Conklin Down in Roanoke - Update #2

[FJ Flyer]

Update from Steve's wife, Janie:

As you know, Steve was in a major motorcycle accident on Saturday Aug 1. He was airlifted to Roanoke Memorial  Hospital where his care began. He has 2 broken ribs, a cracked sternum, fracture in his back at T-3 and an open break to his tibia and fibula of his right leg near the ankle.  This is the same leg he's broken before. So far he's undergone  3 surgeries on his right leg including two plates for stabilization that were placed yesterday (Wednesday) in a 4 hour surgery. Today (Thursday) he will be in surgery again to "map" his veins and arteries in preparation for plastic surgery on Saturday to replace the muscle and skin lost. The doctor will graft muscle & skin from either his stomach, back or thigh.  He was fitted for an upper body torso and neck brace which he is wearing ( and complaining about ) He is very swollen and complains of tingling in both hands.

Considering all his body has been through, Steve is in good spirits and shoots out a few one liners every now and again to the nurses & doctors. He is very heavily sedated for the most part therefore sleeps a lot yet gasps every opportunity to get a zinger in when he can.  You can use your imagination as to what he's saying.  Typical "Steve'isms".  I will keep you updated through Tim after Saturdays surgery.

I have shared with Steve all the inquiries and appreciates all the thoughts and prayers... Keep them coming..

Thanks--
Janie

Cards and well wishes can be sent to Steve's home address.  Not sure if its wise to post it, so send me a PM if you want it.

cp

_____________________________________

Latest word from Steve's boss:

Steve 's initial surgery on Monday went well. He is scheduled again  for surgery on Wednesday  to repair
the loss of bone and muscle in his lower right leg. He has also been fitted for a upper body and back
brace to stabilize and heal the damaged vertebrae and broken ribs. He will be at Roanoke, VA hospital
for at least another week until he is able to travel to Raleigh,NC for orthopedic care and recovery.

I have passed on to Steve through Janie the concern from everyone and that we are keeping him
in our prayers. Janie will be providing me daily updates which I will pass on  to all of you.
Steve and Janie have respectfully requested no visitors until they have returned to Raleigh.


_________________________________________________________________

Hey all, just got word from a mutual friend here at the agency that Steve Conklin had a real serious get-off down by Roanoke.  No real details, yet.  He has broken bones, but I'm told no head injuries.  He's in surgery today.  The guy is going to go down and see him.  He's going to be transferred to Raleigh after the surgery.  Here's the scoop so far:

"He was riding with 3 other bikers on the blue ridge parkway.  He took a corner wide for some reason and went over a 50ft drop.  He has extensive broken bones throughout his body, one leg and ankle in particular are really bad.  He did have his helmet on so there were no head injuries.  He was life flighted out by helicopter to a Roanoke hospital where they are trying to stabilize him for transport back to North Carolina.  Don't have hospital info yet, will let you know ASAP."

Not sure what he'll need, which bike he was on, what shape its in or if it needs to be hauled back to NC.  

I'll let you know when I get more info.

[Marsh White]

That sucks!  Keep us posted if you hear anything else.  I just sent his wife an e-mail (she is a client of mine) and I will let you know if I hear anything else as well.

[ddlewis]

oh man, that sounds bad.  I don't have any contacts other than Steve himself.  Let us know if you hear any other news.

[CodyNKR]

Oh no that doesn't sound good at all!
NancyK

[racerman_27410]

i'm only two hours south of Roanoke..... if you hear anything esle please let us know.


Frank

[Pat Conlon]

Shit

[Marsh White]

Shit

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[FJ Flyer]

i'm only two hours south of Roanoke..... if you hear anything esle please let us know.


Frank

Thanks, Frank. Not sure what shape the bike is in or if he would want it picked up.  They will transfer him to a Raleigh hospital some time after the surgery.  At this point, from what I've been told, he's in isolation due to risk of infection.  No visitors, docs in full suits, etc. 

[jamesearthdrum]

DAMN! Thoughts and prayers!!

[Yamifj1200]

sorry to hear that, let us know the details when you can.....


Eric M

[mst3kguy]

damn.  chris, thanks for the update(s).  as soon as you know where he'll be, let us know so we can mail some cards and whatever else he needs to him.

thx.

[gearheadstu]

Ack!

Get well, Steve!

[Fred]

Man thats tough, sending thoughts and prayers his way.

Fred

[Dean Hess]

Oh man, I'm so sorry to hear this.  Thanks for the info.

Steve - Thoughts and prayers for fast healing!

Dean Hess

[ddlewis]

Chris/Marsh, any news on Steve's condition and how surgery(ies)  went?