I fell at a stoplight!!

[j.nurse63]

Well, I guess in the back of my mind I thought it may happen but I wasn't prepared for the potential results....
Started my ride last night and was even excited for icecream!!! I got 4 miles out and came to a stoplight, unclipping on my left as I always do. Stopped and leaned left....then, somehow in the midst of conversation lost my center of gravity or something and teatered to the right. Down I went...and felt the snap immediately...!!! Yes, I now have a trimalleolar fracture of the right ankle!
I never had time to think about attempting to unclip the right! I had been sooooo comfortable cycling with clips/pedals!!
Motorists were concerned and helpful. My sons came to get me but before they arrived the Chief of the Fire Dept. stopped...really encouraged an ambulance and finally I agreed. Boys took the bike home and off I went to the hospital. Long story short...no beds at the hospital so I am home awaiting the ortho surgeon to call for this morning surgery. And this foot hurts!
I type this on the porch, in a splint...hungry (nothing after midnight ) and a bit scared. I am sad about the riding. It is such a wonderful part of my life! I am a nurse so work is a huge issue...my boys were wonderful last night but they both leave for college in 2 weeks...then it is just me for the first time. (empty nest and recent divorce) My youngest is headed for Hawaii University and we were going together....that's not happening! No weightbearing for min. 6 weeks. CRAP!!!!!!!

OK...one step at a time (HA...no pun intended!) I'll get through today and figure out the rest. You can't change things...just work hard and heal!

So, if I could ask for good thoughts as my day rolls on. Thanks ladies! I love this site and all the support over the last few months!

ciao,
Jean

good news!!! no scratches on my beautiful bike! Handlebars may need adjustment...

[KnottedYet]

(((((j.nurse63)))))

[OakLeaf]

Ow ow ow (((((jnurse)))))

Good thoughts for your surgery and recovery - heal quick!

[pardes]

My Goodness Jean, I am so sorry to hear of your accident. It makes me want to come over and make chicken soup and help you plan you big bike ride when your ankle is better.

[crazycanuck]

Owie! I can assure you that the time off your bike will go quickly . I know people will tell you however you need to believe it!

Be kind to yourself & rest!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

oh my gosh that is awful. So sorry!

I am a big fan of people riding their new bikes for a while without clipless just so they can get comfortable with leaning the bike confidently to a certain side while stopping and starting, getting used to pushing off on your pedal, getting your foot ready to come down well before you stop, etc. When I read stories of newish riders falling over in traffic at intersections it really makes me uncomfortable.

Heal quickly. My advice is to try some regular pedals for a little while when you get back on your bike, until you get really confident in stopping in traffic.

[rij73]

Oh my! I'm so sorry... I fell over twice in my first week with clipless pedals, but all I had were very minor bruises. I can't believe you got a fracture from tipping over! That's awful... And terrible timing with your son going to college. So sorry.

Hang in there! We'll all be thinking about you.

[Grog]

Big hug - I hope you heal quickly.