Laurie and Doug- I somehow just ran across this thread, and while reading through it all I was thinking about how it's so funny to feel so emotional about people living in another state that I don't know. But we all share a common bond, and I think everyone here realizes that it could be any one of us in your place today or tomorrow. (Well, not me, all the bodywork is off my bike today for an oil change and LED bulbs in the dash) I'm so glad that you're recovering so well, and that you have such great family and friends for support. There are so many stories that don't have happy endings, but it sounds like you're well along the road to recovery. Just know that there are an awful lot of people all over the country that are on your team, and we will all celebrate with you the day you can start riding again. Michael in Las Vegas
Yes, there are many others "out there" who have not only lived through a bad motorcycle accident (including head injuries) but are still riding. Additionally, since 2000 I have lived through 4 heart attacks and open heart surgery and I am still riding. All of my doctors understand that my riding motorcycles is not negotiable. So beat up as I am, I still ride. And oh yes, you are for sure a part of the "brotherhood." Im my opinion all women who ride are. Anyone who loves bikes and rides is welcome to ride with me and is a friend, no matter if they call themselves a motorcyclist, a biker, a scooterist or whatever. Namaste' Doug in Kentucky
Laurie, Thank you for updating us on your impressive progress . . . . continued positive thoughts and wishes from Texas. I broke my pelvis and hip a little over a year ago in a motorcycle accident, albeit clearly not as bad as yours, and I'm feeling as good as before the accident. I have been seeing a myofascial therapist (deep tissue massage using a unique set of skills) and the sessions have been extremely productive for my healing and flexibility. Best of luck to you and great job getting yourself to this point in your recovery Jeff
Glad to hear that she's doing better! I hope all heals well and you're able to ride again soon! Cagers really need to watch out...
Wooo! Out of the hospital! It's a big step. Doesn't everything feel especially heightened and awesome after escaping from a too-long hospital stay?
Just read this entire thread, and am now wrung out emotionally. Good to hear that recovery is progressing. Hope that both of you are in the wind again soon... or at least as soon as winter allows.
Hello again. Thank you once again for all of your support! I think Doug (Icebox) was better at providing updates than I appear to be. However, I'll make an attempt... I returned home to Bozeman on Nov 20, after staying at my Dad's house in Billings following release (and re-release) from the hospital to allow attending doctors' appointments and therapy sessions. While I was a bit nervous about moving to a different environment, just as I was when being released from the hospital (brain injuries affect you in unexpected ways), I was very excited to finally be home once I got there! I was able to spend the 4 day Thanksgiving weekend with Doug in West Yellowstone!!! Navigating on crutches in snow and ice was certainly educational, but generated no bad results. Doug had used the prospect of Thanksgiving dinner with our friends as a "carrot" starting very early in my hospitalization. At the time he initially mentioned it, I don't think either one of us had any idea if it would actually be possible but it in fact turned out to be a makeable goal. And it was wonderful to be able to spend time with our friends. Two things have happened in recent weeks that have been very promising... The first is that my brain injury seems to be recovering successfully and that gives me a lot of hope for continuing to be successful at my career. The second is that, as of last Wednesday, I am now able to put 25% weight on my right leg. I still am on crutches, but the feeling of having both feet on the ground is highly rewarding, not to mention slightly safer on snow!
Good news indeed! Laurie, you are "over the hump" now. Just keep doing what your docs and PT (and OT if you are using them) are telling you. Things will just keep getting better. It is amazing what the brain is able to do to repair itself. Everyone expects the body to heal itself (with help from the docs) but not everyone knows that the brain can heal itself. You took a good bang to your head. You will still have some blanks in your memory. I still don't remember much of the day of my accident but you know what? That is okay. You are getting your life back. Please tell Doug hi from the other Doug. Oh, and thanks for the update. Updates are important. In the future, you will be able to go back and look at the posts here and see just how far you have come. Be well, Doug in Kentucky
Excellent news! Good to hear that you can put some weight on your leg, too. Makes such a big difference in mobility (once I could start putting weight on my broken leg, my world started getting bigger again). Once again, here's to every day getting a little better!
GREAT news indeed!!! Good to hear that you spent Thanksgiving with friends, always good to be in a comfort zone of love and support. If YOU are recognizing progress,,, that has to be a great confidence builder,,, which will just feed on itself. Continued thoughts and prayers go out to you!
Congrats to both Laurie and Doug. Getting through tough times together helps us all appreciate the good times. Best to you both.
This just makes me so happy. It is great news to hear you are up and around. Especially for the holidays. Keep at it. You have a lot of people pulling for you.
Thank you to all you supporters! You are very much appreciated! I received a card from a friend today that included a hand-written note that, frankly, stated exactly what I have come to believe is the way back... For those out there struggling in a similar manner to me, I hope these thoughts are helpful. "I know you have the drive and desire to pull through this. Just try to keep a positive attitude and keep looking forward. Remember small incremental steps will eventually lead to the goal. Stay positive. Stay Focused. You can do it!" Ken B.
Hi Laurie! Glad to see you posting again! Years ago I raced Stockcars. When trying to go faster many people spend much time and effort looking for big gains. Seldom are they achieved. Instead I concentrated on finding small gains, a tenth of a second here a quarter of a second there. Pretty soon it adds up into being a winner. You have had some really amazing "big gains" in your recovery. Don't get discouraged if the gains you see going forward are small ones. Remember a bunch of small gains added together are just as good as one big one.....You are already a winner!! Best Regards....just jeff
I've been following this thread for awhile and I'm glad to see you're on the mend. Good luck to you and I hope you keep making good progress. The hard Northern Winter gives you plenty of time to concentrate on getting better-inside. Regards.