Forum Rider Down and/or notification of minor incidents

1 - Is it ok to feel a bit scared about riding again after what initially felt like a little fall on a short journey which has spiralled into this horrible experience... will it change.. is there anything I can do to help? I went for a little walk last night and saw an ambulance with the lights on and ended up doing a random cry and it's all feeling a bit weird. I'm also wincing at anything cycle related on fb / instagram.

Of course it's OK. Follow how you feel and don't rush it. Reflect closely on what causes your fear. People who get hit by drivers often have an indeterminate fear that they can't address because the driver fled and wasn't found, judicial proceedings were unsuccessful or unsatisfying, the driver was rude and abusive, etc. You had an encounter with a problematic bit of highway; that expansion joint looks very open and should probably be examined closely. At present, it seems like a tramline, and what you experienced is the classic tramline crash. This is all very specific and I imagine should be workable emotionally, but as I said, don't rush it. It's really bad luck. Also, being in surgery like that for the first time can't have been easy, either. Try perhaps to deal with these things separately. If at any stage you can remember how you enjoy cycling, get back into it. Do cycle training if you need an additional confidence boost.

2 - Any recommendations for getting my belly muscles back to normal? Gonna be full of staples for the next week mind.

@bluerip00 is a forum-recommended physio who might be able to work with you on it or at least refer you to the right person.

3 - Would it be sensible to politely flag up this issue with the expansion joint in the road to someone at the council.. highways?? Is there a good way to do it?

You should, yes. This is right next to the A12. It could be that the local Council is the highway authority, or there is a small chance that it might be Highways England, as that deals with the A12 and their envelope could perhaps also include the streets directly adjacent. You could also flag it up with Waltham Forest Cycling Campaign.

4 - Any other tips / anything else I should be doing? Even if it's a good box set to crack on with whilst I'm off work.

Post more on here. :) Great post, by the way.

All the best for your recovery.

Sounds terrifying. Afraid I'm not really sure what advice to offer here (others with more experience will know) but I just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery and hope you'll be able/willing to get back on the bike soon, good luck

No practical advice from me - except to take medical advice on recovering muscles etc, don't push it unnecessarily. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery, mentally and physically.