The Fall

The Fall:

I must admit I worried about a bike mishap on this trip. In fact there have been no close calls, the drivers are very polite and respectful.

Yesterday I awoke with atrial tachycardia, I am on medication and fortunately my fast heart rate is controlled with beta blockers. It is generally self-limited but for some reason it persisted.

It was about 3 pm and Craig and the Butlers had just returned from a solid session of fast riding, I had just completed the last two blogs. I remember deciding I should get into the shower before the rest of the group got back.

Next I saw Scott’s concerned face asking me what day it was. Craig was applying pressure to a large cut on the back of my skull. Evidently I had fallen backwards going up the stairs, my fall was broken by my shoulders but I struck the bottom part of the stairs. I was wearing my heart monitor and although not at the usual 65 beats per minute it was in the 80’s.

The crew on this boat are very good. Scott has just completed a first aid course and he quickly swung into action, Martin brought his car around, towels controlled my bleeding, Deborah comforted me as we sped to the local clinic, normally a half hour away which we covered in 20 mins.

The hospital was clean; there was a single booking clerk and 4 patients ahead of me. I took a seat on a wheel chair and was quite a sight, towel blood stained and my white shirt out of a horror movie. They let us go in front of the que as I appeared to be the most distressed.

She introduced herself as: “Dr. Casanova, and that’s no joke.” She was mid 30’s fluent in English and her history was efficient and appropriate. The lesion was closed with 10 staples.

I harkened back to my old hockey days. Then, sutures were a badge of battle and honor. This was no exception as my scalp was clipped together without local anesthetic.

Of course the reason for my fall could only be speculated, the cardiogram did not show unexpected changes, my blood work showed no signs of heart damage. There were suggestions that I stay overnight which I resisted.

We returned to the boat in time for dinner.

I was able to share with the group the Dr. Casanova had assured me that the cut was deep but she did not see any brains!

Butler piped in that I had yet again used one of my lives.

McGuire complained that my fall and the ensuing ruckus had delayed him getting his beer for an hour!

Carol chuckled as Brian lent me his hat after dinner to cover my bandages. It is one of his prized possessions and of course I devalue it by saying he reminds me of Henry Fonda’s fishing hat in “On Golden Pond”. Unfortunately someone commented that I looked like Mr. MaGoo wearing it.

Things are returning to normal, I imagine security at the airport will be alarmed with my metallic content.

I am not riding today although I feel fine.

“ And so it goes”.Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughter House Five.