Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Off the bike for a week

I just got back from the hospital. I feel better but tired and achy. I have stitches in three places in my front lip, and I bit my tongue pretty hard (although it wasn't bleeding there).

I woke up on the middle of the street in Highland Park, with the EMTs around me and my bike off to the side.

I'll be out of work for a few days, and due to painkillers, off the bike for several more. Waiting until I get the stitches out of my chin probably isn't the worst idea. (Should be early next week.)

Must rest now. Will post more later.

Soory to hear about it ! BUT what happened to you ? Or don't you know? :twitchy:

That must have been some party.

I'm pretty sure it was another seizure. I was riding to the bike shop at 11am. I turned left off the main road, then right. My memory blacks out at this point - as is usual before a seizure. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the middle of the street, flat on my back. There were EMTs around me, helping me collect myself, and later into the ambulance.

I bit nearly all the way through my front lip, I have stitches there and on the underside of my chin. My nose was bloody, and somehow I cracked a bone in my right ear (next to the ear canal).

They had to cut my clothes off me, as I was in no condition to undress. I lost a bike jacket, two base layers, a pair of arm warmers, underwear, and a pair of jeans.

Neil, hang in there bro. I'll pray for you.

I'm pretty sure it was another seizure. I was riding to the bike shop at 11am. I turned left off the main road, then right. My memory blacks out at this point - as is usual before a seizure. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the middle of the street, flat on my back. There were EMTs around me, helping me collect myself, and later into the ambulance.

This was not your first seizure? Do they have you on medication. When I had mine, they put me on depacote (sp?). Are you going to see a doctor and get an EEG?

This was not your first seizure? Do they have you on medication. When I had mine, they put me on depacote (sp?). Are you going to see a doctor and get an EEG?

Neil F. has been a person with epilepsy for a long time. And one of the toughest guys I know.

Neil, hang in there bro. I'll pray for you.

Me too.

Neil F. has been a person with epilepsy for a long time. And one of the toughest guys I know.

He'd have to be tough, at any moment, regardless of what he's doing, he could get clobbered mercilessly. That's some hardcore ****.

He'd have to be tough, at any moment, regardless of what he's doing, he could get clobbered mercilessly. That's some hardcore ****.

Yes, Neil F. is one tough dude. He'll get through this and be back.

Man thats some bad chit, Neil. Hope you get to feeling better.

Martha and I got the bike back from the Highland Park police station. The woman behind the desk recognized my name (I spoke with her on the phone) and she was very nice. The officer who brought me my bike was friendly and brought my my bike, handlebar bag, and helmet.

Hope you have a speedy recovery. :)

One of my college roommates had (still has) epilepsy. Scariest thing I've ever seen.

Heal quickly, Neil.

Hi my friend...

You and Martha are in our prayers.

How's it going today? Have you gotten past that "Did you get the license of the truck that hit me" feeling yet? I wouldn't worry too much about the stitches... Harrison Ford looks sexy with that scar on HIS chin. :) I wonder if bubble wrap makes a good base layer?

In all seriousness, you'll be fine (Fein?) and back on the bike in no time. (Which bike was it, BTW?)

Judy (and Libby and Jeff)

Heal quickly Neil!

My thoughts are with you as you recover.

But someone has to be the first to ask... How is the bike?

It was the new bike - a brand new Trek Pure Deluxe in British green. I haven't ridden it since I got it back, but it looks fine to me.

My beard should cover most of the scarring when it grows back in on my chin.

All this may help me figure out a name for the bike. Something relating to scarring, or blood, or eating pavement. Ideas, anyone?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3293569966_718536251c.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/neilfein/3293569966/)

Scars are tatooes with better stories. Glad you are ok.

Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever!
(movie line from the Replacements)
How about "Pure Glory" for your bikes name?

Heal fast Neil - glad you are back here!

Following that line of thought, I think just "Glory" works better.

I agree with Trebor - "Glory" works better.

So how are you doing, tough guy? How long until you are riding again?

Stitches come out today, I hope, but I'll need a few more days before I'm my usual chatty self. As to getting back on the bike, that depends on when I can stop taking painkillers. Mornings are the worst - I can barely open my mouth, let alone brush my teeth. It's a little better each morning, but it's slow progress.

I'm hoping that the side effects I'm getting - confusion and dizziness, mostly - are from the painkillers and not from the new epilepsy medication.

On the up side, my LBS has the new handlebars installed on the touring bike and they're waiting for me to stop by to get them set to my reach. Martha and I have a ride planned for March, and I better be ready for that!