DAY 13
Week 2
WELLINGTON ~ 16th World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival – Day V (Wellington, NZ)
Wednesday November 1st, 2006
TODAYS MILEAGE – 14 miles or 23 kilometres
TRIP MILEAGE – 8496 miles or 13673 kilometres
Due to the nature of my injury from yesterday, a spinal chord concussion of the C6 vertebrae, I was immobilized and admitted to the Hutt Valley District Hospital.
The issues were that the radiologist could not get a clear picture of the C6 vertebrae and that I was having pins and needles in both thumbs, which nerves are contained within the C6 vertebrae, so strict bed rest and immobilization until an "X-ray computed tomography" or CT scan as we know it, could be performed.
I have nothing but high praise for the nursing staff off the hospital, but the bedside handling and manners by the doctors needs a bit of attention. I was left for hours with no indication of what was happening or what plan of attack in the treatment of my injury. It was kind of scary not knowing anything - the torture was the waiting in vain.
Anyways, after the CT and MRI scans had cleared me of any potential damage and the tingling of my thumbs had disappeared, I was discharged from the hospital and re-joined the team, who were just getting back from a big day at the races. I have to wear a neck brace (that would do a draft horses' collar proud) for the next two weeks, but thankfully that will be the extent of the injury.
About a dozen of us all headed over to The Establishment for a great feed and a bit of self-medication.
• WELLINGTON ~ 16th World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival – Day IV (Wellington, NZ)