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John637
06-21-2009, 12:19 PM
To crash on that beautiful January day. I was riding with good friends and having the time of my life. I Left that day, not in my truck, but in a helicopter. It wasn't exactly how I had planned things. I am thankful to the EMT's out there riding.. they were on me so fast they must have seen me crash! Twelve hours later I was the guest of honor at a midnight marriage of Lumbar discs and Titanium bits.
I had complete paralysis from the waist down, and it was pretty scary to say the least. I was released from the hospital after 2 weeks and sent to a rehab. For the next 6 weeks I repeatedly failed the "can you feel this?" test and the doctors could not give a clear prognosis. I had some fairly miserable moments trying to do even the most basic (but necessary) tasks. I began to slowly feel/wiggle my toes, and of course, it felt like I was leg pressing 400 lbs! I was barely moving, but it was something and it was progress. I lost my truck, and my job and I am so grateful to my fiance for caring for me, and keeping my affairs in order such as they were. I am so very grateful to RiderDown for the help and support! I couldn't believe it when I received the package. I was able to help her take care of some of the bills that had piled up.
Here I am 5 months later with only partial paralysis of my right leg. I am hoping for a full recovery, but I feel very lucky to have come this far. I can walk pretty well, although slowly, with a cane and used that skill to achieve one of my goals; walk up to plouffster at Freestone and thank him personally! It is awesome and so very generous to spend your time and effort helping anonymous people like me. When I am well enough physically and financially I plan to spend my time and effort helping RiderDown! Keep up the good work You guys rock!! Yeah I'm talking about you too Tony G!
Thanks again!!

mxsMom
06-22-2009, 11:11 AM
Best wishes on your continued recovery.

whyzee
08-04-2009, 03:25 PM
wow, what a story.. keep your head up bro

Tatonka
08-10-2009, 11:20 AM
John - keep it going man! That's quite a story you have. I'm stoked that you have been able to make such great progress!!

:thumb

688MOM
08-10-2009, 03:44 PM
John,
So happy to hear of your recovery... Each day is truly a blessing. We went through the same with our daughter Amanda (her story in here somewhere). But yes these people here are amazing and it gives the injured love ones hope and support.

If you ever need someone to talk to about all of this I'm sure Amanda would love to talk to you. She still has paralysis in her right leg too and wears a brace to walk.

John637
12-15-2009, 12:59 PM
Thanks for all the well wishes everyone. Just a quick update
I noticed I forgot to mention in my earlier post that I had 8 screws to repair a fracture of L-1 and L-2. My nerve damage is limited to my right leg and I have about 60% use of it now. I actually rode a friends RMZ450 (he had to start it for me) slowly on the dirt next to the mx track a couple of weeks ago. My son was so proud to see me ride again! I was careful to not burn myself, and rode for only a short distance, but it was a milestone I felt I had to conquer. I had to sell my bike months ago, and I don't know if I will ever buy another, but I still do love MX! Maybe we will ride camp and together again someday, but for now I am content to instruct and support him. I can't help but be a bit apprehensive, as he continues to push his KX65 higher and further, but I can't let what happened to me stop him from riding. I make sure he wears all the protective gear possible, and say a prayer.

Tatonka
12-15-2009, 01:21 PM
John - thanks for the update. I can tell you're a great dad, I hope you and your son get to enjoy many adventures and riding stories for years to come! :thumb