Saturday, October 9, 2010

Post Crash Recovery

As most of you know, I was in a pretty big accident last month and escaped with what in the long term should be negligible injuries (although there is still some soreness...it is decreasing each week). I just thought I would share a bunch of random things that have come up over the last month as a result. Oh yeah, that's the car I was in.

First, the accident itself. I was driving on I-1o to Safford for a teacher workshop about 8pm. I saw a truck overturned on the interstate in front of me. I stopped...the truck behind me barely slowed down. I heard an officer at the scene estimate he may have been doing about 70mph when he rear ended me. Fortunately, I was not crushed between the trucks, but pushed off to the side. I have not seen the accident report yet (Arizona DPS is dreadfully slow at such things) but I think I ended up in the interstate median.

First, I have to say I was very impressed with modern automotive engineering. Looking at my car, you can clearly see the crumple zones that saved me. I didn't walk away from the crash...I could tell I was hurt with potential back and neck injuries so I stayed put to let the emergency crews do their job. However, if there was a fire, I am pretty sure I could have gotten out if absolutely necessary.

I passed out briefly from the collision. When I first came to, I couldn't breathe at all. Not even a little bit. That's just an awful feeling if you have ever had it. I didn't know what happened, whether I had punctured/collapsed lungs or just the wind knocked out of me. During this time I remember doing something that, in retrospect, seems stupidly habit driven: I reached down and put the car in park even though the engine was off. After a minute or two, I passed out again. Second time I can to, I could breathe. Good sign! Emergency crews were not there yet, so I couldn't have been out long. There was a woman assuring me that she called 911. Never got her name.

I had to be cut out of the car. They put a towel over my head to protect from flying glass and debris. I asked for a pair of goggles so I could watch. They seemed pretty confused by this request. I didn't get goggles in the end.

A lot of my friends have (sincerely) asked if I considered praying during this. No one has tried to be a jerk about it, but I still have some christian friends who are hoping I may eventually come around. My response has been no. It's not like I thought about praying and decided not to. I am a real non-believer so praying is something that just never occurred to me as a course of action.

I got the helicopter ride back to UMC, just a few blocks from where I work. The helicopter was a little short for someone of my height, my left leg was bumping into something and I couldn't straighten it. Got the X-rays and CAT scan. They get you in quick when you come from a wreck like mine. One thing I found out is that it took more than 20 minutes to get me out of the car (although I was conscious, I didn't have a great sense of time during the rescue). That little tidbit right there is passed on to the emergency room and is considered a very serious accident so they don't mess around.

It didn't take long for me to get the news which they warned me was good, but painful: four broken posterior ribs. Good news, no other broken bones or internal injuries, no evidence of a concussion or anything else. The next morning I had double vision and got a small (~1mm) corneal abrasion added to the list, but that was pretty minor and healed quickly.

I stayed in the hospital for three days. Could barely get out of bed at first. Would lay there for a couple of hours just dreading the pain involved with getting up. Doctors told me I could walk as much as I wanted. Started short, but quickly worked up to walking several miles a day. About three weeks until I tried the first run. Now I am up to a long run of 10 miles (but still slower than before...hope the speed will come back). I hope to do the Disney Marathon in January, but I am behind my usual schedule on that one and may have to settle for finishing rather than going for time. Lifting weights is much tougher. I am doing what I can and slowly adding my usual exercises into the mix as I heal. Doing most of them by now, but a lot less weight than before. Again, I expect this to improve as time goes on.

I was supposed to run the Disneyland Half-Marathon on Labor Day. Since my accident was the Wednesday before, that didn't happen.

I got a new car...thinking about blogging about the new car buying experience as it has changed a lot since my last new car in 2000 (and I had no plans to get a new one in the near future since it was running well and I liked it).

A while ago, I published a short blog about the medical side. I have good insurance and this was a workman's comp claim. I have had virtually zero out of pocket expenses. It is much easier when you know you don't have to worry about the cost of your treatment. I can't imagine being an uninsured person in that situation...I am sure that airlifts, emergency rooms, and a few days in the hospital can wipe out quite a bit of savings even for a responsible person.

The pain is slowly decreasing and strength is slowly returning. In the end I expect a full recovery and will have one of those life experiences. I have had the auto accident one...prefer not to repeat but it looks like I am coming out of it okay.

11 comments:

Sassa said...

WOW! Very interesting comment. Sometimes you can actually relive it if you think about it...or write about it. Thank goodness for all the technologies (spelling?) in the world today both with the vehicle you were driving and the medical care you received. It is surprising what your body can take..and eventually get better. Good luck!

kkdither said...

The picture of the car speaks volumes. The new car... is is bigger? I'm sure you checked the safety ratings in detail.

You are very lucky to have come out of it with injuries that will heal with time. I'm so glad to hear that you are back at it... but, gee... don't push yourself so hard. You've been given a gift of more time. While exercising reasonably is good, pushing too hard, too soon, might not be in your best interest.

drewzepmeister said...

Hale, you're one LUCKY son of a gun...Thank the stars for coming out of that with relatively minor injuries. It could have been a lot worse. Take your time my friend, to heal. We'll be around for you. :)

Beejay said...

Hale, you are so lucky...so very lucky! And I have to agree with kk, walking is one thing, but lifting weights and running...omg!

Take care of yourself, Pal!

OKIE said...

Wow Hale. To look at that car and know that you came out of it with just the injuries you have is amazing. You really are one lucky son of a gun.
Good luck on the training but don't overdo it.

hale-bopp said...

Thanks everyone, but of course I am going to overdo it. I am in Yosemite right now with nice cool mornings and wonderful scenery to run around...how can I not be doing 10 miles or so a day exploring :)

Seriously, the doctors have pretty much said do what you want to and that it is very unlikely I will re-injure anything. I am still planning on doing the Disney Marathon in January for the 15th consecutive year, so I can't slack off!

MinnesotaChick said...

Wow. That picture gave me goosebumps!
My husband got broken ribs from the accident we were in. He experienced the same thing as you, not being able to breathe. That was so scary!

I'm glad you are able to be up and running again!

Along with what you learned... did you learn how fast lawyers can contact you after an accident?

OrbsCorbs said...

You're running and lifting weights? Good for you, I guess. I don't even do that when I'm healthy. I know the medical people want to get you up and active as soon as possible now.

Jeez-Louise, the picture of the wreck is very impressive. Your guardian Flying Spaghetti Monster must have been watching over you. I hate to think what would've happened had you been pushed into the other truck or another substantial obstacle.

I want to know about the new car, too, so write that blog when you have time. Take care of yourself, Mr. bopp.

DA, I was rear-ended a few years ago on a Saturday. That Monday I received my first letter from a lawyer. I received many more after that, but I could never figure out how he found out and got it in the mail so fast.

hale-bopp said...

Strangely enough, I received NO contact from lawyers. You would think a clear cut rear end collision like this would bring them out quick.

I have not seen a copy of the accident report which is being prepared by the highway patrol. They are notoriously slow doing that in Arizona and others have told me that it can easily take over a month (which it has). I am looking forward to seeing it since I am sure it will fill in a few blanks I still have.

And yes, I know that there was a bit of luck involved that I was not sandwiched between the trucks. After knocking me out of the way, the truck continued on and struck the overturned truck. It was a huge mess. I heard it made the local news, but they didn't release my name...just said that a victim was flown out in critical condition (I don't think I was ever really in critical condition, but they wouldn't have known that in time for the 10 O'clock news...heck I didn't know until all the tests were done...and probably just made a best guess based on the severity of the accident figuring that most people cut out of cars like that are in critical condition).

SER said...

Yep, that one is a little tired!

Glad to hear you are coming around!

OrbsCorbs said...

I bet they don't allow direct solicitation by lawyers in Arizona. Late night TV here is filled with sleazy ads for ambulance chasers. "One call, that's all! Gruber Law Offices!" See, I already know who to contact the next time I'm hit.