Laura Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 My brother was in a motorcycle accident on June 17th. Someone pulled out from a stop sign and T-boned him. He had a badly broken leg and after 2 weeks of trying to save it, they finally had to amputate above the knee because of all the damage. My purpose in posting this is to warn anyone on the board who rides a motorcycle to be very careful. My brother was, but it didn't help. Everyone else, please look out for motorcyclists. They are vulnerable, and we are thankful that my brother didn't have head injuries, or get killed. Thanks for letting me vent, and just everyone be careful out there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzza Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 Hey Laura...I hope your brother is getting better and is coping with this huge happening.I work with people with disabilities and so know the impact that a loss like this can make not just to the person but those who love and care for them. Kiwi and my prayers are with your brother, you and your family.Having worked in the Motorcycle Industry for 8 years and having ridden m/cycles during that time I know the dangers.Your encouragement to riders and other road users alike is a good call. Thanks for reminding us all of other road users who can be more vulnerable in accidents.And its O.K. to "vent" here!!! Muzza and Kiwi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 You don't have to tell me. My best friend was killed last year riding his motorcycle leaving a wife and 3 kids. One little error in judgement going pretty slow, but the semi-truck didn't see him. It doesn't matter who is at fault, the cyclist always gets screwed. Not worth the risk, just to have the wind in your face, and bugs splat on your helmet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SugarBabi7 Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 For years I've seen motorcyclists (including police officers) come up between two lanes of traffic to get ahead of the other cars. I've seen them come up on the right of cars making a right turn, not realizing they are probably in the driver's blind spot. The last time I saw this happen was in California at a stop light, I was working for AMR ambulance at the time. The motorcyclist came up on the car's right as it was making a turn which caused the car to turn into the motorcycle which then hit the curb and bounced out into traffic which hit him from both directions. He was wearing a helmet. His head remained with the helmet. The rest wasn't pretty.I echo the above. If you ride a motorcycle be extra careful and if you're driving a car, be extra aware of that motorcycle.Laura, my prayers are with you, your brother and your whole family during this very trying time.Cheri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlene Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I'll be saying prayers for his speedy recovery. Love, Marlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mannoman Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 So sorry to hear about your brother. Motorcycles are dangerous in and of themselves but ya gotta watch out for the inattentive drivers in cars and trucks 'cause they are usually on a cell phone or otherwise distracted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 Laura, I'm so sorry about your brother's accident. Motorists often don't realize how vulnerable cyclists are. I always take care to give cylists more than enough room, because my cousins ride and have had more than one narrow escape.Your brother's double trauma of physical injury and emotional pain is a formidable burden to bear. Please send him our heartfelt wishes for a quick and complete recovery.My cousin, Glenn, suffered an amputation when he was 16, and, while it was terribly traumatic and painful in the beginning, his positive attitude overcame the obstacles. He's married and has a family and is doing beautifully.Tell your brother to keep his chin up. If he's anything like you (and I'll bet he is), he will do beautifully. He's in my prayers, and so are you. --Love, Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuliaAllByMyself Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 I am so sorry to hear about your brother, Laura. Stevie’s best friend was killed a few years ago when a lorry dragged him and his moped under his wheels. He was such a lovely guy and we still miss him. I hope you and your family are coping with such a horrific event and your brother recovers well.Love Julia & Stevie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneG Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's tragic accident. Thank heavens he survived, and has a wonderful sister to help him with the painful recovery. And thank you for the reminder for us all to be more observant and thoughful behind the wheel.Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted July 17, 2006 Author Share Posted July 17, 2006 Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone. I know he truly appreciates it. He had his first trial at home today (he's actually going to my parents' house because everything is on one floor. He'll come home on Tuesday or Wednesday. It went well but there is a long way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Hang in there, Laura. He has the best possible team around him, that's for sure, and a lot of LOVE--that's what's most important. --Love, Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Oh Laura, I'm so very sorry that he has to go through this. My prayers go out for a full recovery, both physical and mental, as he makes these difficult changes. We're here when you need us so vent away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Laura, best wishes and prayers to your brother. Hope he hangs tough and stays positive.Best,Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachie Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Laura, I have heard sooooo many horror stories about motorcycle accidents. So good to hear that your brother is going to pull through. Sending prayers out for him. Was just watching a show on Discovery Health yesterday all about some of the people that make prosthetics and their patients. About the patients mental recovery as well as their physical. Sending good thoughts as well. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted July 19, 2006 Author Share Posted July 19, 2006 My brother came home to my parents house today. He still has a way to go, has his wound vac and needs dressing changes 3x/week, but he's glad just to be out of the hospital and feels like he's finally on the road to recovery. I will be doing part of his dressing changes but the visiting nurse will deal with the wound vac (I'm an OB nurse, not a wound care nurse!) The plan is to completely heal, toughen up and then get his prosthesis in a few months. Thanks for all your support for me during this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 Your brother is fortunate to have you for a sister. Glad he is "home". Every day will bring more healing. It will be a big adjustment, but hopefully he can remain positive. My cousin was in a similar accident on his motorcycle many years ago and his leg was so severely damaged they decided to amputate. Your brother just needs to focus on the positive--be thankful for what he has rather than to focus on what he has lost. He is fortunate he has his life. Will keep him and your family in prayer. --Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 I'm so glad he's home. I'm truly hoping that within the safety of his family he'll begin to feel strong and confident and will realize that he is surrounded by love and healing. Please keep updating us while we continue upholding all of you in prayer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazumi Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Laura, I'm glad to hear that your brother is home now. Best wishes for him and I hope his speedy recovery.Kazumi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kiwi Connection Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Hey Laura, Pleased to hear your brother has started the next phase of his recovery and rehab, we will continue to pray for his on going treatment and recovery. We will also be praying for strength and patience for you and the rest of your family in the days and weeks ahead as you support him and each other.Kiwi and Muzza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 Hi, Laura. Now that your brother has been home a few days I thought I'd ask how he was adjusting. I'm still thinking of you all and still care.<smile> Sincerely hope that things are going as well as they possibly can! Please update us from time to time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted July 30, 2006 Author Share Posted July 30, 2006 Thanks Kathy Lee. He's doing ok. Got all the sutures and staples out. Still has the wound vac. Starting to get out and about a bit in the w/c. Still has an open area on the side of his leg where an idiot home care nurse ripped open his skin where they did skin grafts when they were trying to save the leg. So I do dressing changes when they don't come. He has moments of frustration when he can't do what he wants to do, or feelings of uselessness. We talk about those things. One of the nice things is we have a large, close knit family so everyone is pulling together to help him and his family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kiwi Connection Posted July 30, 2006 Share Posted July 30, 2006 Keep up the good work Laura and know that we are here and still praying for all of your famliy.Kiwi and Muzza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raspberries4ever Posted July 30, 2006 Share Posted July 30, 2006 Laura, somehow I missed this thread too, while I was away. Sorry... I'm so sorry to hear about what your brother has been going through. Please know he & you are in my prayers. Our vet & his wife were in a terrible motorcycle accident a couple of years ago. They are doing well now, but it was a long recovery, especially for his wife. While she was hospitalized, her injuries were compared to someone having been attacked by a shark! We're thankful they're OK (they even have a baby now), and I hope all good things for your brother on the road ahead! Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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