Asking for Help - Lisa's hurt
WARNING: Please be aware that this post contains a graphic photo of Lisa.
Please also note, that Lisa has approved that these images be made public.
We need a little help.
What Happened? Summary...The Short Version
To anyone reading this, the reason we're posting is because we're looking for assistance.
We're currently in Jamaica and getting medical help for Lisa after a very bad fall. Shortly after landing in Jamaica Lisa had a bad fall and was rushed to a hospital. Since then she's been moved to 'The hospital University of West Indies' in Jamaica's capital Kingston. They've done a great job looking after here, but she now needs to rest and convalesce.
The Help We Need
Does anyone have any connections that might help us with a few nights accommodation in Panama City or near by?
Our problem is that all our gear, and motorcycles are on the ship The Stahlratte, and heading for Panama. We need to meet the ship on June 1st, in order to collect our gear and bikes. Our plan is to then take some time in Panama, for Lisa to recover before we start our push northward through Central America.
Lisa is making good progress, and is healing but I know she's not ready to climb back onto her F800GS and hammer out big days through Central America. Hence this shout out for help.
The Full Story
Shortly after arriving in Jamaica, Lisa had a bad fall (she was just walking) and smashed her face into the hard edge of a wooden barrier. She had suffered terribly with sea sickness and according to people that know, she was probably feeling 'land-sick', having just reached shore, after a very rough time at sea.
She badly crushed her nose, and was rushed to hospital with a suspected fracture to her cheek bone and concerns that the fall may have fractured her neck. She received emergency treatment in a small countryside hospital. The treatment was administered relatively quickly but was basic, based on the facilities on hand to the treating doctors.
What scared me, was upon arriving at the small hospital, she vomited blood. It turns out that this was because of the sheer quantity of blood she'd swollen post fall and en-route to hospital. It took over an hour to get her to the hospital.
After 24-hours of observation, she was moved by ambulance to the south coast of Jamaica and in to Kingston and to the University of West Indies Hospital. Over the next 12 hours blood work, ECG's and CT scans were carried out. The great news is that Lisa's neck is not broken, but was sprained (whiplash) as her head was whipped backwards during her fall.
Her nose is broken in two places and the bone was blocking her airway. She also bit through her upper lip which required eight internal stitches.
After being released several days ago from the hospital, she returned a few days later as they had to re-break her nose, under local anesthetic, in order to relocate the broken bone and clear her airway, as breathing was still difficult. Now she needs time for the swelling to go down and for her body to clear out the blood and other fluids that are currently blocking her sinuses and head-space.
Right now, we're looking at flights and obviously researching the most economical options to get us both to Panama. We aim to be there a day or two before the boat docks, so we can get the lay of the land, before heading out to ride both bikes back into Panama City. The boat docks in Carti, (google maps - Carti location) some 113 km away from Panama city.
So, again, if anyone has a friend or contact in or around Panama city that could help with accommodation, we'd love to hear from them and would be unbelievably appreciative of the support.
Strange, I've said for years that the scariest part of our journey was my accident in Brazil. Well, not anymore. I would rather go through that entire jungle ordeal again than to ever see Lisa hurt like this again. Seeing her bleeding and hurt like this is the scariest thing I've ever experienced.
A Huge Thank you
During this entire episode, RTWPaul and Egle helped and supported us at every turn. They selflessly ditched all their plans for Jamaica and stuck with us to help. Their friendship and support was incredible and we owe them a huge debt. From helping me with decisions, to helping to sort car hire, transportation and accommodation, without their help we'd have been in even more trouble. So, to both Paul and Egle, thank you. We're both looking forward to seeing you again in Panama.
Ride safe everyone.
All the best
Simon
Reach us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
