Hi to all, my name is laurie and last year (16 march 2006) I was involved in a 12 metre high and a 100 metre off the water experience. I was thrown into a brick wall,(by a freak gust), then a brick fence, while my kite wrapped around a powerline. I susstained a fractured right ancle (in 3 places), dislocated ancle, fractured left femur, fractured hip, sublucsation right shoulder, pneumothorax left lung, contusion right lung, fractured orbit, fractured nasal bone and a fractured skull in 3 places. The worst injury I susstained was a base of skull fracture, which left me with bad balance issues, fatigue, double vision, confusion, lost memmory, right sided hemiplegia (weakness)and a loss of coordination (inability to walk straight, kick a ball, etc). I know this all sounds bad, but I have made a good recovery. I have regained my drivers licence, look after my 18 month old child, live a fairly normal life. I am still waiting to get back to work (maybe soon!). I would like to thank all the people that have helped me in this terible time. From Gnotuk (aspendale Vic), Kaos (richard) for the forum writings that made people aware of the situation and also for raising money to help out my familly, it was a true gift. To travis for helping my boken body (the day of the accident)and driving my car back home. To all the guys that ahve been very supportive, in encourageing me. Ivan (SHQ boardsports) for offering to take me out for my first time, again. I hope no one ever has to go through what I have had to endure, so play safe and try wearing a helmet (for my sake!). Thanks all Laurie

Good to hear from you mate! Glad to hear you are so positive and its all coming back together for you. Had been wondering about how you were getting on?
Nothing happens by chance really and somehow there are important lessons in this for and becuase of the forum network, for all of us too!

Find a way to go kiting still for sure, even if it is buggying, and only at a moderate pace.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

There are the best news we ever get: to hear directly from you, Laurie, that's fantastic.
Welcome back, my friend, and I hope to meet you one day, to go togheter for a kite session.
Well done Laurie, you are an inspiration for all of us, with your strong spirit and will to come back.

Welcome back.

All the best dude!
When I heard that someone of your experience could come unstuck, I went and bought a helmet.

quote:

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Originally posted by echostorm

Bloody hell mate... i think we should offer you a moment of silence on anzac day too after that ordeal

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Thanks for all the encouragement and kind words. I didnt say it but I received a severe traumatic brain injury, and the ambulance that got me gave me a 20% survival rate. I was also taken by helicopter to the Alfred (Vic), where I spent 30 days unconscious. Im still at rehab, but things are on the improve. Thanks Laurie

.......I,m stuck for words,you got my minutes silence soldier kiter! all the best for the future IRG,the personal costs to your unfortunate accident are totally daunting, maybe Laurie (our regulator) could organise some sort of benefit envolving us all to help with your financial recovery, a 'couple a bob' from all sincere wellwishers may help with the bill's......Roo

I thought ASKA insurance only covered third party?

keep going and get back out their
and all the best
keep swinging

gee they make them hobbits tough. Good on you Laurie happy to see you are recovering.Hubcap

Hi all. Just a few words on recvery. Recently (07/06/07) I have been informed that my rehabilitation will be coming to an end. This is not to say I am out of the woods, but that the therapists say that there is no more possible gain I can expect from rehab. Its kind of daunting, b/c I have been through constant rehab for over a year.
Also recently I undertook an MRI which showed a cyst on my brain (7th and 8th cranial nerve), this could be the reason for my poor balance and speach impediments. They (dr's from Alfred, Monash, kingston, Royal Talbot hospitals) have said they are reviewing the condition and will scedual surgery soon. There are risks involved (infection, paralysis, going backwards in recovery and even death), but the surgen thinks the potential risks and surgery are quite low. I know this all sounds scary, but we are getting through it (just another bump in the road). I will be back on the water soon (look out!). Thanks to all again Laurie G

quote:

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Originally posted by lrg

Hi all. Just a few words on recvery. Recently (07/06/07) I have been informed that my rehabilitation will be coming to an end. This is not to say I am out of the woods, but that the therapists say that there is no more possible gain I can expect from rehab. Its kind of daunting, b/c I have been through constant rehab for over a year.
Also recently I undertook an MRI which showed a cyst on my brain (7th and 8th cranial nerve), this could be the reason for my poor balance and speach impediments. They (dr's from Alfred, Monash, kingston, Royal Talbot hospitals) have said they are reviewing the condition and will scedual surgery soon. There are risks involved (infection, paralysis, going backwards in recovery and even death), but the surgen thinks the potential risks and surgery are quite low. I know this all sounds scary, but we are getting through it (just another bump in the road). I will be back on the water soon (look out!). Thanks to all again Laurie G

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That sucks man, but it is also good news aswell. Cranial nerves 7 and 8 are vestibulocochlear and hypoglossal. Cranial nerve 7 is responsible for hearing and balance so if it is a cist impeding on signals hopefully you will have a full recovery. Cranial nerve 8 is responsible for muscles in your mouth and throat, hence your speech. It would be awesome if surgery helps you get some function back man.

All the best.

To the question about possible gain in coordination, the neuro surgen dos'nt know if the surgery will improve things, or have no change to my condition. I have to wait and find out? (hopefully so!!!)
Thanks Laurie G

hey lauire you make my kitemares seem like a holiday retreat mate. Definalty makes me think more about being safer on the water cheers. Hope everything works out bro and to see you on the water again.

peace

ben