First big accident

Commuting, Day rides, Audax, Incidents, etc.
Jamesh
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Re: First big accident

Post by Jamesh »

Think GT could learn from this thread!

Cheers James
Gehrman
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Joined: 20 Jun 2021, 7:27pm

Re: First big accident

Post by Gehrman »

Thread update. Been waiting for an appointment slot but a cancellation got me in yesterday. Turns out damage was more significant than I thought and had to have an AC joint reconstruction which I think in layman’s terms is putting the bones back where they belong and securing them with artificial ligament.
Very early signs are this went well so fingers crossed. Thanks for alll replies.
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Cowsham
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Re: First big accident

Post by Cowsham »

Gehrman wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:32pm Thread update. Been waiting for an appointment slot but a cancellation got me in yesterday. Turns out damage was more significant than I thought and had to have an AC joint reconstruction which I think in layman’s terms is putting the bones back where they belong and securing them with artificial ligament.
Very early signs are this went well so fingers crossed. Thanks for alll replies.
I had a look at my discharge letter from the hospital -- I had a fracture of the acromion and a distal fracture of the clavicle so either side of the AC joint.

Last time at xray about 3 weeks ago the clavicle was still broken ( six weeks after accident ) but although shocked I knew I hadn't been keeping my arm immobilized like I should have so I've had it in a sling for the last 3 weeks as instructed.

It will be 4 more weeks before I'll get an xray to see what score is.

Don't know how it's healing cos I can't get an xray or an appointment because of people catching covid and bungin up the hospitals. Have to keep extending my Drs line for work.
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Cowsham
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Re: First big accident

Post by Cowsham »

Gehrman wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:32pm Thread update. Been waiting for an appointment slot but a cancellation got me in yesterday. Turns out damage was more significant than I thought and had to have an AC joint reconstruction which I think in layman’s terms is putting the bones back where they belong and securing them with artificial ligament.
Very early signs are this went well so fingers crossed. Thanks for alll replies.
How's your recovery progress going ?
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Gehrman
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Joined: 20 Jun 2021, 7:27pm

Re: First big accident

Post by Gehrman »

Thanks for asking. I have just started physio. Having to see an upper limb specialist one as it was so stiff, only had the one session so far and have a program of exercises to do at home. I don’t think the long wait for surgery did me any favours.
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Cowsham
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Re: First big accident

Post by Cowsham »

Slow an steady order of the day. The stiffness in my shoulder is gradually going away. Still a bit of pain if I put too much pressure on but vastly improved since getting out of the sling -- back on bike today. Xrays tomorrow :?
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Gehrman
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Re: First big accident

Post by Gehrman »

Been a while since I updated this. Am now feeling much better, not as good as it used to be but ok.
Still waiting on the legal side of things and wondered if anyone had any feedback on that side of the process. Communication has been pretty poor with the solicitors and other than them sending me for medical checkups and scans I never hear from them really, there’s no “human touch” at all if you know what I mean. They don’t always reply to my emails.
Not back on a bike yet. Still thinking that one over.
roubaixtuesday
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Re: First big accident

Post by roubaixtuesday »

Gehrman wrote: 28 Nov 2022, 11:25pm Been a while since I updated this. Am now feeling much better, not as good as it used to be but ok.
Still waiting on the legal side of things and wondered if anyone had any feedback on that side of the process. Communication has been pretty poor with the solicitors and other than them sending me for medical checkups and scans I never hear from them really, there’s no “human touch” at all if you know what I mean. They don’t always reply to my emails.
Not back on a bike yet. Still thinking that one over.
Very best wishes for your ongoing recovery.

My experience with m'learned friends was much faster than yours for what it's worth, but no idea what is normal in that regard.

Not responding to emails is poor, from anyone.
Vorpal
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Re: First big accident

Post by Vorpal »

Gehrman wrote: 28 Nov 2022, 11:25pm Been a while since I updated this. Am now feeling much better, not as good as it used to be but ok.
Still waiting on the legal side of things and wondered if anyone had any feedback on that side of the process. Communication has been pretty poor with the solicitors and other than them sending me for medical checkups and scans I never hear from them really, there’s no “human touch” at all if you know what I mean. They don’t always reply to my emails.
Not back on a bike yet. Still thinking that one over.
I'm glad to hear that you've improved & hope for your continued recovery.

A friend who was in a similar situation to you some years ago had to wait more than 3 years to receive any payments, other than interim ones for medical treatment. From what he went through, I'd say it's better to wait than not, as it assures that you and the medical specialists really know what the long term effects are likely to be.

That said, keep after the solicitors, and make sure that you receive money to cover treatment after payout, especially physio. The NHS physio will discharge people when they have regained function, while there is often potential for further improvements with private treatment.

It may help to ask for a regular meeting with the legal team (once per quarter?).
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boblo
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Re: First big accident

Post by boblo »

Still waiting on the legal side of things and wondered if anyone had any feedback on that side of the process. Communication has been pretty poor with the solicitors
I'm in the process of resolving quite a large/complex claim from mid 2019 - serious injuries/ongoing impact that sort of thing. The Solicitor expects it to be resolved by the end of next year. That might help with your timings.

I also was frustrated with the comms so asked the Solicitor to email me a monthly update even if to say 'no further progress'.
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Cowsham
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Re: First big accident

Post by Cowsham »

Good to know you're on the mend -- horrible accident -- keep nagging the solicitors -- he who shouts the loudest seems to be the way. -- hope you are keeping your exercise up even if just walking regularly. Your future self will thank you.
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gbnz
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Re: First big accident

Post by gbnz »

Gehrman wrote: 28 Nov 2022, 11:25pms.
Not back on a bike yet. Still thinking that one over.
You'll know some saying or another, "Not worth the gain, not worth the pain". Cycling isn't compulsory.

But just come off four weeks on a Major Trauma Unit and as ever, astonishing how it was that 22yr old climber who'd fallen, that motorcyclist in his 40's who'd "flown" & myself who made huge progress, got a discharge & wanting to get back to it :lol:. Unlike that motorcycylist with half the injuries, on his 12th week sitting around.. Apparently I can't walk until start of February, can't cycle until next June. But we've all moved on, with crutches I can now walk 1-2 miles outside a day (Nb. With specialists ok'ing it).

I've no doubt that if we have a dry, blue skied, no wind day, a 3-4mph, on the flat, minimal distance ride will happen by end of January :D. (Nb. Injuries weren't from my last ride, side effect of complex brain seizures post ride)
Last edited by gbnz on 29 Nov 2022, 9:59am, edited 2 times in total.
Dingdong
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Re: First big accident

Post by Dingdong »

I broke my foot last year in a tumble involving a motorcycle, who knocked me into the verge. It was a long road to recovery, because there was also significant tendon damage. Still getting the odd ache from it, the insurance claim should be settled before Xmas at which point I'm looking at a new bike!
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Cowsham
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Re: First big accident

Post by Cowsham »

Reading all this makes me think how lucky I was on yesterday mornings commute. The only take away from that was don't assume even though a driver has stopped or nearly stopped at a junction he/she has seen you.
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Dingdong
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Re: First big accident

Post by Dingdong »

Cowsham wrote: 29 Nov 2022, 10:25am Reading all this makes me think how lucky I was on yesterday mornings commute. The only take away from that was don't assume even though a driver has stopped or nearly stopped at a junction he/she has seen you.
I stopped cycling to work in winter a few years ago, not because of the weather but because of visibility. I found that no matter how much hi Vis/lighting you put on, someone was bound not to see you .

Nearly killed me!
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