insomniac thee-a-tah

Hola blog peeps.  Its 4:33 a.m.  Eastern Standard Time that is.  I am unable to sleep.  That may be bc I went to sleep at 9:30 pm.   So. that's good.

This weekend I'm travelling home for 3 weeks.  To be with family and friends and get a little homesickness cured.  Sopko is healing well - slowly, but well.  He's been moved to a "step down" hospital, and is undergoing hyperbaric (did i spell that shit right?) therapy for his arm.  A hyperbaric chamber.  How Star Trek.  Beam me up Sopko.  He will most likely be in this hospital for about a month or so, until they allow him to bear weight on his legs, one of which was completely rebuilt after several compound fractures.  

So here's the deal quickly on his arm (note:  not for the squeamish).  The compound fracture in his upper arm almost completely lacerated the arm, all the way to the tricep. This meant he a.  almost had an amputation b.  had to have major reconstruction to save it.  In sum, they took a muscle flap (the latissimus) and created a new bicep.  Pretty cool right?  And we're waiting for it to completely "take" before we're all the way out of the woods.  The remaining arm limbs also incurred fractures, although not as severe.  His spirits are better than most, although he does have a lot of regret and disappointment in the choice that he made to get on the bike that night.  Normal stuff I suppose.  He's the most mentally-healthy person I know, so its hard to see him be upset, but also neat to see him recover from that quickly - he's ridiculously resilient. 

So, that's where we're at - thanks so much everyone for all your well-wishes and your good thoughts.  Anyone who spent anytime at my blog in the past knows how important he is to me, and how I feel about him. 

Friends rule, right?

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10:55 AM, 9.28.2007 .. Posted by jeremy

It's great that he's making such good progress under such trying circumstances, glad that you're holding up too; I'll keep you in my thoughts.

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11:18 AM, 9.28.2007 .. Posted by Eclectablog

Yes, friends do indeed rule. And, as Sopko is probably well-aware right now, NeenFriends in particular.

What happened?

11:34 AM, 9.28.2007 .. Posted by oldmanlincoln

I am relatively new again and missed the accident so have no idea what happened but your explanation of the after effects are stunning. It sounds like some kind of military action. Best wishes for the future.

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5:38 AM, 9.29.2007 .. Posted by heidiland

It's good to hear that his spirits are up, and that he's healing. Some friends are just as important as family, because they are family way. It sounds like Sopko is definitely that kind of friend.

Wow

2:53 PM, 9.29.2007 .. Posted by sic

That's crazy what Sopko's gone through, and pretty amazing how he's been able to recover so far.

Enjoy the time at home.

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8:57 PM, 9.30.2007 .. Posted by bitzky

I am also not up to date to the events that lead to it but I am glad your friend is healing. And I am glad that you are posting again :)

home bound

8:50 PM, 10.1.2007 .. Posted by ben

From what I know about the fabulous Mr. Sopko he has a great attitude and I firmly believe that will help him heal as much or more than anything else...except possibly having you there with him.
I'm sure the time home will be just as beneficial for you.