View Full Version : Rictus
I'll visit for a bit on Thursday some time during the 11am-1:30pm slot.
Glad to hear the op went well. :D
Just come back from seeing Mark. He's having his 5 kilo post op plaster taken off at 2pm and another one put on.
He also told me he's gonna leave the hospital by tonight whether the hospital let him or not.
Coddy_SV1000Z
19-10-06, 03:46 PM
good to hear he is on the mend so to speak, dont know any of you lot but i think rictus was going to open a poll 20th October about the AR07, just read it earlier
Just got a call from Mark. Theyve done the plaster on his leg, he's just waiting for the pharmacy to give him his tablets then he's off home.
So what did they actually achieve with the operation... there were quite a few things to do when we saw him on Sunday, with putting his bones back together being just the start.
Anyone know?
So what did they actually achieve with the operation... there were quite a few things to do when we saw him on Sunday, with putting his bones back together being just the start.
Anyone know?
The bones were pinned. As far as the tendons go, I gather its a case of wait and see if what they did has helped and what course to take then. As Mark put it, theres not a lot more they can do at the moment but come back in six weeks and have another look at how things are healing. I suspect Mark will be in some point this evening to update properly.
Rob S (Yella)
19-10-06, 04:54 PM
Looks like me and the wonky knee gang will be welcoming Mark to his new home/forum sometime soon.
Not as good as 650.org of course.
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/
He's out as of about an hour ago.
Dan
rictus01
19-10-06, 07:34 PM
Indeed I am, long old day so not much tonight, I'll give the full version tomorrow at some stage.
Overwhelmed by all the support and good wishes, I'm not sure the hospital has ever seen so many bikers visiting through it's doors within such a short time.
54 visitor either came to wish me well or just find out whether I was pulling a fast one or not :? .
Thanks Guys.
Bit Knackered now so will log back on tomorrow.
Cheers Mark.
the white rabbit
19-10-06, 07:37 PM
Good to see you out and about, well out of hospital but sure you'll be about shortly :wink:
glad to see that you are out and that you op went ok... here to a speedy recovery young man.
Good to see you out and about, well out of hospital but sure you'll be about shortly :wink:
2nd did... :wink:
Biker Biggles
19-10-06, 08:04 PM
Nice one.At least you can have a fag without hassle now.
Now how long before we get reports of Speed Triple racking up mileage again? :)
Hey Mark, glad you're back out. Did they let you watch the op like you wanted to? :shock:
(Got any photos? Always appreciative of the chance to see some real-life A&P.)
Hope to see you soon at Horridge Towers for tea and biscuits, or somewhere else suitable.
Hope you're feeling better. :grouphug:
Jelster
19-10-06, 10:25 PM
Just like the return of Superman.... Mark, I don't think they've invented a way to stop you mate....
Heal fast fella....
.
rictus01
20-10-06, 08:14 AM
Ok the low down, in my inimitable way, no holds barred, just as I know it.
The Accident:-
Going to Selkent, up through New Addington, it was dark, not a great deal of traffic, the odd car is about all, come around a bend, perhaps 300yards ahead an oncoming car pulls into the middle of the road, the headlights dip as it brakes, then return to level as it came to a halt, having backed off until I could see what it was going to do, I accelerated to go passed believing the car was waiting as it was stationary, as I was to find the driver chose at that moment to accelerate across my path, no great revelation or anything, nowhere to go, nothing to do, I didn’t pass out but I just have a multitude of changing images I still can’t sort out, then a world of pain.
I’m told (brother spoke to the investigating officer) my head impacted the windscreen leaving a fishbowl indentation and swung my body into the offside A pillar. As the officer said in this sort of crash they normally charge the driver and bury the rider!
It’s the first accident I’ve ever had in which I really though I’d die.
The driver was charged within 10 minutes of the police arriving, I don’t know what that means, but they must have had a fairly obvious reason as far as I’m concerned.
The Bike :- It was the TT600 and not the speedtriple so if I can I’ll get that finished and ready to go as soon as I am.
The TT, apparently its dead, all the front is gone, fairing/ headlight/ instruments/ forks/ wheel and headstock (so that’s a new frame), no great lost as I wasn’t going to keep it anyway, a shame yes.
The Injuries :-
Fractures of the tib & fib and base of femur, dislocation of the left knee, multiple tendon & ligament damage (unconfirmed until next OP) hairline fracture left index finger, contusions to lower abdomen and groin (yes thoughs bits!), also right forehead.
The Treatment :-
Admitted to Mayday Hosp Wednesday night, over Thursday & Friday, 4 lots of X-rays, CT scan and an MRI, Knee specialist came down and confirmed he couldn‘t do anything until after the bones were fixed, four and a half hours surgery on Monday saw the three bones joining at the knee all pinned.
Prognosis :-
Immediate:- 8 days in hospital (they thought it would be two weeks), out and mobile 11 hours after surgery, impressed the physiotherapists with a 100 yard walk to & from going up two flights of stairs, 6-8 weeks expected recovery of the bones, then back for review and “multiple procedures” by the specialist on the tendons and ligaments.
Long term :- 6-8 mouths to get as much movement and strength as possible to the knee joint (I’m expecting 3 months if it’s down to just my efforts).
My thoughts :-
Given the fact this type of accident I’m told (and have seen in my Paramedic days) is normally fatal; I can only surmise being adorned with nearly £1000 worth of motorcycle kit saved the day.
Injuries, well at least I’m here! Pain, Oh yes, shed loads, giving up riding, no that’s not going to happen.
Back home for now although adorned with a full length leg plaster, so not very mobile for now, probably be going stir crazy fairly soon although being home feels good after the enforced hospital stay, any visitors welcome, just give me a shout before coming round (PM if you don’t have my number).
Cheers Mark
rictus01
20-10-06, 08:19 AM
Did they let you watch the op like you wanted to? :shock:
(Got any photos? Always appreciative of the chance to see some real-life A&P.)
Unfortunately,a spinal block only lasts a couple of hours, so I wasn't able to watch, and likewise the scans are all digital so I could only view them on a computer screen.
I might be able to get some later, we'll have to see.
Cheers Mark.
Just a walk in the park then.
You are a legend, if slightly mad ;)
Samnooshka
20-10-06, 09:33 AM
Glad to hear you're home Mark, and glad the op went well. I'll give you a call soon and come visit.
Sammy
Great to hear that that your home mate........is the Speed Triple in the front room yet? :D
The road to recovery is all good to hear. :thumbsup:
Amanda M
20-10-06, 11:31 AM
Glad to hear you're home :) Good luck with the recovery :)
Amanda
Professor
20-10-06, 02:39 PM
Mark, great to learn that you are out of hospital! Judging by your
description of the accident you are very lucky to be alive. Hope the
driver gets prosecuted.
Wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you again at some future
rideout.
krazykim
20-10-06, 02:43 PM
Hey Mark,
I joined the forum for this!!!!!!! Lol :D
Glad to hear you're ok. See you soon (3 months was it??? :D )
Kim
X
Filipe M.
20-10-06, 04:24 PM
Great to know you're out, best of luck with the recovery. :)
I can only surmise being adorned with nearly £1000 worth of motorcycle kit saved the day.
Great to hear you're doing well Mark under the circumstances and dealing with it in your own inimitable style.
Would it be at all possible to share with us the salient points of what saved you from potebtially worse?
Get well soon.
Mark, glad to hear your on the road to recovery hun
rictus01
20-10-06, 06:01 PM
I can only surmise being adorned with nearly £1000 worth of motorcycle kit saved the day.
Would it be at all possible to share with us the salient points of what saved you from potebtially worse? .
£300 of Arai lid, as this went right into the windscreen and the inturnal structure deformed but saved my head (although I got some contusions) I don't think I'll be trusting to any lesser make, you can't beat quality and fit.
Triumph branded gortex zip together textiles (these have straps to stop the armor moving unlike most of the cheaper makes) once again quality & fit.
Hard Armoured gloves and Daytona Boots.
Of course I'm in a position to afford this sort of stuff, but I would say, get the best you can afford and ware it , do it up properly, I'd have lost my leg in jeans (even the motorbike ones).
Cheers Mark
Mark, as others have said, you're becoming a walking legend.
Glad to hear you're ok, and already out. You should have had a joke with the hospital about where were your missing toes!
speedy recovery fella
Very glad to see you posting again Rictus, reading through that post did stir up some feelings of my incident. Hope to see you soon Rictus and some good advice about bike gear, buy the best you can.
Good luck getting better :D
Scooby Drew
20-10-06, 06:12 PM
Glad you are doing alright, and good to see you're mending.
Drew
rictus01
20-10-06, 06:20 PM
Mark, as others have said, you're becoming a walking legend.
the walking bits going to be a challange for a while.
You should have had a joke with the hospital about where were your missing toes!
I did tried with the paramedic when he was cutting off my boot, although my delivery was somewhat weakened by the pain :roll:
Cheers Mark.
fizzwheel
20-10-06, 06:25 PM
giving up riding, no that’s not going to happen.
A legend...
Good to hear your up and about again Rictus 8)
giving up riding, no that’s not going to happen.
A legend...
Good to hear your up and about again Rictus 8)
absolutely 8)
Mark, as others have said, you're becoming a walking legend.
the walking bits going to be a challange for a while.
You should have had a joke with the hospital about where were your missing toes!
I did tried with the paramedic when he was cutting off my boot, although my delivery was somewhat weakened by the pain :roll:
Cheers Mark.
:lol: :lol: legend ;)
I remember them trying to figure out how to remove my jacket, due to the one lung being somewhat damaged I couldnt explain and just got up and removed it rather than cut it off :roll:
Glad your in good spirits Mark :D
rictus01
20-10-06, 08:07 PM
lets just settle on a bit secondhand atthe moment, as appossed to up and about.
Cheers Mark.
northwind
21-10-06, 03:52 PM
Glad to hear you're home... And like you say, in relatively good shape considering the alternatives. Hope it all goes according to plan...
Blimey Mark - sounds like you are lucky to be still with us !
Can go via your way on way to Lyden tomorrow if you want, can bring you some bike racing dvds / books ...let me know...
Also got a great article about a shattered knee accident(same kinda injury- differnt tyep of crash 8) ) by editor of TRD on 2onT ..(in Features i think)
wierdly recently started a series called "for our friends with thier feet up", for people with a few months to kill, let me know what you think...
PM me if you feel like a visit Snday luinch time mate
atb :lol:
rictus01
22-10-06, 03:29 AM
thats Pete, drop by if you like, it's not as if I'm going anywhere for a while.
Cheers Mark.
Red ones
22-10-06, 08:27 AM
Congrats on you return home, and wish you a speedy recovery!
(Please don't tell us you rode home from the hospital :wink: )
rictus01
22-10-06, 09:23 AM
OK, this is serious; anyone got a cure for knotted muscles/ killer cramp????????
It’s in my left calf muscle, within the full cast, second morning of waking to unbelievable pain, moving it from horizontal to vertical feels like nothing else.
having had this sort of thing before (when I used to run) I can't use any of the techniques I would have used before or even get to it to manipulate, and am reduced to wiggling the toes on that foot and applying a hot water bottle to the groin area for a couple of hours until it subsides.
I doubt there is anything more to do, but hey it never hurts to ask.
Cheers Mark.
:shock:
BernardBikerchick
22-10-06, 09:45 AM
OK, this is serious; anyone got a cure for knotted muscles/ killer cramp????????
It’s in my left calf muscle, within the full cast, second morning of waking to unbelievable pain, moving it from horizontal to vertical feels like nothing else.
having had this sort of thing before (when I used to run) I can't use any of the techniques I would have used before or even get to it to manipulate, and am reduced to wiggling the toes on that foot and applying a hot water bottle to the groin area for a couple of hours until it subsides.
I doubt there is anything more to do, but hey it never hurts to ask.
Cheers Mark.
:shock:
i will come over and take your mind of it honey :lol: :lol: :lol:
wish i could help.......... xxxxx
bbc
rictus01
22-10-06, 09:52 AM
Pain relief courtesy of BBC, now that’s something I could become addicted to :shock:
Thanks Gorgeous. :wink:
Cheers Mark.
Have you tried (or are you) sleeping with you cast ever so slightly elevated?
From what I can remember of having a full cast to the hip is that your leg isn't actually completely straight, the knee is eversoslighly bent. This means that if you are laying on your back your muscles can't really completely relax bacuse of the slight angle...
... or rather than the thigh muscles relax but you can't stretch the calf ones so they get an awkward pressure of the weight of you upper leg due to the slight angle...
... or something. :roll:
Whatever the cause, I found sleeping with a small cusion or a firm pillow (not feather, but one of those hollow-fibre ones) just under the knee was a godsend. Positioned slightly on the higher side, towards the thigh it felt like my upper leg was being supported (raised slightly above the angle of the cast) and released the pressure on my calf and heel.
Years later I still sometimes had a tendency to sleep with my right foot curled up under my left knee for added support - though at the moment I actually have to have a cushion under my knee to be even vaguely comfortable. :roll:
I don't know if that will help any. I seem to remember spending the first couple of weeks actually sleeping in the livingroom in my parents (rather expensive at the time) recliner chair. It held my leg at exactly the same angle as the cast and so was the most comfortable thing ever... I've still got that chair. 8)
rictus01
22-10-06, 10:20 AM
Cheer K, yeah, you're right the leg isn't quite straight and I've been using cusions/ pillows to change the angle of the leg, but it requires changing at best every 20 minutes or so.
Pleas send chair :wink:
Cheers Mark.
Cheer K, yeah, you're right the leg isn't quite straight and I've been using cusions/ pillows to change the angle of the leg, but it requires changing at best every 20 minutes or so.
Pleas send chair :wink:
Cheers Mark.
Postage might be a it steep mate - and I'm not too sure I can fit it on the back of the bike. :wink:
Hmmm, if you're having to reposition so often perhaps you could try one of those small bean-bag footstool things - with half the beans taken out. That way it should still support the weight whilst allowing for small shifts in position.
Or alternatively have you tried simply hanging your leg over the side of the sofa?! Seriously - lay down on the sofa and put your cast ankle up on the sofa's arm - then squig down until you find a comfortable angle. Mine would balance quite nicely at about mid calf with my good ankle simply resting on the cast one.
Tended to get a bit of a crick in my neck watching TV sideways though. :?
As for in bed - have you tried sleeping on your side? (Though it does mean stealing most of the duvet :twisted: .)
Wrap one or two thicknesses of duvet either over or under the cast (depending on which side you prefer to sleep) and then either rest your good leg on top of the cast one or underneather supporting the cast one - the duvet will ease the pressure on contact points with your good leg, like the knee and ankle.
Or, (as long as you can put a thick sock over your toes to keep em warm :wink: ) support the cast at the back of the knee with a stool/chair & cushions at the side of the bed and sleep with your leg sticking out. If the point of support is high enough then there is no pressure on your calf muscles and they can totally relax.
As for when you do get cramp - the trick I used to use was stand up and gently swing your cast leg back and forwards whilst wriggling your toes - it vastly increased the blood flow to my lower leg which helped the cramp go away quicker.
After a short while (unless they keep recasting your as they did me for the first few weeks :roll: ) the cottonwool padding starts to compress and you can shift your leg about a bit which also helps.
Think yourself lucky in one respect - the weather is cooler now. First time I was in plaster throughout a stinkingly hot summer - gods that was hot n itchy. :evil:
Rob S (Yella)
22-10-06, 12:40 PM
Have you tried hooking a belt or something over the top of your foot and holding onto one end push down on the foot like your doing a calf raise.
Not sure if your allowed to weight bear at all as this will put a few pounds of pressure thru your leg but at least will give your calf a workout with a little resistance which might help.
rictus01
22-10-06, 01:26 PM
Have you tried hooking a belt or something over the top of your foot and holding onto one end push down on the foot like your doing a calf raise.
Not sure if your allowed to weight bear at all as this will put a few pounds of pressure thru your leg but at least will give your calf a workout with a little resistance which might help.
no weight bearing at this stage, and just about anything has it's own assosiated pain, but that's what you get for coming out of Hosp a week early :roll:
Cheers Rob anyway.
Mark.
ethariel
22-10-06, 11:02 PM
Check with your Doc (I know you hate drugs BUT sometimes they are a godsend) and ask him about Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate (Plaquenil) - Works wonders for cramp, without it, i'd be in public transport or in a car.
Colin
northwind
22-10-06, 11:15 PM
I got terrible cramps in my knee for weeks after my op, probably from the cut muscles... I ended up tensing and untensing small muscle groups one at a time, basically by telling my leg to "ripple". Hard to explain... But it kept the leg still and gave the muscles enough of a shake-up to keep the cramps down.
Good luck with the recovery Mark, hope to see you up and around soon
... just about anything has it's own assosiated pain, but that's what you get for coming out of Hosp a week early :roll:
In which case behave or they may just arrange to drag you back in early! [-X
There are some exercises which tense and work muscles without actually seeming to move them - kinda like some Pilates stuff.
Only they're really hard to explain. :roll: I kinda feel they may be similar to what Northy is talking about.
Sort of visualising individual muscles or small groups relaxing and tensing, whilst trying not to affect anyother muscles.
Um... simply actively concentrating on relaxing can have a working effect.
Either that or you'll be so confused reading this you'll fall asleep anyway! :P
Mark, I'm sure it's nothing a few large whiskey's couldn't sort out ;)
Mark, Holland & Barrat sell a product that works for me - its made by New Era, they just call it "mag phos." The pack I've got has a big number 8 as well.
northwind
23-10-06, 08:03 PM
Sort of visualising individual muscles or small groups relaxing and tensing, whilst trying not to affect anyother muscles.
That's it! Well put, I was struggling. I always visualised it as a mexican wave, one muscle at a time ;)
BernardBikerchick
02-11-06, 05:33 PM
hey mark xxxxxxxxxx hope you ok honey xxxxxxxxxxxx :lol: :lol: *big kiss*
rictus01
04-11-06, 11:42 PM
OK time for an update I feel, self indulgent perhaps, but who else am I going to tell.
following the Selkent visit, it took a couple of days to calm down to the level it was before, over the next week or so the pain centralized to a deep bone one, so I backed off the booze and any pain killers at all. Then started tensing the muscles to get back some control (up to this point controlling the pain had precluded anything else), I knew things were getting better as I probably had the worst 48hrs of my life over Wed/Thur as in encompassed two migraines :shock: ( that may sound a bit darft but I only get migraine post stress).then probably had the best day so far.
presently I've reached another problem, these plastic casts look great, but by flexing within it (and perhaps some muscle wastage/ swelling going down), I've worn through the cotton and it's become loose, the rough shell is chaiffing on the surgery wounds, I'm not sure, but I think I can feel the odd run of liquid (possibly blood) every now and again, but more worrying is the fact I can't get any sleep at all, as every time I move it delivers a series of really sharp pains.
If I had my Dremel here I'd have cut my cast off by now, but as I don't I'll grate teeth until Monday and go to the fracture clinic and get them to change it.
Oh, happy days..
Cheers Mark.
Hope you get some sleep soon bud,
Irritating those new sorts of casts... have you done the sniff test yet ? after a while you will.... it'll stink. :wink:
fix up soon m8.
BernardBikerchick
06-11-06, 12:22 AM
awwwwwwwwwwwww hon xx thinking of you so much xxxxx here for you xxxxxxxxxx :lol: :lol: :lol:
rictus01
06-11-06, 12:27 AM
thanks Gorgeous, sleep still eluding me, but only 10 hours to go until Hosp appointment.
perhaps more myself after that, we'll have to see.
Cheers Mark.
sorry to hear that you are still suffering!!
~so what colour is your next cast going to be??
rictus01
06-11-06, 07:47 PM
It's Green!
although not anywhere near even comfortable, the change of the cast today, has taken away the sharp pains I was having on any movement.
Alas a number of home truths were told to me today.
At this stage, nothing I can do will help speed my recovery, and any weight through it will only cause problems.
A 9% muscle loss accounted for the cast becoming so painful, the consultant estimated 40% or so over the time I'm in the cast.
whilst I was having the cast changed, the consultant came down and showed my the lack of lateral stability in the knee :shock: , ( you can easily push the lower and upper bones in opposite sideways directions).
at least another six weeks in the cast, and only then can he start on the lateral stability improvement.
but the biggest thing today? Sleep. 7 hours kip, ok I awoke in pain, but at least it's a constant one.
I've also got a r to call for cast changes when I need them, so shouldn't have to go through that again.
Cheers Mark
CoolGirl
06-11-06, 08:01 PM
that is positive news and glad you're getting some sleep and are a bit more comfortable.
Like I said, stay put and we'll come to you... :kiss:
Hi Mark,
Sorry to hear you've been having to put up with all that pain and discomfort... Broken legs in plaster don't respond very well to massage treatment - so I can't help you much in any practical way - but will try and come to visit you soon for some moral support!
Please do keep us updated with your posts (it's not self-indulgent at all!).
Big cuddle on its way to you.
Fizzy Fish
06-11-06, 09:46 PM
good to hear there's at least been been some improvement with the change in cast - although being a Triumph man surely you should have gone for say a yellow rather than Kwak green??
get well soon xxx :grouphug:
rictus01
06-11-06, 11:08 PM
Like I said, stay put and we'll come to you... :kiss:
As you've already impressively proved,even the prospect of using public transport didn't put you off, and was much appreciated.
I'm open at anytime (although as said before, give me a bell first).
Please do keep us updated with your posts (it's not self-indulgent at all!).
Big cuddle on its way to you.
I've had a thought, no don't! I'll try to make it something along the lines of an anatomy of recovery, well I've never seen one? what do you think ?
(Oh and Caz all cuddles gratefully received)
although being a Triumph man surely you should have gone for say a yellow rather than Kwak green?
Well I have had a green ZX9, and only one yellow daytona, although they do have a blue choice, perhaps a tribute to the TT ?
get well soon xxx :grouphug:
Unfortunately "soon" isn't going to happen Ness, but the thought is appreciated.
Cheers Mark.
BernardBikerchick
07-11-06, 12:24 AM
100% behind all you lot there xx we'll come to you honey xxx perhaps this weekend at some point xxxx thinking of you xx sleep is good xx you need lots more of it too xxxx if i could give you my kneee i would do honey xxxx
bbc x
rictus01
07-11-06, 06:52 AM
thanks Hon, feeling more able to manage this morning, small steps and a long way to go, but I feel as though I'm on the way.
you know where I am, always a pleasure.
You can keep you body parts (although the sentiment is touching) but I've no problem with cuddles aplenty.
Cheers Mark.
Amanda M
07-11-06, 09:20 AM
Chin up Rictus :) Have a big virtual hug from me :grouphug: Glad to hear the change of cast has helped a bit with the sleeping.
take care
Amanda
rictus01
11-11-06, 01:04 AM
Update time.
Well where to begin, it’s now 31 days since the event, 25 days since first surgery.
I’ve decided to look at this in two ways, the physical and the psychological.
First of the Physical.
Well my world is smaller, everything is harder to do and has more pain involved, so it’s a case of figuring out how to do stuff with the least amount of pain payback, which most times means moving around on my backside, even after only having this cast for four days I can see a worrying amount of muscle wastage, in fact just about anything I do takes far more effort than it should and leaves me drained, so where has all my strength gone.
Pain, now this is tricky, I’ve had broken bones before and would have expected the pain to have at least leveled off some what by now, and indeed for short periods of time in the right position it does, but then comes back with vengeance at the slightest provocation.
The Price of Sleep.
I know I can’t manage without sleep, been there already, but it’s now a case of dragging myself upstairs (yes on my backside) which tires me out by the time I’ve got to my bed, a hot water bottle to focus on until I fall to sleep, that will give me between 2 & 4 hours, then the awakening! This will be with a shock, no dosing time, no snoozing, nothing like that, just a sharp pain needing the leg to be moved, anywhere from two to five times a night will see me through.
Perhaps if you imagine one of those times you catch just under your knee cap, the strobe light effect around your vision, the world rocking like on a small boat at sea, you’ll have some sort of idea.
This is followed by the journey back downstairs, and an hour of two of shifting the leg about to calm everything down, generally I’m more in control by lunchtime, although it doesn’t follow any set pattern.
As to the pain itself, well gone is the sharp pains caused by the cast rubbing (although this could be a problem again soon) and indeed the deep bone pain seems to be controllable, however most of the pain is in the knee itself and ranges from tear inducing to the feel of ice water being dripped on and around the knee, now the worrying thing about this is they haven’t even looked at this yet nor plan to until after the 18th Dec.
the Psychological.
Now this is where I perhaps reveal more of myself than is prudent, but to be honest I don’t know another way so here goes.
It’s a game, it’s not my, it’s not my injury, it’s a stress, a test, a trial if you will. Take one man, add broken this smashed that, pain, then change it and see how he does ?
I do feel like I’m playing a role trying to act as the normal me (whatever that is) in abnormal circumstances, and I can play the role fine for limited periods of time or until a pain will wipe away all my resolve, then it’s back to square one and start to build the persona again.
I haven’t really given to much thought to long term, I will ride again, but whether I’m the same physically & mentally is something I’ll just have to wait and see.
Positive mental attitude, my secret weapon, give yourself and achievable goal each day, this could be anything from making a phone call to a trip to the supermarket (OK I’ve only done one of those). About 20-30 min of concentration is my current limit if I’m applying myself, although distraction can be several hours. The visitors and well wishers have been great and I draw much strength from all that, but I can’t help but feel the world is passing me by, which lets face it at the moment it is. Things take on far more weight that they should and I find myself getting depressed because of simple things like someone didn’t phone when they said they would, silly I know but that’s just how I feel.
I’m starting to realize just how long this recovery road will be and contemplating the journey to the end is still beyond me, but positive mental attitude, another achievable goal awaits tomorrow I think I’ll try going up all five sets of stairs to my computer upstairs as my challenge, well that’s the plan anyway.
Just sitting here for the last 30 minutes has rewarded me with a building pain that I’ve got to go and deal with now, so next time people.
Cheers Mark.
Don't know what to say, but I admire your strength. I'm sure it must be hard that the progress to you seems slow. But I'm sure it is steadily there, you will make it through this, to be yourself once more. Everyone is rooting for you.
Stuart
Mr Toad
11-11-06, 09:34 AM
Get your doc to prescribe that traditional English cure for everything - 'a stiff upper lip' .:wink:
You know as well as I do that every minute fecking hurts and seems to take for ever, but the hours and the days still go past. You're a month down the track to recovery, so keep at it. I expect these words to come back and haunt me after my op . . . :lol:
Biker Biggles
11-11-06, 11:28 AM
A bit soon perhaps,but another goal to work at could be your compensation claim.Keep a diary of all your symptoms and problems,and start putting a monetry value on them.It can sound a bit limp six months later to say "I was in a lot of pain" but a report written on the day(s) carries a lot more weight.There should be a substantial payback at some stage,which may help to get you through it now.Best wishes.
The Biker Biggles' idea of a diary is a good one... partly because when you are 18 years down the road and need to see the umpteenth specialist - you can give that to read rather than having to repeatedly explain your case history. :roll:
Time heals all wounds, but when time slows to a crawl, or even stands still that cliche is nothing more that a sanctimonious load of hot air.
Everything has become a challenge, a test of you engineering inginuity and adaptation. How to sit, be comfortable, move, bring your cuppa from the kitchen to the sofa. Your life is now the Krypton Factor and there's no prize for second place.
However, it can also be extrordinarily liberating.
So there are things you cannot do, but there's alot you can do - some of which you may never have thought of before simply because you never had cause to. Enjoy these discoveries and moments of triumph as they are the building blocks to staying sane.
Even the blackest time has a positive eventually. It can be a tool so use it - even if that means breaking down in a sobbing ball of pain, it can wear you out so you may snatch a bit of well earned sleep.
Be ready to point out to people things that you can do, and never be afraid to admit there's something you can't. Ignorance is bliss and people will be only too eager to accept how well you seem to be coping. Unless they've been there they cannot relate and so will not know how to adjust their thinking.
To fall from the pedestal others may place you on will hurt less than your knee. Appearences can be deceptive - and it's not nice to lie to friends, so if you're having a **** time, tell em once in a while. :wink:
Yes you will ride again, but it will be different, you will be different, your outlook, priorities, reservations... everything changes over time, and time changes everything.
The trick to it all is adapt and survive.
:smt056
rictus01
11-11-06, 11:23 PM
Well I made it, four flights of stairs and three landings, maybe not the greatest of achievements but I'm happy to have managed it.
I'm typing this from my desktop upstairs :thumbsup:
Cheers Mark.
Devil Biccy
12-11-06, 02:28 PM
No amount of words can take away your pain but remember this that what you write regarding your injuries, recovery and your positive mental attitude will and does afffect those around you who care and want nothing more than you to be fit and healthy riding with the rest of us. Like K wrote earlier on there are things that you can do, focus on those and the rest will fall in to place. Yes time is a great healer and we all want to rush it sometimes but be the tortoise in this case rather than the hare!
As ever anything you need help with just drop me a line.
Hey Mark - Nice to hear your goals are working for you. It sounds like your day is full of them working how to deal with your pain and get where you want. I cant write more than what the others have said but can only reiterate their points and pass on my well wishes. Hows the day time TV going - or have you found other ways to deal with your time?
Grant
Mark,
Your doing just great .. I've not been in your position to be able to sympathise but I can send you a :grouphug: that your so fond of!
Sorry I haven't been able to get over to see you again however, work hours are limiting social hours I have right now but, when I have a bit of spare time will be round to see that green cast of yours!
rictus01
12-11-06, 09:21 PM
Sorry guys, just couldn't get off last night, so today has been a bit rough.
If my words seem a little depressive or dark, well that's just where I am at the moment, once I've got good news that will be posted as well.
Just to add, over the last 24 hours I've become aware of the broken left index finger aching (which up to now hadn't cause any issue so far, also a pain in my right hip (favouring that one at the moment), no goal today, just getting through is enough for now.
Cheers Mark.
Samnooshka
12-11-06, 09:46 PM
i know it has been said before but take each day as it comes hun. i feel for you i really do, and if we could share some of your pain, i know so many people would, take it easy and if you need anything then just ask.
Sammy
xx
rictus01
13-11-06, 01:52 AM
~so what colour is your next cast going to be??
just for you
http://upload4.postimage.org/1637704/leg1.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/1637704/photo_hosting.html)
http://upload4.postimage.org/1637710/leg2.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/1637710/photo_hosting.html)
and for thoughs that didn't see the post op one
http://upload4.postimage.org/1637714/leg.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/1637714/photo_hosting.html)
Cheers Mark.
Y'see, I miss good ol plaster casts - i could draw on mine n stuff. the only thing you can draw on that with is a fat ol' marker pen. :(
Though I s'pose if you don't like Kwakka green and want a faster one you could always cover it in silver gaffa tape. :? :wink:
Mr Toad
13-11-06, 09:28 AM
Definitely honorary member of the wonky knee gang, if not president :wink:
Look on the bright side - looks like one of your missing toes is growing back :roll:
U.K.Ajay
13-11-06, 10:18 PM
Long time since I have logged onto this site. Read a few of the posts and skipped through to find your first post Mark, instantly made me laugh. If posts after that are not funny I am s**t out of luck, but just to say thinkin of ya fella, take it easy and yours and my attendance at SELKENT might just match up now!
Alec
Ain't you healed yet... pull yur finger out will ya...
:wink:
~so what colour is your next cast going to be??
just for you
http://upload4.postimage.org/1637704/leg1.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/1637704/photo_hosting.html)
Cheers Mark.
OMG... thats worse then Kwak Green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :smt078 ... and clearly clashes with the carpet :roll: ;)
rictus01
14-11-06, 01:44 AM
~so what colour is your next cast going to be??
just for you
http://upload4.postimage.org/1637704/leg1.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/1637704/photo_hosting.html)
Cheers Mark.
OMG... thats worse then Kwak Green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :smt078 ... and clearly clashes with the carpet :roll: ;)
I can honestly say it never crossed my mind a single time the colour wasn't coordinated with the carpet, what have i been doing all this time :wink:
Cheers Mark.
OMG... thats worse then Kwak Green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :smt078 ... and clearly clashes with the carpet :roll: ;)
We've been over this, you clearly can't appreciate good taste :lol:
That said Mark, it sounds like you're going to be going through a couple more casts yet, so perhaps the next one could be more considered with the carpet. I quite like the idea of the blue one as a nod towards the TT 8)
I know you're having a rough time at the moment, any words I offer will be hollow beside those of others as I've been incredibly lucky thus far in my life and suffered very little in terms of illness or damage. Just know that you're held in very high regard by many people on the board and we all wish you well, even if it's going to take a lot longer than first hoped :(
You've got my number.
Jambo
blimey rictus, just read all 10 pages of this thread.
take care and heal fast.
Will (displaced frith street occasional)
rictus01
14-11-06, 06:29 PM
well I've given in, I'm not keen on taking drugs if I can help it and they all slow recovery to one extent or another, but I've got to the stage of not being able to manage on my own, so after a chat with the GP today I'm now armed with an array of options on the drug front from basic codine up to stuff to make you forget the last 3 months, I'll play around to find the minimum that will work to give me regular sleep and take it from there.
Cheers Mark.
Biker Biggles
14-11-06, 09:23 PM
Right decision.Being in constant pain and not sleeping will also slow your recovery so a compromise is a good way to go.You'll get there.
well I've given in...
No you haven't [-X - you've taken some positive action to utilise an option that is available to you. So ner.
:wink:
rictus01
15-11-06, 08:58 AM
about 4 hours sleep last night, just using a bit of codine :) , might not sound great but it's the longest not exhausted sleep I've had since coming out of hosp, if I can replicate it tonight I'll be happy.
Still get the rude awakening, but hey you can't have everything right.
Cheers Mark
BernardBikerchick
16-11-06, 09:31 AM
Well I made it, four flights of stairs and three landings, maybe not the greatest of achievements but I'm happy to have managed it.
I'm typing this from my desktop upstairs :thumbsup:
Cheers Mark.
mark i, and i ma sure everyone else, is so very proud of you x no i can't imagine the pain myself as the worst pain i have had is back related and they gave me funny gas for that which was sureal but nice ! but i can only try to sympathise with you i know you are going through hell i really do xxxx it is good you keep writing all this stuff down i nothing else it is a well deserved release for you xxxxxxx
how about two visitors on tuesday !! you'll be the last person to see me 29 !!! apart from viney of course !!!!! prob early afternoon maybe ?? pm me let me know xxxxxx i admore\ you, you as a person , your strength everything about you, you are one in amillion xx
BernardBikerchick
16-11-06, 09:33 AM
well I've given in, I'm not keen on taking drugs if I can help it and they all slow recovery to one extent or another, but I've got to the stage of not being able to manage on my own, so after a chat with the GP today I'm now armed with an array of options on the drug front from basic codine up to stuff to make you forget the last 3 months, I'll play around to find the minimum that will work to give me regular sleep and take it from there.
Cheers Mark.
be strong xxx and if you can read desiderata find it on web xxxxxxxxxxxx
rictus01
16-11-06, 11:25 AM
be strong xxx and if you can read desiderata find it on web xxxxxxxxxxxx
I've read this before, very profound (only spoiled by the god stuff at the end)
PM on it's way.
Cheers Mark.
rictus01
16-11-06, 11:40 AM
and again, 5 hours last night, I've found although the pain is no less, regular sleep helps me manage it a lot better.
Cheers Mark.
See, told you to take the pills ;). Glad you're on the mend, will call you.
.
rictus01
16-11-06, 11:46 AM
Hi Mark,
Sorry to hear you've been having to put up with all that pain and discomfort... Broken legs in plaster don't respond very well to massage treatment - so I can't help you much in any practical way
Funnily enough I could have used your services yesterday, pulled a muscle in my lower back :cry: , and of cause the only position to help made my leg hurt, but a couple of hours on a heated barley wheat pillow thing s.eems to have sorted out most of it.
Cheers Mark
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.