Ouch (possible NSFW pictures of my rear to follow)
Discussion
Bob_Defly said:
Dibble said:
I’m still leaning towards another bike at some point. I’ll be able to retire in about 4 1/2 years, so I’m currently planning a trip to the US/Canada... the initial route is something like start in St John’s, Newfoundland. Head west(ish) over the top of the Great Lakes, then zig zag across the Canada/US border (still heading west) to Vancouver. Turn right, head to Alaska, up as far as Prudhoe Bay. Turn around, head south to the US/Mexico border. Turn left, head inland to Vegas and Yosemite, then to Key West, via Austin, Charleston and Miami. Turn around at Key West and head north, up the east coast to New England.
Give me a shout when you do, I'm not far from Toronto, would be good to have a beer.An update (of sorts).
The original solicitor dealing with my claim is no longer doing this kind of work, so has passed the claim on to another (larger) firm. It’s been looked at again by the solicitor and they’ve also instructed a specialist personal injury barrister (a different one to the one who’s already looked at it).
I had a Zoom conference with the solicitor and barrister this week. I was semi anticipating them binning it off, but the barrister has said he feels I have a strong case (with the caveat that there’s no such thing as an “unloseable” case). He’s slightly more pessimistic than the previous barrister on my level of liability, which he thinks on a bad day could be as much as 50%, but would be at least 20% and of course possibly anywhere between those two (in his experience). The previous one thought about 15-20% for my liability.
Once I knew who the barrister was, I’ve done a fair bit of Googling, had a look at his background and history and he seems to know what he’s on about, so that gives me a decent level of confidence in him. I’m happy he’s levelled with me, rather than buttering me up and being over optimistic.
On the plus side, the new guy feels the claim is worth more than the previous guy, so even at 50% (assuming I win), I’ll end up with more than the first guy suggested, so it’s swings and roundabouts. I’m fairly pragmatic about it all, if I come away with nothing, I’m really no worse off (financially), so anything I do get is a bonus.
I’m now about 12 months behind on the surgery and any claim will depend on that. It’s progressing through the court/legal system, with procedural stays for delays in treatment being agreed.
The new barrister did say that 95% get settled without going to court, but again, I’m pragmatic in that I might well be in the 5% that ends up being heard. I’m not too phased by that, it’s still a case of wait and see.
The original solicitor dealing with my claim is no longer doing this kind of work, so has passed the claim on to another (larger) firm. It’s been looked at again by the solicitor and they’ve also instructed a specialist personal injury barrister (a different one to the one who’s already looked at it).
I had a Zoom conference with the solicitor and barrister this week. I was semi anticipating them binning it off, but the barrister has said he feels I have a strong case (with the caveat that there’s no such thing as an “unloseable” case). He’s slightly more pessimistic than the previous barrister on my level of liability, which he thinks on a bad day could be as much as 50%, but would be at least 20% and of course possibly anywhere between those two (in his experience). The previous one thought about 15-20% for my liability.
Once I knew who the barrister was, I’ve done a fair bit of Googling, had a look at his background and history and he seems to know what he’s on about, so that gives me a decent level of confidence in him. I’m happy he’s levelled with me, rather than buttering me up and being over optimistic.
On the plus side, the new guy feels the claim is worth more than the previous guy, so even at 50% (assuming I win), I’ll end up with more than the first guy suggested, so it’s swings and roundabouts. I’m fairly pragmatic about it all, if I come away with nothing, I’m really no worse off (financially), so anything I do get is a bonus.
I’m now about 12 months behind on the surgery and any claim will depend on that. It’s progressing through the court/legal system, with procedural stays for delays in treatment being agreed.
The new barrister did say that 95% get settled without going to court, but again, I’m pragmatic in that I might well be in the 5% that ends up being heard. I’m not too phased by that, it’s still a case of wait and see.
tvrolet said:
So how are you doing? Hobbling about or skipping along. Pain or no pain? Can you ride a bike of the pedal variety? Are you looking for one of the motorised variety yet? Don’t keep us all in suspense.
My right leg is still shorted than my left (between hip and knee). My right foot is rotated out by about 15° too much and because of the way my femur has healed (which can really only be accurately described as “kinkily”…), my hip/knee/ankle alignment is out.I’m walking around without sticks or crutches and do 2km on the beach every morning with The Idiot (dog). I can’t run, because my knee is all over the place. It looks like I’ve got posterior cruciate ligament damage, but I need properly assessing to see what’s going on and what, if any, possible solutions there are. The main issue with my knee is that it can “give” without warning and bend backwards, which is not pleasant… I can’t get assessed because I’m still waiting for more surgery to lengthen, straighten and align my leg. There’s no point starting on the knee until they know where I’m going to end up with the main problem.
I can ride a pushbike but I struggle with bending my knee and holding all my weight on my damaged leg (not really helped by being a fat fker, but here we are…). My right leg is definitely still weaker, despite daily exercises and I think part of the issue is I’ve subconsciously learnt to compensate with the undamaged leg. Ideally, I need to get back to the specialist limb reconstruction physios, but they’re only dealing with inpatients/new trauma cases at the moment. I do keep badgering them, as well as my consultant’s secretary, but there’s still no dates for my surgery.
Pain wise, my actual femur is fine. I get back and knee pain because of the misalignment. The inner side of my knee is the most painful, because the twist in my leg just keeps everything stretched out. Because my gait has changed, any time I walk any distance, I end up with blisters on my feet where I’ve never had them before. I’m a bit limited with footwear. I’ve had one pair of shoes and one pair of trainers orthotically altered, courtesy of the NHS. I’m entitled to two pairs a year and while I could pay myself, I don’t want to alter a load of shoes that would then become useless when my leg gets altered again. Yes, I could get the shoes redone, but that’s extra cost and I’d rather just get them done once if I’m going to have more pairs done.
Until I know where I’m at after the next lot of surgeries, I’m holding off getting another motorbike. I do want another one, but no idea what. Well, I want a Husqvarna Norden 901, so all this hanging around is actually a bonus…!
Tango13 said:
FiF said:
Errr, when did the title of the thread change?
Some point this afternoon I think?PH is all PC now, the 'Jap Chat' forum is now 'Japanese Chat'
Dibble said:
Just noticed this. I’m not really sure when “arse” became offensive enough to need removing from a thread title, particularly when you look at some of the drivel and abuse posted elsewhere (NP&E, I’m looking at you). There does appear to be some extremely arbitrary moderation going on recently.
Bit a a discomfort in the posterior if I am not being too rude these days...PC is everywhere. Good to hear that you are actually walking..still a way to go, but I am sure with your determination that a Husqvarna will be in your future.
Dibble said:
Just noticed this. I’m not really sure when “arse” became offensive enough to need removing from a thread title, particularly when you look at some of the drivel and abuse posted elsewhere (NP&E, I’m looking at you). There does appear to be some extremely arbitrary moderation going on recently.
I feel like if someone's tidying up thread titles to make them a bit more eyeball-friendly that's not the end of the world.I used to mod on another forum - it's surprising how much was required from a commercial point of view to keep things sweet with the overlords. The forums didn't commercially add to the business so it was very much a case of keeping the owners sweet and try and justify our existence without being a pain.
Dibble said:
My right leg is still shorted than my left (between hip and knee). My right foot is rotated out by about 15° too much and because of the way my femur has healed (which can really only be accurately described as “kinkily”…), my hip/knee/ankle alignment is out.
I’m walking around without sticks or crutches and do 2km on the beach every morning with The Idiot (dog). I can’t run, because my knee is all over the place. It looks like I’ve got posterior cruciate ligament damage, but I need properly assessing to see what’s going on and what, if any, possible solutions there are. The main issue with my knee is that it can “give” without warning and bend backwards, which is not pleasant… I can’t get assessed because I’m still waiting for more surgery to lengthen, straighten and align my leg. There’s no point starting on the knee until they know where I’m going to end up with the main problem.
I can ride a pushbike but I struggle with bending my knee and holding all my weight on my damaged leg (not really helped by being a fat fker, but here we are…). My right leg is definitely still weaker, despite daily exercises and I think part of the issue is I’ve subconsciously learnt to compensate with the undamaged leg. Ideally, I need to get back to the specialist limb reconstruction physios, but they’re only dealing with inpatients/new trauma cases at the moment. I do keep badgering them, as well as my consultant’s secretary, but there’s still no dates for my surgery.
Pain wise, my actual femur is fine. I get back and knee pain because of the misalignment. The inner side of my knee is the most painful, because the twist in my leg just keeps everything stretched out. Because my gait has changed, any time I walk any distance, I end up with blisters on my feet where I’ve never had them before. I’m a bit limited with footwear. I’ve had one pair of shoes and one pair of trainers orthotically altered, courtesy of the NHS. I’m entitled to two pairs a year and while I could pay myself, I don’t want to alter a load of shoes that would then become useless when my leg gets altered again. Yes, I could get the shoes redone, but that’s extra cost and I’d rather just get them done once if I’m going to have more pairs done.
Until I know where I’m at after the next lot of surgeries, I’m holding off getting another motorbike. I do want another one, but no idea what. Well, I want a Husqvarna Norden 901, so all this hanging around is actually a bonus…!
If you have the budget, have you tried an e-bike? Might help with the cycling.I’m walking around without sticks or crutches and do 2km on the beach every morning with The Idiot (dog). I can’t run, because my knee is all over the place. It looks like I’ve got posterior cruciate ligament damage, but I need properly assessing to see what’s going on and what, if any, possible solutions there are. The main issue with my knee is that it can “give” without warning and bend backwards, which is not pleasant… I can’t get assessed because I’m still waiting for more surgery to lengthen, straighten and align my leg. There’s no point starting on the knee until they know where I’m going to end up with the main problem.
I can ride a pushbike but I struggle with bending my knee and holding all my weight on my damaged leg (not really helped by being a fat fker, but here we are…). My right leg is definitely still weaker, despite daily exercises and I think part of the issue is I’ve subconsciously learnt to compensate with the undamaged leg. Ideally, I need to get back to the specialist limb reconstruction physios, but they’re only dealing with inpatients/new trauma cases at the moment. I do keep badgering them, as well as my consultant’s secretary, but there’s still no dates for my surgery.
Pain wise, my actual femur is fine. I get back and knee pain because of the misalignment. The inner side of my knee is the most painful, because the twist in my leg just keeps everything stretched out. Because my gait has changed, any time I walk any distance, I end up with blisters on my feet where I’ve never had them before. I’m a bit limited with footwear. I’ve had one pair of shoes and one pair of trainers orthotically altered, courtesy of the NHS. I’m entitled to two pairs a year and while I could pay myself, I don’t want to alter a load of shoes that would then become useless when my leg gets altered again. Yes, I could get the shoes redone, but that’s extra cost and I’d rather just get them done once if I’m going to have more pairs done.
Until I know where I’m at after the next lot of surgeries, I’m holding off getting another motorbike. I do want another one, but no idea what. Well, I want a Husqvarna Norden 901, so all this hanging around is actually a bonus…!
If not, you want something with nice, big, comfy road tyres, a nice relaxed seating position and a good range of gears. Spinning in light gears is the way to do it so you don't load up your knees.
Dibble said:
Tango13 said:
FiF said:
Errr, when did the title of the thread change?
Some point this afternoon I think?PH is all PC now, the 'Jap Chat' forum is now 'Japanese Chat'
Good to hear that thinks are, like yourself, slowly shuffling forwards Dibble.
NewBod said:
If you have the budget, have you tried an e-bike? Might help with the cycling.
If not, you want something with nice, big, comfy road tyres, a nice relaxed seating position and a good range of gears. Spinning in light gears is the way to do it so you don't load up your knees.
I'm ok if it's flat. I got a computer/hybrid thing through the cycle to work scheme a few years ago, which is nice and upright. It's a few years old now, but I had it given a thorough overhaul by the local independent bike shop about this time last year and me and my GF normally go out once a week (weather/work/motivation permitting). It's pretty flat round where we are and there are plenty of quieter country roads and canal towpaths to go for a trundle. We've tried out a few routes and I can manage about 25km. By then, it's usually my ARSE that's giving way, rather than anything else - one of the weird side effects of everything still being a bit lopsided is that my right ARSE cheek isn't as big/developed/as my left ARSE cheek.If not, you want something with nice, big, comfy road tyres, a nice relaxed seating position and a good range of gears. Spinning in light gears is the way to do it so you don't load up your knees.
Dibble said:
NewBod said:
If you have the budget, have you tried an e-bike? Might help with the cycling.
If not, you want something with nice, big, comfy road tyres, a nice relaxed seating position and a good range of gears. Spinning in light gears is the way to do it so you don't load up your knees.
I'm ok if it's flat. I got a computer/hybrid thing through the cycle to work scheme a few years ago, which is nice and upright. It's a few years old now, but I had it given a thorough overhaul by the local independent bike shop about this time last year and me and my GF normally go out once a week (weather/work/motivation permitting). It's pretty flat round where we are and there are plenty of quieter country roads and canal towpaths to go for a trundle. We've tried out a few routes and I can manage about 25km. By then, it's usually my ARSE that's giving way, rather than anything else - one of the weird side effects of everything still being a bit lopsided is that my right ARSE cheek isn't as big/developed/as my left ARSE cheek.If not, you want something with nice, big, comfy road tyres, a nice relaxed seating position and a good range of gears. Spinning in light gears is the way to do it so you don't load up your knees.
I'm not as bad as you, but I had a spine injury in 2008 and ever since then my left side has been a bit weaker than my right. I lost some muscle because my discs prolapsed and trapped and killed off some bits of nerve. My left calf looks different to my right and when I'm riding, I do seem to lean over to the left.
When my back first went I couldn't put much weight on my left foot. I couldn't lift myself up on tip toes on my left side.
I had a bit of a relapse in 2015 because I was getting a bit fat. Saw a surgeon who said sort it out or you will be under the knife. Ever since then, I've been cycling. Had a lay off last year due to blood clots. Been back on it in anger since Feb though. Its helped my back no end and made me much stronger. Especially around my core area.
Dibble said:
I'm ok if it's flat.
There's a few people on the e-bike thread who'd fitted motors to existing bikes, might be worth looking at if you do want to be able to get up any hillshttps://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
RizzoTheRat said:
Dibble said:
I'm ok if it's flat.
There's a few people on the e-bike thread who'd fitted motors to existing bikes, might be worth looking at if you do want to be able to get up any hillshttps://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
And converting an existing bike to electric assisted drive? These chaps... https://www.cytronex.com/ ...can do that for you. It's a motor in a specially built front wheel, plus the handlebar controls and a battery mount. The battery can be removed, and the front wheel replaced with the original wheel in short order. That way you can swap between e-bike and "normal" bike as you please.
NewBod said:
Where specifically is the issue again? I think I missed it.
I'm not as bad as you, but I had a spine injury in 2008 and ever since then my left side has been a bit weaker than my right. I lost some muscle because my discs prolapsed and trapped and killed off some bits of nerve. My left calf looks different to my right and when I'm riding, I do seem to lean over to the left.
When my back first went I couldn't put much weight on my left foot. I couldn't lift myself up on tip toes on my left side.
I had a bit of a relapse in 2015 because I was getting a bit fat. Saw a surgeon who said sort it out or you will be under the knife. Ever since then, I've been cycling. Had a lay off last year due to blood clots. Been back on it in anger since Feb though. Its helped my back no end and made me much stronger. Especially around my core area.
lol. It was my protest at the thread title getting changed yesterday.I'm not as bad as you, but I had a spine injury in 2008 and ever since then my left side has been a bit weaker than my right. I lost some muscle because my discs prolapsed and trapped and killed off some bits of nerve. My left calf looks different to my right and when I'm riding, I do seem to lean over to the left.
When my back first went I couldn't put much weight on my left foot. I couldn't lift myself up on tip toes on my left side.
I had a bit of a relapse in 2015 because I was getting a bit fat. Saw a surgeon who said sort it out or you will be under the knife. Ever since then, I've been cycling. Had a lay off last year due to blood clots. Been back on it in anger since Feb though. Its helped my back no end and made me much stronger. Especially around my core area.
Rizzo/Yellowjack, thanks for the bike suggestions, it is definitely worth a look at. It could be quite entertaining if I do a "covert" fit for the battery pack (I've got a rear rack and Ortlieb panniers). I could casually zoom off and my GF would briefly wonder what the actual jiggery was going on!
You can get them where the battery hangs in a bag in the frame, and with a hub motor they're pretty stealthy.
Also re. Yellowjack's comment, i have a friend with a similar injury to you, her boyfriend found a company that makes fancy pedal setups with an eccentric crank so one pedal makes a different path the other (eg one pedal always runs higher up than it would otherwise to account for a shorter leg). She didn't go for it in the end but it looked an interesting system.
Also re. Yellowjack's comment, i have a friend with a similar injury to you, her boyfriend found a company that makes fancy pedal setups with an eccentric crank so one pedal makes a different path the other (eg one pedal always runs higher up than it would otherwise to account for a shorter leg). She didn't go for it in the end but it looked an interesting system.
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