Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Working My Way Back

It has been nearly a month. During that month, I have spent about 95% of my time in my living room downstairs. Stir crazy? Me? Absolutely.

Still, there have been some positives during this time of rehabilitation. For example, I have discovered that the insurance companies that I chose for my health coverage and my motorcycle coverage have been top-notch. Aetna has been great, and I have not had to worry about what is covered and what is not. Sutter Hospital has also been fantastic. I was treated great and had full confidence in my doctors and nurses. When you consider that I am scared of hospitals in themselves, it was nice that they made me feel so comfortable. Finally, I was covered by Allied Insurance for my motorcycle coverage. Not only did they not make me feel like slime for filing a claim, but they processed matters quickly and professionally and seemed genuinely concerned for my recovery. All in all, I was very impressed with all parties involved in helping me get back on my feet.

My motorcycle is dead. The insurance company has determined that it is irreparable and are "totaling" it. Even though I am glad that I don't have to deal with the repair and sale of the bike, I am still saddened by the loss of my pretty little motorcycle. What a waste.

So where am I on my recovery? Well, I am in a walking boot, even though I am not supposed to walk in it. (Should it be called a walking boot?) My right arm is doing better, even though I still have some pain. My left shoulder is still in bad shape. It's going to take a lot of physical therapy to get it back to semi-normal. And yet, I am very grateful that it wasn't worse. I am hoping to get back to work shortly, perhaps as early as next week. I have to get to the point where I can use my left arm to move my wheelchair around my workplace.

Thanks to everyone who has offered words of support and has helped me in concrete ways as well. (e.g., those who provided dinners for two weeks after I got out of the hospital.) I don't wish an accident like this on anyone, but I'm glad it isn't worse. To those who think that riding motorcycles without proper protection is a fun and "free" thing to do...think again. Please...wear armor. Spend the money for a high-quality helmet. Recognize that all it takes is a moment for you to be badly injured or killed. You may not always think so, but it is certain that someone would miss you if you died. And it is also certain that if you were badly injured that someone would have to change their entire life to take care of you. If you won't wear protection for your own benefit, at least consider others.

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