copied from Gumby - its easier that way

[firerose10]

Ok for those who have heard or not heard here is what happened. At a little after 1200hrs Heather was on the inside lane of a left hand 90 degree turn with a dump truck in the outside lane. Who moved into who is for the accident investigator to decide, but Heather was clipped by the truck. As a result Heather was thrown off of the bike and sustained injuries consisting of; (1) broken ankle, extent unknown (orthopedics is going to examine before hospital discharge) but she is able to move her toes (2) three fractured (hairline) ribs (3) jarred shoulder resulting in diminished (but not permanent) use of right hand. She is being kept in hospital overnight for observation of a minor pneumothorax. Pneumothorax for those who don't know is a collapse of the lung due to an abrupt change in the intrapleural pressure within the chest cavity. This is generally not life threatening if the pressure is relieved (either on it's own or through a chest tube). As of 1730hrs primary emergency physician assigned to Heather confered with us (Heather and myself) that the pneumothorax was minor and that a chest tube would not be required unless pressure builds up to an unsafe point.

Heather is scheduled to be discharged from St. Joseph’s sometime tomorrow. We have plans to consult an attorney either tomorrow or Friday depending on how she is feeling. Once Heather is home I will have her post to give everyone an update.

Additional: If there is anyone with a truck & trailer, we will need to get the bike picked up either tomorrow or Friday. Whoever provides the towing service will be compensated with either their favorite beer or liquor, and gas money.

Please feel free to repost this so accurate facts can be disseminated.