Dickinson Man Reflects on Brain Injury: Five Years Later - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Dickinson Man Reflects on Brain Injury: Five Years Later

Five years ago, a man from Dickinson suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, in a freak accident.

Fast forward to today, and he is doing much better.

Jon Schaeffer meets with Robert and his wife to talk about the day of his injury, and the long road to recovery.

August 12th, 2007 was another normal day for the Siefken Family.

(Robert Siefken) "Now what I had to do was get up there and put up some primer on those freshly cut boards."

Robert had done numerous painting jobs on homes in the past and was confident on his step ladder that helped him scale to the top level of his roof.

His wife--Vicki--didn't think it was the best idea but still allowed it.

He had finished his quick paint touch up and was on his way down.

(Bob) "I set my paint and pint of paint primer and my brush right here right at the edge of my second roof here thinking I can just conveniently nice chest high grab going down the ladder. I could just grab those. Well I guess I never had the chance to grab them.

(Vicki) "And I heard this loud crash and the whole house shook and I thought oh dear god that was Bob.

She ran outside and found bob on the ground. He had a broken femur, broken hip, 14 broken ribs,a collapsed lung , and a traumatic brain injury .

On the way to the hospital he suffered a second collapsed lung. Something most people don't get survive.

He spent 6 weeks at St. A's. He was in an induced coma twice-- and had a tracheotomy.

Sunday marks the 5 year anniversary of his near death fall--today-- he has seen a full recovery from the Traumatic Brain Injury and other severe injuries.

It didn't come with out (Vicki)"a lot of patience a lot of love and I am so grateful he is here."

Robert hasn't been back up on the roof, reflector marks from his ladder still remind him of that day.

"Like I told a guy the other day I hope it's the only traumatic experience I ever have in my life fighting for my life."

Bob says he has no memory of the fall itself--but thinks that's for the best.