Nearly killed by hit & run, please pray for me.

[03Z1R]

EXTREME RANT WARNING, sorry, I blame meds. I haven't been on since sep 28... here's why;

Around 1:30 am, on September 30th last year, while heading home to my girlfriends after work, I had just gotten on the interstate 101, northbound from mcdowell, and after a quick spool up to cruising speed (@70 indicated) -I realized it was too cold to be out in without leathers, especially to make a 25+ mile trek north especially with plans to return later still (I was glad the temp gave call for them.) So, I stayed in the on/off lane but noted headlights closing rapidly from the ramp behind me and figured it must be a cop enroute to a scene. Having decided to roll down to the next exit, take a cruise to my home (about 3 miles away) to suit up and get back on the road, I stayed in about the rightmost third of the far right lane and took the Thomas exit as while rolling off the gas, I noticed that the vehicle closing on me was coming across 2 or 3 lanes and attempting to exit as well, looking over my left shoulder I saw it was no cop car. I was hit when a brown, beat-to-shit, early '80's Nissan screamed by me, passing me on a one-lane interstate offramp and clipping my left barend. The bike leapt to the right about a foot, landed in a path parallel to my chosen and the front end went nuts, my hands were thrown off the controls and I scrambled desperately to get ahold of the bars. The rear brake affect was weak but I managed not to skid. In less than an instant, my life was forever changed. The exit veered left and I was airborne as the gravel-covered embankment built up for the roadway sloped away towards a concrete lined drainage canal 30+ feet wide and 10+ feet deep. Thankfully, I don't recall the next two seconds, but Highway Patrol recreationalists say the bikes front dug into the embankment and I was catapulted over 250ft bouncing through gravel and finally into the empty canal. Upon being shot over the bars, the right mirror; like a mellon-baller, took a 5"+ diameter, 3/4" deep super scoop out of my right leg, just outside the knee, gouging and exposing the cap and knuckle of both bones. My clothes were tattered, as was the flesh beneath. My boot sole was separated. Both wrists were shattered as were most fingers, some partially amputated, my ankles were disjointed and my backside deeply gouged. Numerous other open injuries occured and I came to rest in a half inch or so of fertilizer/waste/mud with a tiny trickle of farm field run off water where I lay unconscious for a brief time. Upon awakening, I stood and staggered about briefly, looking for the bike before discovering the mangled remains of my hands and seeing fingers broken off sideways and hanging by tendons. Looking down my left forearm, 8+ inches of the ulna were exposed, I could see through my left palm, and the right hand was about the same, tendons and bones visible up and down the length of the arm. My right hand was 90 degrees out of line with the wrist and arm bones, blood flowed everywhere. I muttered, then yelled; "you gotta be kidding me!! YOU'VE GOT TO BE ....... KIDDING ME!!!" unable to exit the canal I began yelling for help. An older, mexican-looking fellow appeared after a few minutes and shouted down at me to "get the hell outta there!!" I yelled at him to call for help. He left, I tried to cop a squat on my helmet, missed, and lapsed in and out of consciousness a few times before an ambulance crew showed up. The crew reported my condition to the pd enroute to St Joes and DPS (Highway) sent a fatality specialist to the scene. They tried to get my name and such, but I wouldn't shut up about the brown nissan p/u. I remember wanting someone to make a note of it, and became angy when being asked other, insignificant (to me) questions instead of making that point. DPS sent a cop to do a dui/drug check on me and see how high I was, (not) then, finally, they gave me a shot of something that made everything below my neck disapear. Apparently, the cop then took a statement from me (now high as a kite) but somehow missed the reference to, the brown nissan, instead concentrating on anything else in the roadway. A few hours later, my name still unknown, I lapsed into a coma, after a few days my identity was found and my sister (from FL) was contacted for permission to amputate my hands, she declined and got ahold of my girlfriend after recovering my cell phone. G/f is a nurse and had been mad that I hadn't called over a week, but sis filled her in and she saw me through the bulk of the following; coming out of a weeklong coma, coming off a ventilator, 17 or so hand surgeries; (whatever $1.3M buys) donor muscles/tendons bloodvessels transplanted from left leg, 2+ square feet of skin grafted from both legs to other sites, numerous debriedments, 8 or 9 transfusions, 3 times hearing; "he may not survive the next hour", weeks of seeing me shaking under a pile of blankets lapsing a month where I could keep nothing down, nightmares of penguins with bills like scissoring steak knives tearing apart my hands, hours of crying, screaming moaning in pain. I finally remembered the accident in early November. The bike is totalled, flipped through gravel, stopped on canals lip. My "hands" are a sick joke. Social security and welfare want me to fill out forms. Mortage is months behind, ditto bills, one creditor calls daily, even after I explained that I have no money for them, but they come right after the roof over my head, my sons stomach, the lights gas phone, the jeep, aol and the rest of $2700+ monthly bills short term disability (teamsters, disapointing) put $544 per month (not week) toward. Whats gonna be comical is the half-handed guy trying to move his shit to storage via Uhaul when I get foreclosed/sellout. Over 17 years, I've dropped bikes, I've dumped, wiped out, been flung hiside and crushed under this and that. Never like this. I've heard numerous times that I'm lucky to be alive, but while I suppose I'm glad I'm not looking out of a vegetable, this isn't "luck" -quite the contrary, "lucky" is seeing me from the outside as perfectly healthy nurses have. Hell, "luck" would've been passing painlessly and in midair from this earth, before the combined forces of gravity and inertia deformed me and ground me to shreds. I just knew I had my gloves on, I always wore them... but, nope. Every day and night I pray and beg God for another chance, to live forward from Sept 29th, 2003, in this body and with all else as it was then, but knowing what I know now. I don't wanna win lotto, I don't need 3 wishes, I'd feel better if I could even have a few minutes to appear at the on ramp the minute before I shot up it, wave myself down if I have to scream at "me" and holding the helmet as it is now, briefly explain 100 reasons I should ease onto the highway... ..as that little nissan sings by... I'll likely never ride again. I have gained some insight regarding why some guys won't wear a helmet, they know they couldn't live like this... if it weren't for hoping I can still be there for and raise my son grows to be a smarter, healthier, happier man than me; I would've made myself some rat poison pancakes by now. My life isn't special, maybe I wasn't grateful when I was truly blessed, or maybe God is like a kid with a magnifying glass on an anthill on a sunny day, and if thats the case I hope he saw what he wanted happen. If there is a heaven, it will be like living forth from the day before, preventing the accident, and maybe kicking Gods ass in a boxing match because I couldn't see anyone in a position/condition praying to me and not getting my help asap... I wish all you who ride the best, I pray for you, and am grateful for any prayers you could find in your hearts for me. Maybe someday I'll get at least my sense of humor back. Sincerely, 03wadofZ1Rmetal.crybaby.comADMINS NOTE: Eric took his life on Friday, June 4, 2004 due to depression and hopelessness brought on by this accident. If you would like to contribute to his 7 year old son's trust fund, please see the details here: http://www.zrxoa.org/forums/showthre...threadid=57567

[rwynant]

I hope things get better for you!! It really sucks when you get taken out by someone who just doesn't give a sh^t.

Keep a positive attitude, push the doctors to do what's best for you...and continue healing!

Good luck, our prayers are with you.

[BlkZrx]

At the moment I'm a bit overwhelmed as to how to respond to your post.......

[Schastleevo]

Damn dude, that was nasty. I wish you the best with what fate has decided to give you. I've had some nasty accidents, one where I've lost a day or two due to unconsciousness, but nothing like yours.

[Barney Fife]

Hope somehow things get better for ya.

[chuckc]

Damn, Z!

That is the sickest story I have ever read on this board. I wish I had never seen it, and I am very very very sorry that you had to write it.

Get well soon doesn't seem to be good enough here. WTF - there aren't any words.

[ClayX]

WOW. Man I'm blown away. Makes you really want to watch, but I don't think watching
would have done anything.

The fact that you gave your story to us, is a big step.

Thanks for taking the time to do it.

man, wow,man,wow............
I don't pray much, but you got one coming.........

[zrexg12]

i am so sorry to hear of your tragedy!! i can read in your post that you are a very strong person and that you've made it though all this because of your strength. unfotunately your fight is not over, it has just begun. your story should give all of us perspective on the fragility of our existance and the power of our will to endure extreme adversity. please dont give up!! i have considered the consequence of debilitating injuries such as yours after a couple close calls myself. i would like to think i would be half as tough as you and try to maintain a positive attitude towards life and work at picking up the pieces. as your body heals you will find new ways to accomplish the daily tasks we take for granted. your mind and spirit will take a lot longer. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!!

[RK-REX]

I don't know what to say man, I really don't...

Just try to stay as positive as circumstances allow.

[tex rex]

Damn, that brings up some overwhelming emotions. Makes my 5mph dump and it's complications seem very minor and insignificant. Hopefully you'll find ways to overcome any obstacles in your way and enjoy all the things left in life for you.

Best wishes
Tony

[SchroRex]

Keep healing and let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.

[JacksonH]

Damn. That is just stunning. You will be in my prayers, Keep fighting. I am just at a loss for anything useful to say. JacksonH

[randalldavis]

This is got to be the worst.....I am very glad you were able to share your story.
I very much hope someone finds the person who did this to you.

Please keep the faith....Life is precious.
This really makes me feel small.
Thanks for sharing

[Jerry]

Wow!! Unbelievable! Did they ever catch the SOB in the Nissan? Probably drunk that time of the morning! Whats your name? I'll keep you in my prayers.
Man, really makes you think about riding!!

[antvas1963]

Ill say a prayer for you and your family. I know it may not seem like much but at least your son still has his dad around. I certainly hope theres a special place in hell for people who hit and run.

[Tinner Briman]

..... meaning in your life. There is a reason you lived, it might be to deliver a message to your fellow mandkind and to raise your son. May peace be with you my friend.

You are in my thoughts, Tinner

[CowasockeeSteve]

Originally posted by BlkZrx
At the moment I'm a bit overwhelmed as to how to respond to your post.......

That's the most devastating story..........it really wakes a person up to what can happen in the blink of an eye.


I'm gonna go hug my family.

[Jeff N]

Damn.



Damn.

You are in my thoughts right now, overwhelmed as they are.

[JustaSpeedfreak]

You certainly have my prayers for a speedy, complete recovery. It sounds like you have a strong belief in God and I'm quite sure he hears you and knows what is going on in your life.

[ZBADUS437]

Your life is special and you are truly blessed to be around for your son.

[Kenny]

........... I can only pray for you at this moment. I was t-boned by a drunk almost a month ago,why I was lucky and not others I don't know. One thing I do know in my 50 years is I've been to the bottom. And you have to. But keep the faith man. You are special and worth everything. If there is anything you want to ask of me,just do it.

[JuS2FuNKeE]

As stated by others...

Words fail me. You're a strong man, hang in there, I believe as others, things will work out, and although your life may be forever different, it is no less valuable.

More than one prayer is coming from me...

God Bless, bro.
I wish you the best.

[jvegas]

Guess you were left here for a reason, hope that reason comes to you one day. Glad your son still has you.

[Rex Magnum-PI]

Thank you for sharing / maybe we all can take something from your story somehow. I'm praying for you, brother. May you be blessed with peace, strength, and wisdom.

[Motor 1]

Don't give up. Keep in touch on this board. The people here really do care. U are in our prayers. If u feel like it tell us your name. Take care, Rick

[Ciryan]

I absolutely floored by this horrible event, I'm so sorry that this happen. I'm at a loss for words except for Stay Strong man! You're in good company, we're here for you.

~Chris

[blkrdrcr]

Had to deal with mortality issues 2 years ago,stay strong.. You've been to the bottom as well as I have, no where to go but up now........

[FireyRed]

My gawd man...this all happened just down the road from where I live. I know the 101 has been the killing freeway since it opened, but it's pretty damn sobering to read an account such as yours.
I'm wishing you a speedy recovery, and hoping that you are not in too much pain as the days go by.

Fiery Red

[03Z1R]

I was going to post a pic of the bike, but don't know how to shrink bits, can I email it to someone? It's pretty bad, but recognizable, if I wasn't in my condition I'm sure I'd be trying to save her, engine at least, she wasn't 5 months old, but we'd logged almost 5K miles, she was such a smoother, stronger version of my first love, her great-aunt I guess, an '80 Z1-R, every ride was like coming home to a better place. Mushy nostalgia,.. sorry. But I have plenty of other stuff to keep me busy. I have pics of me too but they'd be better fit in the "offensive" section, I look like a case study for a flesh-eating disease. I re-read my post and realized it's somehow therapeutic and empowering to see in print an account of some of what I've been/am going through, and not just be overwhelmed with where in life I am. I hope I'm not misusing the board in finding some relief this way, but somehow, it helps get it out; to share. I also realized I left alot out and hope that in continuing to share details as best I can, I can somehow bring something more to light than fear and pain. I've had to wonder if I've just really had it coming for being an A.H. in a past life, or if life as I knew it will be returned to me as a reward for withstanding this.. or.. what.. I think I accounted for near half of the past 5 months and unless anyone objects, I'd like to continue and hopefully complete a recount, to date, of everything I can recall. I was septic for a month, dropping from 210 to 150lbs when the exasperated Dr's cultured every oozing wound I had. Surprisingly, I had Mucor-mycosis, which typically only affects elderly, unhealthy, diabetic patients with, ahem... "compromised immune systems" having thus far recieved 4-5 transfusions -while comatose, and as I am, I was sure of what was coming next and sure if positive, it was injected in infected blood, luckily, the HIV tests came out negative. I was simply beaten way way down in the immune department, and a deep gouge atop my R butt cheek had a pocket of the fungus, not virus, delivered in deep incision and difficult to debried. Between hand surgeries, I underwent 3 operations, each of which went deeper and deeper as infected flesh was removed. From right above my hip, to about mid-cheek, my ass looked like someone hit it with a roto-tiller, at one floor, the nurses took an instant pic, intent on comparing it several weeks later when it would begin to heal. I have never had a weak stomach, I've seen pain from births to deaths, but I blew chunks all over fresh linen when a student nurse pulled it off a high shelf and held it before me saying; "what's this? it looks like a pig liver..." the next day it was ok'ed to graft over. I could fit my fist in my socket, it's still nasty and weepy in one spot where the graft got pulled... ..how many other guys has anyone here ever known to wear a pantyliner? Ha ha, I do. I been on the rag for over three months. Somebody had to laugh there,.. I did. Never refuse air-powered squeezie socks if you can bear them, DVT's (deep vein throboses, "blood clots") suck. I'll be on blood thinners til maybe forever because I said "nah, thanks anyway" to nurse once and thought it was fun getting away from "procedure". Stupid is all it was. They actually felt pretty good gently massaging my mangled legs all night, but I was a tough guy, I didn't need no fru-fru massage, I was there to get better not pampered and lazy... if there's a Mr. Toughguy/Dumbass award, I should at least be a runner-up this year. My right elbow is locked up, since mid-November, at about 120 degrees. The joint calcified because it was excruciating at the wrist until weeks after some pins came out, and while they were in it was the same, I'd damn near pass out if it got moved, body said; "problem solved". Dr's now debating over whether to fix wrist or elbow first, since wrist bone fragments, being reabsorbed into the body, will again grind on nerves regardless of blah blah, unless yadi yadi.

Then there's another issue, or three.. but I have to stop here for now... I was supposed to have sat down here to put some stuff on ebay (sons helmet, gloves I wasn't wearing, shop manual etc) and put a link in the "For Sale" section if it seems appropriate. Trying to keep the lights on here is an adventure since my labor Union arbitrarily decides who they'll return calls to, and who our contract applies to and when... grr.. maybe tomorrow. Thanks again to any and all. I feel like a four-cylinder Escort with 200,000 miles whose owner switches to synthetic, I need all the help I can get and can't imagine prayers could hurt. Please and thank you. Sincerely, Eric.

[JustaSpeedfreak]

Originally posted by 03Z1R
I hope I'm not misusing the board in finding some relief this way, but somehow, it helps get it out; to share.

No misuse in my humble opinion, Eric. Post early, post often.

Originally posted by 03Z1R
I also realized I left alot out and hope that in continuing to share details as best I can, I can somehow bring something more to light than fear and pain.

I'm seeing a ton of courage and a strong will to live and get back on your feet. Keep on keeping on!