14 DAY TRIAL // Michael Schumacher surprised the entire world when he managed to pull through a six-month long coma that left many of his fans fearing for his life. However, the former F1 champion is still feeling the effects of being unconscious for such a long time and remains paralyzed, according to the Daily Star.
Despite the fact that he was left unable to move after doctors put him in an artificial coma following his skiing accident in the French Alps last year, the prognosis for the German driver remains positive and doctors are convinced that his rapid progress means he will be able to leave the hospital as early as the end of August.
The driver was brought back from his coma in secret and then moved to a facility in Switzerland in even bigger secrecy, as his family struggled to keep the press out of the matter. Doctors at the said facility have disclosed that Schumacher will be given an advanced wheelchair he can control with his mouth to help him in his recovery.
Current reports indicate that the F1 driver isn't able to talk yet but he is able to communicate with members of his family, including his wife Corinna, daughter Gina-Maria and son Mick by blinking his eyes.
Given the severity of his injuries and the long time he was under, specialists not involved in the treatment have expressed doubts that Schumacher will be able to recover fully from this ordeal, but doctors from the Swiss facility are said to be impressed with the speed of his recovery.
Michael's wife, Corrina, took the time to personally thank all the fans who showed an avid interest in her husband's well-being, “The German Grand Prix gives me the perfect opportunity to cordially thank you all for the good wishes and positive energies you keep sending to Michael. I have to say your sympathies blew us all away.”
She also added later, “It is good to know that together we made it through the hardest time. Now we are facing a phase which will presumably take a long time.”
Fellow drivers in the F1 circuit have all sent personal messages to Michael Schumacher, offering kind words and encouraging thoughts. Among them were British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button who both sent handwritten letters.
F1 legend and racing icon Niki Lauda also sent his thoughts to the ailing former champion. He said in his letter, “Michael, every day I follow the news on your progress and every day I am close to you. I hope I will be able to talk to you very, very soon.”
While all of this is going on, Schumacher's family is doing extensive modifications to their home in Switzerland in order to accommodate the driver in his new condition. A new stairless annex to the house has already been built to give him easier access.