It’s been almost four weeks since my accident, two since my surgery, and I am headed back to work tomorrow. I have been telecommuting part-time for two weeks already.
I visited the Animal Shelter on Monday. Got copies of the paperwork involving my accident and the dog plus its’ owners. Turns out they have been cited/warned multiple times previuosly about “Bingo” chasing people on bikes. They relinquished control of Bingo to the Animal Control officer and Bingo is now doing the doggy dirt nap. I am not happy he (she?) had to be put down, I blame the owners, though. Also got some pictures of me laying on the side of the road on a backboard and one of Bingo that the officer took.
Also talked to a lawyer this week. He is going to contact Bingo’s owners to see if they have any liability insurance, but we are not hopeful. He is not sure anything can be done about the hospital that diagnosed me with a neck strain and sent me home. Sort of a no harm, no foul scenario. From my research on the internet, I am so lucky not to be paralyzed or dead from that it is unbelieveable. He is going to request records from the hospitals where I was treated, though, and see what, if anything, can be done. Even if I never get a cent, I am so incredibly grateful to be alive and moving that I really don’t care.
I have gotten so much support from friends, family, co-workers, fellow athletes, church, etc., that it is unbeleivable. I literally can’t go anywhere without telling my story at least once or twice. Hopefully, only 4-8 more weeks with this halo on and I can ease back into training. I still don’t know about the bike–I am more concerned about my wife’s worries than mine. I guess I’ll start back with running and swimming and see what ensues.
Y’all be careful out there–
Brian
Oh My God!!!
what a story!!! thank goodness you are not paralized or a goner. this is a miracle!
shame on those owners–what a tragedy the whole way around about the dog. people like that make the world a difficult place to live in.
but, at least you are able to move and will be ok.
i’m still in disbelief!
Thanks for the update. It’s a cruddy thing to happen to anybody, but the blessing is that it could have been much worse. Keep smilin’ and we all are pulling for you.
Hope you don’t mind my asking… but what type of fracture was it? At which level? How long between the neckstrain diagnosis and fracture diagnosis and what caused you to get a second opinion/x-ray? Was it diagnosed with x-ray or more advanced imaging like MRI, CT scan, etc.?
Glad to hear that you are doing well. Scarry stuff…
Lehmkuhler
Hey Brian, glad to hear from you. Sounds like your handeling things pretty well. Keep your chin up. As you know we have very similar stories, but my accident involved a truck rather than a crazy little dog. Please keep us updated (or pm me) as to what happens if anything with the hospital and the misdiagnosis situation. It’s insane that such blatent mistakes can be made. I understand that doctors are human too, but some things just make you wonder…
The first hospital I was taken to did a full set of X-rays and a CT scan. They even redid the X-ray shot through the mouth which is the best way to see the fractures I have. They sent me home with a diagnosis of a neck strain, with a soft collar and pain meds.
The next morning we received a call from that same hospital (about 20+ hours after discharge). The radiologist had read my X-rays and seen the fractures. They advised us that I should immediately lay flat and wait for the ambulance, which they had already called, to take me to another hospital. At that hospital I also had more X-rays, CT scan, and MRI.
I was then told I have a “burst” fracture of C1 (it is in 4 pieces) and the odontoid process on C2 was snapped off. I had to have surgery to insert a screw into the C2 to reduce that fracture.
Glad you’re doing better. Hopefully you’ll be able to get comp’d for some of the pain and suffering, as well as lost wages you have incurred (yes, I’m an attorney). It’s too bad Bingo got put down…I hate that.
I hope your recovery is going well, too. I can’t even imagine getting run over by a truck!
Hang in there!