Home > Road Rash > Archives > 2010 > January
January 2010
Getting back to good
I awoke to a blinding white light. Pain consumed everything. Then, back to black. Next thing I knew, my family was standing in a hospital room, trying to explain what had happened. A head on collision had wiped away the past two weeks, and I was trying to make sense of it all.
I was told about the concussion. I could easily feel the other physical penalties; rib fractures, broken left forearm, fractured vertebrae, deep cuts in my head, elbow and legs. But despite the damage, all of it would heal. I was lucky and blessed, but most of all, I was thrilled to be given a second chance.
But first, I had to concentrate on the healing. I couldn’t remember the week I was in the hospital, yet I’ve been told a few things that may or may not be based in truth. Apparently, I kept trying to make a break for the exits, so the staff had to use restraints. I then turned to my wife and a buddy to make a case for not being tied down. Thankfully, they said “no way.” I also saw some pretty interesting apparitions while on morphine, and described the creatures to anyone who would listen.
The real stream of consciousness began at the rehab center during the second week after the accident. I was awake and aware, and didn’t have to be told over and over what had happened. The pain was still there, especially in my ribs. Laying in any position other than on my back was excruciating, as was getting up. During the first few days, the nurses had to keep my door shut due to the string of obscenities flying out of my mouth. When mom came to visit, my sailor mouth turned into mush. I wouldn’t curse in front of her. Even great pain could not trump the respect I have for her.
The third week brought true progression. I was handling physical and occupational therapy quite well, I was back to my old self mentally and the pain had subsided to such a degree that I could walk alone. Then, the best news of all, I got released. I could finally spend time with my wonderful wife and get back to the life I knew.
Now the difficult part. I don’t know when I will be able to ride again. It will happen at some point, but my body will have to fully approve. I love being surrounded by my bikes at home, but it is also tough knowing they won’t get to fly for a while. Even during some of the worst bouts of pain, I dreamed of riding. It made me realize that cycling is a lifetime passion for me, and that is very comforting.
It’s also nice to know that because I was in such good shape before the accident, my recovery has been much easier. A doctor told me that my strength from cycling enabled my body to deal with the physical consequences in an extremely efficient way. He said my progression in rehab was incredible.
So now that I’m on the mend, I want to thank all of the nurses, doctors and therapists who took such great care of me. I will never forget their kindness and professionalism. I also want to thank my friends and family for the incredible support. Most of you probably have no idea how much you kept my spirits up during the dark times. I also want to thank the Bicycle Sport Shop for everything. They are wonderful people and a great cycling resource for Austin.
Finally, to my wife, I love you. There is no way I could ever express enough how much you have helped me, how much you have done to make my life easier. I cannot imagine going through something so difficult without you. Even though you’re barely five feet tall, you’re my pillar of strength. Thank you.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment
The road to recovery
Just wanted to let everybody know that I’ve been involved in a terrible auto accident and am just beginning to recover.
I will be back to bloging every day on Road Rash very soon. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and concern. The road to recovery is never an easy one, but the outpouring of support has made the transition much easier.
I would like to thank you for your patience, and please check back soon for more of my perspective on the Central Texas cycling scene.
Thank you.
