Vital brother down (Torco1)

Torco1 wrote:

Hey guys, thank you all for thinking about me during this and hoping I'll be ok. This is one of the reasons why mx is the...

Hey guys, thank you all for thinking about me during this and hoping I'll be ok. This is one of the reasons why mx is the best sport on the planet. When we are racing or even just practicing or riding with friends we all want to win or be the best so it becomes every man for himself. As soon as someone gets hurt all of that goes right out the window and everybody comes together to pull for that person.

I've been trying to read all of the post from you guys as much as possible and I will read every single one of them. I just wanted to come on here real quick to give you guys an update.

I don't know what went wrong for me to crash the way I did. I was at Milestone and it was a jump I've done hundreds of times and could probably do with my eyes closed at this point. As soon as I got in the air I knew I was going to crash bad. My front end dove drastically as soon as I left the jump and I started going over the bars pretty much right away. The only thing I remember about the jump and crash after that was me landing flat on my back at some point then everything literally went black. The next thing I remember was me gasping for air trying to breathe, it felt the exact same way it did when I collapsed both lungs about 7 years ago so I was thinking that I did it again. I finally started to be able to breathe some and that's when I realized I was still laying in the track on the landing area of a big ass jump and I could hear bikes so I knew I needed to get away from that area fast.........I really didn't want to get landed on too. I started to attempt dragging myself off the track, I was able to get everything above my waist off of the track and then I collapsed........my legs were still on the track. By then people were all around me telling me not to move.......asking what hurt........asking if there was someone at the track with me, all of the usual questions. There was an EMT already there before the ambulance got there and he asked if I thought I could try to sit up. I wasn't too sure if I could so I turned my head just a little to the right and when I did that my entire body tingled and went numb. It kept doing it until I would move my head perfectly straight. Once that happened I knew I was screwed. I stayed there laying face down until the ambulance got there.

When the ambulance and firetruck got there it was pretty chaotic. EMT's and firefighters were moving all around me and relaying information to each other and asking me all the usually questions. They were trying to figure out the best way to get me on the backboard because I was on my stomach, face down and the ground where I was laying was anything but flat, so I could hear them talking and trying to figure out how to get me on my back. It seemed like it was at least 8 guys or so that helped to roll me over and onto the backboard, they ended up doing it perfectly fine. Once I was on the backboard and had my neck secured in a brace they then started to go over my entire body looking for injuries. It hurt pretty bad when they took my helmet off, but they were able to. They cut just about everything off of me right there on the track, the only things that weren't cut off was my helmet, boots and knee braces........everything else is history.

Sorry for the long story. I'll skip to the injuries. I ended up with a compression fracture of the L5 vertebrae (this is the second time I've broken my back) broken ribs on both sides, I ended up with another concussion, I cracked my sternum again, fractured my left elbow, my left shoulder is screwed up in the joint but not broke, I screwed up my left ankle again. That's the ankle that I've broke twice in the past and is pretty much destroyed. The doctor said the talus is completely collapsed now, I don't think that its even an issue at this point. I've already written that ankle off long ago. Both femurs are pretty banged up and the right one has a hairline fracture running up and down almost the entire length. That might end up being the worst injury out of all this. That's the side where I have a hip replacement and there's a chance that the hardware might have to be removed depending on the damage. That will suck bad. I didn't break my neck thankfully, but its still really sore and bruised. Other than those injuries I just have a lot of bruising everywhere and my entire body is sore as hell.......but I'll be ok.

I know some people are probably going to ask if I was wearing a neck brace and yes......I was. I have no idea if it helped any or if it didn't do crap. The neck brace did break apart in a few places during the crash and I think that might be why my throat and jaw are sore and bruised.

Well, that's my story. Thanks again for all the kind thoughts and well wishes.......it's pretty awesome how much concern is shown when one of us goes down. It really does help make you feel better too when you're all busted up and get to read things like this.......so thank you all!

Torco1 wrote:

I have a few bruises on my side and leg and my stomach and sides are pretty swollen.......it's not too bad though....... [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/07/16/59735/s1200_side.jpg[/img]

I have a few bruises on my side and leg and my stomach and sides are pretty swollen.......it's not too bad though.......

JeepnMike wrote:

What a wuss... Jeez! :laugh: I had to stare at this picture a bit to see what it was I was looking at (thought I was...

What a wuss... Jeez! I had to stare at this picture a bit to see what it was I was looking at (thought I was looking at your inner thigh and man-parts for a minute!).

In all seriousness, do you mind if I ask your age? The only reason I am asking is because of the artificial hip... I am no spring chicken and my hips aren't that well either. Assuming I will be having mine replaced at some point sooner than later, I am just curious if you may be at the same point in life as I am. I hung up the helmet after a gnarly broken femur long ago, it will be interesting to see if you hang it up after this one.

I know you prefer sarcasm, but it is awesome to see you posting like this.. Heal well buddy.

Torco1 wrote:

I just turned 38 this past April but I had my hip replaced when I was 27. It has held really well.......so far. Whenever a doctor...

I just turned 38 this past April but I had my hip replaced when I was 27. It has held really well.......so far. Whenever a doctor does an x-ray of it they are very surprised at how good of shape it's still in, especially when I tell them I've been racing/ riding motocross after having it replaced. I always ask every doctor that looks at the x-rays and examines my range of motion and all that good stuff if they think it's harmful that I ride and if I should stop. Not one doctor has told me that they think I should quit riding after seeing how well it still is and most of them tell me that I should just keep on doing whatever it is I'm doing in life because its obviously working for me and not cause any problems, well.......that is until now possibly.

As far as giving up riding after injuries, I can honestly say that I've never got to the point where I've said enough is enough and that I'm done......and I doubt that I ever will. There has been a few times in the past where I've said "I'm f'ing done with this shit" right after I was hurt, but that was just more out of frustration and being pissed that I knew I was going to be out for a few months for recovery. That usually last just a few hours and then I already start the countdown until I can ride again. Believe it or not, this time hasn't been the worst crash and injuries I've had to go though. About 7 years ago I also broke my back and a bunch of ribs, collarbone, sternum, shoulder and a few other bones. It was much worse though because I also had a bunch of internal injuries and almost died. I collapsed both lungs, tore my spleen, damaged my liver and kidneys and a few other internal goodies. I had to be airlifted on that one and ended up on life support for a couple days and then had to have multiple blood transfusions and all kinds of other shit, even that one didn't get me thinking about stopping. It'll probably kill me one of these times but I don't think about stuff like that. I know the risk and what I'm getting myself into. Everybody that rides is going to crash and get hurt at some point, if you worry about that stuff I think that should be the time to start thinking about hanging up the boots.

JeepnMike wrote:

Thanks for sharing Brody. I am surprised at the hip replacement at such a young age. From the sounds of it, the whole thing was a...

Thanks for sharing Brody. I am surprised at the hip replacement at such a young age. From the sounds of it, the whole thing was a positive experience to this day.

I am blown away you are still riding dude, you are a nut! I don't even think I am being a wuss saying that, I am betting the majority would have hung up the helmet after your first nasty get-off. If you are planning on going at it again, I hope your bike isn't as busted up as folks have said I am glad your spirits are up and clearly healing.. Take it easy and heal well!

Torco1 wrote:

I just turned 38 this past April but I had my hip replaced when I was 27. It has held really well.......so far. Whenever a doctor...

I just turned 38 this past April but I had my hip replaced when I was 27. It has held really well.......so far. Whenever a doctor does an x-ray of it they are very surprised at how good of shape it's still in, especially when I tell them I've been racing/ riding motocross after having it replaced. I always ask every doctor that looks at the x-rays and examines my range of motion and all that good stuff if they think it's harmful that I ride and if I should stop. Not one doctor has told me that they think I should quit riding after seeing how well it still is and most of them tell me that I should just keep on doing whatever it is I'm doing in life because its obviously working for me and not cause any problems, well.......that is until now possibly.

As far as giving up riding after injuries, I can honestly say that I've never got to the point where I've said enough is enough and that I'm done......and I doubt that I ever will. There has been a few times in the past where I've said "I'm f'ing done with this shit" right after I was hurt, but that was just more out of frustration and being pissed that I knew I was going to be out for a few months for recovery. That usually last just a few hours and then I already start the countdown until I can ride again. Believe it or not, this time hasn't been the worst crash and injuries I've had to go though. About 7 years ago I also broke my back and a bunch of ribs, collarbone, sternum, shoulder and a few other bones. It was much worse though because I also had a bunch of internal injuries and almost died. I collapsed both lungs, tore my spleen, damaged my liver and kidneys and a few other internal goodies. I had to be airlifted on that one and ended up on life support for a couple days and then had to have multiple blood transfusions and all kinds of other shit, even that one didn't get me thinking about stopping. It'll probably kill me one of these times but I don't think about stuff like that. I know the risk and what I'm getting myself into. Everybody that rides is going to crash and get hurt at some point, if you worry about that stuff I think that should be the time to start thinking about hanging up the boots.

JeepnMike wrote:

Thanks for sharing Brody. I am surprised at the hip replacement at such a young age. From the sounds of it, the whole thing was a...

Thanks for sharing Brody. I am surprised at the hip replacement at such a young age. From the sounds of it, the whole thing was a positive experience to this day.

I am blown away you are still riding dude, you are a nut! I don't even think I am being a wuss saying that, I am betting the majority would have hung up the helmet after your first nasty get-off. If you are planning on going at it again, I hope your bike isn't as busted up as folks have said I am glad your spirits are up and clearly healing.. Take it easy and heal well!

Torco1 wrote:

My hip was originally destroyed when I was 13 from a crash while riding and over the years the joint deteriorated horribly until there wasn't much...

My hip was originally destroyed when I was 13 from a crash while riding and over the years the joint deteriorated horribly until there wasn't much left and the only options for the replacement or to have it fused. I didn't want it fused, neither did my ortho surgeon. I'll have to have another replacement in the future I'm sure, but I'm much happier with where its at right now.

You are correct about most people stopping after so many bad injuries, almost everyone I know thinks I'm either crazy, stupid or I just have a death wish. I'm just one of those people that really loves to do exciting and sometimes extreme things and if I was to sit around without having some type of outlet in life I would end up getting myself into some type of trouble. Plus, I've just always loved motocross since I was young. Just about every other thing I've done in life I would get really bored of after a while. Moto has been the one thing that I never once got tired of, its just something I love. My bike is really beat up, even the number plates broke off from the mounting bolts. I've never in my life had a bike get this messed up in a crash......probably not even 10 crashes combined.

JeepnMike wrote:

What a wuss... Jeez! :laugh: I had to stare at this picture a bit to see what it was I was looking at (thought I was...

What a wuss... Jeez! I had to stare at this picture a bit to see what it was I was looking at (thought I was looking at your inner thigh and man-parts for a minute!).

In all seriousness, do you mind if I ask your age? The only reason I am asking is because of the artificial hip... I am no spring chicken and my hips aren't that well either. Assuming I will be having mine replaced at some point sooner than later, I am just curious if you may be at the same point in life as I am. I hung up the helmet after a gnarly broken femur long ago, it will be interesting to see if you hang it up after this one.

I know you prefer sarcasm, but it is awesome to see you posting like this.. Heal well buddy.

Torco1 wrote:

I just turned 38 this past April but I had my hip replaced when I was 27. It has held really well.......so far. Whenever a doctor...

I just turned 38 this past April but I had my hip replaced when I was 27. It has held really well.......so far. Whenever a doctor does an x-ray of it they are very surprised at how good of shape it's still in, especially when I tell them I've been racing/ riding motocross after having it replaced. I always ask every doctor that looks at the x-rays and examines my range of motion and all that good stuff if they think it's harmful that I ride and if I should stop. Not one doctor has told me that they think I should quit riding after seeing how well it still is and most of them tell me that I should just keep on doing whatever it is I'm doing in life because its obviously working for me and not cause any problems, well.......that is until now possibly.

As far as giving up riding after injuries, I can honestly say that I've never got to the point where I've said enough is enough and that I'm done......and I doubt that I ever will. There has been a few times in the past where I've said "I'm f'ing done with this shit" right after I was hurt, but that was just more out of frustration and being pissed that I knew I was going to be out for a few months for recovery. That usually last just a few hours and then I already start the countdown until I can ride again. Believe it or not, this time hasn't been the worst crash and injuries I've had to go though. About 7 years ago I also broke my back and a bunch of ribs, collarbone, sternum, shoulder and a few other bones. It was much worse though because I also had a bunch of internal injuries and almost died. I collapsed both lungs, tore my spleen, damaged my liver and kidneys and a few other internal goodies. I had to be airlifted on that one and ended up on life support for a couple days and then had to have multiple blood transfusions and all kinds of other shit, even that one didn't get me thinking about stopping. It'll probably kill me one of these times but I don't think about stuff like that. I know the risk and what I'm getting myself into. Everybody that rides is going to crash and get hurt at some point, if you worry about that stuff I think that should be the time to start thinking about hanging up the boots.