Category: injury

Still Kicking

Had a bit of a busy weekend. My friend Trev was in town from Houston. We don’t get to see each other as much as we used to so it was good to see him. He is going on a cruise tomorrow and promptly dragged me all over the city shopping for last minute “items”. [1]And ya know I was just kicking and screaming. lol Unfortunately, this led to some muscle spasms in my back and neck. Fast forward to my Chiro visit and I discovered I have whiplash from the accident. Not severe but still enough to cause problems when I stand or walk a lot. It is truly amazing how good you can feel from a good chiro adjustment. OY!

We also went to see “Burn After Reading”. It’s a dark comedy with Brad Pitt & George Clooney. There were some definite funny scenes and Brad Pitt’s character was hysterical. However, overall this is more of a DVD movie, IMHO. The build up was great and the acting was decent however, the ending was too quick and too convenient. It sort of spoils the mood the plot spends a lot of time building.

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TFA is in town for a layover tonight so I get to see him too! I haven’t seen him since the accident so naturally I’m very “excited” about that. hehehe

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The gym has been good. Ironically, the whiplash hasn’t affected me there at all. I think mostly because I haven’t incorporated any heavy back workouts into my routine yet. Today was supposed to be my back however, I switched to arms. I have no desire to re-injure myself in any capacity. That said, I am so happy to be working out again. The arm workout was great and the endorphins were even better. I also ran into “pubis boy” while I was there. It was all I could do not to pounce on him. lol

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Overall, it seems I am, in fact, my old self again. The violent mood swings and paranoia have definitely subsided. I’m still scheduled to see my doc tomorrow. I had my blood work done last week so he should have some answers for me one way or another.

References

References
↑1 And ya know I was just kicking and screaming. lol

Hell To The Yes!

Continuing along the vein of the utterly mundane details of my life, I got some good news today.  The Ortho doc told me I could start working out again!  I was so happy I almost did a cartwheel right there in his office. lol

He took a new x-ray and the bone is completely sealed. [1]on the outside, the inside of a bone takes 2-4 months to completely grow back  He didn’t put any restrictions on me other than just easing back into my routine.  That was sort of a no-brainer but God love him for making the effort.  Basically, if it hurts, don’t do it is what he told me. 

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So naturally, I high-tailed it over to the gym!  I spent the first hour just testing myself, feeling out my limits.  Actually, my joints resisted more than my collar bone did.  I ended up working out with about half the weight I’d normally do for chest day.  I also only did 2 sets of each group instead of 4.  No need to go overboard and make it worse.  Even still, it felt so good to just be working out.  I love the feeling of my muscles feeling all tight and perky afterwards.  I’m not ashamed to say that the endorphin release gave me a little bit of a stiffy afterwards. heehee 

As I was leaving the gym, I ran into a guy I’ve met a few times around town.  He didn’t recognize me and was flirting hard.  He was on a Suzuki GSX 1300.  Of course, we started talking about bikes and riding.  Anyway, I couldn’t resist and reminded him of who I was.  I’m not sure why he was so embarrassed but it was fun watching him blush.

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After the gym I hopped over to the Chiro doc for a much needed spinal adjustment.  I’ve been having some lower neck and lower back problems since the accident.  I usually adjust very easily but he had to take his time with my neck today.  That said, I’ve never heard my back pop so much in one session.  He said my alignment was all “cock-eyed.” [2]Little does he know how true that really is…  He is also really cool about billing me.  Not knowing if my bike insurance would cover my x-rays and stuff, he did’em anyway but only billed me at cost.  So very nice of him. 

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It has been a good day.  I feel better physically and mentally.  Tomorrow is my Friday so now what to do with my weekend….hmmmmmm?

References

References
↑1 on the outside, the inside of a bone takes 2-4 months to completely grow back
↑2 Little does he know how true that really is…

Off and Running

Well, I’m definitely on the mend.  I had lunch w/roblog the other day and I don’t think I closed my trap once the whole time. lol  I’ve been so cooped up lately, I think I was a little stir-crazy.  Poor Rob, he was a trooper though.  He listened attentively and managed to get in a few words between my short breaks to inhale.

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The clan survived the hurricane.  My younger brother was up in Topeka visiting my oldest brother so he missed the storm.  Apparently, his trailer came thru the storm ok but his back porch is missing.  My Mawmaw had a trailer parked on the land that wasn’t so lucky. [1]She doesn’t live in it, it was just there.  Not one but two trees fell on it and it is completely demolished. 

My other brother has been out to the land and he says there are more trees down than he has ever seen.  Even as far inland as they were the wind was still pretty fierce.  I can’t do anything from here obviously but I’ve canceled my trip home next week since no one is actually there.  Ok, that isn’t exactly true.  I’m still going to Houston. 

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Speaking of travel, I discovered the plate in my shoulder will set off metal detectors.  This means I have to get a declaration card from my doctor.  Even still, I’m a bit leery of traveling.  I’m American born but having heard and read some of the horror stories surrounding the TSA, I am not looking forward to it.  I’m hoping my karma will hold true and I’ll make it ok. 

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In completely unrelated news, I bought this 915 [2]homeless person some food at Taco Bell tonight.  He kept arguing w/the clerk over the price.  I finally said, “what do you care, I’m buying, what do you want?”  He looked at me a little confused for a moment.  I think he was slightly inebriated and had forgotten I was paying.  Bless his heart. 

References

References
↑1 She doesn’t live in it, it was just there.
↑2 homeless person

It’s Official!

I’m the proud owner of a GSX-R750! [1]I’m also another 10g’s in debt. lol   I finished the loan and purchase paperwork yesterday.  Now, I just need to get the bike home.  Luckily, my buddy kristaki has generously agreed to help me (He rides too).  He is gonna come by Friday on my off day.  It will be at least a couple more weeks before I’m fit enough to drive again. 

As excited as I am, my priorities are in order.  I have no interest in getting hurt again from hopping back in the saddle too quickly, so to speak.  I’ll bide my time till I know I can ride.  I appreciate the worry and concern from everyone. 

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Speaking of healing, I survived my first round of rehabilitation yesterday.  It was grueling but they seemed surprised at my range of motion.  I’ll be honest, I had to come home and take a vicodin afterwards.  They mostly just pushed and pulled my arm in different directions.  I had planned to take a nap but I was so amped up about the bike I couldn’t sleep.  By the end of the day, I was doing ok again.  I am a still sore today though. 

References

References
↑1 I’m also another 10g’s in debt. lol

Good Spirits

scar

It’s been a good couple of days.  Friday morning I woke up in a funk and was a bit down.  Nothing really wrong per se.  I think the being cooped up was getting to me.  Anyway, Friday afternoon my buddy Frank totally surprised me by showing up at my door unannounced.  It was just what the doctor ordered.  I couldn’t have been more delighted and it immediately put me in a better mood.  We hung out, caught up over sushi and spent the evening watching Tivo and movies. [1]He is a big fan of Jon Stewart too! 

Today, we had breakfast (and lunch) with Adam.  Afterwards, I hobbled over to Adam’s place with the group and we played MarioKart and Soul Caliber IV.  It was so nice to feel like my old self again and just enjoy hanging out.  I think it was just what the doctor ordered! 

Afterwards, Frank tagged along to help me shop for a new bike.  I’ve forged a strong relationship with a dealer here in the city.  The same guys I bought my scooter and my last bike from.  They happened to have 2 bikes I was interested in, a Yamaha R6 and a Suzuki GSXR.  I was originally leaning toward the R6 only because they told me the GSXR was red.  I do not care for red at all for a vehicle color.

Well, I got there and they had a surprised for me.  They had 2 GSXR’s.  One red and one blue!  I think I pee’d a little I was so excited.  Needless to say, I chose the Blue GSXR750.  Wahoooo!

GSXR750

Here is a pic of the exact bike.  Did you touch yourself yet?  I know I did.  I finish the paperwork this week and should be able to bring it home by Friday.  Keep your fingers crossed all goes according to plan! 

References

References
↑1 He is a big fan of Jon Stewart too!

As The World Turns…

Life is slowly returning to normal (normal as can be expected considering).  My shoulder is a mild discomfort for the most part.  That is, as long as I don’t try to lift it over my head or stretch it too much.

I’m scheduled to go back to work this Sunday on modified duty.  For clarity, I’m not rushing it.  I’m more than able to type consistently again.  Work is more than aware I am not 100% and has agreed to alter my schedule to accommodate me.  For the most part, I’ll be on channel which requires significantly less typing.  Of course, lots of Union drama has been going on since I left.  Plenty of work in that regard waiting on me.  But again, that involves my brain not my shoulder. lol

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I got a little good news today.  The insurance company is gonna give me $3800.00 for my old bike.  I was surprised as that is slightly more than the blue book value.  Apparently, they take the selling price of the same bike from dealers in the area and then average it out.  I guess that puts the rate on my side as dealers always try to get as much as they can.  I still owe about $1100 on the old bike.  Minus that plus the deductible, fees, etc and I’m left with a little over $2000.  That is a nice down payment for a new bike. 

I’m going tomorrow to look at a R6 and and GSXR.  I know for some of you this is all greek. lol  I’m leaning toward the R6 only because it is the color I want.  My old bike was only 500ccs  The R6 is 600 and the GSXR is 750.  I actually wanted a CBR but the only two I’ve found that I like aren’t the color I like and have too many miles on’em.  There aren’t that many motorcycle dealers in SF so my options are a little limited. 

The best news of all.  I called around today and got a great rate from my credit union.  I’m already pre-approved which gives me a little bargaining power when I show up.    Wish me luck!

We Can Rebuild Him…

I thought I’d share my x-rays for all to see how bionic I am now. hehehe

Broken Bone - Closeup

This is the best one.  Notice how much the two bones are overlapping.  I would have lost a significant amount of motion had I not opted for the surgery.  Also, take a close look at the top bone.  There is a tiny broken piece sticking off the end.  This one was completely loose and just sort of floating between the muscles.  The doc had originally planned to remove it but ended up keeping it. 

 

Broken Bone

This one was to check my ribs.  While 2 of them got bruised up quite a bit there were no fractures.  Yay!  I was scared I’d end up with a flail segment (read very painful).  I also found out my 2nd rib had been broken before unbeknownst to me.  He said the injury was so old it could have happened when I was a child. 

 

Fixed

And here is the finished product.  The metal looks a tad larger than it actually is from the angle and the refraction. [1]Metal and bone are of different density hence they refract differently  Notice the little roundish looking blob of metal.  That is actually a screw holding the tiny piece that was broken off completely.  The doc says the breaks were clean enough he could keep it.  Now notice the line on the bottom of the bone.  See how even it looks?  That means the bone should heal up nicely.  The doc says I should retain about 98% of the motion and range. 

Sadly, it will be a least a month if not two before I’m hitting the weights with any significant intensity.  I go back in 3 weeks for physical therapy (if needed).  The good news is I’ll still be able to lift weights in the future.  Had I not had the surgery that would not have been the case. 

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I had several folks asking why I was planning on getting another bike.  Well, the easiest answer is because I want one. *G*  I find the question a bit odd actually.  No one ever asks a person who survives a car crash why they are getting another car.  heeheee

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Remind me some day soon to regale you with the gory tribulations of trying to perform normal bodily functions/maintenance w/just one hand.  lol 

References

References
↑1 Metal and bone are of different density hence they refract differently

On The Mend

Mending

 

Short and sweet, I’m doing better today. 

The longer version:
For those not in the know, I had shoulder surgery this past Wednesday to repair my collar bone.  I also got a nice metal plate to cover the bone. [1]I can’t wait till I fly again.  TFA came into town (on his birthday no less) to stay with me.  He had already planned to be here however, he deserves a recommendation for sainthood after putting up w/my constant up/down emotions.  That said, I can’t tell you how much better I felt having him here.  He stayed with me thru the surgery and made sure I got home safe/sound. 

I’m sad to say all of the friends who did sit around with me got to see my really cranky side.  Not towards them mind you, and I’m by no means a nasty person but, anyone outside my immediate bubble was an easy target for my anger.  I really am a big baby when I get hurt/sick. 

Anyway, yesterday the pain was almost unbearable.  I pushed my 4 hour limit all day long for taking pain meds.  Moving was almost impossible and trying to function in any capacity was a struggle.

Today was much better.  I was in about half as much pain and moving around did not send pain down my spine.  I got out of the apt a couple times and even found the energy to catch up on my blogroll a bit.

I must say all the well-wishes from everyone has totally blown me away.  I’m not yet able to type out replies to everyone but I want you all to know how grateful I am.  The replies and good thoughts brought me to tears more than a few times.

The doc says I’ll be back at work in about 2 weeks but the working out will have to wait several months.  I’m sad about that but it is what it is. 

Ok, I’ve reached my limit for typing w/o pain, more later and again thank you all so very much for checking in on me and well wishes!

References

References
↑1 I can’t wait till I fly again.