‘Use a leash,’ urges La Lucia cyclist
Marc Palombo said he flew over his handlebars while cycling when he had to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting a dachshund.
LA LUCIA resident, Marc Palombo has urged pet owners to use leashes when walking their dogs, after he landed up in hospital with a serious injury.
Palombo said he flew over his handlebars while cycling in June when he had to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting a dachshund.
He was cycling along The Promenade in Glenashley when the dog ran across his path.
Hefty hospital bills and physio have followed the accident that left Palombo in pain for months with a herniated disc
“Instinct kicked in and I braked hard. I went over the handle bars and landed on the tar, hyper extending my back and neck, as my bike’s momentum pulled it over my head. I immediately felt pain and spasms, mostly in my lower back,” he said.
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Palombo said the road was crowded as lockdown regulations had just been lifted to allow people to exercise within a five kilometre radius of their homes.
“Small as the dachshund was, he has caused me a lot of pain over the last few months.”
“He was not on his leash, despite there being so many people around, and as a result of him not being under control of his owner, he ran out in front of me while I was on my bike,” said Palombo.
In June, July and August Palombo said he consulted physiotherapists and a general practitioner on several occasions before being referred to a neurosurgeon.
“When the numbness in my fingers started I was referred to a neurosurgeon. After his consult, I had an MRI which found the cause of my the problem. A herniated disc that was progressively applying more pressure on the nerve. The options were now limited to surgery and I had an anterior discectomy and an artificial disc inserted to replace the damaged one. I woke up after the procedure with immediate pain relief,” he said.
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Palombo’s 50th birthday passed while he was in hospital.
“I couldn’t delay the procedure until after my milestone birthday as I was in that much pain and discomfort,” he said.
Recooperating from the injury has been a lengthy process and Palombo is still wearing a neck brace. He said he has racked up R173 000 in medical bills.
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