"Motorcycle accident/Hip replacement."

I was supposed to be Marshalling at Classic Motorcycle Event on outskirts of Chesterfield. Plan was to ride a siting lap and report any issues in course, and choose a spot to control. Dropped down to far corner of 2 mile course and found a way through boggy ground, came to a clearing to climb up and out. In my mind I had done the hard bit, climb should be straight forward. Went over an exposed tree root  rear tyre lost all grip on. Bike slid out, against camber, to left, I fell heavily to right. Helmet bashing into one of the few rocks, right leg trapped under bike. No problem, I thought. Helmet had done it's job and so had boots. For some reason I was struggling pulling leg out tho. Didn't look trapped. Pushed bike away with left leg. Still couldn't really move right. Excruciating pain when I tried to move. None if still.

At this stage, I'm sat on floor, nobody near me and thinking what on earth is a 65 year old bloke doing here in this situation. To say I felt stupid doesn't even start to describe feelings. I've had injuries, and bad ones, in past but this is so stupid, pointless, and embarrassing. I was down, and not just sat. 

After a few moments another Marshall (Dean) found me. He was doing the sensible thing and walking the course, explaining that he was doing so because he had broken 4 ribs just feet from my off. It helped. A bit. 

I'd already worked out I wasn't walking out the woods. Course Ambulance crew arrived and began assessment. They were great but quickly agreed my hip was broken but they were incapable of getting me out. Perhaps Chesterfield Ambulance now on way would manage it. I'd guess 20 mins later the crew from that vehicle arrived. Confirmed assessment and within a few seconds requested Mountain Rescue via radio/phone. Pain killers and entonox were offered but I felt I'd rather save those for the journey out. The morning seemed to be dragging and the wait for mountain rescue eternal. In reality everything was happening amazingly quickly and when this group did arrive actions to get me out were almost immediate. All involved were superb. A massive thank you to Ambulance Crews, Mountain Rescue, event organisers and riders. I didn't hear a single negative comment, which could easily have been felt. I, d now delayed the event by hours. Special thanks to Pete for keeping spirits up and entertain us all. 

MR got me into an inflatable sleeping bag and then onto some kind of one wheeled trailer. I was soon hovering over the ground, sucking heavily on entonox, and for some odd reason the Image of Maximus in Gladiator hovering through a field, eyes skyward kept appearing. Bet the crew carrying me didn't quite see the same image. He was stroking wheat as he floated, I was clutching the entonox to make sure I didn't scrape the floor. It worked. I was safe in the Ambulance in a few minutes. In reality nothing to do with the entonox, purely down to efforts of all those involved. Reality was pain and prospects of a long recovery. I'll wait and stick with entonox and a smile on my face. 

I believe we arrived at hospital around 12.30 (Sunday) but can't explain where that time had passed. Seemed minutes. Within 30 mins I, d been processed, X rayed, questioned and examined. Within another 30 minutes we were informed hip was broken and that only option was complete renewal. Reality again. Oh dear. Ahwell, could be worse. That new helmet probably saved my life and the expensive boots saved my ankle. Feelings of embarrassment gave way to one of wasting what remained of summer. But there will be another. 

At this point a young Doctor introduced himself to me as I'm just an A and E doctor. I asked his first name, I think it was Ejake. I told him there's no such thing as just a doctor. 

Ejake, you are a doctor who happens to work in A & E. He laughed and suggested I might change my mind after he's administered the nerve block in my groin. He nearly changed my mind, but the block worked for 12 hours. Then, onto the Ward. Robinson. The staff, without exception were incredible. I don't know how they have the patience. Saying that first night was painful, interesting and entertaining would be like saying I'd hurt my leg a bit on Sunday morning. 

I'm convinced 2 chaps on that ward slept all day purely to talk to themselves all night. I've never met anyone ever in my past capable of talking about apples, without repetition or pause, for 40 minutes. Amazingly they had this same talent on other subjects. They proclaimed  that the last bus had hit their arm but not stopped. I assumed this comment directed at me. So I asked which bus?

The National express that has just driven through the ward, they replied. 

Somebody countered

Ah, they don't stop, ever, perhaps Chesterfield one will. 

On a visit, this is interesting. On a night you are trying to sleep it's frustrating. But working continually with it must be hard work. Respect to all trying. You all deserve medals. 

I was on surgery list for following day. Great. 

Monday arrived soon enough but waiting for surgery dragged. Getting break stabilised was all I could think about. I was taken to surgery around 3pm,where greeted by

Ah, welcome, a lifestyle change is recommended for you. From Mr Williams before performing what so far appears to be a perfect operation. The difference between pre and post op pain wise was incredible. 

So story so far. 

Broke hip

Operated 

Home the following day.

Four days bed rest with exercises. Painful but reality improving.