Happy New Year or . . .

[TX-Dennis]

This year has certainly started off with a bang.

Literally.

First thing this morning I got a message from a cousin that my great aunt had passed away this morning. Our family didn't need another loss so soon. She was a wonderful human being, and she will be missed.

Then this afternoon, a dude in a Toyota truck ran a light literally right in front of me. I t-boned him hard at about 45mph. I felt immediate chest pain exacerbated by breathing and movement. Suspected broken ribs. Took a ride in the ambulance to the ER. Three hours and a CT scan later I was diagnosed with a sternum fracture. I do not recommend that for anyone.

This is the worst pain I've ever experienced. You open heart survivors know what I mean.

Fortunately there is no displacement and no other injuries. It could have been much worse, but holy stuff this HURTS. I was given dilaudid in the ER. Sent home with instructions to take Norco and rest. Believe me, I can't do much else. Hurts to breathe. Hurts to move. And PLEASE don't make me laugh.

Thanking God for his protection, and asking for fast healing. Thankfully the other driver was uninjured. I imagine my Bronco is totaled. I was in too much pain to take pictures at the scene. Have to call my insurance agent tomorrow.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Praying for the speediest possible recovery! And condolences on your Great Aunt.

Ivan

 

[lihpster]

My condolences on your loss. Car crash sounds terrible, too. Glad your injuries weren't more severe. Hoping you heal quickly, my friend. Listen to some blues and just drift off for awhile. Remember, the beginning of a house, a stone, the beginning of a boat, a keel, and the beginning of healing is sleep.

 

[soFlaNative]

Dayum Tex, My sympathies on your loss and the rough start.
Hopefully the alloted bad luck and tragedy is used for the year.

 

[jeffrefrig]

Dangit, Tex, I hope we hear better updates...but I hope like hell they're doing what they can for the pain. So sorry...bad way to start the year, but you're alive. "Rub some dirt in it & take a lap!"
Positive waves coming at you.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Dennis, I pray and hope for a lightning quick recovery. I am a member of the zipper club and it took me a while to "knit". For two weeks I was never without my chest pillow as a cough or laugh would take my landing gear out.

Pro tip: when you go potty let gravity do the work.

 

[robvious]

sorry for your loss... and I too will pray for a quick recovery... had chest compressions on a bad day I refer to as my re-birthday... pain while just breathing makes everything difficult...

 

[oldbrownhat]

...And PLEASE don't make me laugh...

Well, so much for the old Reader's Digest axiom that "Laughter is the best medicine" Maybe take WC Fields' advice: "Start every day off with a smile and get it over with."

Reading stories like this reminds me to be grateful that I haven't had any serious injuries or major surgery (SO FAR...)

Edit: But I have lost family members and close friends

 

[Rudi]

Glad you weren't hurt worse. Driving is dangerous these days.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Dennis, What a rough start for the New Year. Sorry to hear about your car. Prayers sent your way for a speedy recovery.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Hope for the best for you and sorry to hear of your family loss....

 

[16thVACav]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

[TX-Dennis]

My son took me to the wrecker yard today to get my things out of the Bronco before they tow it to the insurance company's yard. Here are some pics of the damage.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Woof!!! My chest started hurting again just by looking at that.

 

[Kenna]

Hope you feel better soon. Damn that Bronco looks new. Best of luck with insurance. Thoughts with you and family regarding Aunt.

 

[S42N8]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery…and a quick insurance claim.

 

[Rustyt1953]

 

[TX-Dennis]

Damn that Bronco looks new.

Yup. 10 months, 11,000 miles.

 

[kamloops67]

That should buff out … ;-)
getting hurt sucks , takes longer for us older guys to heal
You gonna get another bronco ?

 

[lihpster]

How you doing, my friend? You're a week into it. Any better?

 

[LVSteve]

Damn. You would think in a modern vehicle with crush structures, belts, and an airbag would have prevented an injury like a sternum fracture, even with a 45 mph impact. Get well soon.

 

[ladder13]

Hope you heal up like new, Dennis. I've seen lesser accidents get totaled by insurance carriers.

 

[tinkerer]

No airbag deployment?

 

[TX-Dennis]

How you doing, my friend? You're a week into it. Any better?

Improving slowly. I'm in less pain as long as I;m careful. Sneezing or moving wrong is still excruciating, but I'm definitely on the mend.

 

[TX-Dennis]

No airbag deployment?

Just the one in the wheel popped. The others weren't needed. Doc said it was probably the airbag that caused the injury. It also took a chunk off my left wrist and bruised my right one.

 

[TX-Dennis]

On a more positive note; my insurance company came through big time for me. They told me they would pay the claim and then go after the other guy's insurance for reimbursement.

They totalled the vehicle and paid me about $10K more than I had paid new for the Bronco. I found one i liked nearby, and that dealer hooked me up with a good price. They also delivered it to my driveway from about 130 miles away.

I haven't received any bills from the ambulance or hospital yet, but they say they'll take care of those too. Offered me a rental car, but since I was told not to drive for two weeks I declined.

 

[soFlaNative]

Better luck this time.
Hopes for a good, quick heal.

 

[lihpster]

Improving slowly. I'm in less pain as long as I;m careful. Sneezing or moving wrong is still excruciating, but I'm definitely on the mend.

Glad to hear it. Hope you're ready to wrestle grizzlies soon!

 

[llowry61]

Sorry for your loss of your great aunt.

Those air bags are basically taking a rocket to the chest. I am glad you are on the mend.

That Bronco looks sharp!

 

[pittpa]

Ha. Right with ya.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk