ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: mimoore on August 30, 2009, 02:42:48 pm
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Hello Gang,
Okay so I am almost 15 months post op. We were cleaning out the garage and I thought I would try to ride my bike and I did it - no problem! ;D :D ;) :) ;D :P
Keep in mind that my balance is about 85%. I still bump into door frames at night, or I take corners too sharp in the kitchen and crash into the counter. I have countless bruises but it doesn't stop me.
Moving forward and not letting any AN get in my way!
Michelle ;D
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Michelle:
That's great news!! I haven't gotten on a bicycle in years. But, I do wonder if I can ride a bike now.
Syl
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You are an inspiration, Michelle! I will try riding my bike today.
Eve
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Hi Michelle,
Great news and truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
Vivian
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Yeah, Michelle! Keep up the good work!
Clarice
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YAY Michelle!!!
I'm impressed and happy for you that you managed to meet this milestone. I've thought of getting back on my bike but haven't had the nerve, possibly I will when the weather gets cooler. It just goes to show you can do anything if you are determined enough. Good for you!!!
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Congratulations, Michelle!
This is an important victory. I'm sure I could ride a bicycle again but don't have one and don't know anyone who does. I'll get my hands on a bike one of these days and try it. I trust that I'll be as successful as you. Thanks for the inspiration! :)
Jim
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Thanks I can see you cheering me on from the driveway!
Next to skydive...haha just kidding!!! ::) ::)
Michelle ;D
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Awesome! That's my next venture too. I haven't been on a bicycle since the surgery, but when the weather cools some, gonna give it a try! Of course, that's not until at least October, maybe November. Oh, and I'm still bumping into door frames too. For me, it's always too sharp of a turn rather than too wide. Wonder if it's the same for everyone?
Ernie
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Michelle: I am so happy for you ! I've been thinking about bike riding...
also, thinking about skydiving - no kidding !! (a co-worker wants to do it).
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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That's terrific Michelle! My neurotologist told me that when you can ride a bike, your balance issues are not a problem!! This summer, my husband bought us a tandem and that has been a blast, but next summer - I'm definitely getting on my own bike - you'll be my inspiration!!!!!
Kathy
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Go Michelle! Next thing we know you will be on a unicycle.
Sara
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Go Michelle! Next thing we know you will be on a unicycle.
Sara
Sara took the words right out of my mouth! (I am actually trying out a unicycle- but just not mastering it yet... :-\)
WEAR A HELMET!
DHM
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We have AN`s ! Since I`ve found out about mine if there is something I have the urge to do I`m going to attempt to do it. Way to go Michelle! Go for it. Having this make you realize life is to short not to go for it. Best Wishes, Mickey
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... or you could try a triathlon! a unicycle sounds plenty difficult to me!
Good work! Glad the biking worked out - good for you!
Keri
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Great to hear the cheerful news, Michelle. Bet it made you smile, too. :)
Steve
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Hi Michelle,
I too was pretty worried about riding a bike after surgery but I wasn't going to let anything stop me from trying. The first few rides were pretty scary but I survived. My only real problem is trying look back over my shoulder to see if any cars are coming behind me. The first time I tried that I almost crashed! I still have issues with that but I realized it's better to look where I am going, instead of looking where I have just been! Keep on riding, it does get better over time. Happy trails! Ann
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Congrats on the milestone, Michelle!
It's not always easy to ride a bike post op, but with patience and determination it can be done.
Once you master the skill again, it won't leave you.
Happy pedaling ;D
Jan
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Getting on my bike is next on my list of things to do too! My husband got it out for me the other day, but I decided to wait until the whole neighborhood wasn't outside to witness this momentous, and possibly humiliating event! I'm thinking 2am should be safe! :D
My 6 year old said that since she can ride her bike without training wheels now, I could put them on my bike. I hope we don't have to resort to that. I suppose she'd make me wear the Disney princess helmet too! :-[
Lori
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Lori .....
I loved the imagery of the training wheels and Disney princess helmet! ;D
Clarice
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Ah Lori... you would look cute in a Disney Princess Helmet. ;) ;D
DHM
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Michelle,
what can I say? CONGRATS to you!!!!!!!!!!! :-* :-* Fab news! I can't even ride a bike and tickled you can..... enjoy!
Phyl
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Lori .....
I loved the imagery of the training wheels and Disney princess helmet! ;D
Clarice
Now that is something I'd pay to see. Any chance you'll post pictures on the Forum, Lori? ;D
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I can ride a stationary bike, with no hands ::)
Anne Marie
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Jan, not a chance.
You'll have to catch me in the act and take your own picture! :P
Lori
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Michelle,
Congratulations on the milestone. Riding a bike for the (second) first time can definitely be challenging. Like Ann said, I also ventured way off course when looking over my shoulder the first couple of times... Be carefull out there.
I'm glad I did the skydiving thing already (3 or 4 years ago)....... I don't think my eye, ear, or mouth would be able to handle the air rushing by at such great speeds :o.
Good luck on your future endeavors.
Joe B.
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Like Ann said, I also ventured way off course when looking over my shoulder the first couple of times... Be carefull out there.
Thanks for the advice Joe. I still cannot walk and look over my shoulder without stumbling so it is a challenge on my bike. A mirror, yes I will buy a mirror. I live in the country so I could fall into a ditch or run into a deer. YIKES!
Michelle :o
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Hi Michelle,
Forgot to mention one more thing. Never leave home without a cell phone. That way if you do crash (heaven forbid), you can call 911. Have Fun! Ann
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Good advice Ann!
I don't think my husband would let me go alone... he was a wreck when I drove down our street alone.
Michelle :o
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Hi Michelle
Just take it slow and you'll be fine. Ask your hubby to ride with you? That could be fun! Take care, Ann
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Thanks Donnalynn,
That was so nice of your husband. It is a nice feeling though when you can do things on your own. I feel like I am one of my kindergarten students "I CAN DO IT!" ;D
Yes, I wear a helmet and bring my husband, when I decide that I am brave enough to go on my own then I can bring my phone. Good you wear a helmet, you girls and your pink helments hehehe!
Hey that would be awesome if we lived near each other, we could start a bike club. I can see it now a bunch of us weaving all over the road and people thinking we are riding our bikes drunk! :o
Take care, happy riding!
Michelle ;D
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Not to steal your thunder Michelle, but wanted to let you know, I got on my bike this morning....I did it! Didn't go far because I needed to get back to watch the kids so James could go to work, but I just needed to prove to myself I could do it. ;D No training wheels needed!
Lori
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Yahooooooooooo Lori! Feels good eh? Knowing that our AN has not taken our life away from us! We are strong!!!!!!!!
Wish we could ride together. Let's try no hands next! Hehe
Michelle ;D
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Congratulations, Lori!
And thanks Michelle for being her inspiraton! ;D
Jan
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Michelle, maybe we can ride and meet half way! By then, we'll be too tired to ride any more though! :D And I don't think I could ride with no hands before!
Donnalynn, going out to buy a new helmet this week - one more thing that hasn't been uncovered after the move. I'm sure it'll turn up after I buy a new one.
Lori
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going out to buy a new helmet this week
Lori
Will it be sporting Disney characters??
(Sorry Phyl, I'm trying to behave, but I couldn't just let that one go :D )
Put the bullwhip away!
Jan
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Will it be sporting Disney characters??
Oh I like Jiminy Cricket ...although I have yet to spot a helmet with this as a motif...
My next choice for my disney helmet would be Sally from Pixar's Cars.
http://disney.go.com/cars/#/characters/sally
So Jan- what is on your helmet? ... ;) ;D
BTW
Way to go LORI!!
DHM
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So Jan- what is on your helmet? ... ;) ;D
DHM
Actually I don't wear a helmet (GASP!!! :o)
Guess I'm just a bad example to my children!
Jan
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Actually I don't wear a helmet (GASP!!! :o)
Guess I'm just a bad example to my children!
DOUBLE Gasp! :o
You had micro-surgery- yes?
You have big stress fracture points from the craniotomy... one fumble off the bike and it is game over... Jan you need to buy a bike helmet!
DHM
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Yes I had brain surgery - and a BAHA implant.
I have a helmet - very nice shade of mint green. Don't wear it. Old habits die hard.
I make it a point not to ride in traffic, and I wear my BAHA so I am aware of my surroundings.
That's the best I can do. We've all got to go some time ;)
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Naughty Jan!
What would you kids do if you had a cracked skull and were in serious shape? As long as others depend on you - you should wear a helmet.
WEAR the helmet JAN!!!
... I was thinking how the baha would fair with a helmet. Does the abutment rub on the helmet?
DHM
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Congrats to those that can ride a bike.!!!!!!!
I have been back on my bike for about a year now. We usually take them to the local park that has a great set off bike trails. I can ride for about 5 miles before my head starts getting funky. I still get very nervous when the park get busy though, I"m always afraid that I will hit some one or fall into them. The one thing I still have an issue with is trying to ride and turn my head to see what's coming up behind me so I really don't like riding on the road yet.
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... I was thinking how the baha would fair with a helmet. Does the abutment rub on the helmet?
DHM
The BAHA abutment does not rub on a helmet, but you can't wear your processor when wearing a helmet - not enough room inside.
Jan
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Sorry Jan, I must side with DHM on this one. I'm an avid biker, 80 to 100 miles weekly and would never consider going without a helmet. I know it's a little challenging being SSD, but accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Even without having had the craniotomy, you've got to protect your head. Better to go without the BAHA. I'm accustomed to watching/hearing(from the right ear) for my surroundings. Would be nice if a helmet could be designed to fit with the BAHA, but don't think there's a big global demand for that. Anyway, be safe.
Patrick
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Patrick, I think you've actually convinced me.
Thanks for your input and your concern :)
Jan
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Isn't there a closet industry of interesting AN products going on here somewhere? It seems to me that a BAHA bike helmet would be a great new product. Maybe even a model for TransEar?
Sara
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DHM,
Jan told me that if something happens to her, she's sending the kids to live with you! ;D Twin teenagers - how hard can that be? :D
I'm hoping for something a little on the plain side for a helmet....but if I had to get a Disney character - I'd have to go with Tigger. Or maybe Goofy would be more appropriate. And before anyone bothers to type it - it won't be Dopey!!!
Lori
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Lori,
Ew awe Amazon Britain has the perfect helmet for you ;D
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Disney-Winnie-Pooh-Tigger-Helmet/dp/B001LCYRZK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
Hey check out this bike to match ;)
http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Winnie-Pooh-Tigger-12-Inch/dp/B000HDJWWC
(I want one just like this -only a bigger size)
Hey they even have helmets now for pirates! ::)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sport-Direct-Bicycle-Helmet-£24-99/dp/B001MTLZKC/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0
Here is one for the motocross types that don’t like to pedal
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/17871/ITEM/KBC-Ed-Hardy-Pirate-VR-2-Helmet.aspx
Twin teenage girls huh. :-\ Well my hat goes off to JAN- but the bicycle helmet stays on during bike rides. ;) :D
DHM
P.S. I cannot find a Goofy helmet ANYWHERE?
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Lori: way to go on the biking ! ! I'm still a bit scared to try, so I've started Yoga - I can't help chuckling every time I 'keel over !'
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Twin teenage girls huh. :-\ Well my hat goes off to JAN-
Actually my twins are a boy and a girl ;D But they are definitely teenagers! ::)
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Actually my twins are a boy and a girl ;D But they are definitely teenagers! ::)
MORE reason to wear a helmet!!! ;)
DHM
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I have to say I'm impressed with all of you who can ride a bike. I haven't gotten up the nerve to try yet -- I can ride a exercise bike though and I don't need a helmet for that. ;D I too am a bad example to my kids, I never used a helmet when I did go bike riding. After reading all the comments here, I may have to change my ways before I try to ride a bike that moves. Congratulations to those of you brave enough to get out there and ride. If I ever feel up to it again, my real goal is to go horseback riding again. I haven't gone in years, but since finding out about my AN last year and having surgery, etc., I'm kind of obsessed with the idea. I guess I'll need a helmet for that too though.
Wendy
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Nancy,
We should go to yoga together! I nearly knocked the whole back row of people over like dominoes when I tried to balance on one foot! We could start our own "full contact yoga" class! :D
Wendy - definitely wear a helmet for horseback riding!
DHM - so many choices......
Lori
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Lori: that is too funny ('full contact Yoga' !). Isn't it funny how you just keel over with certain moves ?
I'm keeping at it to continue to improve my balance (which is pretty good if I do say so !).
Always good thoughts, Nancy