Clifton CC

Hello to all of you;
I'm not a cyclist but do live in cycling heaven, the Pyrenees Mountains, France. I am Arny Pearson's son, Rob, I'd like to thank you all for your kind comments about my Dad.
The latest news is that he is on traction and this seems to be working. He has an xray every 12 hours and it appears the bone is beginning to re-align.
He broke his C2 which is possibly the worst bone to break in your body, and he is incredibly lucky to be the way he is and not the unimaginable. Thanks to his fellow cyclists that were with him for stopping him from moving and looking after him, this act was probably very important medically.
Arny has a Halo brace fitted, this is the sort bolted to your head, and will probably be wearing this for about 3 months at least. If the traction works to re-align the C2 correctly then surgery will be avoided and he will be sent home soon with any luck.
I phone the hospital every day from France to check on him and I speak with a different nurse each day, and all have said that they have never seen such a fit man before on their ward - this I'm certain will help in his recovery, although it will be a long road.
My Dad is already talking about getting back out on his bike!!
Once again, thanks to all of you.

Rob

It looks like Arny will be coming home at the weekend.
He has been told the C2 is beginning to align itself and x-rays continue to show this. He will have to wear the Halo Brace for a minimum of 3 months.
He has been having physio and taking small walks around the hospital to get used to it all.
Thanks again for all support and to those of you, Rob and Dave Cook who have been to see him in hospital.

Rob

Arny is still in hospital, he was given more traction treatment, but it didn't work for him, so last Thursday they operated on him, this took over 4 hours and he had his C1, C2 and C3 fused together with some sort of internal scaffolding using screws and rods etc. This op means he doesn't have to wear the Halo Brace anymore which is a bonus.
He is in a lot of pain and discomfort but the op was a success.
No idea how long he will remain in the hospital, but fingers crossed he'll be home soon.

That sounds painful. Get well soon, Arnie!