Andrew Downie - Ironman Germany 2008

Congrats to Andrew Downie on another big PB at Ironman Germany. Read on for Andrew's race report

I left Australia on 19 June feeling fit and ready to hit another Ironman. However, I had three weeks before I was to compete, and I didn’t realise how difficult it would be to train, and focus on training, while in Europe.

For example, I was in Poland for two weeks before the race, and I organised a windtrainer to be delivered to Warsaw at my partner’s (Kasia) Warsaw address. Unfortunately the trainer didn’t arrive, and Kasia and I had to run around Warsaw for two days finding a trainer to use, wasting valuable tourist time! We eventually found one, and I set myself up in our bedroom with a fan. The bike and trainer came with me on my various adventures (usually drunken) around Warsaw and its satellite towns.

Another impediment was the swimming – it appeared that Europeans don’t have an affinity for lap swimming. Most times I went swimming in either Warsaw or Krakow, I was smashing it up and down the lanes, while trying to avoid men, women and children who were slowly drifting across the lanes. Bear in mind also that these venues had both dedicated lap lanes (which I was in) and ‘splash around’ areas. While this was frustrating, it was quite amusing watching these people swim – most of the swimming I observed couldn’t even be classed as advanced dog paddle! I am amazed that Poland has a swim team!

The final obvious impediment was the eating and drinking which is more than encouraged in Europe.
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Michael Forbes - Update #4

Hi Crew,

Sam, Bridie and myself went and visited Mike again today to check status, and he was jumping out of his skin. His improvement has been unexpectedly good in the last 48 hours, largely due to his excellent respiratory function. So good that he’ll be moving to the spinal ward tomorrow, with plans to remove his tracheostomy on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Physical
Mike’s breathing is the best it’s been since he had his accident. He’s blowing numbers for the physio in the mid 2000’s, which is about 1L better than when he was a bit under the weather last week. The physio is also being tested to the limit by Mike’s well hardened work ethic, plus the recent addition of trash-talking added to his armoury! He has a fenestrated tracheostomy tube, which is supposed to be open for 45min or so (so he can talk), then closed to give him a rest. When the nurses tried to change it back to silent mode, he put the foot down (metaphorically) and has been yapping ever since. He has become the biggest talker of anyone in the ICU- well of the patients anyhow! This augmented communication has buoyed his spirits tremendously, plus the fact that he no longer requires the ventilator to assist his breathing. His large breaths are about 50-60% the size of our big breaths, so he still has to complete regular physio to prevent infection and strengthen the breathing muscles he has left (essentially the diaphragm).

Mikes back and neck pain have eased considerably, so he is able to sit up for longer periods. This has the added benefit of protecting his skin from pressure sores, and allowing his lungs to be filled more efficiently by his diaphragm. He’s wearing a rigid collar about his neck still, which is allowing any unfixed ligamentous and bony damage to heal with some support.

His neurological state has also improved In the last 24 hours- he was barely moving his arms, other than shoulder shrugging late last week. But today he was able to move his arms from the pillows beside him, using his deltoid muscles. The biceps muscle may yet returned, though nothing is certain when there has been damage to the spinal cord. It’s difficult to explain in summary, but the nerves in the spinal cord are unable to regenerate in the same manner as a nerve could if it were cut in an arm. Essentially there’s no breadcrumbs (myelin sheath) for the nerves (axons) to follow in the ncentral nervous system, so the nerve cannot reform it’s connections to the peripheries.

Mental
The last couple of days has seen a vast improvement in Mikes outlook on his short and long term future. This has been helped a lot by being able to share his thoughts and feelings with Mon and Ash and all his visitors. He is loving the messages of support, and he is busy making plans for the future- like being able to walk/wheel Ash to school when he gets back home. Luckily she’s not due at school for a bit, so he has time to get his act together.

Visiting

Keep the trickle going folks- he’s loving it. Try to get out during the week if you’re able, as most people have spare time to visit on the weekends. His family are proving steadfast, and Mon is getting booted to the outside world for a break from time to time!

Overall
He gets an A for being a good physio student and getting his act together so quickly to get out onto the ward. This is the Acute spinal ward, where he will stay until he has no pressing issues which prevent him from getting to Royal Talbot for rehab. The sorts of things that are required prior to being allowed to move include: remaining temperature normal (don’t visit if you have a bad cold/flu!); tolerating sitting for extended periods in a chair and getting his lung function as premium as possible.

Cheers
Mitch

Full updates and information now available at www.michaelforbes.org

Michael Forbes - Update #3

Hi Gang,

Have been to see Mike again today. He’s in fine spirits and there’s certainly some some good news in the offing. He’s still in the ICU, but that’s to be expected for this week. The good news comes on a couple of fronts. His condition is still serious but stable.

Physical
Mike has been to theatre and had his tracheostomy tube inserted. This tube is still attached to the ventilator, which is continuing to support his breathing. The bases of his lungs remain about the same, but seem to be responding well to the physiotherapy and medication. Furthermore, he has begun the weaning process off the ventilator. He has been doing without it for an hour or two each day, and this will progress quite quickly if the lungs stay clear. While they were there (in theatre), he had his broken jaw fixed. And as an added bonus he had a wisdom tooth removed- you know how expensive the dentist can be! They also had a rethink about the halothoracic traction and have removed that entirely- all that’s left is a dodgy haircut (short sides) and a couple of screw holes. His relief from it’s removal was palpable. This means he can be moved about the bed more easily and the staff can ensure he has the best chance of avoiding further infection in the lungs and pressure areas over any bony prominences. Overall, excellent progress.

His neurological state remains in some flux, and the definitive outcome will be weeks to months away. He is quadriplegic and seems to be a mixture of levels C4 and 5. He has some sensation to touch over his shoulder tips (which would reflect C5), but he doesn’t have any movement of his arms as he had early last week. He can shrug his shoulders. He should be able to retain enough function in his diaphragm (breathing tummy muscles C3/4/5) to not rely on any external respiratory support- allowing him to talk and breathe normally. He has some sensations of hot and cold, plus position sense of some joints below his shoulders, but this remains patchy.

Mentally
His outlook is positive, but vacillating with the stress and the enormity of his injuries. The implications of this spinal injury will grossly impact on his life-long plans, so some negativity surrounding his own outlook is completely normal. Please understand that Mike will need heaps of support in the immediate and long term future. He is a tough nut and coping extremely well.

Visiting and Messages
Mike is keen to see people over the coming days, weeks and months. At this point a trickle of visitors each day is perfect to provide him with enough distraction and support to get through the day, whilst allowing him enough time to rest and recover from his injuries. (plus give Mon an opportunity to go and get a coffee) ICU is a difficult place, and the aspects of day to day care are exhausting when you’re sick. There’s the washing, ablutions, meals, nursing observations, doctor consults, physiotherapy, orthotic specialists and handover times to fit in with family and friends visiting. Please get in touch with Mon or the ICU if you are keen to see Mike. There’s opportunity to visit, but to avoid disappointment it has to fit it in with his complex schedule!!

Outlook
Mike is going well, and should be on the way to the acute spinal unit in a week or two. And finally, just so you can be sure that he was truly in good spirits today, when asked if he had any messages for his fans he (lip) said: “Don’t go chasing parked cars!”. So the black humour has begun, it’s a good sign he’s on the mend.

Best

Mitch

PS please send any messages of support or questions through myself, Anth or Sam (or Mon) direct.

Michael Forbes - Update #2

Dear Friends/Supporters,

Michael continues along the not unexpectedly rocky path of recovery following his accident last Saturday. He remains in the ICU (intensive care unit) at the Austin Hospital, where Mon remains by his bedside for as long she is physically able.

Physical Update:
He is in a serious but stable condition. The surgeons have fixated his neck fractures with some metal screws and rods, and have further re-inforced their internal work with a a halo-thoracic brace. This contraption keeps the neck completely still (in a neutral position) with a framework of metal and plastic between the chest and head. This is not comfortable for Mike, but it is important to prevent any further neurological damage, as there are some suspected fractures high in the neck.

He has some collapse and consolidation at the bases of his lungs, which is essentially normal for someone who is unable to deep breathe, cough or mobilise. These small infections are being treated with antibiotics, and they should clear once he gets a tracheostomy (tube at the notch at the front of the neck, which will go into his breathing tube- the trachea) and can sit up and be rolled about more easily. This is planned for today or early next week. The medical team have also discovered a fractured jaw and a potentially fracture right wrist. These will be fixed in due course.

Mental Update
Despite the magnitude of injuries, Mike remains mostly up-beat and his intellect and personality remain 100% intact. He is asking plenty of questions of both the team looking after him and Mon/Ash as his tiredness allows. ICU is a difficult place to sleep and he remains on enough pain killers that they also act to sedate his physical and mental condition. He is certainly aware and thankful that there is a huge number of people with interest in his recovery.

Visitors
ICU only allows 2 visitors at a time. His condition only allows short visits, and he is not yet through vital parts of his short term recovery. Indeed Mike’s recovery will be months in the making, so there will be plenty of time for everyone to visit through the coming months. He needs all the love and support of his family and friends at this time and into the future. Mike’s extended family will be visiting this weekend, so if you’re not sure about going out, call Mon first- she’s in the loop about who’s where and what’s going on with day-to-day care.

Accident
Details about the exact cause of Mike’s accident remain sketchy, but it seems that there was a driver responsible for this accident. Mike has not given a formal statement yet for obvious reasons, but if anyone has witnessed or has information regarding Mike’s accident (which happened around 11.30am Saturday 28th June near the Brighton Savoy) please contact your local police station or get in touch with Mon. There is going to be a public appeal for information.

www.michaelforbes.org
Finally, a website is being set up where you can access information and provide support through email contact. The purpose of this website will be not only to inform, but also raise financial support for Mike and his family going into the (expensive) future.

Regards

Mitch

Michael Forbes - Update #1

Dear Triathlon/Cycling Community,

As many of you may know, Michael Forbes was involved in a serious bike accident on 28 June whilst riding by himself in Brighton East. At this stage, the details of the accident remain unclear. He has not been able to fully disclose an account of the accident, due to the nature of his injuries which require support with a breathing tube and ventilator.

Michael has suffered a severe and likely irreversible damage to his cervical spine (neck) which has left him paralysed in both the arms and legs. He underwent surgery on 30 June to help stabilise the region of the injury. As is normally the case with this procedure and situation, he remains in a serious condition in the intensive care unit. Despite his injuries he remains fully conscious, and is communicating through non-verbal means- and even managing to crack the odd gag and a smile.

He and his wife Monica wanted to let everyone know of his progress and thank everyone who has called, texted or visited during the past few days. It's understandable that we all have questions regarding the ultimate outcome for Michael but, at this early stage, his prognosis is unclear and difficult to accurately predict.

Plans are underway to utilise a webpage to provide ongoing updates and as soon as this is available we will provide a link from this website so that you may follow his progress. He and his family will require much support in the short and long term. If you have any queries or messages for Michael and his family, they can be directed direct to Monica or through CBD (anth@cbdcycles.com.au) or to Sam (schume@yahoo.com) or Mitch (mitch.anderson@optusnet.com.au)

Regards
Sam and Mitch

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