many prayers to you and good luck!

Hello to those of you still watching the site. Brian is healing well at home and is working to try and get back into shape. He went from a cast, and had a metal shaft from the knee down installed , crutches and a cain. He still needs some mendign of the bones and is working on that. He will ahve his total within the next two weeks and will psot the amount on the site. This fundraiser will continue and if all goes well and he heals properly there may be a fiiahing of the ride. This is in the waiting stage, but he is a strong beliver of making sure the word gets out and the research continues to help all those who are suffering with IC. So keep an eye out for the latest news in the next two to three weeks.
Hanne

Brian,

So sorry to hear about your accident. George told me all about your mission and I have read some of the blogs on your website. You are very brave. The disease you have sounds monsterous.

If there is anything I can do to help make your second attempt a success please let me know. I mean, you may be going right by us here in Cobourg. We are right beside the 401.

Maybe I can help get you some publicity from the local media. Also Peterborough. Rita is at the Toronto Star, an editor now, and her husband is head of all the photography that goes in the paper! Will keep them informed.

God bless you for your courage,

Love and good luck darlin'

Patricia Daly

Brian, this is the first time I have been on here for quite a while, due to a lot of things going on in my life the past few months, however you have often crossed my mind and I have wondered how you have gotten on with your journey. I have been so disheartened to come on here tonight though and read of your accident.
The good thing is that you obviously have a very perservering spirit, and I do hope that spirit has not been dampened by this temporary setback.
I can only imagine how frustrating your recovery is, when you are probably itching to get back out there! I hope your taking the time to let yourself heal though.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery, and if you do decide to make the journey again, I hope if you need any help in Ontario, you will let us know.
Take care, and best wishes
Karen (IC for 7 years.)

Brian is working each day to try and build his strength, with water exercise and light weights to strengthen his arms and legs again. He is trying to be walking with a cane and not the crutches by the end of next month, with a little luck. He will keep this up until he is able to be back in full motion and then will take a look at seeing if he can complete the ride he started. I hope he gets there as he is not the type of person to not finish what he starts. We will update you as we go along. Again thank you to all the people who have continued to support the cause and wishing him good healthy. We also wish all the people suffering with IC all teh best for good days ahead. We will find a cure of cause with a little push on the medical system.
Hanne Selby

Hey Brian/Family

I have posted before, I just wanted to say My prayers are still with you! I hope your recovery continues to go as planned. I am hoping to get back on my Honda Shadow soon..It saddens me that IC has taken that away. It has just been to painful to ride. I miss so much being able to ride with my husband.
But You are a true inspiration! Sending you and your family many hugs and prayers..

Ronda

Dear Brian,
I hope you are feeling better and in less pain at this point. Nothing like bladder pain and then ADDED pain on top of it, huh? You are an amazing man, you have inspired a LOT of people, myself included . I am 36yr old female, I was Dx with IC in 1993....at the age of 21. I had symptoms for a couple years before that, though. The month after I delivered my first child, I got the final diagnosis from my Dr. (my pregnancy actually helped my symptoms for 9 months! They say that happens sometimes, for some women. I wish the symptoms had stayed gone, but of course, they didn't.@@ I have tried every drug out there, I did a drug study with the Botox, I had bad reactions so I didn't go that route afterall. I also had the stimulator implanted.....few years ago. It was like having a big pager IN my right butt cheek.(so I basically sat on it everytime I sat down.) Was SO not comfortable. We could NEVER get it "set" right, so $40,000.surgery for nothing! It had to be removed. My Urologist tells me today, the device is MUCH smaller than the one I had done. But- no thanks I"m not going that route again! LOL I try to watch what I eat and drink, limit the foods I KNOW will bother me (there are several) and just live day to day. I have other auto immune diseases as well, Lupus, and Rheumatoid arthritis. They say it's very common for people with IC to have overlapping issues. Anyone reading this, keep journal/notes of your symptoms. Get regular health check ups yearly. You never know when something else comes knocking on your door to announce it's nasty presence!
Brian, get well super fast! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do!! We need MANY MANY more people like you!
Fondly,
Lisa~ Tulsa, OK- USA

Dear Brian,
I hope you are you are feeling better and in less pain at this point. Nothing like bladder pain and then ADDED pain on top of it, huh? You are an amazing man, you have inspired a LOT of people, myself included . I am 36yr old female, I was Dx with IC in 1993....at the age of 21. I had symptoms for a couple years before that, though. The month after I delivered my first child, I got the final diagnosis from my Dr. (my pregnancy actually helped my symptoms for 9 months! They say that happens sometimes, for some women. I wish the symptoms had stayed gone, but of course, they didn't.@@ I have tried every drug out there, I did a drug study with the Botox, I had bad reactions so I didn't go that route afterall. I also had the stimulator implanted.....few years ago. It was like having a big pager IN my right butt cheek.(so I basically sat on it everytime I sat down.) Was SO not comfortable. We could NEVER get it "set" right, so $40,000.surgery for nothing! It had to be removed. My Urologist tells me today, the device is MUCH smaller than the one I had done. But- no thanks I"m not going that route again! LOL I try to watch what I eat and drink, limit the foods I KNOW will bother me (there are several) and just live day to day. I have other auto immune diseases as well, Lupus, and Rheumatoid arthritis. They say it's very common for people with IC to have overlapping issues. Anyone reading this, keep journal/notes of your symptoms. Get regular health check ups yearly. You never know when something else comes knocking on your door to announce it's nasty presence!
Brian, get well super fast! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do!! We need MANY MANY more people like you!
Fondly,
Lisa~ Tulsa, OK- USA

Just an update on Brian. Last week he became the lucky owner of a brand new metal shaft, which was placed into his leg by a local doctor. The leg and shoulder is still painful, but we hope that it will soon start to feel better. Not able to walk yet but that will come in time. The bike is in the shop and undergoing its own repairs. Dollar volume is waiting to come in so that we can post soon.

We understand that some real estate offices are still doing findraising in various areas and Brain and I want to thank them for this generous action. One of these is Homelife Whiterock. Way to go guys!

There is talk about finishing the ride in summer , depending on the healing of Brian's leg. This is soemthing that is close to his heart and he wants to complete what he started.



Hanne Selby

I hope your surgery goes well and you have a quick recovery!
Take care
Mary in WI

Journal Entry March 20th;
It is a humbling experience to go from flying across the byways on two wheels to hobbling along on two crutches...however I'm trying to hang onto the words of those who have told me ... 'it could have been a lot worse'.
I've been home in Chilliwack for about a week now and while I'm still in lots of pain I'm trying my best not to let it beat me up...most people can't tell if I'm wincing or smiling. The 'bone doctor' had a look at the xrays from Portage la Prairie and has deturmined that because of the severity of the tibia fracture (the bone was shattered near the ankle) a metal rod should be placed in my leg for added support.
I go in for surgury at 2pm today, Chilliwack Hospital.
Brian Selby
-Thanks again for you comments & donation...it allows me to think that perhaps I have made a difference.

Hi Brian,
I just read about your accident, which is printed in the Fraser Valley RE Board's NewsReal. What a shame that your ride had to end early! I felt just horrible for you when I read this:

"About 20 kms outside of Winnipeg, in minus 40 degree conditions, Brian was exiting the Trans Canada to stop and warm up. He hit black ice, his bike went up in the air, and 450 lbs of metal came down hard on his leg, breaking both his tibia and fibula (both shin bones). He had hoped to somehow continue his trek with a cast however his doctors told him, 'no can do'."

That must have been very painful for you! I knew you liked motor bikes (since I sold real estate in Chwk in the 80's & knew you then) yet this trip you planned did seem risky when I first read about it. Hopefully there is much more awareness for this cause now, thanks to you! Get well and keep up the courage!

Alan Hamilton, Realtor
Re/Max Little Oak Realty

Well Brian came home and is now looking at a long recovery from his injuries. He was delivered by a very nice young man and his cab from the Vancouver Airprot. When he dropped Brian off he said no to the tip and asked that he put it towards the fundraiser. We were both touched by his kindness. We are waiting for a total to date and that should be up by Wed. next week or sooner we hope. That does not mean the fundraing has stopped.

The was a three page write up in Canadian Living Magazine on IC which was well writen and there were some medical suggestions in it as well as medical clinic for treating pain, which might be of interest to soem of you who are suffering with IC.

All the best to all the IC people out there, I hope you will find some comfort in your daily life in knowing there are people out there working to help.

Hanne Selby

Hi Brian,

This morning is the first time I'd checked out the website in a while so needless to say I was shocked to read of the recent events. My heart just fell when I read what had happened to you.......I am so sorry. Please know that your efforts made a huge difference and since first hearing about your ride scarcely a day has gone by that I didn't think about it and feel grateful. You're in my thoughts. I wish you as speedy a recovery as possible.

In my February 29 post I had mentioned that my urologist had used Botox to treat my Interstitial Cystitis with much success. I read today in one of your posts that you wanted me to explain how it was administered.......so here goes:

First via catheter a local anesthetic was instilled into my bladder. I was then left alone in the room to do jumping jacks, roll around on my tummy, on my back, etc. and basically keep moving for half an hour to distribute the anesthetic throughout my bladder. It was strange to be working out in my urologist's office but they said I did a good job because when the needles went in they were mildy uncomfortable but not painful. Thirty needles in all went in (which took approximately 15-20 minutes) throughout my bladder and afterwards I was free to drive home. The only side effect, which did not happen to me, is that Botox can work so well you may not be able to go to the washroom for up to two weeks (something I can't actually comprehend. The remedy for this is to self-catheterize. I hope other people can find success with this treatment.

Rest, relax, and get well Brian. You more than deserve it.

Shannon

Well Brian may be coming home now, but he did not fail his goals. He brought the illness to the public awarness and he also raised funds for research. He also went in the winter, which I might add is not the friendliest we have seen, because he was driven by a cause that was so important to not only him but to hundreds of thousands of Canadians as well. We will be posting soon a follow up on the funds raised so far and also do regualr updates, so we can all share in the success of the ride for a cure.


KEEP THE FUNDS COMING AS RESEARCH CAN NOT BE SUCCESSFUL WITH OUT IT. YOUR STORIES ARE IMPORTANT AS WELL. LET US KNOW IF YOU FOUND ANYTHING THAT HAS HELPED YOU AT ALL. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS AS WELL. TELL US HOW YOU WERE DIAGNOSED AND HOW LONG IT TOOK. THIS MAY BE IMPORTANT TO RESEARCH AS WELL.

I am glad to get my husband home safe and sound, a little broken both at heart and bone but alive.
Hanne Selby

Brian's wife

Journal Entry for March 10th...
Exactly one week ago, I had such high expectation....
I had just finished my last entry and was looking forward to an "easy" day 5 of only about 200 km from Brandon to Winnipeg, where an interview with "Global TV" had been set up to talk about my quest to raise funds and awareness for I.C.
It would be my golden opportunity to really kick this campagne into high gear....I was far enough across the Country to add some credability to my goal of the East Coast....and I had just successfully endured the bitter cold and 80-100km arctic side winds that Saskatchewan had thrown at me.
That last night in Brandon was so cold (-25....call it -40 with wind chill) that I found myself 'borrowing' the hair dryer out of my room to heat up my fuel lines and engine block before I turned the key.
The engine eventually came to life and I made my way out of the parking lot, which could have easily been used as a skating rink.
The main roads heading into Winnipeg were in good shape but the cold was so intense that by the time I got to Portage La Prairie (about half way) I was becoming noticably hypothermic.....my fingures were past the point of pain and were now without sensation...my toes were thankfully still just in the pain mode. I could feel my core temperature was dropping....I was starting to shake uncontrolably....I had to stop to warm up.
Just east of Portage a Shell station appeared on the right....great, I'll just nip in there for a few minuits....careful... check that road surface before pulling off...I had been warned it can be misleading and deceptive at the exits.... lots of sand down but looks, not too bad....just drop a gear and keep your hand off that front brake lever.
My bike went down so fast that I don't even remember 'falling'...all I can recall is that I was down with the bike, tumbling and grinding beside me....the intense pain from my cold fingers and toes being replaced by the excruciating pain of 2 bones in my right leg being crushed by the bike.
I had slammed down with such force on my right shoulder blade that I was certain that something must be broken or dislocated.
Both the bike and I had come to rest at the same moment at the side of the Trans Canada Highway.
The wheels of the 3 transport trucks that I had recently passed went rushing by, a scant 10 feet from my head...clearly not wanting to get involved with an accident scean.
I was lying there in pain holding onto what was shurly a broken leg, the gasoline from the bike now running under my helmet....and all I could think about was my lost opportunity....only 60 minutes away from that interview....only 60 minutes away from perhaps making a difference.....so near...
Brian

PS...Thanks so much for your postings...honestly I was feeling so 'down' on my second day laying in that hospital bed that I started to cry...I haven't cried since my dog died 2 years ago.... It was a profound disappointment to me, not to finish this ride..... but right now ...the road to 'recovery' is more important to me than the road to the East Coast.......I just got out of the hospital and will be flying from Winnipeg to Vancouver then home to Chilliwack on Wednesday.
Again I treasure all of your comments.

Thank you so much for raising IC awareness!!!! I'm sorry you've had a set back, but the cause remains an important one no matter how far you get!!!

A friend with IC in Noblesville Indiana

Brian,

When Hanne called the day after your accident to tell my of the bad news, my heart sank! I can only imagine how dissapointed you are, but you must be proud of the awareness you have raised, and support you have from your family, friends, and fellow sufferers of I.C.
I understand how determine you were to make it to St John's, which is why I was was not surprised when Hanne mentioned you had not thrown in the towel just yet.
You are a true inspiration Brian, and my thoughts are with you!
If you do decide to complete the ride, and change your mind on a support vehicle, count me in!

Blake Robertson.

Hello Brian,

So very sorry to hear about your accident. The blogger just before me mentioned you were looking for Ontario support -- well here I am. I am writing from Ontario and will do anything to help. Please contact me at your convenience. We are all cheering for you!

Kindest regards,
Ann

Hi Brian;
I am so sorry to hear of your accident..
I wish you all the best during your recovery ..
I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done, you are a wonderful person for wanting
to bring IC awareness to everyone attention across Canada ..
I just wish I could of done more for you when you had email me about getting some support in Ontario , due to finding
out my diagnoses of having cancer , I felt really sad that I was not well enough to help you to find some contacts..

I am thinking of you , get better soon..

Regards ; DebbieB

HI Brian:

So sorry to hear you went down - every riders worst dream. I still think you are crazy but I can also understand that this is something you have to do. If you do have a chance to continue, I hope you have the weather on your side. You won't be the first person to continue to do what they love, cast and all.

By the way, is "butt puckering" something like "Sphincter oscillations"? I can't imagine riding through a prairie winter with ice lurking around every corner. I am paranoid enough going out here on winter rides when the weather is nice.

Anyways, my thoughts are with you and if, no, when you get back out there - keep the rubber on the road!

Karina
Surrey, B.C.

Brian is still in the hospital in Portage La Prairie and waiting for his doctors results and outcome. He will know what his next steps will be by Tuesday, the latest. Until then keep the psotings up, its great to hear form you all.
Hanne

A big thank you goes to Murray Langdon of Cfax1070 am in Vitoria for taking the time to do a live interview with Brian, while he was there. Brian had no idea of what to expect and found it to be a wonderful experience. Murray is an impressive announcer who makes people feel very comfortable and knows just the right things to ask in an interview. This was a great wayt o get the word out to the public to let them know about this illness. We understand that you are movign into a new building, and wish you all the best on a seemless move.

Hanne Selby ( Brian's wife)

I wanted to thank you so much for your mission to help cure IC.
I am so sorry to hear of your accident. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Take care.
Mary in WI

I know where his heart is that is for sure. My husband and I are also Bike riders and I suffer with IC so we can truly relate.

Brian you are true inspiration to all of us who are suffering. I pray you have a speedy recovery and may God be with you in whatever decison you make.

Ronda