Things I've Learnt Since my Cycling Accident

The accident I had on Australia Day, a month ago, was the first serious accident I'd had. Until that time, I'd never had a broken bone, never had stitches, never even had a dental filling! I have learnt a lot of things since then, so I thought I'd write them down so that I remember, and to share with other people who may have a similar experience.

This is a random collection of thoughts, not in any particular order of importance.

Private health insurance is valuable. You never know when something is going to happen to you. I spoke to a lady in hospital who broke her leg from fainting. She was young and healthy. Higher level hospital and extras private health insurance policies give you more options.

Bicycle insurance is also valuable. I'm still waiting on the outcome of my claim (not in any particular hurry as I can't go bike shopping if I can't ride). However, I'm relieved to know that my bike was covered by insurance while in use, that it is a new for old policy including all fixed accessories on the bike at the time, and my insurance company paid out my previous claim with no questions asked. Anyone who owns multiple valuable bikes, I have found that BikeSure is the most cost-effective and comprehensive bicycle insurance policy. 

An ambulance subscription through HBF is the only way to have full coverage for emergency ambulance trips in WA. Otherwise it is $900 per trip, minus whatever contribution your private health insurance fund will make. If you want coverage for non-emergency ambulance trips then you'll need to take out HBF private health insurance and add on the Ambulance Plus option.

The Australian public health system is excellent and so much is covered by Medicare. But be prepared to wait. There is no such thing as a scheduled appointment time in a hospital. Always bring a book.

The best thing about toilets in the hospital is they have single sheet toilet paper so you don't have to tear it off. Much easier to use with one hand!

It is hard to do stuff when you don't have usage of one hand, but it is surprising how much you can adapt. I look at something and think "there is no way I can do that" then I try to see how far I can go and surprise myself when I figure out a way to do it.

Using my left hand for everything has made me realise how much of our society is geared towards right-handedness. For example, go to a restaurant and the cutlery is set up right handed. Even in a café when they bring out my bowl of muesli, it is placed so that the spoon faces my right hand. Don't even get me started on right handed scissors. It does make sense, as the majority of people are right handed. But it still feels like discrimination, and gives that little frission of irritation.

My face and dental injuries and repairs were more traumatic than my broken wrist and grazes, which I attribute to their proximity to my main control centre, and what I identify as "me". Damage to my teeth (before they were repaired) affected how I thought others would perceive me and it significantly changed my pronounciation. 

Having a visible injury like a cast creates an instant bond with other people in the same situation. I've stopped and talked to a complete stranger in a supermarket because we both had casts on our arms. It also (usually) makes people give you a bit more space and be more considerate in public places.

There is no such thing as too much emollient.

The public hospital system has everything divided into different departments, each with their own specialty, and they don't seem to communicate with each other. They are very good at looking after their own disciplines, but not that good at anything else. And there is no one looking after me as an entire person and helping me figure out how to manage the rest of my  body while everything else is healing. You need to ask a lot of questions - they are happy to help and give answers, but it is like they have been in the hospital system so long that they don't realise you don't know the answers. I don't even know the questions! I have realised I need to be more assertive in understanding what is happening now, what is happening next, and what is the plan after that. I also need to be more assertive in seeking outside sources of further care - which has it's own challenges when I have restricted transport options.

On a related note, people who have some experience with the system are often willing to help with advice. While this is appreciated, each person's circumstances are different, and the advice doesn't always apply. Plus, in the first month things are changing so quickly. I just figure out one routine, then a few days later there is a new development in one area and I need to understand and consider the implications and come up with a new routine. It is exhausting and each time I am reminded of restrictions that are still there, which I feel limit what I can do. 

Even though I look a bit different on the outside (with my cast and repairing gash on my lip), even though I don't have full use of my arm or teeth (yet), I still feel like the same person inside. I imagine people who have much more significant injuries and permanent disabilities must feel the same way. 

Yes I will ride again. No I am not concerned about getting back on my bike. 

A support network is priceless.