Rowan
#376
Senior Member
Hello to everyone who has read and/or contributed to this thread. Mostly, of course, my absolutely wondering wife, known on here as Machka, but really known as Charlene. She has attended every single of my hospitalisation days, and has what seems to me so many incredible real stories of how I surprised.in hospital.
Because the brain hurt and other body parts I injured, I cannot recall any aspect of happened other than I was working in a cherry orchard aboard piece of mobile equipment.. I was saved from almost dying by David, a relatively new guy working for us calling an emergency helicopter to transfer me from the Bruny Island farm to the Royal Hobart Hospital. He is the main reason I stayed alive, then followed the helicopter, and the hugely impressive medical staff at the hospital.
I spent 3 1/2 weeks in what was a critical condition. I cannot write about it because i know almost nothing about it except what my gorgeous wife has told me or written here.
In the end, I was held in hospital, either the main Royal Hobart Hospital or the recovered one known a the Peacock Hospital for three months and a week. I will likely stay in the home situation for between three more and six months with regular chips each for further treatments.. One of the major issures remains my brain injury .
It isn't hugely life threatening now, but enough to affect my remembering a lot of things, and I have to be very careful how I move, including walking, which has limitation because of injury to the left leg. I am doing fairly often exercise. My driver's licence has been handed in for three month because of some hopefully fixable eyesight issues. My advice medically also is that I not attempt cycling because of that. We do have bikes that can set up for indoor practice, but I haven't progressed joining my wife in that so far. Another two or three weeks might see that change.
I have an incredible goodwilll in this and other threads on Bike Forums. They have been inspirational for me, including some posters who portrayed some similar injuries. Thank you to everyone.
And irrespective of that, my greatest thanks and love goes to Machka/Charlene who has been the reason and inspirational why I am still alive.
Because the brain hurt and other body parts I injured, I cannot recall any aspect of happened other than I was working in a cherry orchard aboard piece of mobile equipment.. I was saved from almost dying by David, a relatively new guy working for us calling an emergency helicopter to transfer me from the Bruny Island farm to the Royal Hobart Hospital. He is the main reason I stayed alive, then followed the helicopter, and the hugely impressive medical staff at the hospital.
I spent 3 1/2 weeks in what was a critical condition. I cannot write about it because i know almost nothing about it except what my gorgeous wife has told me or written here.
In the end, I was held in hospital, either the main Royal Hobart Hospital or the recovered one known a the Peacock Hospital for three months and a week. I will likely stay in the home situation for between three more and six months with regular chips each for further treatments.. One of the major issures remains my brain injury .
It isn't hugely life threatening now, but enough to affect my remembering a lot of things, and I have to be very careful how I move, including walking, which has limitation because of injury to the left leg. I am doing fairly often exercise. My driver's licence has been handed in for three month because of some hopefully fixable eyesight issues. My advice medically also is that I not attempt cycling because of that. We do have bikes that can set up for indoor practice, but I haven't progressed joining my wife in that so far. Another two or three weeks might see that change.
I have an incredible goodwilll in this and other threads on Bike Forums. They have been inspirational for me, including some posters who portrayed some similar injuries. Thank you to everyone.
And irrespective of that, my greatest thanks and love goes to Machka/Charlene who has been the reason and inspirational why I am still alive.
Just the fact that this post exists is the best news I have heard in months!
Scott P
Oregon City, OR
#377
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Although I don’t know you, I have been following this thread everyday. Despite it being triggered by an negative (the accident) the tone has just been so positive I had to read it. Great to read your words. Take care and we will too. Love.
#378
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Rowan and Machka, your journey, healing, and your love story for each other has been quite inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing it and glad to hear of such remarkable progress!
#379
aka Tom Reingold
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I'd like to echo what @dennis336 said. @Machka and @Rowan, I knew enough about you before the accident to know you're likable people, so the story seemed like a natural story to follow. I've followed from the beginning, and for what it's worth, I've thought about you while not reading the thread here and on Facebook. I'm happy about your recovery, as difficult as it is, and I feel quite confident you'll be as strong as ever, perhaps stronger, in due time.
I wish you the best of luck and happiness, and I'll keep following you and cheering both of you on.
I wish you the best of luck and happiness, and I'll keep following you and cheering both of you on.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#380
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So happy to hear of your progress. As someone who broke his neck in a bike crash, I know the hospital routine and the fear of disabling injury well. And, like you, I had my soul mate there to nurture me back to health. I went from not knowing if I would be paralyzed for life to being better than ever on the bike. Hoping you will have a similar story to tell. Best to you and Charlene.
#381
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Great news, Rowan, that you are on the road to recovery. I have been following your story since Machka started reporting on it, and while I am generally optimistic to a foolish level, I'd say things have worked out better than I had hoped.
I was amazed that you were able to post here, and that post was long and lucid ... you might have a few issues but it seems your brain mostly works. People are adaptable and you have proven yourself to be tough. i am even more optimistic now. Maybe no randoneering This year ... but ....
What tremendous irony that after cycling in every corner of the world for year after year, you get knocked down picking cherries. The cosmos has a weird sense of humor I guess.
Anyway ... may you get the very best you deserve, and may you continue on the path to health down which you have traveled so swiftly already.
Machka ... thanks for the updates and thanks more for the endless hours of care you provided for your husband.
I was amazed that you were able to post here, and that post was long and lucid ... you might have a few issues but it seems your brain mostly works. People are adaptable and you have proven yourself to be tough. i am even more optimistic now. Maybe no randoneering This year ... but ....
What tremendous irony that after cycling in every corner of the world for year after year, you get knocked down picking cherries. The cosmos has a weird sense of humor I guess.
Anyway ... may you get the very best you deserve, and may you continue on the path to health down which you have traveled so swiftly already.
Machka ... thanks for the updates and thanks more for the endless hours of care you provided for your husband.
#382
rebmeM roineS
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Sorry I didn't read your comeback post until today, Rowan, but very glad to see it just now!
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#383
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may God bless you & Machka. sounds like you are a good "patient"
noun: a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
adjective: able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious
keep it up! the bikes can wait
noun: a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
adjective: able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious
keep it up! the bikes can wait
#384
Let's do a Century
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Welcome back Rowan on multiple levels!
I used to to follow Machka and your long distance riding adventures and was in awe with what you two were able to accomplish.
Who would have thought while as huge an accomplishment ask they were, they weren’t anything like what the two of you have accomplished lately. You’ve come a long way. Keep up the great efforts. Between Charlene and you great things are in store.
I used to to follow Machka and your long distance riding adventures and was in awe with what you two were able to accomplish.
Who would have thought while as huge an accomplishment ask they were, they weren’t anything like what the two of you have accomplished lately. You’ve come a long way. Keep up the great efforts. Between Charlene and you great things are in store.
#385
What happened?
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This one post is the Bike Forums post of the century. We're STOKED!
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I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
#386
Senior Member
Optimism, positivism, and Love. These make incredible things "happen".
Continued best wishes from the fellow from McCreary (eh, Machka - about 2004?), currently visiting Cairns.
Continued best wishes from the fellow from McCreary (eh, Machka - about 2004?), currently visiting Cairns.
Last edited by tmac100; 07-11-18 at 01:42 AM.
#387
Passista
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Many above have said it better than I could, so all I'll say is congrats Rowan & Machka!
#388
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Rowan, very, very happy to read your post. The simple fact that you are able to post is a wonderful relief, a testament to the progress you've made and the care you've received. May your continued road to full recovery proceed rapidly.
#389
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I only just joined the forum yesterday, and was gobsmacked when I came across news of your accident. Rowan, I was a regular on the Bicycling.com forums at the time when you and Charlene met, and I followed your randonneuring exploits until health issues forced me to give up the bike and leave the forum. I'm back on the bike now, and I'm pleased to learn that you're making steady progress toward that as well. You both will be in my prayers.
All the best,
John
(the former "Midlife Rider")
All the best,
John
(the former "Midlife Rider")
#390
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Thank you, again, to all of you!!
Rowan has been home for 2 weeks now (tomorrow).
He's got a nice home care worker during the day, which is good, and had his first Community Rehab meeting today. It went well ... mainly just talking, and getting to know some of the people there. So the recovery continues!
Rowan has been home for 2 weeks now (tomorrow).
He's got a nice home care worker during the day, which is good, and had his first Community Rehab meeting today. It went well ... mainly just talking, and getting to know some of the people there. So the recovery continues!
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#391
Senior Member
We don't know each other, but I've been following you and Rowan for the past couple of months. I'm sorry about the accident, I happy for Rowan's recovery, and I send you both mojo for continued recovery.
#392
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Rowan at home ...
We did a 900 metre walk today, down to a local grocery store and back, and then wandered around the yard looking at things while I took photos.
We did a 900 metre walk today, down to a local grocery store and back, and then wandered around the yard looking at things while I took photos.
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
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#393
Life is good
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That's wonderful news!!
I know you're in Oz or Tasmania and its winter for you but is it that cold? I know after what Rowan has been thru his internal thermostat isn't working correctly.
I know you're in Oz or Tasmania and its winter for you but is it that cold? I know after what Rowan has been thru his internal thermostat isn't working correctly.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#394
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RonH: a bit of googling on maps will show they are located perhaps 2200 miles from Antartica and 3200 miles from the south pole.
Last edited by sch; 07-14-18 at 03:52 PM.
#396
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And when I took the photo, the temp was about 9C (48F) with a "feels like" temp of about 7C (44F), so it was chilly out there.
We've just recently had snow down to 600 metres, so the wind off the ocean (at times it does come straight up from Antarctica) or mountain (covered in snow) can be quite chilly.
We've just recently had snow down to 600 metres, so the wind off the ocean (at times it does come straight up from Antarctica) or mountain (covered in snow) can be quite chilly.
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
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Machka's Website
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#397
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And when I took the photo, the temp was about 9C (48F) with a "feels like" temp of about 7C (44F), so it was chilly out there.
We've just recently had snow down to 600 metres, so the wind off the ocean (at times it does come straight up from Antarctica) or mountain (covered in snow) can be quite chilly.
We've just recently had snow down to 600 metres, so the wind off the ocean (at times it does come straight up from Antarctica) or mountain (covered in snow) can be quite chilly.
Just looked at thermometer and at 1:40AM it is 80F and 70% humidity.
#398
Has a magic bike
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Welcome back, @Rowan. I’m sure you are glad to be home!
#399
Life Feeds On Life
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for Rowan all the way from Texas.
#400
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I wasn’t aware of most of this and have taken the time to read most of the posts. I know there is nothing a stranger can say but know some of us have stood where you are and can at least relate. My wife spent several months in a comma and I was a basket case every day she was in the hospital. I was lucky and had a good support system that could help when she returned home. If anything we are closer today than we were way back then. I will keep you both in my prayers.
Bob.
Bob.