Sunday, November 14, 2010

Well, it couldn't all be good news.

I met with my shoulder specialist this week to review the results of my recent tests and found that her initial suspicion was correct. I have a previously undetected, displaced humerus fracture which involves a piece of my greater tuberosity and the associated rotator cuff muscles swimming around in my shoulder. No wonder I can't raise my arm. The only solution is surgical and the likelihood of repair hovers around 50%. It all has to do with how pliant my muscles are at this point and how cooperative they are in the process of reattachment. So off I go to surgery in mid-December to get this business repaired. I was clear with the doctor that the most important outcome was getting my left arm to "handlebar height;" anything else is extra. The surgery is possible on an "outpatient" basis (can you believe it?) so I will not require a lengthy hospital stay and should be back in action with my arm in a sling within a few days.

On the more positive side, I spent a few days at work this past week and I was thrilled again and again by the warm and caring reception I received from students, teachers, staff and parents. What a great school we have! While the recent medical news is somewhat discouraging, I have great confidence in my surgeon and am optimistic about a complete recovery and return to 
randonneuring and ultra racing. I have done a little recumbent research, so I have a better sense of what might be available in the worst case scenario, but I hope to be able to place an order for a new Independent Fabrication Club Racer later this winter after healing a bit more to enable my friend Paul down at Signature Cycles to do an accurate fitting.

3 comments:

  1. I expect better than 50/50 results for you. Those statistics are more for the population of mere mortals! It does mean more rehab on the shoulder. Len

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  2. I just came across your blog and read all about your accident--and want to send my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
    FWIW, I was hit by a car while riding my IF six years ago, and it was while i was waiting for two broken vertebra to heal--surfing the web for pictures of other IF bikes out of boredom and coming across Pam Blayley's blog--that I discovered randonneuring.
    Well, I'm completely healed, have a new Steel Club Racer, and have enjoyed ultra riding these past five years.
    Keep thinking about the paint job you're going to go with when you have your bike spec'ed out--that should keep you busy and positive.
    Best wishes!

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  3. Thanks for the encouragement, guys! Can't wait to get that new Club Racer into production!

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