Edbear in hospital

[Swoop]

Not sure... Mrs. Bear still wants me to sell the bike, she's paranoid about me hurting myself again.

Eh?
Sell the cage, that's where the accident happened!

[Edbear]

That really is fantastic news Mr Bear, I imagine you will very relieved to know things are mending as expected for a change.

Dont let the ACC bully you into anything that might put your spine at risk. You are an old man now, it is going to take AGES for you to get fit again
IF the bike sell is sells, if it does not sell then who knows you might even get yourself back on it again. I dont blame Mrs Bear for being a bit paranoid, she wants you back in one piece and healthy before you risk anything again. I bet Auckland Hospital are sick of seeing you in there too

LOL!!!! You'll keep...!

I already told them I didn't want to see the last OccTher again, so they're getting me an independent specialist. They're also getting me a business specialist to go over my business for me to see if it's a viable option to getting a job.

[Edbear]

Eh?
Sell the cage, that's where the accident happened!

Yeah, the van's gone, written off, but it's mainly the Osteoporosis she's concerned about. I think she's starting to prefer the MX5 these days as well over the pillion seat... We'll see what happens, the bike may not sell...

[Edbear]

Hard to believe it's been a year this month, (12th), time's gone by so fast! I'm doing a lot better now, still on rehab with ACC and enjoying learning to walk, move and get strong again. All relative of course as I'm as weak as the proverbial kitten compared to a normal bloke but getting slowly and surely fitter and stronger.

My physiotherapists are amazing people! Spinal and Cardio specialists used by ACC specifically for those in my situation, I've learned so much from them they should be compulsory attendance for anyone wanting to know how to use muscles and build strength faster than you thought possible, simply by knowing how to activate the right muscles in the right way.

I've improved from 60% disabled, or in the crippled category, to 38% which he was amazed at. He said when he first met me he doubted he could do anything for me as I was so bad! He's stoked I've been able to overcome the odds and get to this point!

Stubborn determination, I guess... I can now walk pretty much as far as I want to, but he said I'll never run again, and he'll personally shoot me if I try to play tennis again! He says I've only got two vertebrae left for movement, and if I stuff those up I'm finished. I damaged them back in '82 on jackhammers so they're a bit dodgy anyway. So biking is out, not because I can't but the risk of damage is too great and my wife and kids would never forgive me if I did something silly and wound up in a wheelchair. Mrs. Bear is scared stiff of something bad happening and had a horrible time over the accident when I nearly died a couple of times.

That's really something isn't it? After 33 years of marriage, she wasn't after the insurance money, she wanted me back... Awwww...

My business is building up nicely and I have an appointment tomorrow with a Dr. to assess how close I am to being able to return to work. Couldn't handle a full time job yet but maybe a day or two to start with as I build up to it.

I have to repeat, though, that I wouldn't be anywhere without ACC! They have been incredible and my case manager deserves a big bunch of flowers! We may grizzle and moan but I shudder to think what my accident has cost over the last year and without their support I simply would not be where I am and would probably be a liability for the rest of my life!

I owe a big thank you to all my friends and family for their love and support over the last year, including certain members on here! Some who have met me personaly and visited me but also those I've never met in person but have expressed their support by posts and PM's and emails. You may not realise how much it means, but be assured of my gratitude!

It's a shame that some have spoiled things for KatiePie so that she's left KB, at least for a time, but I know she, too, appreciates the great amount of love and support she has received by most of the KB crew. It makes a difference, so do continue to support her as she goes through what I've been through.

Cheers.

[Ratti]

wow, Ed where on earth has the year gone? You and Mrs B have done so well, would love to meet you both one day.

Of course she wants you ya daft bugger! I'd give anything to still have my hubby. It's a wife thing...

I agree with you about ACC, for all the broken bits of it, when it works it works very well.

onward and upward Mr and Mrs B!

[avgas]

It's a shame that some have spoiled things for KatiePie so that she's left KB, at least for a time, but I know she, too, appreciates the great amount of love and support she has received by most of the KB crew. It makes a difference, so do continue to support her as she goes through what I've been through.

That sucks - I totally missed this. What the hell happened?

[Maha]

You have been closely watched via this thread by so many Ed
Its really put into perspective what something like Kiwibiker can really be about.
Stuff all that brotherhood bullshit, its all about being there and genuinely caring about those who give alot in return.

[Oblivion]

Eh!? Its been a year already? Doesn't feel like much

[Edbear]

Thanks guys. It's been a long road and not over yet, but I've come so far and changed and learned so much, it may as well have been a lifetime.

That sucks - I totally missed this. What the hell happened?

Check her thread, "Katiepie graduates"

[Number One]

wow a year already! I am sure it probably feels longer to you but.

Amazing to hear of your progress from 60% crippled to 38%..I had figured you were badly injured but putting it in those terms really brings it on home eh.

Keep on keeping on best of the best to knock that 38% down even further.

[Edbear]

wow a year already! I am sure it probably feels longer to you but.

Amazing to hear of your progress from 60% crippled to 38%..I had figured you were badly injured but putting it in those terms really brings it on home eh.

Keep on keeping on best of the best to knock that 38% down even further.

Yeah, I didn't even realise how bad I was. The workout today showed me both how weak I still am, but more importantly how far I've progressed. What I did 10 or 8 of today, I wouldn't have been able to do 1 of 8wks ago. Scary to realise how bad I was!
When I started physio, they took me to Waiwera Pools and all I did was learn how to stand walk properly around the pool. It was exhausting!

[Edbear]

I have just seen my surgeon for the final time. My back is looking good with no issues. He was very pleased with my progress and I am now as good as I can get apart from continuing to gain strength and fitness. He was pleased I bought the pushbikes but just said,"Don't fall off..."

So now it is a matter of keeping on keeping on and getting on with my life. He praised the efforts I've made to keep the weight off and get fitter and that I have thrown myself into my business and not sat back feeling sorry for myself. We parted with a warm handshake and his best wishes for my future.

He is not only one of our top surgeons he is a genuine and caring person and I feel indebted to him for his skill and giving me another chance at life. From now on the name Angus Don will be honoured as a key person in my life.

I wish all here the best with special thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me since that bad day on the 12th
May 2010.

[yungatart]

That is great news Edbear!
Your attitude has impressed me...keep it up. Might see you down in HB for a push bike ride soon, eh?

[Tigadee]

All the best for 2012 and beyond, Ed... You've wrestled the bear and you won! (Did that make sense? LOL)

[Edbear]

That is great news Edbear!
Your attitude has impressed me...keep it up. Might see you down in HB for a push bike ride soon, eh?

Hee hee! You never know where I may turn up next! I will no doubt be doing a trip to visit my dealers in the near future and a dealer down your way is about to sign up. Ongaonga Mtrs. rang to ask all the details and received it today. Hopefully they'll like the idea and send a signed contract back.

All the best for 2012 and beyond, Ed... You've wrestled the bear and you won! (Did that make sense? LOL)

Sounds good anyway! To have survived a crash which broke my back, and lung failure in hospital and then breaking my back again last Sept. and to still be alive, upright and walking is pretty special!