On a poorly planned and particularly aggressive bike ride, my bike slipped on its edge after crossing over a wet bridge. Clipped in, I fell with the bike and immediately felt road rash up my right side. But when I stood up, my left hand wasn't working. Dave rescued me and I wrapped my hand for the night with plans to see the Dr in the morning. There, I was shocked to find out that I was being referred to a hand surgeon. I didn't realize it but the break was significant. All the way through, an oblique fracture, and out of place - I begged the orthopedist to do his best to avoid surgery. He and his team went to great lengths to reset my thumb - hanging me by my thumb to do so but it didn't work the first time around. Advocating for myself, I asked him to reset and cast it again.I was so thankful for his willingness to do so and later found out he had a soft spot for cycling and had his own beloved Bianchi at home. It really was a miracle to me that I ended up with him. Typically a hip guy and not the original referral my doctor made, I did seek out the opinion of two hands specialists. Both of whom recommended surgery and who both admitted that they were unwilling to try more minimally invasive treatments - stating instead that they would utilize a plate and screws. He watched over my case and my anxieties well and I have been extremely happy with the results. The other blessing was the role of the stake president - a physician I didn't really know and never would've bothered. He inquired about my hand and offered to get me in with his hand guy for a second opinion. Desperate for facts to know if the decision I was making was okay, that consult was exactly what helped me feel at peace finally to go against doctor recommendations. Could I grip a waterski rope still? Yes. Would I be able to play the piano or type? Yes. Could I return to cycling? Yes.
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