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CVO Social => Rider Down => Topic started by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 12:53:42 AM

Title: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 12:53:42 AM
Hello I am Hugh,

I lost my leg in a T-Bone accident on my custom 2003 Nightrain. I ending up underneath the reared of a semi truck trailer on my Birthday 2009 6 months after being married. My leg was severed below knee on site and hanging from a small piece of muscle. I was induced into a coma for three days so they could work on me as I had a compound fracture of my left femur, femur was also broken at the hip head, compound fracture of my left forearm in two locations, five broken ribs, book match fractured pelvis, fractured spleen, left shoulder soft tissue damage, slight brain damage due to impact and landing 30 yards away, road rash on back and arms. I was given 11% chance of making it. I went through 15 hours of surgery the first night, ending up having 12 surgeries over the 23 days I was in the hospital. I lost a total of 55 lbs and was home for 8 months doing therapy and getting stronger. Way to many meds and sitting on my ass was getting to me so I stopped the meds and went back to work at 8 1/2 months.

I can tell you one of the first questions I asked after seeing my leg was missing was! Hows the Bike. Needless to say my wife did't think it was funny or a good question.

Not only has it changed me physically it has emotional side also. I have missed riding so much. So I said F it and a little less than 7 years later purchase the new CVO.

Here is a video photo montage my wife put together to help. https://youtu.be/vAHh94Rhhhs

Why Reverse? Since I am missing my left leg I can not push the bike back so I decided to have the Baker Driveline installed so I don't need to be dependent on others. Not my style. Not only am I having the reverse installed I am having the Pingel Electric Speed Shifter Kit installed so I can shift the bike. 

I can't wait to get back on a bike. If I don't feel safe I will just purchase a sidecar and make it one bad ass ride. Here are some pics.


A saying I like is.

It's what you do when you get up that matters!!!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 12:55:37 AM
My Arm
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 12:56:05 AM
Hip
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 12:56:41 AM
Femur
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 12:57:43 AM
Bike I was riding!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 20, 2016, 01:01:07 AM
 :huepfenjump3: New Bike!!! :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple:
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: mrclean001 on May 20, 2016, 05:48:55 AM
Wow!  Congrats on the bike and the positive outlook on life. Glad you are back at it and happy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: muddypaws on May 20, 2016, 07:34:39 AM
Glad you are back. That's a story.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: fredfoot on May 20, 2016, 08:08:46 AM
Welcome to CVO. Ride on.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: kiro on May 20, 2016, 08:22:13 AM
Yikes - what a tragic tale Hughski - glad you were able to come back from that... In any event, welcome back on the road and welcome to the site from Maine. I have two good legs and still had a Baker reverse installed - great mod.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: HUBBARD on May 20, 2016, 08:30:43 AM
Man, what a great attitude!  I was just sitting here planning my day, and thinking about all the challenges I will face in the Commercial Truck Industry today, and what I'm going to do to overcome those challenges.  Your story made me put things in perspective.  I definitely take too many things for granted.  I don't have one single thing to gripe about.  Thank you!  You are one helluva' man!  Enjoy that Harley!!!  Later--HUBBARD 
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: JCZ on May 20, 2016, 08:42:35 AM
I have to agree with Hubbard.  Respect for you....all that you've been through and you're not letting it keep you down. Get back on the horse and ride!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: jamesljones on May 20, 2016, 09:06:01 AM
What an inspiration. Good looking bike.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Cat Eye on May 20, 2016, 11:20:17 AM
Rock-on...Brother!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: GregKhougaz on May 20, 2016, 11:56:42 AM
Hugh,

Welcome to the site! Respect and best of luck to you.

GK
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: TinSpinner on May 20, 2016, 12:21:42 PM
I like this guy already! Welcome to the site Hugh and thanks for sharing your story.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Grizzly on May 20, 2016, 02:31:46 PM
WOW!  What an inspiration you are!

Thanks so much for sharing your incredible story.

You sure ARE living, and good for you.  :2vrolijk_21:

All the very best with your beautiful new ride.

Take care & ride safe!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Hughski on May 21, 2016, 11:50:15 AM
Thank you Everyone. I got word last night on the way to Oregon that the bike is ready. I will be having it delivered to my house on Tuesday afternoon when I get home. Can't wait and a little on edge.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: SSTuner on May 21, 2016, 06:43:47 PM
Excellent video and story.  Very emotional.  You'll love the new bike, because I have one also.  Enjoy and be safe.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: cambo on May 21, 2016, 07:47:16 PM
Respect Hughski! Welcome to the site from NOVA!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: sadunbar on May 21, 2016, 08:14:02 PM
You, my friend, are a true inspiration...  I hardly have the words....  Much respect to you and your wife, your family and friends...
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: smkymtnboy on May 22, 2016, 10:08:32 PM
  good job! i know you are going to enjoy the new bike and this site!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Smellymo on May 22, 2016, 10:58:09 PM
Stay strong and with your awesome wife life will be great for you. Thank you Lord for watching over these great folks!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: 9sec240 on May 23, 2016, 11:56:08 AM
Your positive attitude is an inspiration.  I hope the bike modifocations work well for you.  You picked a nice bike!  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: RonandJanet on May 23, 2016, 12:41:22 PM
That is an amazing story and what a great outlook. It makes my issues seem trivial!   Welcome from GA!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: 2k on May 24, 2016, 03:57:50 PM
I can only hope to have your resolve.........I think I do, but have never been tested to your limits. Congrats and you have my admiration for getting back on!!!!! :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: JR on May 24, 2016, 08:27:56 PM
Wow! What an inpspiration you are to keep going forward and not to let it keep you down! My prayers go out to you and your wonderful family and may God give you many wonderful years ahead in the wind! God willing our path will cross at a get together and will be able to meet you face to face! Gods richest blessings!!! :2vrolijk_21:

 :bananarock:
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: Xtreme Dimension on May 24, 2016, 11:16:11 PM
Really enjoyed your video – thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: DesertHOG on May 25, 2016, 12:39:43 AM
Hugh, thanks for sharing your story. It's truly an inspiration. The video is awesome.

DH
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: smkblwr on May 25, 2016, 01:26:38 PM
Much respect, Stay strong. Welcome to the site.
 I saw where you mentioned a side car if you felt uneasy, Don't for get about a trike conversion as an option.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: LMH on June 06, 2016, 04:46:04 PM
Hugh, God bless you brother and to your wife and family as well. Wonderful attitude and inspirational for all who struggle with their own demons daily.
Year ago i was diagnosed with cancer and i soon learned about the importance of a strong woman and family to help hold it together. I fight daily to hold it together and go on living the best we can. Your an inspiration to all.
God willing I'll see ya on the road.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: MIKEYTEE on June 07, 2016, 07:34:31 PM
Hughski, you sir are an inspiration to all! I can only hope our paths cross somewhere down the road. Your wife is a special find and the good Lord has blessed the both of you with his love. Welcome to the site from The Lowcountry of South Carolina!

Mike
 :drink:
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: screaminCVO on June 07, 2016, 11:52:34 PM
I'm lost for words.......peace be with you! Ride on!
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: 2018_FLTRXSE on December 30, 2017, 11:08:01 AM
Welcome to CVO Hugh!

That's one heck of a survival and recovery story, and it is and inspires us all I am sure.

I'm glad you're still with us and able to share the story.

Many of us have tales of injury and recovery but nothing quite like that!

Thank you for sharing with us.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: SDCVO on December 30, 2017, 12:11:50 PM
Hugh, you are the man!! Welcome back to the MC world and looking forward to watching out for your posts (and next video  :))
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: 1Fordman on January 02, 2018, 10:19:18 PM
You're truly inspirational!  Bless that angel that's been by your side through all of this and your riding brothers as well.  I hope someday our paths cross so I can buy you a cold brew, give you a hug and tell you how proud I am of you.

Ride that new Breakout like you stole it! 
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: bigchuck on January 04, 2018, 11:20:01 AM
Someone needs to move this post. It is under the wrong topic. I say this because this rider is not down. He went down but refused to stay down. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story and God bless.
Title: Re: Lost my Left Leg through the knee
Post by: BigLew on January 04, 2018, 12:16:21 PM
Thanks Hugh as God does in my life a lot, my fellow friend Gary is having his leg removed today from an accident. I would love to show him you video. can you sent it to my email address? mlewis@gbf-inc.com

BigLew