CliffordK

Oh,

Sorry to hear about this... And you're now hitting 2 weeks out, that is a long time in the hospital. Unfortunately, it sounds like you're in a big waiting game. I'm glad you're getting support at work. Parents?

I wish for a speedy recovery, and time to get back on the bike in the sunshine.

And, keep Bike Forums in mind as a resource, both for relaxing, as well as perhaps helping you get back on the road.

bruce19

Good grief. Just saw this. Really sorry this has happened to both of you. FWIW I broke my neck 5 yrs ago in a cycling accident. The docs do amazing work and I feel confident they will make things right.

Oldguyonoldbike

I'm very sorry to hear of Rowan's accident. Hang in there, and know that there are an awful lot of people here sending prayers and heartfelt wishes your way.

Patriot1

May you find peace in prayer. May God surround you both with his best Angels.

Brian25

Really saddened to hear about this. Will you be posing updates? / positive news, I hope.

RonH

Sorry to read this. You're both in my prayers. Be strong.

Dan Burkhart 

I missed this when you first posted it. Have not been hanging around here much.
So sorry to read the news. Hoping for a rapid and complete recovery.

qcpmsame 

If Machka isn't available to update us, I am asking her to allow me to pass along information she deems appropriate, from our PMs regarding Rowan and her. She is truly wrung out from all the things going on, I cannot fathom how much she must be hurting inside and how tired she is now.

Bill

Biker395 

So sorry to hear of Rowan and Machka's challenges. We're pulling for you guys.

Fortitudine Vincimus

skidder

Sad news, indeed. Lucky he's a regular bicycle rider, so probably has a good (if not great) level of overall fitness. Any doctor will tell you being fit helps with getting through a predicament like this, and helps with recovery too. Really hoping for the best of outcomes for both of you, and that he comes back even stronger than before.

Maelochs

I am fully expecting to hear good news about all this eventually. In the meantime, Machka, I hope you are not suffering too much. Nothing AI could say or do would help, but if that were not the case, I would help. I have much respect for the pair of you. Be well while waiting for Rowan's recovery.

sch

This can be a long row to hoe, but the resilience of the brain can be amazing. My brother had a similar injury ~10-12 yrs ago, weeks in hospital,vent, induced
coma, subdural drained etc. Slowly came around and began recognizing family, talking a bit and slow slow improvement over months. By ~ 1 yr he was high functioning though not as before, went back to his one man business which he has continued to effectively operate ever since with 6 figure incomes.

02Giant 

Hope you both find strength and peace with every new day.

Machka 

Thank you Bill ... the last few days have been particularly difficult, but today was a little bit better. For one thing, I actually slept 10 hours last night. I think I needed it. This is exhausting.

Trsnrtr

We’re all pulling for you, too. Hang in there.

Machka 

Another update ...

Rowan still has the chest infection ... they're still working on that.
Rowan still has the blood clot in his right shoulder and arm ... they're still working on that.

In the last few days, I've found out that Rowan has fractured cheekbones and a fractured bone at the base of his skull. I also think his nose might be broken or something too. They knew about those fractures but opted not to tell me. Evidently they've been a minor concern so they weren't worrying about them before, but now they need to start doing something because he may start feeling pain.

Therefore they are planning a tracheotomy tomorrow, hopefully, to insert his breathing tube there. That will ease the pressure on his face and should help him start to wean off the ventilator.

His progress is very, very slow ... but today he did have his eyes open most of the time I was there. Whether or not he can see/focus, who knows.

They've warned me that when he has this next surgery, he will take a big step back in the progress for a few days. But I hope the surgery goes well, and that he will start making some good progress over the next week. Hope.


And continued thank you to you all.

.

cyclist2000

Sorry to hear about this, you both will be in my thoughts and prayers

Dan Burkhart 

Thanks for the update. Strength to you both.

himespau 

Best wishes.

CliffordK

I'm glad to hear things are getting better, even if slowly.

Any movement of the extremities? Feeling in the extremities?

It may not hurt to get a book and start reading it out loud. Something for both of you.

jppe

Machka, I’m just checking in to 50+ and reading about Rowan. I’m shocked. I’ve just dealt with and still dealing with two relatives with brain injuries due to falls including multiple visits to the Neuro ICU sections of the hospitals.

As I’m sure you know, this is similar to the long rides Rowan and you do in that you really do have to pace yourself. Hopefully you can continue to get some rest and peace. I’m sure Rowan is getting great treatment from the physicians. With his cycling conditioning he has a lot going for him.

Thanks for sharing the updates. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way.

Jadesfire 

Machka,

As another poster pointed out on the previous page, I know you don't know me from a hole in the wall. I followed the link from your "Weekend Ride Reports" thread in Road Cycling (which was a bit of a surprise to see) as I was just thinking about y'all earlier today and hoping things were going well. I'd just like to add my hope and wish for Rowan's speedy recovery as well. This is the phase that is so hard on the caregiver, and it's good to hear that there is support from your coworkers and university. I hope you know that y'all are both sources of inspiration that truly enrich this site and this sport in general.

Best wishes from Louisiana.

Reynolds 

Just seen your post in 50+ Machka. Sorry to hear about what Rowan and you are going through, I hope he will recover even if it takes some time. Best wishes to both of you!

wipekitty

Wishing all the best to you and Rowan.

The two of you are truly an inspiration.

wipekitty//Mary K

Heathpack 

Thanks for the update.

Tell Rowan that we are all taking his pulls for the foreseeable future.