Recently, I had a fall on my gravel bike while commuting and broke my femur. My NOF to be exact. Which, stands for the neck of femur. Just below the ball of it. Let me tell you that that was not fun and I am happy the pain is almost over.

It is three weeks since the accident and just over two weeks since the surgery. The time from accident to surgery was some of the most agnozing pain I have ever endured. Just outright non-functioning pain.

Basically, no mobility and I was literally unable to move. First collapsing on the road then dragging my body to the curb where I collapesd. Then when trying to stand up did I realize I was in trouble as I could not stand up and fell down. Bruising my hand. Which I also did not need to do.

I tried to get up again with the aide of my bike but quickly realized that it would not work and fell again. I layed there for who knows how long before I called the non emergency number. I esplaind my situation and they said sorry, but you have to call 911. That was the first time in my life that I did and never want to again.

I got the surgery and I can tell you that was something no one should go through. Sure there are many painful things in life we have to do, but that is one you should avoid. If possible.

There are many firsts that I had happen during that ordeal and I am happy to say I hope I do not want to experience again.

Here is a minor list of them to the best of my poor ability at remembering some of them. Not in order btw.

A ride in an ambulance, several in fact. Four in total. A flight in an air ambulance. A spinal epidural. Being fed via intravenus. Pooing in a bed pan. And not the big shiny one you typically see. The little uncomfortable little blue one. Hospital food. Yes, I have never been admitted for any length of time longer than an er visit. An over night stay. Imaging guidance to monitor the anesthetic prior to the epidural. A cocktail of drugs that I can not remember or spell correctly but some where, morphone, hydro-morphine, fentanyal, fnb’s, fib’s, toradal, tramadol, gabapentan and who knows what else.

Overall a lot.

Though the experience was riddled with acute amounts of pain sustained over many days I can not say enough about the care I received and was given. Everyone went above and beyond and I can not thank them enough.

In particular to the fact that I am Canadian and this happened on Canadian soil. For if this was to have happened in america I would have to probably sell my house.

So, what is my take-away from this experience? Don’t fall off your bike on concrete. Ha. Accidents happen and try to deal with them as best you can. Especially if it is your fault and do the best to recuperate and get well.

Be safe out there people and wear a helmet. Fortunately, I was wearing mine.

This is my sweet gravel bike, which btw is totally fine. All things considered, I can not wait to get back on.

Final words as in life, if you fall down, brush yourself off and get back up again.