By Dan Kennedy • The press, politics, technology, culture and other passions

On the disabled list

Briscoe Middle School

Well, this is a pain. It’s awkward trying to type with a sling and a cast on my right arm, but I thought I’d give it a go.

This afternoon I broke my right elbow in a bicycle accident in Beverly, toward the end of a long ride across the North Shore. Ironically, I’ve been riding my bike only because nagging injuries and recurrent gout have kept me from running.

The tip of the elbow broke off. I need surgery, possibly as soon as tomorrow. Yes, it’s my throwing arm, but I should be ready by the time pitchers and catchers report. Oddly enough, though it hurt like hell for the first few minutes, I am in no pain now, even though I haven’t taken anything.

What happened? I was going way too fast while cutting through the Briscoe Middle School parking lot and hit a speed bump I thought was just a painted line. I spent a minute or so thinking I’d broken every bone in my body, but soon felt good enough to get up. Good thing. While I was sprawled on the pavement, people kept stopping their cars to ask if I was all right.

Mrs. Media Nation came and got me. I took a shower and then couldn’t decide between icing the elbow or heading to the emergency room. I opted for the latter, and I’m glad I did.

So no classes tomorrow. My students deserve better, but I’m hoping to be back at it by later this week.

By the way, I’ve scheduled two posts to go up tomorrow, one at 9 a.m. and one at noon. I wrote them this morning, before my bike ride. Just letting you know that I’m not quite that obsessive.

Photo (cc) the Beverly Public Library and republished here via a Creative Commons license. Some rights reserved.

Previous

Dear media: Please educate us on Chapter 40B

Next

The New York Times’ gift to BlackBerry users

11 Comments

  1. Heal fast friend.

  2. Mike Benedict

    Bummer, dude.

  3. Donna Morris

    You fell on unforgiving ground. Healing may take awhile, so please be patient and pace yourself. I’m sorry for your your accident and pain, and its disruption to your life.

  4. My condolences, Dan. I broke my ankle a while back, but at least I don’t type with my feet. Even though it might look that way.

  5. Al Fiantaca

    Ouch. You have to stop writing your book in your head while riding or running. Aches and breaks don’t heal as quickly, now that you’re no longer a kid. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery, and remember, taking the time to heal properly is more important than racing back to help the team. Just ask Dustin Pedroia.

  6. Doug Shugarts

    Best wishes, Dan!

  7. Steve Stein

    Youch. Well, at least you’re not dogging it like some Red Sox outfielder. 🙂

    But, hey, now is your opportunity to report first hand on experiences with health care delivery and costs! I hope it will be a short journey.

  8. Roberto Scalese

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Dan!

  9. BP Myers

    “Season-ending elbow injury for Red Sox fan”

    Very cool.

    Heal quick.

  10. not fun… hope you mend soon

  11. B.A. DuBois

    Ouch! Do take care and heal fast… and remember, painkillers can be your friend…. especially when trying to sleep at night.

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén