Cycle.org

It has now been six weeks since my bicycle accident and I am doing well. The many cards, Emails and well wishes helped out tremendously as many days were challenging. The bones and body are healing the fastest, with a slower pace for the nerves and neurons. I have some issues with one eye and balance that the specialists say will take six months to a year to resolve.

My personal challenge was to develop patience which I lacked before. I wanted everything to be healed immediately but am now trying my hardest to be patient with varying success. It does look like I will heal near 100% though except for my weight which I hope to keep down, to my advantage on the hills. The trip and accident has me down about forty pounds and I hope to keep thirty off when I start riding again.

I have been going to therapy for physical, occupational, and communication to help me get the body and mind back together at "Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital"
http://www.mainlinehealth.org/oth/Page.asp?PageID=OTH002317

The rehabilitation work at the hospital and my home has me very functional for home and work tasks. More has to be done to return me to where I want to be, but I am extremely happy to have progressed as fast as I have. I just need patience for the longer neuron mending. :-)

Thanks again for all your support!
Bob Ruddy

All,
I have received cards, notes, flowers, emails, by hand delivery, mail,
email! THANK YOU! I have not been able to respond and am trying now.

I had a serious bike accident four weeks ago and have been conscience
for the last two. I don't know what happened during the accident, just
the results that I am working on to overcome.

Big head injury with smashed helmet. I am working on thought process
recovery and regaining half my vision that was lost. little bit at a
time but it seems to be going OK...

Half my chest cavity is full of mending bones, ribs, and clavicle.
Uncomfortable but seeming to be mending OK.

THANK YOU ALL! and especially to Julie!
Bob Ruddy

The past 4 days have been spinning! We were at Grand View hospital for inpatient rehab, but Bob had had enough yesterday morning. The team agreed that he would do better at home with continued outpatient therapy, so home we went! I was doubting the decision, but we had the best sleep in 3 1/2 weeks! Today I have been on the phone setting up appointments and therapy sessions. Life will not be slowing down. We are going to hold off on visitors for a few more days as to catch up on rest and just getting reaccumlated to humidity! Thanks for all the cards, e-mails and goodie bags. All of you are priceless!

Julie

Its been a busy few days getting ready for the trip home so my mom hasn't had the time to post, here is the short version of the weekend.

Suzanne arrived last Thursday night in Reno. She spent much of Friday with dad. This was mom's errand day making sure the hospital had the right addresses to send records, gathering records to bring, prescriptions, etc. John (his brother) was in San Francisco, he drove out Saturday night to visit and stayed until Sunday. Paul (his brother) flew out to Reno on Sunday. Suzanne went back to LA on Monday morning. Paul and my parents came back to PA on Monday.

The trip had some moments of uncertainty due to long delays on the first flight, but in the end they arrived in Philadelphia at 9:40pm only 40 minutes after the originally scheduled arrival. Dad handled it like a champ, anxious like normal, but very well.

I’ve been talking to him on the phone over the last week or so. What I’ve mainly noticed is that every time I talk to him the conversations are more focused then the day before. It seems like the days of wild tangents are coming to a close. He is walking around very well now. Due to his greater mobility he is experiencing more pain from the broken bones then he was when I was out there.

The other major thing I’ve noticed will cause concern to all his biking friends... He is about 35 pounds lighter then before. So anyone he couldn’t beat up Wismer or the sprint to the bridge on Landisville Road; you better watch out.

Bob C

Leaving on a jet plane...... Early Monday morning. Bob will go directly to an inpatient rehab hospital. It will be good to be back in Pennsylvania! Bob's is getting stronger every day. Today, I feel he has more energy than I. He is very bored and we try to keep him entertained. It is difficult, because he wants to go outside and hospital rules are very limiting. Suzanne flew in last night for the weekend. She will leave the same time as us for the airport. Thanks to all of you. I know I've said it before, but I will never be able to say it enough!

Julie

Hi everyone! Busy last two days. Bob's activity has greatly increased over the past two days. He is walking the halls without having to hold on. He is checking every door for a way out! Today they opened an enclosed patio for him to use. It really helped his attitude. With the increased activity has come increased pain from his fractures, but that is controlled with medications. We are expecting to leave Reno Friday or Monday to head east for admission to an inpatient rehab. Plans are in the works. Thanks everyone! The cards, pictures and notes are great!

Julie

Great day! Last night, Bob tried to fire his nurses! Typical. This morning found still hell bent on "getting out of here". He is moving around much better and was awake & active til about 4pm. Walking, steadier, shower, shave. The therapist had him log onto his computer to see how he navigated. Well, he aced that.....no kidding! Bob was showing the therapist pictures of the beginning of the trip and he was remembering the details. He still is impulsive and stubborn. All products of the brain injury that he'll need to pass through to recovery. His wheels are turning, they just need to turn in the same direction. Thanks to all... I will never be able to say that enough!

Julie

Pain much, much better today! The therapist was in this morning and is very pleased with the progress Bob is making with his mental skills. I can see a difference, but still miles to go!

One of the doctors told Bob yesterday that in the hospital, good things happen slowly, bad things happen quick. It really hit home with me. It is not only true in the hospital, but in life. I guess if things happen slow, you can enjoy the journey more! Good, positive thoughts all the way around. Couldn't do this without all you positive thoughts and support.

Julie

The night nurses tell me we should be able to see fireworks from the hospital room window. The last few day Bob has had terrible leg cramps. At first I just thought it was from a low potassium level, for which they started supplements. However the cramps were getting worse to the point where Bob could barely get out of bed or sit in the chair. Yesterday afternoon we figured out that this along with some blood test abnormalities are related to an antiseizure medication Bob was receiving as a precaution. The medication is being stopped. Today the cramps are slightly better. Hopefully the cramps will be gone tomorrow so Bob can continue with his therapy.

Julie

Quiet day here. Bob is better today. Still very tired with small activities although he is moving better in bed. Being up for any period of time is still difficult. Thanks to all of you for your support. To my Abington family, you guys are way above and way beyond! Your generosity is unbelievable, I'll speechless.

Julie