them. Just today I was thinking about "what happens when I get older and more ding-batty and shouldn't drive?". I'm hoping someone can stop me, and that I'll have the sense to stick to my bike, the bus, and taxis.
Hang in there, Dawn!
And I'm so glad you have a lawyer!
When my grandmother was in her '80s, she hit and killed a highway construction worker. It wasn't entirely her fault, because he was standing with no orange vest on, in the shadow of a piece of road equipment with the setting sun behind him. She was not charged.
She eventually went back to driving herself to church after she recovered from the sorrow of it. But eventually it became clear she shouldn't drive anymore. It was very difficult for my aunt and dad to convince her that she shouldn't drive. What they did is "enable" her car to be "beyond repair". It seemed like lying to her to me, but they said this is how they found out how bad her memory was getting. She was too easily convinced that the car was broken because she didn't remember it being "broken" the same way the last time. Very hard on her kids, and especially my aunt, who became her transportation for all the running around she loved to do.
I'm taking that as a lesson, and I hope to still be riding a bike when I get that old. I hope to convey to my kids the way I would want them to handle it before I can't remember where I was headed to when I leave the house.
Karen
I found solace and creativity in my camera too. I've always taken pictures, but after my accident in 2004 my camera became my constant companion. At first I think I was using it as an excuse to myself about why I wasn't walking further or faster - even though I knew I was walking as much as my physical condition allowed. But the camera helped me, it really did...Quote:
Originally Posted by LBTC
I think we all (can) find strength in ourselves as we fight through things in life, and as we work to recover from nasty accidents like Dawn's.
And Dawn - one thing that helped me (besides playing with my camera and pushing in my normal fashion to return to normal) was to write about my experience. I wrote in a journal posted on crazyguyonabike, but a blog would work just as well. Getting my thoughts and frustrations out helped a lot.
I'm still sending healing thoughts, and I hope that you have (or can find) something to help keep your spirits up as you go through the (often too long) healing process.
--- Denise
Dawn, sorry to hear about your accident. I have no wise words, as I am still struggling through my own recovery and all the emotions surrounding it. But I will say to just hang in there, lean on your friends, and be around as many positive people as you can. If you want to ride your bike again, in time you will.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
pain exhausted, improving maybe home next week. miss updating, but i am too tired. cookies are helping, though :)
Sending loads of butterflies (and some pretty pictures, too)
You'll get there!
Hugs,
~T~
i laugh, i cry, i stand and pivot, but no walking for two months at least. need time to digest all this, love the support. not going to be able to keep the daily updates, but maybe weekly. not able to go home till maybe next week, not sure. still in rehab. thanks for the prayers, words, and love. still here, just ghosting for a bit. take care all. insvblwmn
no walking for 2 months! awful! keep working. See if you can get a weight to lift with your "good" arm.
keep in touch! keep coming back here to talk to us.
Pain is exhausting. So is rehab. We'll be here, cheering you on. Don't feel like you have to post if you're too tired or hurting.Quote:
Originally Posted by invsblwmn
It's encouraging to hear you are making progress in your recovery. :) I know you must get frustrated at times, but your body has to heal at it's own pace and with rest and lots of support, you will be getting around soon. And besides, you can soak in all the pampering from your friends and loved ones.
Insvblwmn, I'm a PT and although I can't say I know how you feel, I can say I've seen people go through similar situations (the toughest job I had was working on a rehab ward with people who had spinal cord injuries). My heart goes out to you. It's a really tough scenario. I'm sending out all kinds of great healing vibes for you. You'll get better, you'll walk, you'll ride your bike if you want to.
In the meantime remember that when someone has a serious injury like this you go through the same stages of grieving as if you've been diagnosed with terminal illness or have lost a loved one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kübler-Ross_model
So be patient, accept the crying when it comes and try to see this as a time when you're going to learn more about yourself than you can imagine. Once the recovering is done, you will be a stronger person.
Take all the time you need. We'll be here when you get back, and we won't forget you.
You can do it!
Karen
I am so sorry. I just saw this thread. Take time to heal and then one step at a time.
Many of us have had cycling accidents. I knew I would right away I wanted to get back on. The only difference in my riding is, I ride more cautious and seem to be more aware of my surroundings. Not that I was never cautious before, but maybe just more alert and loving it. As Silver said, riding is the best therapy.
Please take care and take one day at a time.
~ JoAnn
I've been following, but haven't posted. Don't know the right words to say. Only that I'm thinking of you, and sending you speedy recovery vibes. Can't imagine the pain, anguish, frustration and helplessness you must be feeling.
I'm just glad that you'll eventually be physically ok- the emotional part may take a lot longer. :(
Hope you feel a little better with each passing day. :)
Dawn - Sending good vibes from the Big Easy. Here's to more good days than bad days :p
Is there a mailing address for you, so we can flood your mail box with fan mail? Or do you prefer the electronic form?
In terms of adapting your house, we moved our bedrrom to the first floor, making it easier to get around to the most heavily used spaces, getting in and out of the house, etc.. A lot of what you have to do will be obvious. The biggest problem I had was that while we had a bathroom on the first floor it lacked a tub/shower. I found after a while that I was able to sit on my bum on the stairs, and push up with my hands one step at a time. Then my husband could help me in and out of the tub, equipped with a shower chair. Obviusly you will have to ask your PT for tips on strategies to use if you also need to get up stairs in regard to your specific injuries. If it is a problem for you, other options include having someone carry you up stairs, or in the beginning I had my husband drive me to use a shower at work which I could get to on flat ground plus an elevator (a gym shower might also work). I purchased a camping shower to try in my yard, again, I could get to it on flat ground, but I didn't like it, but that's an option too. I also found those towelettes they use for sponge baths in the hospital could be used to keep me fresh feeling between showers.
So glad to hear you will be released soon. It must mean you are making terrific progress!
Still thinking about you daily and hoping the pain eases a bit. Don't worry about updating, just focus on your rehab...we'll be here sending you positive healing thoughts each day.
Hang in there, Dawn! The weather is so beautiful out, I'll take an extra loop for you today :)
((((Dawn))))) We're thinking of you!
Thinking of you lots.
Sent a card to that rehab place and will send another one to this address you just posted.
It's slow (and *feels* even slower) but you get results if you keep positive and really disciplined about physiotherapy. A friend just visited me who I had visited *9 months after* my Terrible Tractor Accident , and said how much better my injuries are now i.e. *3 years on*. That gives you a perspective but also the hope that you *will* get there
Well, that was an.... "interesting" loop... Came flying down the same hill I've done a zillion times, oops, came on the wrong side of that tree root, not to worry, I can just force my way through that little hollow - and suddenly the very short stem I now have on my bike did something and my wheel went sideways. I didn't. Shot over the top, landed on my head, elbow and hip, breaking my helmet and bruising the rest.Quote:
Originally Posted by lph
I was planning on just sitting around feeling sorry for myself and eating chocolate all evening, but then I figured: invsblwmn would probably be SO HAPPY to have just these minor scrapes and bumps, that will heal in a few days.
See Dawn, your accident has a positive effect too - it makes us wimps realize how damn lucky we are. :)
You'll be out there too, at some point!
I did eat the chocolate, though.
lph - sorry about your accident. Glad you were wearing your helmet!!
Dawn - I'm headed outside to take more photos, and thinking of butterflies all around you, keeping your smile and your healing in gear!
Hugs and butterflies,
~T~