Another Update, now have gotten rid of my 'lovely' little neck brace. I have a soft collar but the doctors tell me the more time I spend out of it, the sooner my neck will regain its strength.

Got a date with the knife on the 28th of this month to fix my collar bone.

The docs tell me it might be a bit ambitious, but I'm hoping to ride my dads bike (beryl) to Phillip island for WSBK on the 27th of Feb.

Thanks for the condolences re my dad mate, he only came to riding late in life, but he enjoyed it immensely and was an active member of the ulysses club.

I stood and delivered his eulogy in my leathers before leading his 'last ride' to the funeral home on the tuesday, then crashed out on the sunday of the same week.

I damn near followed him.

OZ

* Last updated by: ozjohnno on 1/15/2011 @ 5:53 AM *

Hey mate now for something a bit lighter for us both, more so for you! its good that your looking to the end of Feb to ride again mate if you don't try you don't get so keep the dream alive buddy an good onya too

Hey OZ how are the wounds going, If you got the time I would like to ask you a favour. Will be doing a run south in the future that will take me to Melbourne Have you got any suggestions on the must ride roads in the area.

At this stage will come through Comma then Kancoban, Omeo all the way into Healsville.

If you got the time to think about it would be a great help.

Get better soon

ethin14

Hey OZ so how R ya doing now mate? did ya get that Duc or another bike yet ? and R ya riding now?

* Last updated by: bean07 on 5/24/2011 @ 6:05 PM *

Hi there Bean, naaah mate Im not riding just yet. paid a deposit on a near new multistrada with only 5000km on the clock. Going to see the kids this w/e in hobart and will pick up dads old R65 then for the ride back to devonport and thence to melbourne on monday night.

went and brought new leathers (dainese avro) new helmet (icon variant) and new boots and gloves.

rehab drags on, getting cabnin fever now..... cant wait to get back on

Hows your bod going bean ?? back on yet ??

OZ

Nah mate got to wait till 20th July .after the 2nd X-ray I'll find out if the bonegraft I had on Feb 24 is good, if it is the doc said i'll need to get some of the Hardware out of my leg so it can bend ok! if it isn't then another bonegraft opp again, At least I haven't bin drinking to many burbans since last year or smoking LOL and i've bin juicing vegetables and fruit for last two months, plus im starting to walk about 30km a week.Hey OZ I hope ya still drop in to this forum now n again mate as yer not riding a big ZED again, and glad ya picking ya Duc up n still going to ride mate.

* Last updated by: bean07 on 5/24/2011 @ 11:58 PM *

well, its bin almost a year now since I got home. I just thought I would give you guys a bit of an update.

Im STILL in rehab. I go 3 days a week. All of the bones are back together now, but there are still a couple of issues that need to be sorted out, these being my TBI (doctor speak for traumatic Brain Injury), and my pain management.

TBI (traumatic brain injury): When the noggin went into the tree it gave me a couple of bleeds on the brain. These bleeds and the trauma that caused them led to the doctors keeping me in a coma for the first week. Once I was out in the rehab hospital, they tested me for brain damage and found that while everything was working, I was was having problems with the speed of at which I process information..... ie too slowly. The good news is that they reckon I should get back to normal, but it will take some time.

Apparently, when ya brain hits something hard it reverberates and rattles about a bit inside your skull. This leads to lots of connections being 'shaken loose'. This leads to lots of disfunction, some subtle, some not. My particular problems are sensitivity to noise, I dont like being in crowds, I sometimes get thoughts stuck in my head, and they just go round and round, I have memory and concentration issues, I find myself having problems describing things, communication problems (I stutter a bit and I talk pretty slowly) particularly when Im tired and in the late afternoon. Oh yeah, I have some issues with depression too, but Im told thats normal in TBI cases too.

But at least the toaster has stopped talking to me, and I dont think Im moses anymore B)

Pain management: all up I had 9 fractures in my spine between C1 in my neck, and L4 in my lower back. The 6 ribs sternum and collar bone are no longer an issue, but unfortunately the back still is.

I get chronic pain in my back between my shoulder blades (C7, T1) where I had the rods and plates installed and I get pain in my lower back when I sit in a car for more than an hour. I also get numbness in the last 2 fingers in my left hand when my neck plays up.

I had a great run on the cloonies(endone, take 3 and you think your george cloony), and oxycontin, but they took these off of me in october :( and I now take jurnista (hydromorphone). The Jurnista is good for me as I only have to take 1 16mg tablet, once a day and it gives me most of the pain relief I need. The pain is still there, and I still have my bad days/nights, but I muddle through. Im also going to a pain management course which is helping me sort out how to do the things I want to do without the pain being too much of an issue.

As for riding, for the time being Im back on the road legally. I say for the time being because a week and a half after I got the licence back (legally), I got sprung on the snowy ride weekend coming out of a 75 advisory corner at 143 in a 100 zone..... eeerrrr oops, so when they eventually catch up with me, I can look forward to a 3 month break from riding, in addition to the 5 points and $710 my foolishness has already cost me.

Anyways, back to rehab. I am starting to get myself ready to get back to work. I am working on a couple of imaginary projects that I am documenting just like I did in the days before my accident, but because of my concentration issues, I can only do 1 hour on, 1 off, then another on, then another off, then one more hour, and take the rest of the day off. Hardly the 10 hour days I was working before, but at least its a start.

So, thats whats going on with me. Its been a long time coming, but Im starting to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Realistically, Im looking at having a chat with the TAC's return to work co-ordinator probably feb-march next year, so finally I can get back to financing my motorcycle addition again

Thanks again to everyone here. Knowing you guys were thinking of me helped me through some pretty tough times.

I will stop bending your ear now

OZ

ozjohnno, glad its starting to come back to ya. Nasty business there mate ,

Don't feel to bad , in the quote below you described me, I thought I was OK, now I'm not so sure.
my toaster doesn't speak to me either, I must of offended it!!!

Apparently, when ya brain hits something hard it reverberates and rattles about a bit inside your skull. This leads to lots of connections being 'shaken loose'. This leads to lots of disfunction, some subtle, some not. My particular problems are sensitivity to noise, I dont like being in crowds, I sometimes get thoughts stuck in my head, and they just go round and round, I have memory and concentration issues, I find myself having problems describing things, communication problems (I stutter a bit and I talk pretty slowly) particularly when Im tired and in the late afternoon. Oh yeah, I have some issues with depression too, but Im told thats normal in TBI cases too.
But at least the toaster has stopped talking to me, and I dont think Im moses anymore B)

Good luck OZ , thanks for the info on the roads awhile back and yourself.

cheers

+ + + + + + 1 OZ

ozjohnno, glad its starting to come back to ya. Nasty business there mate ,

* Last updated by: bean07 on 12/13/2011 @ 2:42 AM *

Ever grow potatoes? The root system is amazing to me. I can see nature mimic the brain roots like those tiny hair roots off the main roots taking a beating. That is when I bring up a bunch of potatoes to shake the dirt off the tinier roots. If we transplant those kind of receptor hairs being torn, feeding that mashed potato we seem to both have, that might work for my resids. I can still use one hand for drain bamage. Not as bad as using my toes for the 13 crashes. Seems the pota is to count 3 concussions on one hand. That is... What I can remember.

Yep, numb at the thumb and fingereceptors . Yep, stop mid sentence. Can't collect the rest, we are looking at each other. You're falling asleep waiting for me to finish. I mimic your residuals that keep coming. Welcome to the club. You're not alone.

<<< This or die! Keep bringing yourself back in that head game. She can wear any color as long as she comes with a right grip and lever. Seems you didn't get a blood transfusion while there if you catch my drift.

* Last updated by: Hub on 12/13/2011 @ 8:47 AM *

Thanks Hub, naaah, the fire still burns within mate. About the only way I could get through all this was to look at bike mags, and think about what sort of bike Im going to get when I return to riding. I was riding (albeit illegally) from about 6 months after the accident.

People shake their heads and ask me 'why are you still riding?' I just look at them as though they are mad and say 'well how the Phuck else am I going to get around?'

The only time I get to drive is when I fly interstate to see my kids (who live in Hobart Tasmania). Hiring a car is a lot cheaper than using taxies for the weekend.

These days I get about on a 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S because at the moment at least, I cant ride anything the least bit sporty as my back starts shitting me after 100km (60 miles). So not ideal for the long days I enjoy in the saddle (usually 800km or 500 miles at least). The strada still lets me enjoy the twisty bits, so much so that I have already started to save weight by grinding the center stand, side stand and right footpeg off on the road.

Having said that however, I have received an invite to go ride one of the new zx14's for shits and giggles. It may cripple me, but I just wanna see what they are like. Im friendly with the dealer so Im hoping he will let me have it over a weekend.........

Thanks for the support Hub, my situation is not ideal, but its a much better deal than some of my brother bike riders who were out for 3 months and now getting about in electric wheelchairs while they learn to use their limbs again.

Cheers blokes

OZ

Got it. Yeah, a fire worse than H burning into your vein. That corvette this morning is still haunting me. I don't know how that 14R would have played out that move.

COrvette??? what Corvette ??

OZ

A lane opened up, I caught a light and kept my line going. No other bike could do that trick from A to B. Imagine the torque on the R. How fast would that have wound up and not tag a peg? I'm say to myself, 'stay there truckypoo, I need that yellow part, don't cross lanes now.' He had to stay in that lane, meaning, I didn't look to see how close I came. You just know in a way... Afta-afta you get the shakes! I'm trying to keep from going under some pickup truck. I have to crank more bar.

I'm thinking; How hot are these tires and how cold is this open lane that is empty? The other lane is packed with tire after tire rolling over that lane. All this is popping in my head, I'm now over my head. The thing is, the bike did nothing funny. I recovered. No tire slip, no chassis upset. I had to engine brake it out. I was too leaned over to scrub any brake off. It was either lean more or under the truck you go.

This old man pulled one out of his ass again. No doubt this bike is a kick of a keeper. It forces you to up your skills. Yeah, so I gave the vette a little exhibition past his windshield. Oh, it was out of shape sloppy... Trust me. Open jaw scary where I was sitting.

About the only way I could get through all this was to look at bike mags

* Last updated by: bean07 on 12/14/2011 @ 1:46 AM *

Oz wrote:

The boy racer days are over.

Damn, man, sorry you had the wreck, sorry it tore you up so bad, and sorry thats what it took to make that statement.

From time to time I mention the boy racer stuff here, and the young guys just don't get it. I think you do.

I wish you a full recovery, and its fantastic that the area motorcyclist community was so kind to you and your family. Thats something we do here, too, and it means the world to injured riders.

Heal up, and hopefully you will be able to ride again soon!

This old man pulled one out of his ass again. No doubt this bike is a kick of a keeper. It forces you to up your skills

up your skills, maybe wake up your skills, everybody out of bed I need you now!!!!!!

No time for that just instinct, and a bike that don't give up.

I got to read the results of my last neuro-psychology test performed laat week and GUESS WOT?? Im still Phucked in da ed !!

.....'Over all Mr McGuinness's performance was consistant with his 2010 results. his Neuropsychological profile was marked by variability in processing speed, attention and working memory capacity, with poor performance when facing more cognitively demanding tasks. He has demonstrated relative strengths in his ability to plan, self monitor, and apply strategies. He also shows a high average ability to learn and remember information, especially if it is presented visually. His Neuropsychological performance reflected the lingering effects of his severe TBI, with additional contribution of anxiety and pain.'.......

well at least I wont have to worry about getting to work when the fuckers pull my fun ticket (gay sad smiley)

SO I'M OFFICIALLY FUCKED IN THE HEAD...... what your excuse?

OZ

Do you agree with that or is the guy just typing away... I'm a doctor that can diagnose? Here, put the block in the round hole... No, here, let me show you. That kind of doctor or do you agree with the report? What does he mean by visual? Show you my dildo, show you how to... zYou know... Stroke for stroke? That kind of jerkcough to the lefthen right here doctor, can you see youreport vs. my report?

hey Hub, thanks for the rant of support (least I think thats what it was). I sat dow with the author of the report and discussed my short comings. Im a lot better if I work from a list and am given clear instructions. She also said that my problems eminate from the cognitive thinking part of my brain. The good news is that this bit is the bit which is more readily repairable and she ( a lovely asian lass that looks just old enough to shovel fries at mcdonalds, but she has 2 PHD's)say that this is the best type I brain injury to have.

I will get there, its just going to take some time is all

OZ

(at least I think thats what it was) Correct.

Time to heal is all it will take. On average, about a year? If you want to excel in the healing process, I hear pot mends brain cells, not destroys them like alcohol. If you want to work the cog???

Apparently it can take up to 3 years bloke..... I layed of the booze for 12 months as suggested..... dunno about pot though, from where was this information gleened professor Hub?

3 years? Are you're schooling me? No, I think the trauma was the day it happened. In a way, I believe you farkled your preset. Maybe the real way back when'ers could read my text before my 14 took me for a ride. I've changed overnight ass it were, getting up off the ground. Thus the change, thus the preset-reset.

Kind of feel the same way? You seem to feel different but not really kind of yes you are? Try not and pin me down, I read this and that. Bits of bits here or there. If it's a blip from the AMA [American medical association], they finally came to their senses and admit some findings... Say, how much research has there been out there on this plant?

I can't say for sure it's a cure all. This guy is here for some reason, you have to wonder with all the veggies you can and can't eat. Sort of the shaman that takes you over. If the meds are man made and addicting, or the ads on TV say, 'may cause suicide, check with your doctor?'

Then turtle observes no one is OD'ing or is addicted to the plant. Gee, what gives here? Listen to my elders or my body? And that is why I don't listen to many peeps if they elder their own ankles and shove that shit down their throat, don't come bringing that pill towards me, you with the (alleged) kickback of the little addict'ers? Ksismyass, thank you very much about some dirty doings to humans follow the money?

Assdismissed.

[whinge]

Seems that my little tree headbutting incident has had ongoing consequences. In August just after coming home from a 2 week holiday in cairns, my wife drops the shopping and informs me she cant do this any more. Cant do what?, cant do US it would seem. I look around and I see couples that seem to get through this, and its not like shes having to dress me every day and spoon feed me. I function pretty much independently, but apparently this is not enough.

11 of sept while I was at the rehab centre (I still go 2 days a week), she bravely backs a truck up to the house and pisses off with the 'nice half' of the furniture (which I paid for), leaving me with the crap. I was told what was happening but by the time I got home, she was gone....... what a nice thing to come home too

So the dream house I worked in the mines for 18 months for is sold, everyone has lawyered up and we are about to commence the 'cubic money shuffle' through family law court. she wants half, my lawyer says bullshit (well shes my lawyer you would expect that) and claims that the fact that she earns twice what I do, and because my brain injury will limit my future earning capacity and because of my contribution to the house (me 100% her nil), I should get 75% of the proceeds from the house. Her lawyer cried 'bullshit' and has slapped caveat on the place and is filing for an injunction to freeze the proceeds in trust while all this is sorted out. meanwhile my lawyer reckons she is going to sue for spousal maintenance

Shes gone, off starting a new life, and I am trapped here in the house I built for HER with all the memories contained therein (insurance wont insure an unoccupied house) until settlement. All this has been a major stress on me too and the shrink has put me on antipsychotics to control the voices in my head (apparently not that unusual with severe head injury, but probably brought on by all this other crap).

The only thing I can do? RIDE, and my therapists tell me its the best thing I can do. I usually ride the R65 in order to connect with the ghost of my old man, Zen out a bit, relax........
[/whinge]

* Last updated by: ozjohnno on 11/18/2012 @ 5:04 AM *