Easy story, not an "easy" result ;- )On my way home one evening. I was introduced to what is known as "A Severe MVA/TBI, etc.".
I was just riding home after work. As I had to be up, and back first thing in the morning. I wanted to enjoy the night breeze a bit on the way. It was a short trip though. For a young sixteen (16) year old boy. Out driving his father's brand new truck. Ran a stop sign, and turned the wrong way. Onto a four (4) lane, one way highway. He hit me almost head on. I was in a fifty five (55) mile an hour area of road. The witnesses attest to him coming out onto the highway like a deer. No one saw him they say. I don't know. As I don't remember a single thing. Nor will I most likely ever recall those events :- (
I have found out many things since that unfortunate evening. First, that I left about a four (4) thousand dollar body print on the hood of this truck. It spinning around a few times. With my bike stuck in it. Up to the firewall no less. Before it came to rest along the median. They could not separate the two (2) even at the scene.
My helmet was ripped off my head upon impact. Being tossed into the woods nearby the road. Not being found until the next day. By investigating State Troopers. I appartently flew down the road. Bouncing off the road a very long distance.
I ended up with forty eight (48) different shattered, fractured bones. My skull in three (3) places. My neck in three (3). My back in four (4). Just to name a few. Lets say the medical term "Bi-Lateral" works well here!
I was in an extended coma. Having suffered a TBI, massive Orthopedic injuries, and internal traumas. As I was cut from head to toe. My spleen was lacerated internally even. They could not intubate me. As my entire jaw was shattered, and stuck in my throat. So, I have a wonderful trach' scar now as well of course ;- )
They told my parents, and children for ten (10) days. That I was basically dead. Not being going to make it any farther. Then, after the tenth (10th). They were told I might, but that I would be in a coma the rest of my life probably. After a few months. They keep coming into the ICU room, and would rip up their various papers ;- ) I was hosptialized for about thirteen (13) months total at first.
I have had six (6) reconstructive surgeries since. They are termed "elective". Although I can't say I ever "voted" for any of them ;- )
I have even had nerve decompressions. Trying to re-obtain both some motor nerve stimulus. As well as just basic sensory nerve feeling. Got some of the sensory back, but none of the motor nerves. So I do not have "dorselflection" for an example. Meaning I now cannot use my left ankle. It is noted to have what's known as "foot drop". So I tend to trip occassionally, and must be very careful when walking. Braces help, but do not take away the real danger. Of what would happen to me if I were to ever fall wrong.
The nerve damage is extreme, and mostly centered on the left side of my body. This magnified by my having suffered subdural hematomas (a.k.a. Strokes) during my first surgery. When they were in operating on my Brain & Skull to begin with. A rather lengthy surgical procedure I am told. Three (3) different surgical teams. Operating at different stages of the critial procedures.
They have even done a "Muscle Transference" on me. Taking my left lower torsal muscle. The Latisimus Dorsel still enervated. As they really needed a muscle with operational nerves still. They moved it from my lower back. Tranferring it to my bicep area in my left arm. To re-obtain elbow flection. This procedure took an estimated hundred (100) & forty seven (47) staples ;- )
To date though, it has been to no avail. Due to the muscle mass moved. Being to "bulky" of a muscle. Placed into to small of an area. To receive proper contraction needed to flex the elbow upwards. After finding this out. They then wanted to transfer another enervated arm muscle. The Supinator in there as well. To achieve the contraction needed. It was then decided I would not want any more disfigurement. Thus refusing anymore surgery in that area to date.
After the excellent Neuro Surgical Team performed all of their Medical wonders. I was then given to the Orthopedic folks. The "Carpenter's" of the trade. With whom I bascially became their poster child of sorts ;- ) I am now made of Titanium. My jaw, both arms, hips, and left knee. Reconstruction began back then. Rehab' did not. They basically prioritized their services though. Just to keep me alive. If I lived. I would learn to breathe on my own later perhaps.
I was flown to the closest advanced trauma hospital near where I was injured. I was on the ground waiting for the Helicopter for a little over a hour they say. It was a busy Saturday night appartently. They had to resuscitate me twice during the flight they tell me. The Hosptial was an hour & a half away by vehicle. I am sure the 'Copter got there a bit faster ;- )
Let's just say I was introduced to exactly what a "Taber's" Medical Dictionary was when finally released from the Hopital. Unable to walk, talk, and think straight. The word "rehabilitation" becoming a lifetime endeavor. A practice that I realize will only continue to help me. But, one that is beyond the word hard!
I also realize just how lucky I truly was here folks. I am alive for a number of reasons. Thanks really going to all the Medical Professionals I was unconciously introduced to that evening. Back in late June of 1995. They were really beyond the word "good". I will be thanking them. Till the day I can no longer!
I have climbed up that rehabiliative ladder. Both well, and somewhat off the statistical charts & graphs utilized. Those used generally by Brain Injury Specialists. When just characterizing statistically survivors of the aforementioned injuries.
For I am now a beneficial member of my community once again. Working, driving, etc. I have been medicine free for going on three (3) years. I have achieved much needed independence early on in my rehab'. Having taken care of myself on my own. Shortly after my release from the Hospital. Then through the various therapies incorporated. To teach me how to walk again. Talk again constructively. Cook & clean once again, etc.
I still experience pain in my shattered body somewhere each day. It is always in a different location. But, lets just say I would be an excellent meteorolgist these days ;- )
I still do suffer from many deficits. One example is simply. My sense of taste/smell being gone totally, and permanently. Being but one of many examples now unfortunately. For the nerve controling this feature. Was simply torn away from my Brain. During the massive Contre Coupe bouncing around it undertook.
I cannot feel allot of areas on my left side. From my neck, down to my toes. What I do feel. Feels just plainly "different" somehow now. I suffer from massive fatigue factors almost daily as well. Known to affect most all of us Brain Injury Survivors.
Still also then working on the complex issues surrounding my rehabiliative venture. Like the cognitive difficulties. As well as communication, and logical reasoning difficulties, etc.
My life is now changed. This was not a scheduled endeavor, but one that must be dealt with accordingly. I am, and shall always try too. For I say only two (2) things now these days.
First, I just say thanks. To a great many helping hands out there. The world in which we live. May not be as large as we thought. There are many out there to just help us get better ;- ) The team that surrounds me is excellent.
As is just the simplistic additions to the rehabilitative world we now reside within. Such as areas just like this one. For communication amoungst us all. Is a key resource we didn't have a little while back. It's informational resource is just amazing. They didn't have Helicoter's a while back either. Another of the many examples now out there. I frankly would not have made it if the didn't.
Areas like this one just help us all work on a very large assortment of problems. For myself cognitive issues to name just one.
Now the other thing. I will always say about what happened to me that night is just this. Is that it plainly could of just been worse! I can still smile. That in itself is something that enables me to just keep trying!
Email Bob
