Ramon on the mend - but long road ahead
By TMX Archives on 10th Aug 11
Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 rider Steve Ramon has begun the drawn-out road to recovery after his serious crash at Lommel during qualification for the Grand Prix of Limburg last Saturday.
The former World Champion was moved out of intensive care at a hospital in Genk (Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg) and transferred to a facility close to his home in Eeklo (AZ Alma) on Monday.
"Steve suffered a contusion of the spine and when the muscles began to ease he could regain feeling and move his legs. He can now sit-up and has begun the first steps of a 10-15-point plan," explained Dr Sam Vermeire.
"There is a long way to go and we hope soon he will be able to take his first steps," Dr Vermeire continued. "When he can start to make 'transfers' such as moving from the bed, getting up to walk across the room, sitting down and so on; then he will be able to leave the hospital and go home to begin his rehab and physio from there.
"In four-to-six weeks we will know a lot more about his recovery and options for his future career. It could be anywhere between three to five-months before there is a full recovery and perhaps some painful rehab ahead because of the nerve damage. However, like I said, the first positive steps have been made, so we will see how we progress from here."
The Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 team has offered its wholehearted thanks and gratitude to all the medical staff and experts, from the scene of the crash at Lommel, to Steve's current rehab team for all their care, concern and attention.
"It is reassuring that motorsport athletes can have immediate access to the high-quality of medical treatment that Steve received and we are so-appreciative of every person who has helped, and for all of those who have sent Steve and the team well-wishing messages," explained team owner, Sylvain Geboers.
"For sure this is not an easy time but Steve is a strong character as well as a very-fit individual, so we are hopeful for the weeks ahead."
