8/29/04 by Mike Hlavaty
Well, it has been 6 weeks since my accident at the Westlake Race. For those of you that have not heard I broke off the ball of my femur. If you ever have a serious fall REMEMBER do not move until you can determine the exact extent of your injuries. Like Dennis had told us all last year the seriuosness of this type of injury and the recovery from it is dependant on what happens immeadiately after the accident. The blood flow to that ball if compromised can set you up for a possible hip replacemnet. That is something I will not be out of the woods on for at least 6 months. So far so good. A big THANK YOU to Dennis for his help and encouragemnet. It has been a real blessing to tak to someone who has gone through the same ordeal. The last X-ray showed everything was lined up correctly. My wife commented on how relieved the doctor seemed to be and how concerned he really was. Prior to the surgery he explained the seriuosness of the injury but seemed optimistic. After looking at the 6 week X-ray he seemed really surprised it was going as well as it has been going. He has prescribed a gradual process of weight bearing. I am allowed to bear 15# of pressure for the first week and add 15# each week. He also has allowed me to ride an excercise bike at very very low intensity. I can drive now but it feels like I am sitting on a golf ball. The pins are very noticeable to me and what a relief to find out they can be removed if they still bother me but not before a year! Well, good luck to everyone in the end of the season races and I hope to see you on the road next spring, God willing.