It has been a long time since I posted here (I used to be under the name FJB). In January, I started what I hoped would be a 2-year solo bicycle trip around the world. I started in Bangkok and planned to return there by the end of 2015. I cycled on a fully loaded touring bike through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia. Australia, Canada and the U.S. On August 12th, after cycling for 7 months and 15,000 km, I was hit by a truck near Bend, Oregon.
I spent 2 weeks in intensive care with a concussion, bruised lungs, a broken shoulder, 2 broken bones in my back and 14 broken ribs. After 2 weeks I took a train back to Canada (I could not fly because of my lungs) and have been here recovering. My bike trip is over and I will spend another few months trying to recover but have been told I will make a full recovery. I was riding in a bike lane on the highway in Bend and had a helmet on but was struck from behind by the mirror of a pickup truck. I do not remember the accident at all or the helicopter ride to the hospital.
It has been a long time since I posted here (I used to be under the name FJB). In January, I started what I hoped would be a 2-year solo bicycle trip around the world. I started in Bangkok and planned to return there by the end of 2015. I cycled on a fully loaded touring bike through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia. Australia, Canada and the U.S. On August 12th, after cycling for 7 months and 15,000 km, I was hit by a truck near Bend, Oregon.
I spent 2 weeks in intensive care with a concussion, bruised lungs, a broken shoulder, 2 broken bones in my back and 14 broken ribs. After 2 weeks I took a train back to Canada (I could not fly because of my lungs) and have been here recovering. My bike trip is over and I will spend another few months trying to recover but have been told I will make a full recovery. I was riding in a bike lane on the highway in Bend and had a helmet on but was struck from behind by the mirror of a pickup truck. I do not remember the accident at all or the helicopter ride to the hospital.
Welcome back, but sorry about the circumstances of your return.
If it would help to pass the time of your recovery, I’d love to hear some highlights, or lowlights, of what you saw along your trip. I’ve wondered from time to time where you were, as I remember your story from before you left.
I wondered where your travels had taken you. I can’t say I’m surprised to hear this, knowing that you were traveling on two wheels. And not the least bit surprising that of all the countries you’ve traveled, it was here in the U.S. you were taken out by a vehicle. So it goes around here.
You didn’t mention a chest tube, which I presume you would have, had you had one inserted. Most major traumas involving rib fractures result in chest tube insertion, in my experience (thoracic surgery, ICU), to drain blood or air. Fourteen rib fractures suggests the possibility of a flail segment. How’s the breathing?
A few things I’m sure they covered at discharge are: make sure you’re not guarding your breathing to prevent pain, as it can result in atelectasis and subsequent pneumonia. If you need pain meds to take deep, full breaths, use it. Some pain is expected, but if you find yourself guarding and shallow breathing, up the dosage. It’s not worth readmission, trying to tough it out.
Also, you mentioned concussion. Were you tested for symptoms at discharge? If you find yourself uncomfortable when reading, or with any rapid eye movement, you’re still at risk for prolonging the injury. Minimize reading, texting, computer time, TV time, etc. I’ve seen numerous patients with post-concussion syndrome who exhibited signs of injury long after they recognized it. Hook up with a good GP who understands concussion injuries and heed their advice.
Glad you’re well. Looking forward to reading about your experiences beyond Bend.
**Did they find the truck that hit you, or did the driver stop? **
The driver of the pick-up truck stopped as did the trailing car. Both stayed with me at the accident sight until helped arrived. I was conscious but don’t remember anything. The witness called an ambulance and when they arrived they called a helicopter and they flew me to a hospital in Bend. The driver and passenger of the trailing vehicle came by the hospital a few times and I got to know them both well. The driver did not come to the hospital.
The driver of the truck admitted he did not see me and also admitted he was driving in the bike lane when the mirrors of the truck hit me. The police took statements at the scene and the driver was charged. There is a law in Oregon about failing to yield to a cyclist and he was charged with that.
**Helicopter ride! Wow, you lucky guy. Was it fun? **
The interesting part about the helicopter ride isn’t the ride itself, I don’t remember a thing. When I got back to Canada I received a bill from them and it cost $25,000 for the 30-minute ride to the hospital. I am Canadian but since I’m a non-resident am not covered by our health insurance but I had private insurance with world-wide coverage that paid the bills. My 10-day stay in the hospital was about $200,000.
**If it would help to pass the time of your recovery, I’d love to hear some highlights, or lowlights, of what you saw along your trip. I’ve wondered from time to time where you were, as I remember your story from before you left. **
I had done an earlier trip from 2010-2011 and that included bicycling through the middle east including Syria and also India and all of SE Asia. I’ve biked in about 30 countries so experienced a lot in the last few years. I think my days of cycle touring are over though, time to do something else. I will always regret not being able to complete a full circle but I did end up with about 35,000 km so did my share on a touring bike. All the km’s were self-supported and on my own so I do have some good stories.
