The legendary Formula 1 driver, 46-year-old German Michael Schumacher announced the end of his international career just over two years ago. And a year later, an accident happened with a seven-time world champion, which nearly took his life.
Details of the tragedy
At the end of December 2013, the star of Formula 1 was relaxing in the mountain resort of Meribel in the Alps with his son and friends. December 29, Michael went down the ski track, but suddenly could not control the speed and drove out of the flags on an unprepared slope. He tried to slow down, but did not have time. Having tripped over a stone, Schumacher flew at full speed into a ledge of a rock. The blow fell on the right side of the head. The collision was so strong that the helmet split into pieces, and the skis broke.
In a matter of minutes, the rider was delivered by a rescue helicopter to the local hospital, from where he was urgently transported to the Grenoble clinic. Schumacher's condition was critical, however, at first he was conscious. At the end of transportation, the Formula 1 legend became ill, so I had to resort to using an artificial respiration apparatus (lung ventilation).
Upon arrival at the clinic, Michael underwent two complex operations in a row, then the former athlete was introduced into an artificial coma. At that time, Schumacher’s condition worsened significantly, the doctors did not dare to make predictions. One thing could be stated for sure: if not for the helmet, the German rider would have died on the spot.
During the proceedings of the gendarmerie, prosecutor Patrick Kensi confirmed that the tragedy occurred as a result of an accident. Earlier, there were rumors that Michael crashed because he was trying to save someone from falling from a slope. The words of the prosecutor were confirmed by the son of the race driver Mick. On this the investigation was completed.
6 days after the accident, all relatives and friends of the world champion were in the Grenoble clinic. At the end of January, the first stage of removing the victim from an artificial coma began. The entire cycle of sedation reduction should have taken about a month.
The long-awaited exit from coma
On February 24, manager Michael received information that the conclusion from artificial sleep was being delayed. The athlete's presence in a coma was confirmed in mid-March. Thus, the main question was in the air: "When will Michael Schumacher wake up?" His health condition for a long time remained unsatisfactory, but stable.
The first news about the world champion coming out of a coma appeared in mid-June. The driver’s manager confirmed that Michael is in satisfactory condition. On June 16, he left the clinic and went to a rehabilitation center for a long course of physical recovery. In September of that year, Michael Schumacher's condition returned to normal, and doctors allowed him to return home.
Nevertheless, the seven-time winner of the World Cup remained in a wheelchair. He could not talk and often forgot loved ones. A brain injury could not disappear without a trace. However, together with doctors and relatives, Michael gradually managed to cope with the consequences of the injury. Each month, a titled athlete attended rehabilitation courses in Switzerland.
At home, Schumacher was watched by a whole team of doctors. On their salary and on the maintenance of special equipment per month took half a million euros. Dr. Francois Payen noted that a full recovery will take up to 3 years.
First improvements
At the beginning of 2015, Schumacher's condition stabilized. Despite the ban on the family of the rider to medical personnel to give any comments on the treatment of the Formula 1 legend, information has leaked to the media that Michael is recovering rapidly. Meanwhile, near the house of the 46-year-old German, a whole tent was deployed with a request to stop illegal paparazzi photography.
In January, some details of the rehabilitation of the athlete became known. One of the paparazzi managed to steal the medical history of a former Mercedes pilot. According to the information received, it became clear that Schumacher was looked after by 15 doctors, led by Professor Francois Payen. At that time, Michael could only have a limited response to the actions of others. It is also known from the stolen history that the athlete still cannot walk or even speak.
Health Status for March 2015
Relatives and friends continued to protect Michael in every possible way from the press and annoying fans. Information about what the current state of Schumacher is for a long time has not been received. Numerous rumors remained unconfirmed.
Nevertheless, in early March, one of the doctors who looked after the athlete, who wanted to remain anonymous, admitted that the recovery was delayed. Initially, doctors predicted more optimistic results, but in fact, recovery is much slower and harder. Over the past couple of months, Michael has learned to sit, restrained his hands in constraint, memorize a conversation, and make friends. On the other hand, he still cannot speak. The cause is paralysis of the muscles of the face.
According to preliminary estimates by experts, an athlete will be able to restore health, but this should not be expected soon.
Schumacher's condition for today
At the moment, a whole rehabilitation center has unfolded in the ex-racer’s mansion. A dozen doctors and his relatives continue to watch him. The condition of Schumacher today is assessed as stably satisfactory.
Doctors say that his family plays a primary role in the recovery of the Formula 1 legend. Children and spouse constantly talk with him, support, surround with love. This is the best therapy imaginable. Among the latest advances in treatment, one can single out that an athlete can already sit for a long time on his own, raise his hands, move his feet. With someone else's help, takes several steps.
Michael's psychological condition returned to normal. There are no memory problems, but he still cannot speak.
Schumacher family
At the moment, Michael remains one of the most titled Formula 1 pilots. He has 7 World Cups , 5 medals of the highest category and 5 different records on the track.
His wife Corinne Betch recently turned 46 years old. This year, the couple will celebrate a porcelain wedding.
Schumacher also has a son, Mick, who turned 16 in March, and the eldest daughter with the double name Gina Maria (18 years old).