Decided to let the kids try snowboarding over February vacation. Had the brilliant idea I'd be a good Dad and join them for their lessons. As expected, my lovely wife warned me, "you get hurt I'll kill you, cause you know it is going to happen"!
Needless to say, the first part,(5 minutes) of the lesson went off without a hitch, then we attached the boards to our feet and were taught how to sop. After traveling 20 feet on a 2 degree slope. I twisted to stop and executed the maneuver flawlessly. Then for some apparent reason my momentum (Mass x Velocity) mass being the key, my body kept going like a 200 ft spruce from its roots. Timber!! did I remember rule one of snowboarding, when falling, sit down to curl your body and absorb the impact, NOPE!, straight like a tree, I stuck my elbow out, and being the only limb on a sizable trunk. the elbow absorbed all the Force, which then was redirected towards my shoulder.
The remaining 85 minutes were packed with fun filled excitement as I tried to continue lesson with three working limbs, 4 being required. I did impress the instructor as he could sense something being wrong, think he also go tired of helping me up. I did last as long as I could, don't want the kids thinking dad is a wimp.
A trip to first aid told me I didn't separate it, so my self diagnosis turned to a bad sprain. Two weeks later and a John McCain wave condition not improving, a trip to an Orthopedist was next. Professional diagnosis, three weeks later, probably rotator cuff tear and some surgery.
MRI ordered, a trip to the claustrophobia chamber, lovely!! another week and medication for the chamber, the good news was delivered. Option 1, loose the use of my arm almost completely, or Option 2, surgery ASAP! with a forceful stressing of "this is not good"!
Two more weeks and D-Day. 3 or so hours in the OR, 6 anchors and a lots of sailor knots, I was stitched back together. Oh yeah did I mention my bicep tendon was cut because it was partially torn. I got that going for me too!Karen has been wonderful during my recovery even with all the threats. She and Dave stole Ma's recliner which will now be my bed and comfort station for the next two months or so. I am getting used to sleeping with my mouth open. I am preparing for later in life.
I do have on other thing to report, the doctor told me a was his record for his most screwed up should. Originally thought he could fix it arthroscopicly, but he out did himself. his words. I am back to work and can drive the mini van. Jocelyn needs to adjust the heat and radio prior to being dropped off. If the car gets too hot I open the windows! I do adapt well!
I am still in the recliner as I blog, I think Karen prefers it that way for now. All joking aside, I have married a saint, Karen took the words "for better for worse" to heart and shows it everyday.
So that is the update for now, just call me Lefty as I only have one usable are for a while.
Chris.... BTE, this took 45 minutes left handed
10 comments:
Didn't really need to see the work, but thanks for the whole story. I must say in all seriousness, I thought it was very touching what you said about Karen. I'm sure she appreciated it. I know you got a long road ahead but as long as you do everything right and keep a positive attitude, you can probably suprise the docs and recovery quicker; although that doesn't mean you go crazy. I was surprised you were back to work, just don't overdo.
Okay, 7 more days then off to "The Bash" YEAH! See ya.
Lefty - if you ever leave the IT business, I think you could make it as a novel writer! Glad to hear you were able to make the surgeon's day, and hope he did a good job.
We're looking forward to seeing you all next weekend.
Love,
Tina
Wow that John McCain wave comment cracked me up.
But that was a very nice blog. Glad to hear you are doing alright.
why wasn't i told about this earlier?
i started reading the whole snowboarding story and i thought, i heard this already that night at dinner. then i remember someone saying, "is chris back at work" or something like that, and i saw the picture, so i thought i better read this. glad i did.
sorry to hear about your troubles! i'm glad you got everything taken care of though, and i hope you're doing ok otherwise.
Wow what a story! Nice writing job. I wasn't quite clear on the "John McCain wave" comment but I think I get it now. Glad to hear Karen's watching over you and thanks for letting us know how much you appreciate her. We always knew she had it in her! Next week you'll have a whole team of Barnowski's to take care of you - aren't you lucky!
OK, now I'm caught up with my weekly blog reading. Nice job, Chris. You really fixed that should good! I guess it's off the shuffleboard court for you..
I liked your use of the physics metaphor in describing the fall. You're pretty smart for an in-law. As for Karen: she must have come to sainthood late in life, but I'm also glad you recognize her virtues.
See y'all Friday. I guess we're bringing Mike. I plan to be there by noon, latest, unless we have to get there earlier so Kathy can get her glider ride that day. We won;t know when she's flying, if at all, until Wednesday or Thursday. Right now the long-range forecast looks good for any of the three days we're on the Cape. We'd love to go to MV for lunch, but we'll leave it open. It depends on other facets of the trip. As for dinners, I thought we'd all be going out more. I'm cool... whatever. I would definitely like to go to one of the restaurants Tina found.
I caught a sturgeon in the culvert behind the house, so we'll have that (pan-fried) and caviar instead of ox or buffalo. Can't find rutabaga, so how about parsnips? Actually, Kathy already made something, but she's going to make something else instead.
So, Chris...how's the recovery coming?
Tina
Oh yeah... how is that arm Chris? I'm so rude; I entirely forgot you are on the mend.
Just a quick update, shoulder is back to almost 100%. Almost like it never happened. I do get a few reminders every now and then. Fortunatly it is turning into a distant memory
That's good to hear!
Post a Comment