Ouch (possible NSFW pictures of my rear to follow)
Discussion
Hugo Stiglitz said:
With proper pants what impact protection would they have had?
I shudder as, a new rider I have worn just jeans but I own decent bmw Motorrad hip and knee pants etc.
Get well soon dude. What force, sorry police service do you work for?
Protective trousers wouldn’t have stopped the damage to my femur knee, or even reduced it. They would probably have reduced the gravel rash, but that was relatively minor. I shudder as, a new rider I have worn just jeans but I own decent bmw Motorrad hip and knee pants etc.
Get well soon dude. What force, sorry police service do you work for?
MissChief said:
Dibble said:
Hugo Stiglitz said:
With proper pants what impact protection would they have had?
I shudder as, a new rider I have worn just jeans but I own decent bmw Motorrad hip and knee pants etc.
Get well soon dude. What force, sorry police service do you work for?
Protective trousers wouldn’t have stopped the damage to my femur knee, or even reduced it. They would probably have reduced the gravel rash, but that was relatively minor. I shudder as, a new rider I have worn just jeans but I own decent bmw Motorrad hip and knee pants etc.
Get well soon dude. What force, sorry police service do you work for?
I’m being slightly contrary, I know and don’t necessarily disagree with the general position of being properly protected. If/when I do get back into it, it’ll always be helmet/jacket/proper trousers (armoured Kevlar jeans as a minimum)/gloves and boots as a minimum.
black-k1 said:
I'm sorry to hear progress is still slow and can only hope that things will get sorted as quickly as possible.
I’m not going to make the OG Spain trip this year, that’s for sure!As I said in the Boothy thread, I was very lucky. A bit more time won’t kill me. It’ll get me closer to death, obviously!
seyre1972 said:
Thread deviation
Dibble - thought of you (and your very early in the thread talk of pictures of your arse) when I took this photo last week ....
Thigh vs. approx 300kg of Trailer tailgate with a Quad Bike and Rider on it. Main damage is on front of my thigh - but that's maybe a bit too graphic. Thankfully only tissue/muscle damaged - the Femur remained intact.
Picture of my arse ...
Ouch! Hope it’s not too painful and you’re recovered soon.Dibble - thought of you (and your very early in the thread talk of pictures of your arse) when I took this photo last week ....
Thigh vs. approx 300kg of Trailer tailgate with a Quad Bike and Rider on it. Main damage is on front of my thigh - but that's maybe a bit too graphic. Thankfully only tissue/muscle damaged - the Femur remained intact.
Picture of my arse ...
seyre1972 said:
Thread deviation
Dibble - thought of you (and your very early in the thread talk of pictures of your arse) when I took this photo last week ....
Thigh vs. approx 300kg of Trailer tailgate with a Quad Bike and Rider on it. Main damage is on front of my thigh - but that's maybe a bit too graphic. Thankfully only tissue/muscle damaged - the Femur remained intact.
Picture of my arse ...
Ouch! Hope it’s not too painful and you’re recovered soon.Dibble - thought of you (and your very early in the thread talk of pictures of your arse) when I took this photo last week ....
Thigh vs. approx 300kg of Trailer tailgate with a Quad Bike and Rider on it. Main damage is on front of my thigh - but that's maybe a bit too graphic. Thankfully only tissue/muscle damaged - the Femur remained intact.
Picture of my arse ...
Another of my infrequent updates.
The other side have agreed liability on a 50-50 basis, which basically means I’ll end up with half of whatever the final settlement figure is. On the advice of my barrister, we initially offered 60-40 in my favour, they counter offered with 40-60 then agreed on 50-50, which I’ve accepted (again, on the advice of my barrister, as that was what he thought my claim would settle at if it came to a trial).
There were two accident investigation experts, one for me and one for the other side. The speeds they each gave favoured their client (lower for me, higher for the defendant), which I’m still a bit cheesed off about, as the figures should have been closer for both. I realise that’s slightly contradictory, as it paints me in a worse light, but equally, the other side would have been lower, too (speeds for me on approach/point of impact).
I do expert witness stuff for drug supply offences at work and if my figures were as far out to another expert witness as these two were, I’d be double and triple checking my numbers and calculations. Expert witnesses are (supposed to be) impartial and there to assist the court, not to favour one side or the other.
Still no update on surgery and the trial listed for early next year is now stayed and likely to be shorter, if it even goes ahead, as the liability is agreed, it’s just the value of my claim to be decided on now.
The other side have agreed liability on a 50-50 basis, which basically means I’ll end up with half of whatever the final settlement figure is. On the advice of my barrister, we initially offered 60-40 in my favour, they counter offered with 40-60 then agreed on 50-50, which I’ve accepted (again, on the advice of my barrister, as that was what he thought my claim would settle at if it came to a trial).
There were two accident investigation experts, one for me and one for the other side. The speeds they each gave favoured their client (lower for me, higher for the defendant), which I’m still a bit cheesed off about, as the figures should have been closer for both. I realise that’s slightly contradictory, as it paints me in a worse light, but equally, the other side would have been lower, too (speeds for me on approach/point of impact).
I do expert witness stuff for drug supply offences at work and if my figures were as far out to another expert witness as these two were, I’d be double and triple checking my numbers and calculations. Expert witnesses are (supposed to be) impartial and there to assist the court, not to favour one side or the other.
Still no update on surgery and the trial listed for early next year is now stayed and likely to be shorter, if it even goes ahead, as the liability is agreed, it’s just the value of my claim to be decided on now.
Bobberoo said:
Thanks for the update Dibble.
I do however find it hard to understand how someone can pull across in front of you, causing you to have a life changing accident, and yet it is going to be a 50-50 result.
The speed limit was 50mph. I was above it, so the argument is that it wouldn’t have been as bad if I’d been going slower.I do however find it hard to understand how someone can pull across in front of you, causing you to have a life changing accident, and yet it is going to be a 50-50 result.
The one thing both expert witnesses agreed on, which really helped my case, is that I “was there to be seen”, whichever of the speeds suggested I was going at.
I’ve been given an idea of a possible range of values by my barrister, but until it’s all finalised, I’d rather not say for now. I probably will update when it’s completed. It’s not going to be life changing but will hopefully take a bit of the sting out of it.
I thought I was between 50 and 60mph. “My” expert gives a speed range of 57-67 mph on approach, whereas “”their” expert gives a range of 77-92mph… if I was cynical, I’d say each expert has used methodology/calculations that support their sponsor. I’m sure if they’d done the same calculations/formulae, the speed estimates would’ve been closer.
The delays in settlement are partly due to CoVid putting surgery on hold, but it would’ve been a long do anyway. The court can’t decide on a value until all my surgery and subsequent rehab is sorted (although they may decide to make an interim order for “some” of the claim value). The court basically needs to know what the final outcome and long term prognosis is, so I don’t expect a final settlement for at least another couple of years, minimum. Whatever it turns out to be, 50% of something is better than 0% of nothing.
Still no date for my next surgery (other than a rather optimistic “can you come in tomorrow?” about 3pm on a Friday afternoon about 6 weeks ago… unfortunately I need a bit more notice than <24 hours.
I thought I was between 50 and 60mph. “My” expert gives a speed range of 57-67 mph on approach, whereas “”their” expert gives a range of 77-92mph… if I was cynical, I’d say each expert has used methodology/calculations that support their sponsor. I’m sure if they’d done the same calculations/formulae, the speed estimates would’ve been closer.
The delays in settlement are partly due to CoVid putting surgery on hold, but it would’ve been a long do anyway. The court can’t decide on a value until all my surgery and subsequent rehab is sorted (although they may decide to make an interim order for “some” of the claim value). The court basically needs to know what the final outcome and long term prognosis is, so I don’t expect a final settlement for at least another couple of years, minimum. Whatever it turns out to be, 50% of something is better than 0% of nothing.
Still no date for my next surgery (other than a rather optimistic “can you come in tomorrow?” about 3pm on a Friday afternoon about 6 weeks ago… unfortunately I need a bit more notice than <24 hours.
There’s no criminal element to this.
My barrister is hugely qualified in this field and has dealt with plenty of similar cases. When he was recommended by my solicitor, I did some due diligence by looking at various open source data/information on stuff he’d dealt with previously and had the chance to speak to him at length before agreeing to him representing me. I’ve had several case conferences with him and my solicitor. I deal with solicitors and barristers quite a bit at work, so I’m not phased/starstruck by them.
Obviously I’ve condensed/paraphrased what’s in the two accident reports and all the other details. The barrister has seen all the reports, statements, interviews and a load of other information to base his opinion on.
There is plenty of case law that even if I’d been going at exactly the speed limit, it’d have been an 85/15 split for liability (in my favour). The courts take the view that the speed limit is the absolute maximum in the absolute best circumstances/conditions, so it’d be prudent to be a bit under the limit in anything other than a perfect world, which is what we exist in.
I’ve had and read the lengthy opinion from the barrister, based on everything mentioned above (and a bit more) and I’m happy that his opinion is correct. I’m obviously not going to post every single detail while this is still ongoing.
My barrister is hugely qualified in this field and has dealt with plenty of similar cases. When he was recommended by my solicitor, I did some due diligence by looking at various open source data/information on stuff he’d dealt with previously and had the chance to speak to him at length before agreeing to him representing me. I’ve had several case conferences with him and my solicitor. I deal with solicitors and barristers quite a bit at work, so I’m not phased/starstruck by them.
Obviously I’ve condensed/paraphrased what’s in the two accident reports and all the other details. The barrister has seen all the reports, statements, interviews and a load of other information to base his opinion on.
There is plenty of case law that even if I’d been going at exactly the speed limit, it’d have been an 85/15 split for liability (in my favour). The courts take the view that the speed limit is the absolute maximum in the absolute best circumstances/conditions, so it’d be prudent to be a bit under the limit in anything other than a perfect world, which is what we exist in.
I’ve had and read the lengthy opinion from the barrister, based on everything mentioned above (and a bit more) and I’m happy that his opinion is correct. I’m obviously not going to post every single detail while this is still ongoing.
Pirks said:
Watch out for surveillance being recorded of you by the third parties insurer. Yes this does happen as they recorded myself on numerous occasions of which I have seen but i was doing nothing I said I couldn’t do.
I was advised about this by my solicitor and barrister, but like you, I’ve not said I’ve more badly injured than I was or been doing stuff I said I couldn’t do. If I have been surveilled, I feel sorry for the poor sod doing it, as it will have been very dull for them!Another of my infrequent updates, although this is a bit of a BOGOF deal for anyone reading!
First off, I’ve had a settlement offer (two, actually). Based on what my Barrister has said previously, they’re both a bit lower than he suggested (even taking into account the fact I’d only get 50% based on the 50-50 liability). One of the offers is a formal “part 36” offer (something to do with the Civil Procedure Rules and costs liability if it’s rejected). The other is a “one time only, time limited, take it or leave it” offer - what is colloquially known as “carrot dangling”. Basically, “Here have some money, go away”. I have a conference next week with the Barrister to discuss it all and then decide what to do.
Because the liability’s been agreed, any hearing is solely to determine the value of my claim. Because I’m still waiting for surgery, the court have agreed a stay on proceedings (it’s always possible the other side can object to that).
The other news is that surgery number 14 is provisionally pencilled in for the beginning of November, but won’t be confirmed until the week before. Consequently, I’ve spent all weekend boxing stuff up, shifting it from flat to house, finishing bits of DIY so I can live there. Not only is everything a bit more complicated because of my injury/reduced range of movement, but I’ve also realised I’m neither as young or as fit as I once was!
One of the requirements at the new gaff was a fence to make the garden secure for The Idiot. Shifting 25 20kg bags of quickcrete and a load of fence panels nearly killed me. I had to admit defeat with the concrete and leave that to the installer.
As well as three tip runs and a load of boxes shifted, I also got two coats of paint down in the shouthouse.
The more observant among you will notice (as did I) that’s not grey. I didn’t think to check the tin when I took it off the shelf and CBA to return it. It started off a lot more blue as well, so then I thought perhaps I should stir it, as suggested on the tin…
I do now have a spangly, Jussi-proof fence though.
First off, I’ve had a settlement offer (two, actually). Based on what my Barrister has said previously, they’re both a bit lower than he suggested (even taking into account the fact I’d only get 50% based on the 50-50 liability). One of the offers is a formal “part 36” offer (something to do with the Civil Procedure Rules and costs liability if it’s rejected). The other is a “one time only, time limited, take it or leave it” offer - what is colloquially known as “carrot dangling”. Basically, “Here have some money, go away”. I have a conference next week with the Barrister to discuss it all and then decide what to do.
Because the liability’s been agreed, any hearing is solely to determine the value of my claim. Because I’m still waiting for surgery, the court have agreed a stay on proceedings (it’s always possible the other side can object to that).
The other news is that surgery number 14 is provisionally pencilled in for the beginning of November, but won’t be confirmed until the week before. Consequently, I’ve spent all weekend boxing stuff up, shifting it from flat to house, finishing bits of DIY so I can live there. Not only is everything a bit more complicated because of my injury/reduced range of movement, but I’ve also realised I’m neither as young or as fit as I once was!
One of the requirements at the new gaff was a fence to make the garden secure for The Idiot. Shifting 25 20kg bags of quickcrete and a load of fence panels nearly killed me. I had to admit defeat with the concrete and leave that to the installer.
As well as three tip runs and a load of boxes shifted, I also got two coats of paint down in the shouthouse.
The more observant among you will notice (as did I) that’s not grey. I didn’t think to check the tin when I took it off the shelf and CBA to return it. It started off a lot more blue as well, so then I thought perhaps I should stir it, as suggested on the tin…
I do now have a spangly, Jussi-proof fence though.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for…
The more observant among you will notice the lack of external fixator. I had what I’d describe as a worrying phone call from the consultant’s secretary, telling me “the surgical plan has changed” andI needed to see the consultant. On Friday. The day before surgery was scheduled. Which interrupted the moving in/broadband installation/unpacking/cleaning the rental flat at just about the most inconvenient time!
The problem was that the pin holes from the previous surgery had healed, but not filled in, not leaving much area for new pins to go into. So instead of the external fixator, the new plan was to use one to realign and rotate the top bit of my deformed femur and then plate it straight again. Because I’m what’s technically known as a “fat knacker”, I needed two plates, one on the inside of my femur and one on the outside. Hence the extra incision on the front of my leg, where the inside plate was inserted.
The realignment has given me an extra centimetre or so of length in my leg. I had the option for a lateral rail nearer my knee at the same time, to do the extra lengthening, but having discussed it with my girlfriend, I thought I’d wait and see how I am once the now straight(er) and slightly longer femur helps my gait. If I still want the extra length (ooh, matron), I can have that done separately.
Right now, I’m happy with the first 2/3 of the 3 problems of deformity, rotation and length being sorted, with the option to do the rail if it’s needed. Yes, it drags things out a bit, but there is the potential the extra 2cm or so won’t be needed. Time will tell.
In other news, my solicitor counter offered a settlement figure after the barrister had looked over and valued my claim. The other side upped their offer a bit and the barrister recommended accepting it, as with the repayment of costs, benefits, some insurance and the police treatment centre taken into account, it’s a fair chunk more than the 50% of the amount he’d calculated (in a load of detail). Again, I thought about it and discussed it with my girlfriend and have accepted the offer.
I’m comfortable with where things are at with my leg and having spent a good couple of hours going everything with my barrister and solicitor, I’m as satisfied with the outcome as I can be. I went into the process realising I could end up getting nothing, so my view’s always been “something” is a better deal. It’s not a massive, life changing amount and I won’t be retiring early to a log cabin on the Swedish coast, but it’ll help.
I made sure I spoke to the consultant before confirming acceptance and he is happy that the outcome of even the “two thirds” surgery will be an improvement over where I was at. Yes, my leg could drop off tomorrow, but then I could also get hit by a bus… it’s time for me to move on. Some of you will disagree with my choice and that’s fine. As I said a few posts above, you’ve not had the benefit of all the details the solicitor and barrister have had and they’re the indemnified professionals dealing with it. I hope that doesn’t sound too arsey, but there’s some stuff I’ve not posted. I’m still alive and will have an improved leg in about four months or so, even without any extra lengthening.
I’m in hospital for a few more days yet and will get a better idea how long for when I see the consultant properly tomorrow. I’ve managed a trip to the loo and back on crutches, which was hard work. Even more so because I haven’t been able to clear the morphine blockage so far…
The more observant among you will notice the lack of external fixator. I had what I’d describe as a worrying phone call from the consultant’s secretary, telling me “the surgical plan has changed” andI needed to see the consultant. On Friday. The day before surgery was scheduled. Which interrupted the moving in/broadband installation/unpacking/cleaning the rental flat at just about the most inconvenient time!
The problem was that the pin holes from the previous surgery had healed, but not filled in, not leaving much area for new pins to go into. So instead of the external fixator, the new plan was to use one to realign and rotate the top bit of my deformed femur and then plate it straight again. Because I’m what’s technically known as a “fat knacker”, I needed two plates, one on the inside of my femur and one on the outside. Hence the extra incision on the front of my leg, where the inside plate was inserted.
The realignment has given me an extra centimetre or so of length in my leg. I had the option for a lateral rail nearer my knee at the same time, to do the extra lengthening, but having discussed it with my girlfriend, I thought I’d wait and see how I am once the now straight(er) and slightly longer femur helps my gait. If I still want the extra length (ooh, matron), I can have that done separately.
Right now, I’m happy with the first 2/3 of the 3 problems of deformity, rotation and length being sorted, with the option to do the rail if it’s needed. Yes, it drags things out a bit, but there is the potential the extra 2cm or so won’t be needed. Time will tell.
In other news, my solicitor counter offered a settlement figure after the barrister had looked over and valued my claim. The other side upped their offer a bit and the barrister recommended accepting it, as with the repayment of costs, benefits, some insurance and the police treatment centre taken into account, it’s a fair chunk more than the 50% of the amount he’d calculated (in a load of detail). Again, I thought about it and discussed it with my girlfriend and have accepted the offer.
I’m comfortable with where things are at with my leg and having spent a good couple of hours going everything with my barrister and solicitor, I’m as satisfied with the outcome as I can be. I went into the process realising I could end up getting nothing, so my view’s always been “something” is a better deal. It’s not a massive, life changing amount and I won’t be retiring early to a log cabin on the Swedish coast, but it’ll help.
I made sure I spoke to the consultant before confirming acceptance and he is happy that the outcome of even the “two thirds” surgery will be an improvement over where I was at. Yes, my leg could drop off tomorrow, but then I could also get hit by a bus… it’s time for me to move on. Some of you will disagree with my choice and that’s fine. As I said a few posts above, you’ve not had the benefit of all the details the solicitor and barrister have had and they’re the indemnified professionals dealing with it. I hope that doesn’t sound too arsey, but there’s some stuff I’ve not posted. I’m still alive and will have an improved leg in about four months or so, even without any extra lengthening.
I’m in hospital for a few more days yet and will get a better idea how long for when I see the consultant properly tomorrow. I’ve managed a trip to the loo and back on crutches, which was hard work. Even more so because I haven’t been able to clear the morphine blockage so far…
Well I got out of hospital on Wednesday and have been at home a couple of days now. I’ve managed the stairs a couple of times, the central heating has been fixed and I’ve just had my first Ocado delivery (of some very random stuff, including some alcohol free Estrella I don’t remotely remember ordering].
So far, pain wise, I’m doing ok. It was initially pretty painful but now I’d describe it as sore/uncomfortable and I’m managing with paracetamol and ibuprofen. The morphine pump had me bunged up for a couple of days, but normal service has thankfully been resumed…
Anyway, have some pictures of the new (and reused) gash:
Clips should be coming out next Friday in the follow up clinic appointment. Before then, I’ve got physio to look forward to on Tuesday!
So far, pain wise, I’m doing ok. It was initially pretty painful but now I’d describe it as sore/uncomfortable and I’m managing with paracetamol and ibuprofen. The morphine pump had me bunged up for a couple of days, but normal service has thankfully been resumed…
Anyway, have some pictures of the new (and reused) gash:
Clips should be coming out next Friday in the follow up clinic appointment. Before then, I’ve got physio to look forward to on Tuesday!
I’m just waiting for transport home from my follow up clinic appointment. I’ve had the clips out (62 of the little, staply f
kers, with a good half dozen awkward ones). I’ve had another full leg length X-ray and the news is that the alignment surgery has got my legs to within 1cm of each other. The lengthening surgery is still an option if I really want it, but it’s looking like it’s unnecessary for now (never say never). The metal will also be staying in, unless it starts to cause issues, so potentially, that’s the last of the surgery (with the same never say never caveat).
I also had a quick physio session in clinic. The physios are pleased and say I’m well ahead of where they anticipated with function/mobility. They can’t really assess strength just yet, as it’s too soon to really give me a workout to establish that and it’s counter productive to push me too far, too soon, so it’s a case of taking things slowly for now.
The consultant has said he’s really pleased with the outcome and I can partial weight bear up to 30% on my duff leg now, with a view to full weight bearing in another 4 weeks, once I’ve seen the consultant for the next follow up.
I’ve got a fit note allowing me to work from home on the laptop, as much as I can tolerate. I still can’t drive yet, so any work will be home based in the short term. Sitting for any length of time is still awkward/uncomfortable, but even if I only do a couple/few hours a day, that means I’m not claiming sick pay (we get six months full pay and six months half pay, but if I can “bank” any of that sick time in case I do need any of it later, that is obviously better, although I’m hoping not to need it at all).
So things are looking a lot more positive right now. The settlement hasn’t come through yet, but there’s no rush for that. It will land when it lands. My solicitor thinks it will probably be in my bank account by the end of the month, but that’s not guaranteed, it’s just based on her experience and previous dealings with the same insurers (mine and the defendant’s).
I’ll be looking to get myself into the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate as soon as possible, but that isn’t going to be for a bit yet, potentially about four months when I’m fully healed. It gives me time to carry on with outpatient physio and get as strong as possible, which will mean I get the maximum benefit from Harrogate. I could go now, but they would be limited how hard they could work me, so again, waiting is a better option.
kers, with a good half dozen awkward ones). I’ve had another full leg length X-ray and the news is that the alignment surgery has got my legs to within 1cm of each other. The lengthening surgery is still an option if I really want it, but it’s looking like it’s unnecessary for now (never say never). The metal will also be staying in, unless it starts to cause issues, so potentially, that’s the last of the surgery (with the same never say never caveat). I also had a quick physio session in clinic. The physios are pleased and say I’m well ahead of where they anticipated with function/mobility. They can’t really assess strength just yet, as it’s too soon to really give me a workout to establish that and it’s counter productive to push me too far, too soon, so it’s a case of taking things slowly for now.
The consultant has said he’s really pleased with the outcome and I can partial weight bear up to 30% on my duff leg now, with a view to full weight bearing in another 4 weeks, once I’ve seen the consultant for the next follow up.
I’ve got a fit note allowing me to work from home on the laptop, as much as I can tolerate. I still can’t drive yet, so any work will be home based in the short term. Sitting for any length of time is still awkward/uncomfortable, but even if I only do a couple/few hours a day, that means I’m not claiming sick pay (we get six months full pay and six months half pay, but if I can “bank” any of that sick time in case I do need any of it later, that is obviously better, although I’m hoping not to need it at all).
So things are looking a lot more positive right now. The settlement hasn’t come through yet, but there’s no rush for that. It will land when it lands. My solicitor thinks it will probably be in my bank account by the end of the month, but that’s not guaranteed, it’s just based on her experience and previous dealings with the same insurers (mine and the defendant’s).
I’ll be looking to get myself into the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate as soon as possible, but that isn’t going to be for a bit yet, potentially about four months when I’m fully healed. It gives me time to carry on with outpatient physio and get as strong as possible, which will mean I get the maximum benefit from Harrogate. I could go now, but they would be limited how hard they could work me, so again, waiting is a better option.
Rushjob said:
Dibble said:
I’m just waiting for transport home from my follow up clinic appointment. I’ve had the clips out (62 of the little, staply fkers, with a good half dozen awkward ones). I’ve had another full leg length X-ray and the news is that the alignment surgery has got my legs to within 1cm of each other. The lengthening surgery is still an option if I really want it, but it’s looking like it’s unnecessary for now (never say never). The metal will also be staying in, unless it starts to cause issues, so potentially, that’s the last of the surgery (with the same never say never caveat).
I also had a quick physio session in clinic. The physios are pleased and say I’m well ahead of where they anticipated with function/mobility. They can’t really assess strength just yet, as it’s too soon to really give me a workout to establish that and it’s counter productive to push me too far, too soon, so it’s a case of taking things slowly for now.
The consultant has said he’s really pleased with the outcome and I can partial weight bear up to 30% on my duff leg now, with a view to full weight bearing in another 4 weeks, once I’ve seen the consultant for the next follow up.
I’ve got a fit note allowing me to work from home on the laptop, as much as I can tolerate. I still can’t drive yet, so any work will be home based in the short term. Sitting for any length of time is still awkward/uncomfortable, but even if I only do a couple/few hours a day, that means I’m not claiming sick pay (we get six months full pay and six months half pay, but if I can “bank” any of that sick time in case I do need any of it later, that is obviously better, although I’m hoping not to need it at all).
So things are looking a lot more positive right now. The settlement hasn’t come through yet, but there’s no rush for that. It will land when it lands. My solicitor thinks it will probably be in my bank account by the end of the month, but that’s not guaranteed, it’s just based on her experience and previous dealings with the same insurers (mine and the defendant’s).
I’ll be looking to get myself into the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate as soon as possible, but that isn’t going to be for a bit yet, potentially about four months when I’m fully healed. It gives me time to carry on with outpatient physio and get as strong as possible, which will mean I get the maximum benefit from Harrogate. I could go now, but they would be limited how hard they could work me, so again, waiting is a better option.
Dibs, quick comment re the half pay... Firstly this was 11 years ago but I'd think it's still the same.....If you're a member of the Fed Insurance, you should have cover from them to top up your half pay back to the full equivalent. I didn't know about it but before I retired I got dropped onto half pay and my Fed rep dropped off a claim form to get the pay uprated. Worth checking out just in case?kers, with a good half dozen awkward ones). I’ve had another full leg length X-ray and the news is that the alignment surgery has got my legs to within 1cm of each other. The lengthening surgery is still an option if I really want it, but it’s looking like it’s unnecessary for now (never say never). The metal will also be staying in, unless it starts to cause issues, so potentially, that’s the last of the surgery (with the same never say never caveat). I also had a quick physio session in clinic. The physios are pleased and say I’m well ahead of where they anticipated with function/mobility. They can’t really assess strength just yet, as it’s too soon to really give me a workout to establish that and it’s counter productive to push me too far, too soon, so it’s a case of taking things slowly for now.
The consultant has said he’s really pleased with the outcome and I can partial weight bear up to 30% on my duff leg now, with a view to full weight bearing in another 4 weeks, once I’ve seen the consultant for the next follow up.
I’ve got a fit note allowing me to work from home on the laptop, as much as I can tolerate. I still can’t drive yet, so any work will be home based in the short term. Sitting for any length of time is still awkward/uncomfortable, but even if I only do a couple/few hours a day, that means I’m not claiming sick pay (we get six months full pay and six months half pay, but if I can “bank” any of that sick time in case I do need any of it later, that is obviously better, although I’m hoping not to need it at all).
So things are looking a lot more positive right now. The settlement hasn’t come through yet, but there’s no rush for that. It will land when it lands. My solicitor thinks it will probably be in my bank account by the end of the month, but that’s not guaranteed, it’s just based on her experience and previous dealings with the same insurers (mine and the defendant’s).
I’ll be looking to get myself into the Police Treatment Centre at Harrogate as soon as possible, but that isn’t going to be for a bit yet, potentially about four months when I’m fully healed. It gives me time to carry on with outpatient physio and get as strong as possible, which will mean I get the maximum benefit from Harrogate. I could go now, but they would be limited how hard they could work me, so again, waiting is a better option.
Have a festive bauble. And some metalwork.
Physio is going well. They’re pleased with the amount of knee bend. My back is slightly less painful and I’m hoping I’ll be allowed to fully weight bear when I see the consultant a week on Friday. I’ve got physio next week as well, which will probably be it until the new year.
Physio is going well. They’re pleased with the amount of knee bend. My back is slightly less painful and I’m hoping I’ll be allowed to fully weight bear when I see the consultant a week on Friday. I’ve got physio next week as well, which will probably be it until the new year.
Bobberoo said:
How's Jussi doing?
Not great. Soonest specialist oncologist appointment we could get is a week on Monday. The university vet school couldn’t see him until the end of January and I’m not waiting until then. He’s had a better day today though, which is something to be grateful for. Another small update.
Had the six week follow up with the consultant yesterday. I am up to 50% weight bearing and increasing that over the next 4 weeks to 100%. Next Physio session will be in the new year. I had some X-rays and there is already bone growth/healking, so everything is currently going to plan.
I've also got a "suture abscess" on one of the incisions, so I'm on Flucloxacillin for the next ten days. It's apparently not uncommon and nothing to worry about, certainly nothing like the infections I had previously. Where the end of the internal sutures are is a knot, to stop it unravelling and coming out, but the consequence of that is the stitches don't dissolve as quickly, so it looks like a foreign body and there's a localised infection, but the antibiotics should sort it.
I've had the cash through for the settlement. It's not enough to retire on, that's for sure, but I've been able to pay off a personal loan I'd had for house renovations/repairs, I've got enough to sort the kitchen, bathroom, damp proof course and double glazing bits I need and there's going to be some left over. As I said previously, it was settled on a 50-50 liability basis, so I got 50% of what I would have if I'd been at/near the speed limit rather than "quite a bit" over it. That said, 50% of something is always better than 100% of nothing. It's been a long time and I'm just glad it's sorted and I can concentrate on my recovery. I'll have a couple more stays at the residential rehab place I pay into through the Police, which I know from previous experience, will help exponentially.
The really difficult thing for me right now is that Jussi (aka The Idiot) died last Monday, after being ill for a while. It puts everything else into perspective. It's horrendously quiet and empty without him here and me and my GF both miss him terribly. To say we are heartbroken is a massive understatement. I've posted about him on the "show us a photo of your dog" thread over in the All Creatures Great and Small forum on PH and don't really feel like going over it all again here. I can safely say not having him around any more is the worst bit of the whole saga, by some stretch.
Had the six week follow up with the consultant yesterday. I am up to 50% weight bearing and increasing that over the next 4 weeks to 100%. Next Physio session will be in the new year. I had some X-rays and there is already bone growth/healking, so everything is currently going to plan.
I've also got a "suture abscess" on one of the incisions, so I'm on Flucloxacillin for the next ten days. It's apparently not uncommon and nothing to worry about, certainly nothing like the infections I had previously. Where the end of the internal sutures are is a knot, to stop it unravelling and coming out, but the consequence of that is the stitches don't dissolve as quickly, so it looks like a foreign body and there's a localised infection, but the antibiotics should sort it.
I've had the cash through for the settlement. It's not enough to retire on, that's for sure, but I've been able to pay off a personal loan I'd had for house renovations/repairs, I've got enough to sort the kitchen, bathroom, damp proof course and double glazing bits I need and there's going to be some left over. As I said previously, it was settled on a 50-50 liability basis, so I got 50% of what I would have if I'd been at/near the speed limit rather than "quite a bit" over it. That said, 50% of something is always better than 100% of nothing. It's been a long time and I'm just glad it's sorted and I can concentrate on my recovery. I'll have a couple more stays at the residential rehab place I pay into through the Police, which I know from previous experience, will help exponentially.
The really difficult thing for me right now is that Jussi (aka The Idiot) died last Monday, after being ill for a while. It puts everything else into perspective. It's horrendously quiet and empty without him here and me and my GF both miss him terribly. To say we are heartbroken is a massive understatement. I've posted about him on the "show us a photo of your dog" thread over in the All Creatures Great and Small forum on PH and don't really feel like going over it all again here. I can safely say not having him around any more is the worst bit of the whole saga, by some stretch.
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