Hey everyone,
Thought I’d check in to say thanks and give everyone an update. I just got back from seeing a local orthopedic specialist. He took off the sling and took some more x-rays. Broke the collarbone in 3 places, not 2 like the Alma doc thought, including the same spot where it broke 20 years ago. :( X-ray looks like a broken up letter “Z” instead of a straight line. I also have some bone fragments floating around in there. Doc was surprised since the original break spot is supposed to be stronger. He then pulled my shoulders back hard to the point where I got nauseous I started to black out. A lot more pain today since the bone ends are closer together and rubbing. Have to wear figure-8 sling tight for 2 weeks, then back for more x-rays. My neck has a baseball size lump next to it from the bone and swelling. It’s taken some time to get back in front of a computer to post. Sitting and lying down are very uncomfortable. Standing is OK… if only I was a horse… :scream:
I need to mail you guys back your kidney belts. I have a Moose, Thor, and MSR belts. Let me know who owns what and PM me your address and I’ll get them back to you. Tim, I’ll also send back your clavicle strap. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it again.
Mike: Thanks for organizing TF3 and inviting us to the club grounds. It’s an awesome place to both camp and ride. Zach said it was one of his best trips ever. He wants to go back this weekend. Thanks again for loaning me the goggles on Sunday and to your cousin (Aaron?) for Saturday’s pair.
Fred T: First off, thanks for the awesome ride on your rocket 220. I figure that little ride is going to cost me about $350 now that I know what I’m missing! No wonder you’re so fast through the trails… The 1/2lbs burgers were also a great way to cap off a great ride.
Mark and V-Man and everyone else who helped me get off the trail. I know that everyone helped get me out; some parts are a little hazy though. A big thanks for the kidney belt sling. The ER staff in Alma was pretty impressed. I told them they could pick some up at Lansing Cycle. ;)
Loctite – Thanks for the smooth ride back to pavement. It was easier than the truck ride back on pavement.
Vern – Thanks for helping to get my bike and gear back to camp. Mike, you too. I wish someone could have taken a picture of F&S riding my little green machine. If you want to make the switch you can borrow it over the summer while I heal. I don’t think that there are any throttle problems with it (although the front end does have a tendency to wash out over berms!). :aj:
Badgerman: I’m thankful that you were riding sweep when I fell. I needed someone fast to catch up with the crew, and you were the man! I’ve fallen much harder and faster snow skiing. I suspect it was my helmet hitting the bone. Check the DRN posts regarding broken collarbones, and seriously think about a neck brace. It happens far too often and easy in this sport.
Marie and Tonya – Thanks so much for keeping an eye on Zach while I was out riding and crashing. You both have really nice kids and family. Thanks also for the trailside medical aid. The ice bag, water, pain killers made a grueling ride back a little easier.
Michman: Thanks for driving my rig down to Alma and dropping me off at the ER. I wasn’t in any condition to be pulling a trailer. You kept me laughing with the story of your pelvic fracture nurse stories, made me feel lucky it was only a collarbone. I can go to the bathroom by myself, but my wife does have shower and dress me, tie my shoes, etc. She says it’s like a 4th kid to take care of! When I checked out of ER I told them to credit the points to Randy’s “frequent patient” card. As far as your pocket XR-50, Zach now wants a bigger shock and the governor taken off his. (Thanks!) I told him he’s too young though for the goatee and tattoos…don’t ever show him the BBR catalog…
Thanks everyone for helping me get my dirt legs back again. I’ve been waiting a long time to get back into riding again; I just didn’t imagine I’d be reliving the broken collarbone part! You guys are all pretty fast – I just need some more miles under my belt busting up some bark.
It was great meeting and riding with everyone else. Count me in for a fall trailfest. I’ll be the one wearing the EVS neck brace with a fresh set of S12s nobs on the front! Until then I’ll be riding vicariously through your DRN posts (typing slowly with one hand)….
- Bill