My commuting partner got taken out.

[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.

[Blueberry]

Glad he's hanging in there, and getting some good moments. It's a sobering reminder for us all - but the same thing could certainly happen in a car or as a pedestrian.

Hugs to you and to his family.

CA

[OakLeaf]

whew. Keeping him in my thoughts - and his family, and you.

[Zen]

A brain injury is a terrible thing.

Maybe the worst.
I've seen the effects.

[7rider]

Well, after 1 day shy of 5 weeks in ICU, Terry was discharged and sent to a rehabilitation hospital in Baltimore.
Now begins the long process of "coming back." Physical, occupational, and speech therapists will fill his days for the coming time.
So happy he's out of ICU.
Still so upset it happened in the first place.

[NbyNW]

Terry sounds like quite the fighter -- it's fantastic news that the docs think he's ready for the next step in the healing process.

He's also lucky to have the support of family and friends

Keep us posted!

[7rider]

I just got an email from Terry's wife.
She's bringing him home tomorrow!!!
I'm really happy....and really surprised.
DH and I went to see him in Baltimore on Sunday. He was alert, chatty, and a little confused by all that has happened to him. He accepted that he had a bike accident, but the "how" and the "why" made no logical sense to him (nor to us, really). When we saw him, he was confusing timelines...bringing up things that happened 40 years ago, and wondering if it had any relevance. He also was convinced things happened that perhaps he dreamed about, but that was it.
His wife had said he had made remarkable progress in the 3 days prior to our seeing him. If he continued that progress, I guess he'd be ready to go home and get back with his life. Re-connecting with current day - his family, friends, neighbors, house, job, all that mundane stuff we take for granted - has got to be good therapy for him.
Sigh. I feel like a weight has been lifted......

[NbyNW]

Wow, that's fantastic! Sounds like the pieces are falling into place for Terry.

Home is the best place to heal.

[Iris616]

I'm so sorry to hear of your friends accident.

TBI can be overwhelming, and the recovery is long. I am posting links to 2 sites that your friend, his wife and you might find helpful.

www.biamd.org

http://crlynch.com/

I wish him and his family the best.

[divingbiker]

Oh, that's great news. It's been (and will continue to be) a long haul.

[jesvetmed]

Wonderful news that he is home and still improving. Long haul ahead, but it sure sounds promising.