My commuting partner got taken out.

[OakLeaf]

((((((((7rider, Terry & family))))))))

prayers continue.

[Tuckervill]

It may be too soon for this, but I've been hearing about a book called "My Stroke of Insight". I was impressed hearing this woman on the radio, that one shouldn't give up hope altogether on stroke and brain-injured victims.

I'm sending vibes for your friend and his wife. The grief she must have!

Here's the description from Amazon.com

A brain scientist's journey from a debilitating stroke to full recovery becomes an inspiring exploration of human consciousness and its possibilities

On the morning of December 10, 1996, Jill Bolte Taylor, a thirty-seven-year-old Harvard-trained brain scientist, experienced a massive stroke when a blood vessel exploded in the left side of her brain. A neuroanatomist by profession, she observed her own mind completely deteriorate to the point that she could not walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life, all within the space of four brief hours. As the damaged left side of her brain--the rational, grounded, detail- and time-oriented side--swung in and out of function, Taylor alternated between two distinct and opposite realties: the euphoric nirvana of the intuitive and kinesthetic right brain, in which she felt a sense of complete well-being and peace; and the logical, sequential left brain, which recognized Jill was having a stroke, and enabled her to seek help before she was lost completely.

In My Stroke of Insight, Taylor shares her unique perspective on the brain and its capacity for recovery, and the sense of omniscient understanding she gained from this unusual and inspiring voyage out of the abyss of a wounded brain. It would take eight years for Taylor to heal completely. Because of her knowledge of how the brain works, her respect for the cells composing her human form, and most of all an amazing mother, Taylor completely repaired her mind and recalibrated her understanding of the world according to the insights gained from her right brain that morning of December 10th.

Today Taylor is convinced that the stroke was the best thing that could have happened to her. It has taught her that the feeling of nirvana is never more than a mere thought away. By stepping to the right of our left brains, we can all uncover the feelings of well-being and peace that are so often sidelined by our own brain chatter. A fascinating journey into the mechanics of the human mind, My Stroke of Insight is both a valuable recovery guide for anyone touched by a brain injury, and an emotionally stirring testimony that deep internal peace truly is accessible to anyone, at any time.

[mimitabby]

so what are his injuries at this point? is it the concussion that is the problem?
is he still on a ventilator?

[7rider]

so what are his injuries at this point? is it the concussion that is the problem?
is he still on a ventilator?

He was taken off the ventilator, but has supplemental oxygen via a mask at this point.
Injuries are:
Head injuries (bleeding and bruising on the brain). This remains the biggest problem.
Broken rib
Broken collar bone.
Broken sinus (?) bone.
Various and assorted bruises and bumps
Pneumonia - not an injury, but developed in the ICU.

[bouncybouncy]

2 weeks...Sending a whole new set of good thoughts!!!

Get better!!!

[Duck on Wheels]

So sorry for all your buddy's troubles! His list of injuries sounds very similar to when my DH had a car pull a left turn right in front of him: concussion, broken ribs, broken collar bone, broken humerus (sp?), liver and one kidney cracked and bleeding, lungs filling up with liquids. I'm happy to say that, aside from some reduced lung capacity and reduced mobility in one shoulder, DH is back on his bike and in great shape, just home from a hiking holiday in Bhutan and Nepal. It helped the healing process that he was in good shape to begin with ... from bike commuting for years, among other activities. I imagine your commuter buddy has that going for him as well.

Good thoughts and a flutter of doggedly healing butterflies headed your way.

[7rider]

Well, we've passed the 4-week mark, and my friend is STILL in ICU.
A brain injury is a terrible thing.
It's an important reminder that you can severely injure yourself, even WITH a properly fitting helmet.
Good news is, he has moments of lucidity, and the doctors say non-family members can visit. So, DH and I are going to try to get there tomorrow after work. His wife says he may recognize our faces but not know our names.
Ultimately, he will be discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Don't know when or for how long. I think tomorrow's visit will be (more) sobering for us.