Coming soon: The New Titanium Kelm… Lighter, Faster, Stronger…
On 26 Sept I was at a tech rehearsal for a big show that I was performing in. I was in the midst of my act and I was riding my new Yuni MUni down the stairs from the Terrace Level in the back of the auditorium and making my way toward the stage. Part way down I was pitched forward off the MUni. This was weird since I had practiced this stair run many times earlier in the week with out any dismounts. When I landed my foot and leg locked and attempted to bend in a direction they have never bent before. Needless to say I heard some snap, crackle, pop. Before I sat up I knew I was in serious trouble. I did not attempt to move any further. Someone please call 911.
The Paramedics and EMT’s soon arrived and gave me a prognosis of a ripped/torn ligament or cartilage and recommended I see a doctor. They offered me a ride in the van with flashing lights but I decided to save some money and get my own ride. They helped me to my friends car and sent me on my way.
I was admitted to the Emergency Room at the hospital pretty quickly and the Doctor there gave me about the same report as the EMT’s. I thought I would get a splint, some crutches and be sent on my way. He didn’t think x-rays would show much but they took some just to be sure… at this point they had given me some pain meds that really weren’t doing much. When the doctor returned with the developed x-rays he had a look on his face that I can only translate as this, “you should be screaming.” The Dr. informed me that I had broken my Tibia horizontally just below the knee. I also had a horizontal break where my Fibula had separated. He then offered me some morphine.
My leg was put in a splint/cast for the time being. I was taken out of Emergency and admitted to the hospital. I was put in the queue for surgery while they began the search for a Doc. that could put me back together again. After the 3rd referral they found a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Specialist that could do the job.
I was admitted for surgery at 730a on 28 Sept. I woke up at about noon with a Titanium Plate reinforcing my leg, Nine screws to hold it together, 32 staples and the worst physical pain I’ve ever experienced in my years on this earth. I was in the hospital for two more days taking any and all pain medication they dared to give me. Am I ever glad to be off the meds, for someone who has worked 20 years to establish a solid sense of balance…that untethered floaty feeling is not fun!
The current prognosis: I have a large brace holding my leg in place and I have to wear it for 8 or 9 more weeks. I can’t put any weight on my leg during that time. And then I get to learn how to walk again. Doc says I should be able to recover 100% but it’s going to take a lot of work and pain to get there. I have to regain my range of motion, my strength and muscle control. I’ve had to cancel all my programs until April. My goal is to be riding well enough to perform by then.
Today is my first time home for any length of time. My apartment has lot’s of stairs so it just wasn’t practical to be home. I’ve got enough strength and energy to get out and about a bit, but I’m still pretty dependant on friends and family for a lot of things. Stuff like this changes your life. It’s good to be back and have access to the group again. I know there’s a plan, a hope and a future for me. It’s a hard road, but I’ve always liked challenges…
Thanks to ya’ll for the thoughts, prayers and support. And since I won’t be riding for awhile, go out and do one for me: an extra mile, a trick, a gap, a drop, a trail ride, a rail slide, a one foot ride. Do it an be VERY thankful you have both legs in good working condition! Hopefully I’ll be able to join you soon.
I thought it was bad when I sprained my ankle last year and couldn’t ride for a month, but you ride for a living! I’ll be praying for you! 