So many of you have emailed me support that I am overwhelmed by the support. I like to say that SOBs are more than just a bike riding group. Individual members are so supportive of each other that we must be some kind of family. I don’t have a press agent, so I am serving as my own to write and appraise you of the situation.
Judy Costlow reported on my fall at the program recognizing deceased members last Thursday. As I turned to cast roses into the river, I slipped on the sand covering a large rocks. Judy and Lynn, did too, but I fell over flat on my chest and my forehead hit a rock protruding through the sand. Got a hole in my forehead skin, plus abrasions on my elbows. So many of those immediately jumped to my aid and retired nurses quickly patched my wounds.
Judy did not report on a related matter. The week before on June 29, I was riding with C group and we were within 3 miles of finishing at 599 rail parking. I remember seeing the National Guard building ahead. For some reason, I don’t remember much else except this: my front wheel was touching the rear wheel of Pam Proffit. Then my saddle was next to her saddle. Then I seemed to be going past her front wheel and to the right. I know now that I ran off the road and into the dirt and grass. Knocked out, I have been told that Dana and Kris moved me so that my head was pointed up.;Pam told me that she called 911. I have been told that Julie was there. And so were Shirley and Mike.
When I arrived at ER at St. Vincent’s, the ambulance crew gave me my helmet which contained my Garmin computer. I am very happy that it was rescued. While sitting in a wheelchair I looked at the Garmin and it gave me a message:” Congratulations! You have set a new personal speed record.” The Garmin was still running while the ambulance was taking me. 26 miles hour average speed over 22 miles. I will keep the log on my Garmin. I may submit it to a Tour de France team to document my speed. Maybe I will be there next year.
X-rays found no broken bones. A CT brain scan was negative for blood. From a concussion 5 years ago, I know a second scan is critical because blood may show later. That time it did and I had brain surgery to relieve it. I set up medical appointments to acquire a second scan. Then I attended the Pecos River ceremony and fell. From the first crash, I had blurred vision close up, and I went to appointment with my eye doctor last Thursday afternoon. Optic nerve and retina in both eyes were good. Blurring may disappear in a couple of weeks. He ordered a new scan. Friday morning I had monthly blood test for a thinner I have taken for 20 years. And the nurse and supervisor insisted I go next door to ER for an immediate scan. I did. Since it was a Thursday, the same doctor was on duty and he recognized me being there for another scan in just a week. I observed that his facial appearance suggested some frustration. I said to him. “I suppose that at my age you think I should be sitting in a recliner chair watching Fox News on tv. Dr. Severy laughed and told me he would get me back out on my bike as soon as possible and that he applauded seniors who ride bikes.
But he had bad news. Blood showed up. Immediate treatment to “reverse” the blood thinner and other medicines inserted into veins and by 10 pm I was in a room in the newer west wing. Great room. At 5:30 a.m Saturday morning a new scan that showed bleeding had stopped. No surgery necessary. Sonogram done on old clot and that round the old clot was dissolved. Taken off thinner and then home. Some followup appointments ahead and another scan. And, in time, I will be back on my bike. And here’s something exciting. St. Vincent’s has an excellent high speed wi-fi for guests. While there, I could read all my newspapers and magazines, I would watch the Tour de France on Peacock, I watched a Met Opera and concerts and ballets from Europe on the several streaming channels I have on both my phone and tablet. I have decided, and recommend that you do so too–always carry your tablet with you because you never know when you will end up in ER and your mind will appreciate the entertainment.
Thank you all once again.
Bill Pollock
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