It's now a bit more than two weeks since I had an unfortunate incident with a serpent. While the leg is actually healing quite nicely I the joy of bending my knee has become a distant memory and a luxury I look forward to each day. The antibiotics I am forced to continue leave my body in a semi debilitated state. Each visit to the restroom is a vile reminder of my body's current inability to properly digest food. At least I'm not allergic to the drug this time. The last regiment of antibiotics set my skin on fire and made me appreciate the leper's state.
My leg is healing and I think that the only permanent damage will be a pretty nasty scar. I can live with that. One of the truly odd quirks of cyclists besides constant attempts to trim down to super model anorexic status and the tight shorts is the customary shaving of legs. While some might contend the traditionally feminine activity helps reduce aerodynamic drag I have read that the true purpose is to aid in repairs and healing in the event of an accident. This is a true fact. I don't shave my legs (my wife would never let me live that down). The surgeon told me that he spent most of his time picking hair out of the wound. I'll let you judge.
Be warned these pictures are gross, disturbing and bloody. I think one of the nurses even got a bit squeamish. As bad as the pictures are my youngest daughter had to sit in the room with us the entire time. She said, "Daddy's owie was really gross. I like it when they cover it with something so you can't see it." She's 4 so suck it up.
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- Flesh always loses against asphalt
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- My leg is straight so it is harder to see, but if I bend it you can see the tendons
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- Drugs make you happy
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- Joel stuck around to offer moral support
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- After they cleaned it up
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- This isn't as much fun as it looks
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- Irrigating the wound - like its a crop or something
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- After they took the bandage off the first time - 5 days later
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- After they took the bandage off the first time - 5 days later
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- After 7 days. Still not pretty, but it is amazing how the human body heals
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- This is from my iPhone. It was taken 5 days after the accident at the doctor's office. I have a few more shots below.
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- Here's what it looks like today 9/8. They took out one stitch, but it will still e quite a while before they can take out the main ones.
Tags: accident · Cycling · gross6 Comments
6 responses so far ↓
Whether it’s the drugs or not, good to see you in high spirits, Justin!
Think more happy thoughts and that leg will heal faster and be fully functional in no time.
Best.
alain
Not the least bit squeamish here as I’ve seen much worse, believe me…
Thanks Alain, It is healing up pretty fast. I’m not sure I’ll make it back on the bike this season but I’ll do the trainer over the winter for sure.
That is a harrowing series of posts. I’m relieved to know your recovery is proceeding.
Here’s to happy healing.
ok…Justin…that was wicked!!! I don’t get grossed out at all so it was cool to see the photos. Glad you are doing well…sorry it has put a damper on your training…but you will get back on the horse soon…I know after my concussion from a sparring match…it took me about 3 months to get over the mental pain of the event…then I just sucked it up…and here I am sparring anyone who will volunteer. LOL. Make it a great day.
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