I should start by saying Hello to all. My name's Rich. This is my first post on the site. So, bear with me. It's long!
About myself.
In January 2009 I left sunny England to go travelling around New Zealand as a fit and healthy 29 year old. I first flew out to Thailand, which I loved so much, I decided to see more of South East Asia and abandon my New Zealand plans as it would have eaten through my long saved funds too quickly. Later in the year I ended up in Bali, Indonesia, which was my kinda place. A laid back, slow way of life, "shall I surf today or just relax?" was the sort of dilemma one faced! Anyway, a couple of weeks after being in Bali I met my Lovely, now wife, Indri and ended up prolonging my stay, and my visa, in the island of God. I traveled more of Indonesia as a professional drummer, after joining a band later in 2009.
The end of 2010, after quitting the band to be with Indri back in Bali and after returning Home to England for Christmas I went back to Bali early 2011. On July 1st, while riding my motorbike home from a night out I had some kinda accident, which I'd really like to know what happened, but will probably never remember. For the next 4 weeks I lay in a Bali hospital, in a coma, Indri by my side night and day, praying and looking after me with all her will. My parents and brother flew out to see me and meet Indri, (my rock) Things weren't looking bright for me. As well as having had a Severe head injury I had multiple organ's failing.
My parents visit came to an end and they had to think what to do. They flew back to England, distraught, not knowing what to do after receiving contradictory advice about flying me home in my condition by a Bali doctor/consultant.
"If he stays here in this hospital, he won't make it. If you put him on a plane, he won't make it"
They were very uncertain what to do! They decided I was better off home in England whichever way my fate turned. The only thing they had to do next was raise the money to fly me home, as stupid me, let my travel insurance lapse by 1 month!
Thankfully for all the extremely warm hearted people out there, my brilliant parents and family raised an absolute huge sum of money to fly me home.
The flight home was apparently touch and go, after stopping several times to refuel. I made it.
In England I lay in ICU for a further 2 weeks in a coma.
I was moved to a stroke ward a couple of weeks after I came out the initial coma and then to a private rehab a month or two after that. That time was all a blur to me!
Even though I was awake from the initial coma I had no idea what had happened or where I was. Very surreal time! I'm sure a lot of people can relate.
Indri was granted a UK visa after completing a grueling test. She came over to the UK at the end of October. When she first came to visit me, at first I was shocked and couldn't believe it and then, I didn't believe it. Didn't believe it was really my Indri. This was heartbreaking for her, as you can imagine but she persevered for the next month or so and my trust in her was rebuilt.
One day I wanted to know everything what had happened. Where I was, why I was there, all the questioned that had already been answered many times, by my loved one's.
It was like this particular day, something clicked.
The only way to describe my time post coma is, like a dream! It was like a waking dream, if that makes sense? Very surreal indeed.
shortly after the realization, when my behavior improved, I was moved to an excellent rehabilitation center where I stayed until April 2012.
Indri stuck by my side again and I believe she and the fact she was carrying my baby saved my life. My sweetheart daughter, Tiana. was born on February 12 and she and Indri have made me strive and strive to rehabilitate. In October, me and Indri married and are very happy, proud parents.
Tiana was named after the girl who found my lying on the side of the road, unconscious. She found my mobile phone and informed Indri and my parents in England and also phoned for an ambulance. She was a bit of support for Indri and had a good heart.
I'm very thankful and lucky for all the help me and my loved ones received.
I'm also very thankful for my fantastic wife Indri and the love and care she showed and my darling daughter Tiana who makes me fight and strive endlessly.
My right side has been affected and I'm not mobile as normal but I like to think it's always getting better.
Sorry this is soooo long! There is so much more inbetween but I think I should take a break now!
If you made it this far WELL DONE YOU
Advice/not next of kin
TBI Abroad - will hospitalisation be necessary on return to the UK
My Daughter Brain TBI
My daughter is coming home
Any near death experiences or being aware of things in coma?
