Mark,

Thanks for the regular updates! Marvelous news all 'round about Niki's condition, although Jane and I are continuing to hold thumbs for her until she's a) stateside and b) fully recovered.

I truly hope that she shares her experience when (and if) she's ready; I'm sure that that each of us could find something instructive here.

Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery!

Mark

Bravo Niki, that first trip outside after a bust-up is the best feeling in the world. (I know it was for me after a bad car accident a few years ago.) Get Well Soon!

Mark, quick question.

From reading the your posts and updates, it doesn't appear that they had a membership in Med-Jet. Do you know if they feel it would have helped or not?

George, I cannot answer your question. Keith has not mentioned in his emails how Niki was transported from Zimbabwe to South Africa, or how they plan to return to the USA.

Keith is a 2nd generation International Hunting Consultant and both he and Niki are experienced international big-game hunters. I would be very surprised if they do not have some form of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage.

Ok, thanks for the info. I was just thinking to myself that this would be the perfect time for Med-jet coverage. If for nothing else that for the chance to get better in a hospital close to home.

Here is the latest update from Keith:

"Niki is better yet again today and is actually walking on it for 75 yards or so twice a day. On Wed. she has the skin graft and this is going to be tough because they say she can't get out of bed for 5 days or so, so it is really good to have her friend Meg here. I'll keep you posted after this 3rd surgery."

"I had some time to get on AR and was very warmed by everybody's best wishes and input."

George, Keith also responded to your question about Med-Jet and said that Niki was evacuated from Zimbabwe by MARS, the Medical Air Rescue Service. Her evacuation will be covered by their Travel Insurance policy.

Mark,

Thanks for your timely updates. I hope Nikki recovers quickly in order to pursue another daga boy again.

Best wishes from NC. We sure hope Niki gets better soon. Hunting can be a rough passtime some times. I hope your are back giving old Nyati hell next year. Good hunting. "D"

Members,

My wife Lori and I just returned from our safari two weeks ago. This was my second, and Lori's first. She hunted by my side, taking four animals herself. Our hunt was only for plainsgame in S.A. Lori was undecided about joining me until I showed her one of Niki's articles in the S.C.I. magazine. I guess you could say Niki was responsible for Lori joining me in Africa. I can't think of a better hunting buddy than a spouse or a child. Thank-you Niki for making my wife my hunting buddy. Thank-you most of all for being "tough as nails" and beating this Buffalo! I can't even imagine how horrible this must have been for Keith. We continue to keep you both in our prayers, and look forward to seeing you safely home in the U.S.A.

BOWHUNR
Mike and Lori Cooper

The news from Joburg just keeps getting better!



Here's Keith's latest report:



"Today is Wednesday afternoon and progress continues greatly in our favor. Upon our arrival this morning to the hospital we met Niki at the entance as she was walking on her own out the front entrance to get some fresh air!



The skin graft went extremely well this morning. Took about an hour. She is resting comfortably now and will need to remain in bed for a few days while the graft takes. Doctor Edwards is predicting our release on Saturday or Sunday so it looks like after 2 weeks we are out of here. Not sure what we will do yet but probably go somewhere near by to rest a few more days then it's back up to hunt more buffalo........(just kidding). We have several friends offering a place to stay so we shall see. Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Will send more info in a few days. Keith"



That Niki is one tough cookie! I wouldn't want to be the next Cape Buffalo that gets in her way once she's healed up, haired over and back in action again.



You know what they say, "Hell hath no fury like a woman gored!"

That is god news indeed, she will hopefully be back in the game soon.

Cheers,

Andr�

Glad to read of Niki's quick recovery. My prayers will continue for her complete healing and a safe trip back the states. Hang in there Keith, we are all pulling for both of you.

Bernie P.

Keith, It looks like things are progressing nicely for Niki (and you). I'm really happy for the great outcome. You both are blessed.

Dr. Gareth Edwards was my nephew's primary physician at Milpark when we were there after he got hit by a buffalo. If you get this message in time, give Dr. Edwards my best regards and let him know Alistair is none the worse for the wear and we'll be forever grateful for his efforts.

Forrest Bruch

Sorry to report that Niki has run into a little "bump" in the road to recovery. Here is Keith's latest report:

"Well things have been going so well I guess there was bound to be a set back. Unfortunetely Niki's collar bone is not healing well so in the morning she goes in for her fifth operation so they can put screws and a plate in to hold it together. They should have maybe done it in the first place but they tried the conservative approach and it did not work so here we go again."

"It should be a fairly simple procedure and won't take much time. Her skin graft seems to be doing ok. She really wants it done soon as it has really been quite painful."

As always, when you talk with "the big guy upstairs" put in a good word for Niki as she faces yet another surgical proceedure.

Just a quick post to let the Atcheson's know that I am just one of many, many that are lifting them both up in my prayers!

Huntr

I had not followed this thread because I do not know the Atchesons, but after reading what happened, I would like to offer Niki my best wishes in a speed recovery and a rapid return to a life in the outdoors. This serves to remind me how fragile we all are, and how life can change in an instant.

Get well soon Niki!

Plating a clavicle should be about a 45 minute procedure. She will feel much better when the bone ends are not rubbing together.

Good luck and Godspeed.
JCN

Here is the today's update from Keith:

"Niki just came out a a rather long surgery to repair her clavicle. It was a mess in there but should now improve her mobility greatly. This has been by far the most painful of all the injuries. We are hoping to get out of here by monday or tuesday then go to a friends ranch outside of town for 3-4 days or so to further recover before we take on this big flight home."

"We have developed a far greater respect for people that have to endure this sort of thing over much longer time periods than this has taken. It puts things in clear perspective and drives home how precious and fragile life really is. Hold your loved ones near and dear and don't put off telling them how important they are to you and don't wait to do the things you want to do with them and for yourself. Life is all about right now..... today. As my Dad coined the phrase from many years ago, Go now while you are physically able. Talk to you soon. Keith Atcheson"

Here is Keith's last update from Africa.



Happily, they are finally on their way back to the USA today and will arrive home in Butte, Montana late tomorrow!



"TO ALL:



Niki is doing extremely well as we have been resting at our good friends ranch Steve Kobrine and his lovely girlfriend Brittany. We fly to the states on Tuesday. It will be a long flight but I think we are ready. We will give a report when we get home. God bless all of you! Keith & Niki"



They will certainly be exhausted after the long trip and looking forward to spending time with their children and family once again.



I know people will want to call to welcome them home and hear all about their ordeal. However let me suggest that we all give them at least a week of private family time before contacting them directly.



If anyone would like to send a Welcome Home card to Niki, here is the address once again:



Nicole Atcheson

Jack Atcheson & Sons, Inc.

3210 Ottawa Street

Butte, MT 59701



Holly and I are going to send Niki flowers to help celebrate her homecoming. If other Forum Members would like to send flowers, here is the name and number of the florist in Butte:



Diane's Posey Patch (406) 782-1644.

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the update. I second your suggestion to give them some time to find their bearings after this ordeal.

BTW, there are other florists in Butte ;-)

I've used www.wilhelmflowershoppe.com

Welcome home, Niki and Keith!

Frans

Here's a picture of Nikki taken on another buff hunt in Tanzania. Hopefully she'll be smiling and enjoying such an adventure again soon.