(01-15-2020, 01:56 PM)VLJ_imp Wrote: Update...

Just saw both the Trauma (hip, leg, foot, heel) surgeon, and also the neck surgeon. The femur, hip bones, ankle bones, metatarsals, and shattered heel have all healed. The foot, ankle, and lower leg, however, are still riddled with open wounds, and swollen like a balloon. He informed me that it will be another full year before I arrive at whatever level of mobility I will manage to achieve, but the swelling will never go away. It may decrease a bit, but it will never be like my left foot. My shoe will never fit over it.

It basically looks like a clubfoot. Between the discoloration, swelling, blister scars, open wounds, and surgical scars, it is positively grotesque. I've been given permission to begin putting light pressure on the foot, but the moment I touched the heel to the ground I was hit with a sudden jolt of white-hot pain akin to pressing your hand to a cherry red stove burner, or sticking your finger in an electrical socket.

A year, indeed.

As for the broken neck, the news is much worse. No healing at all has occurred. In fact, he says, the scattered pieces have actually distanced themselves even further. So, now he wants to put me on some sort of electrical stimulation dog collar and wait another three months to see whether any healing occurs. If it doesn't, then he has to go in and do yet another neuro-spinal fusion reconstruction, which would leave me with C1 as my only movable vertebrae. At that point, I'm the robot from Lost In Space. It'd be Game Over. I'd be permanently disabled. Add the sketchy situation regarding my ability to walk, and I definitely won't be able to return to work...or ride.

I just paid off the Honda ("You'll receive the pink slip in six to eight weeks!" exclaimed the inexplicably cheery bank lady), and, like an idiot, I even just paid for another year of registration, and now I need to sell her.

Jeez.

Oh, well. If any of you want to buy a mint, bone stock 2017 CB1100 EX with factory heated grips, tons of cleavage, and a wicked Italian accent, drop me a line.

(01-15-2020, 06:10 PM)Bazbro_imp Wrote: I feel dreadful for you, VLJ. No comfort to you, I know, but... you're among friends here. There is always light at the end of the tunnel though, no matter how bleak this moment. Perhaps, eventually a trike for you? Here in the UK, apart from some beautiful examples imported from the States, most trikes are kit- or home-built and we have an organisation of them for Disabled Bikers. They have supported the return to 'biking of many ex-motorcyclists who, like yourself, have become disabled, as well as helping the non-motorcycling disabled to join us. You must have a similar organisation over there? That is just one route for your future. I'm sure other ideas will open up as the months progress and you aspire to more and more. Good luck, VLJ - we really are 'with' you.

(01-15-2020, 07:37 PM)Buzzard Biker_imp Wrote:

(01-15-2020, 06:10 PM)Bazbro_imp Wrote: I feel dreadful for you, VLJ. No comfort to you, I know, but... you're among friends here. There is always light at the end of the tunnel though, no matter how bleak this moment. Perhaps, eventually a trike for you? Here in the UK, apart from some beautiful examples imported from the States, most trikes are kit- or home-built and we have an organisation of them for Disabled Bikers. They have supported the return to 'biking of many ex-motorcyclists who, like yourself, have become disabled, as well as helping the non-motorcycling disabled to join us. You must have a similar organisation over there? That is just one route for your future. I'm sure other ideas will open up as the months progress and you aspire to more and more. Good luck, VLJ - we really are 'with' you.

There is a strong biking community in Torbay area too. My wife and I have been to a fair few B:Mad eves in Paignton. I like the fact it is a mix of all bike types whether they are 2 or 3 wheels.