Well it's official. I can no longer ride a bike. It turns out that the crash I had two Thursdays ago finished me off. My bottom two Vertabrae in my spine are Crush Fractured. That along with my scholiosis(however its spelled), arthritis, twists, and bad genetics have weakened my spine too much. Both specialists have told me if I have another crash even a minor one, that I will be paralyzed. I can't lift anything over 10 pounds and have to do nothing for at least a month. After that I can start light resistance training with no impact. Even after my muscles are strengthened I can't do anything that will jar me. They told me no more bmx or mountain biking period. So I guess I'll just be there to support instead of ride. I don't know why I'm rambling, I guess to get it off my chest. Also I guess I'm going to sell my bike and stuff. I just ordered a new set of Saint Cranks. Anyway I guess I'll see everyone at the track.
Dave Williams
My downfall
Dave 
Man, I don't know what to say. Any injury is tough, whether a bruise, sprain, or broken bone. But something like this is.... wow.
Is there any type of "fusion" surgery or anything that can be done?
No matter what, it's good to know you'll still be getting around, though it may not be on a bike.
Man, I don't know what to say. Any injury is tough, whether a bruise, sprain, or broken bone. But something like this is.... wow.
Is there any type of "fusion" surgery or anything that can be done?
No matter what, it's good to know you'll still be getting around, though it may not be on a bike.
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
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Curtis Newkirk
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That is really horrible news Dave and I am very sorry to hear it.
I worked at University Orthopedic Center (UOC) and one of the docs there, Dr. Darrel Brodke, was doing some experimental surgery with titanium vertibrae. Mind you, this was not ti disk fusion, but actual vertibrae to replace the crushed bone. I got to hold the prototype that Biomed dropped off. It was really pretty neat.
I seem to recall that the surgery costs a lot of money and is not suported by the insurance companies since it is experimental. This was almost two years ago though so maybe that has changed. I did find out that if insurance does not pick up the tab the biomed manufacturer ususally does as an investment to get the procedure validated so insurance will pick up future cases.
I am not sure what hospitals your insurance company covers, but you might want to consider speaking with a teaching hospital like the U. While I am not the biggest fan of the U hospital system, the UOC is top-notch and has only the best docs working there. They do quite a few experimental proceedures and are well known in sports medicine.
I hope all works out for you Dave. Keep me posted.
I worked at University Orthopedic Center (UOC) and one of the docs there, Dr. Darrel Brodke, was doing some experimental surgery with titanium vertibrae. Mind you, this was not ti disk fusion, but actual vertibrae to replace the crushed bone. I got to hold the prototype that Biomed dropped off. It was really pretty neat.
I seem to recall that the surgery costs a lot of money and is not suported by the insurance companies since it is experimental. This was almost two years ago though so maybe that has changed. I did find out that if insurance does not pick up the tab the biomed manufacturer ususally does as an investment to get the procedure validated so insurance will pick up future cases.
I am not sure what hospitals your insurance company covers, but you might want to consider speaking with a teaching hospital like the U. While I am not the biggest fan of the U hospital system, the UOC is top-notch and has only the best docs working there. They do quite a few experimental proceedures and are well known in sports medicine.
I hope all works out for you Dave. Keep me posted.
Last edited by Curtis Newkirk on Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
~Curtis
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justinsbmxmom
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Dave, You're not just rambling. You're talking to family. That's what Utah BMX is all about. You have an awesome support group here for you. You're spirit and support to this sport is an important asset! Good luck with everything. I hope you're not suffering. Back problems are the WORST!
Jenni - SE Ridin' BMX Chic
I'm really sorry to hear that Dave. I always enjoyed running behind you in all those races this year! Maybe sometime down the road something like Curtis mentioned could fix you back up! I think I can speak for everyone when I say we really like having you around! Don't you dare not come out to the track anymore!!! I also thank you for supporting us out at Ogden!!! I don't know what else to say. This is pretty hard pill to swallow!
Dan
Dan
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