Bike Lake Ontario 2007 – Conclusion
The accident scene
Sunday, July 8, at about 9 am, we were just over 4 miles down the road from where we had stayed outside Ogdensburg, New York. A vehicle coming from the opposite direction crossed the center line and headed directly for Sally Jo who was riding a little ways behind me. The impact was terrifying, and I (Ron) watched as the vehicle continued on striking an electric pole and rolling over spilling its contents all over the place. It was obvious that Sally Jo was seriously injured, but she was alert and responding. Other people came running up immediately, and emergency help was soon on the scene. At that point it felt to me like there was a whole host of angels around us.
Sally Jo was transported to a nearby hospital and then transferred to the University Hospital in Syracuse, New York 13210. Her injuries were serious, but not as bad as was first feared. Her spleen was bleeding and initial CAT scans showed a large gash in her pancreas. Several bone fractures were also identified, the most serious being the top of her pelvis that included a large open wound. Thankfully she did not suffer any head or neck injuries.
Intensive Care
Surgery began at 11 pm that night and concluded at 4 am Monday. They were able to stop the bleeding of the spleen and determined that the gash in the pancreas was just a fold or dimple. So that was wonderful news. The orthopedic surgeon repaired her pelvic bone and closed the wound, but it continued to leak fluids for several days. On Thursday she was ready and had surgery for broken bones in two other areas: her upper left arm and her ankle. In addition they installed a special foam pump to drain the fluids and help her hip wound heal. Friday was a difficult day because they had to leave the ventilator in due to fluid build-up in her body and lungs, but by Friday evening they were able to take it out and start her on a liquid diet again. Since then things began to improve more, and on Sunday, one week after the accident, she was finally transferred out of intensive care and into a regular hospital room.
Out of ICU
After one week Sally Jo was moved out of intensive care and into a regular hospital room. She was also placed on a normal diet.
Even though far from home, we were overwhelmed by all of the support we received both from strangers as well as friends, relatives, and their many connections. There were also many flowers and many, many cards, e-mails, and phone calls.
Near the end of the second week Sally Jo was started on rehab and continues to make very good progress.
Epilogue
Ten weeks after the accident we were back on the road using borrowed 3-wheelers that could be hooked together in tandem. In December we enjoyed hiking in Arizona mountains. In May, 2008, Sally Jo got her new replacement bicycle and christened it with a 23-mile ride near home. We are all set-up for more biking adventures!
