| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Well, there's notable progress on my injury front (finally). For those just tuning in, I managed to shatter bones in both legs (titanium rod in each leg now, as well as a plate in one hip), among other things (torn rotator cuff, couple cracked vertebrae and ribs, etc), in an accident back on July 16. Thanks to PT, I'm up and walking relatively strongly now. My pace is picking up, I'm at full strides or pretty close to it, and stairs are becoming less and less of a problem. My right arm is also functional again, although still lagging behind in range compared to the left. Today, trying to get some things done around the house, I went out to cut grass (third time since the accident, BTW). Riding mower ran out of gas, so went to start the Jeep to go to the corner store and get gas (first time driving since the accident). Dead battery, had to charge it up. Since I was in the garage anyway getting the jumper cables, I decided to try and throw a leg over, to see if I could do it. 2 weeks ago, I couldn't even get over my S2 (which is much lower than my 06 Uly with stock seat). My left leg wouldn't support me and my knee got wonky, so I gave up before I had a chance to go down. Today, though....I GOT A LEG OVER MY ULY, STOOD IT UP, DID THE LEFT/RIGHT LEAN/BALANCE TEST TO MAKE SURE, AND FIRED IT UP. Aaaahhhhh....I feel so much better now  Holding it up was simple compared to my lost flexibility, exhibited during the leg-over. I even got my feet (one at a time, I get nervous with the Uly sidestand) on the pegs without problems or any pain. Not only is there light at the end of the recovery tunnel, but now I think I can *see* it. It's still waaay out there, but at least it's in sight | ||
| New12r |
Good to hear! Glad you are the mend! | ||
| Dalton_gang |
Wow. Good to hear that you are progressing. I had a bad injury a few years back but not nearly as serious as your deal. Yes it will take a lot of time and hard work but if you can see the light your doing good. Dont ever forget to thank all who are helping you too. They are also going through a lot. | ||
| Glitch |
 There's nothing like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after only hearing about it. | ||
| Hr_puffinstuff |
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| Leftcoastal |
Way to go there, buddy! Keep up that PT - sounds like it's doing it's thing. So, that light's NOT a damned train! What bike did you wad to earn all the scars? AL | ||
| Froggy |
I can see it now "Hey! One of your lights-at-the-end-of-the tunnel is out!" | ||
| Hdbobwithabuell |
" decided to try and throw a leg over, to see if I could do it. " Just don't warm the bike up before throwing your leg over. Those plastic walking casts melt to the pipes! You'll be riding again in no time. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
That's awesome. Good to hear your recovering well...hop back in the saddle. | ||
| Ratbuell |
HDbob - nope, no casts. Ever. That's part of what amazes me so much, they never put one on me. I do have the "pleasure" of wearing a TLSO turtle-shell body brace for the ribs/vertebrae...but never a limb cast. So, I just have the normal "don't burn your leg" concerns, lol. Al - all I can politically say is, I was at work when it happened and it wasn't one of my personal bikes. All I know is, I need to have a talk with the brain surgeon who decided to make a fence out of telephone poles. Immovable object, anyone? Firebolt32 - I can't wait until I can "hop" anywhere! I keep trying to jog, powerwalk, etc., and the legs are getting there...just not yet. But, I'm too dumb to give up Thanks everyone for the good thoughts. It truly does help. | ||
| Glitch |
But, I'm too dumb to give up Well then keep on being dumb then. | ||
| Ulywife |
Ratbuell - glad to hear of your progress. A positive attitude plays a big part in your recovery. Keep us posted! | ||
| Bcordb3 |
YOU ARE DA MAN! Before you know it you will be riding and bitching about the bugs on your face shield. God Speed, RatBuell | ||
| Ratbuell |
}bugs on your face shield. That reminds me...helmet was trashed too, need to remember to get a new one | ||
| Kyri |
That's awesome to hear, Joe. Reading that made me smile ear to ear. I am so happy you are finding your light at the end of the tunnel =) | ||
| Sticks |
I don't know you but that's exciting. Your injuries were far worse than mine, but about 9 months ago I severed the nerves in one of my shoulders and lost about 80% of use of that arm. I had to flop my left arm up on the bars to get around. Everyone thought I was a A hole 'cause I didn't wave. Truth was, I couldn't! Anyway, lots of PT. I finally gave my doctors their pink slips and just started recently, to work out ( against council ) and am SLOWLY starting to get my strength and increased use back. Good news heal up! | ||
| Spatten1 |
Hang in there dude, you'll be almost good as new after a while. Try to be patient. Best wishes on the PT. | ||
| Jettdawg |
Ratbuell, I also don't know you, but have seen many of your postings on here and have been following the threads about your recovery. Just wanted to say that that's awesome news! Great progress on your recovery. Congrats, man ^5 | ||
| Bartimus |
Hey Rat, sorry to be the one to give you the bad news...  glad to hear your doing better! You will be riding in no time! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Thanks Bart...but light or no light, the S2 is staying with me and will be ridden again! Although..I'm going to start on the Uly - longer travel to the pegs (less leg-bend for lost flexibility), and it's not all covered in that sexy fiberglass bodywork so if it goes down in a lot I won't cry. As much. | ||
| F_skinner |
Joe, GREAT NEWS!!!! Hang in there. | ||
| Buellerthanyou |
Joe, Glad to hear you're feeling better. Awesome that you can already "get back on that horse". Gotta get you up to full speed so you can attend the "S2 Stampede"! And just think, when sportbike squids start bragging about lightening their bikes with "carbon fiber this" and "titanium that", you can say "That sounds really great, but guess what I replaced with titanium...?"  HellBuelly J | ||
| Ratbuell |
Yah, someone suggested on one of the car boards that I frequent, that perhaps my B5 blue Challenger dream car should be titanium-colored instead. Smartasses...lol. Aaaannnnddddd...todays progress: THE BACK BRACE IS GONE! No limitations from the spine doc other than no lifting over 25 lbs for 4-6 weeks. Told me I could drive, asked about me working for the HD dealer, to which I said "that brings up the next question"... He told me I could ride based on my tolerance - and *without* rolling his eyes at me! Ordered my new helmet today, just to be safe | ||
| Nik |
All I know is, I need to have a talk with the brain surgeon who decided to make a fence out of telephone poles. Immovable object, anyone? I had a similar encounter. I hit with so much energy I cracked two of the posts straight through the center. That titanium is good stuff... I'm 99% now. Good luck on your recovery and get back on that horse. | ||
| Froggy |
How about a roll of bubble wrap? | ||
| Kyri |
No more back brace!?! And that sounds like PERMISSION to ride?!?! So awesome for you! =) | ||
| Bads1 |
Joe, That is great news. Now maybe next year I can count on you being at The Boiler Room so I can buy you a cold beverage of your choice. | ||
| Oldog |
way to go Rat |
