Apologies for any typos: I’m having to type this one-handed. I dislocated my left shoulder last night, which I think makes either seven or eight times over the last twelve years, and this is the second dislocation after having had an operation to repair it in 2000. It’s a long story involving rugby, the Royal Marines and believe it or not- skipping. Perhaps we’ll save that post for a day when I have the use of two hands.
I was over the moon yesterday to pick up my new bike from Sigma Sport who deserve huge thanks for getting the build through so quickly. Having gone for a short trial spin I was surprised to find the gears jumpy, as if it was worn cassette with a new chain, although both are new. The chain seemed a little long so I thought I’d check the length . Whilst fiddling with the KMC missing link I sat down on the floor only to find the exact spot on my coccyx that was injured in the ‘dooring’ two weeks ago.
The sharp pain sent my right elbow flying into the wall behind where I managed to perfectly hit my Ulnar nerve (OK, I concede, that’s just a fancy way of saying I hit my funny bone). I remember shouting in pain, but then the next thing I know I’m prone on the floor with a dislocated shoulder, and fiancee Cat is on the blower to 999. Apparently I’d blacked out from the pain and been convulsing on the floor, thus causing the dislocation of the left shoulder.
The ambulance was pretty rapid, and they cleared the dining table for me to lie face down with the left arm hanging over the edge. After a few hard breaths of Entonox we tried to put weight on the arm to encourage it into the socket, and got one satisfying chunk. It wasn’t over though so I manned up and moved it myself to get a second clunk. Still things weren’t right so the paramedic pulled the arm back to finally seat the joint correctly. I don’t think Cat enjoyed being a spectator!
A good three hours in A&E later and it appears nothing is broken, but it looks like a second operation will now be required. It does rather seem to be one thing after another these last few weeks, and I’m rapidly reassessing cycling goals. I’m loathe to miss the SERRL stage race given the entry fee and B&B deposit so we’ll see how the currently immobile shoulder feels a little later in the week.
The worst thing is being stuck at home having to look at the new bike with the new wheels just begging to be ridden. Patience in these situations is not my strong point!
Ahh man, that’s such a shame Steve. Good story though! Best of luck.
That sounds like a horrible chain of events, get well soon. Who would have guessed that one KMC chain link would lead to so much damage!
R.