Discussion Topic |
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| Messages 1 - 809 of total 809 in this topic |
Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 24, 2013 - 08:44pm PT
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Big Mike had a snowboarding accident on Blackcomb Mountain 9am today. He was cruising high-speed down a groomer run, Solar Coaster, when he did a normal as can be ollie over a roller. Sandra, his partner found him laying face first and not moving. He couldn't move his legs he said. Ski Patrol heli-vacced him off the mountain and he was sent via ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital.
Diagnosis is burst fracture and dislocation of his L2 vertebrae. Swelling around his nerves is putting pressure on them so they are going to have to do surgery immediately to stop that. The bursting of his L2 will make it easier for them to get in there at his affected nerves.
He is going for an MRI right now and surgery will begin after that. He's doing ok right now but his butt is sore from being on a spine board all day.
So once they fix the immediate nerve problem, he will be on the road to recovery. It will take a while but he will be back on the cracks no problemo.
Give Mike some good vibes. He will really appreciate it. I sent him some calm good energy already in the emergency ward with his sister and Sandra, the more the better.
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TheSoloClimber
Trad climber
Vancouver
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Feb 24, 2013 - 08:53pm PT
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Holy sh#t. Wishing him all the best!
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briham89
Big Wall climber
san jose, ca
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Feb 24, 2013 - 08:57pm PT
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damn....poor guy. Heal up quick buddy
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Feb 24, 2013 - 08:58pm PT
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Best wishes to the big guy...
... I hate hearing this stuff.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 24, 2013 - 09:07pm PT
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Bruce, he has gotten and is receiving super speedy and top notch attention from everyone. The ski patrol and hospital staff are doing an awesome job.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:07pm PT
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Big Mike rules. Now you heal up quick, dammit!
Y'hear?
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GhoulweJ
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:16pm PT
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Hang in there Mike.
Here's to a full recovery.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:17pm PT
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Damn, horrible news. Hoping the best for mike.
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John M
climber
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:19pm PT
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Get well quick Mike. I love your traveling trip reports and I hope that you can get back to them soon.
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grover
climber
Northern Mexico
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:20pm PT
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Sorry to hear this.
Heal fast Mike.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:31pm PT
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Get well soon, Mike!
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10b4me
Boulder climber
Somewhere on 395
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:35pm PT
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Damn.hoping for the best
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darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:38pm PT
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Hope you're feeling better soon!!!
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:46pm PT
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Best to ya Mike, thanks for the Vegas TR. Not looking forward to the broken body update snowboarding TR:-(. Heal up!
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zBrown
Ice climber
chingadero de chula vista
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:50pm PT
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say Mike this sounds kinda serious. I'm rooting for a full recovery.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:51pm PT
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One of my favorite ST people. I love his attitude and always upbeat. Very difficult to hear this. I LOVED the Vegas TR and all his other postings just filled with great stuff.
Get well soon, be patient, perserve...
Ferretlegger passes on his well wishes too!
Susan
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:58pm PT
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Don't know if I know you, Dude. Doesn't matter. I will be 'sending. Not the rock this time, but Huge positive thoughts and prayers that you will heal well.
Time outs like this can be positive when you use them to reflect on life.
Peace and Joy, lynne leichtfuss
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:58pm PT
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Oh no I was just posting pics of him, terrible news, I'm praying it's not too bad, We are all thinking of you Mike.
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karodrinker
Trad climber
San Jose, CA
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Feb 24, 2013 - 09:58pm PT
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Man I hope you are ok, really sorry to read about this.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:01pm PT
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Having just spent 5 weeks in the hospital with a compound leg fracture my heart goes out to Big Mike. That's a tough injury but those docs are first rate and we trust you'll pull out fine.
JL
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Edge
Trad climber
New Durham, NH
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:10pm PT
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Sending healing thoughts your way, Big Mike.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:21pm PT
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Big Mike, Luke told me this today- what a bummer. Sad news that a nice guy like u got the tax , here's to a Big recovery Mike & hopefully you will be back on your feet sliding & edging & all that good stuff real soon. Take care & heal well there buddy, we're all sending our best.
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:29pm PT
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Holy crap, this is ungood. Really sorry to hear this, Mike. I've only met you a few times, but it doesn't matter. Get better soon. You still owe me a day on the rock, sometime next fall. I'm sure you'll be better long before that.
Glenn
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:29pm PT
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Big Mike,
Just got the word from Jim.
Serious bummer, trusting you're in good care and wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
Sending all possible positive energy your's and Sandra's way.
Will try to get in for a visit asap.
Perry
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:32pm PT
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Heal up quick, and get back out there.
Hoping here for a speedy recovery.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:38pm PT
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Big Mike, you seem like a happy, healthy, and stoked dude.
That will help you heal fast and strong.
Best wishes.
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:47pm PT
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Big Mike, Hope your recovery goes well and fast. Not sure of your size, but you're BIG around here!
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:49pm PT
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Man this is really sucky news. Heal up soon bro.
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mechrist
Gym climber
South of Heaven
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:52pm PT
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Bummer man.
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Paul Brennan
Trad climber
Ireland
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:54pm PT
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Holy sh#t, that's terrible news! Heal up fast big fella, sending all possible good vibes your way. Flying out Tuesday morning so won't be able to get in for a visit :-( Hope to see you up and about again whenever I get back to squamish
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Oplopanax
Mountain climber
The Deep Woods
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:57pm PT
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Dang Mike, bad news. Get well soon.
Trying to think positive, maybe this will give you some time to process the 10,000 pics from your week in Vegas :D
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Feb 24, 2013 - 10:58pm PT
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There will be some dark days ahead Mike, but ride them out in the knowledge that you'll be back on your horse eventually.
Most of us who know you here have been through our own variation on what you're going through now, and I think I can speak for pretty much everybody in saying we are all going to be cheering for you, and will pitch in to do whatever we can to help.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Feb 24, 2013 - 11:11pm PT
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Big Mike, super bumbed to hear this. You are always super stoked about what you are doing and that will serve you well for your recovery. Hang in there and hope to see you up in squamish sometime soon.
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mechrist
Gym climber
South of Heaven
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Feb 24, 2013 - 11:12pm PT
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Werd cosmic... I gave up snowboarding after a couple friends got messed up doing seemingly mellow stuff. Ya'll be careful out there.
Best wishes.
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Feb 24, 2013 - 11:42pm PT
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Hey buddy,
Sorry to hear it was your turn this time.
Get well soon and we'll see you in Curry before long, eh?
Is your medical care free for you in BC like it is here in Ontario?
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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Feb 24, 2013 - 11:52pm PT
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Mike very bad news indeed .... I am super sorry to hear this, .... thanks for being a great climbing partner at RR last week
Healup fast bro. Let us know when visiting hours start
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 24, 2013 - 11:53pm PT
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hey there, say all.... i was near afraid to read this, :(
get well soon as you can, big mike...
if anyone can let us know:
please let us know where we can send any get wells...
prayers and a god bless to you...
and thankful you lived through this, and that it was not worse...
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Plaidman
Trad climber
South Slope of Mt. Tabor, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Feb 24, 2013 - 11:58pm PT
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He's BIG MIKE he will do O.K.
Super motivated ,strong, and young.
That's a lot going for a guy.
And look at all his friends.
BIG VIBES MAN!!!!
All the best to ya Mike!
Plaid
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c-plus
Trad climber
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:03am PT
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Dang, that's terrible news. Wishing Mike a speedy recovery. We'll all have to do double-duty to keep the Squamish thread up on the front page in his absence.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:04am PT
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Sending Love and Light, brother.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:15am PT
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Yowza..
Big Mike, .. .I hope all goes better than expected, and you're not laid-up for too long.
Saludos...
nita..
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Leggs
Sport climber
Home away from Home
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:17am PT
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Sending healing vibes and great energy to you, Big Mike.
Healing vibes and great energy...
~
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:28am PT
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Get well soon big buddy.
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:30am PT
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Hope you're feeling back to normal soon Mike. You're in good hands down there. Wishing you well,
Kris
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:47am PT
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Sending the healing energy your way Big Mike.
Rough bit of luck.
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Raingod
Trad climber
North Vancouver
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:04am PT
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Mike hope you heal fast and well,
Ron
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MH2
climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:08am PT
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Will be in to see you as soon as they let us, Mike. You might see this first, though. Big good vibes.
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:26am PT
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Something about the fact that you are a flick of a knife away from death while climbing keeps the danger front and center, those big comfy resorts make you forget your very thin skull and very brittle bones (around a big frame no less) are hurling down ice faster than cars on the 101 on Sunday.
Scares the F*#K out of me, always has. I am such a weenie...
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 25, 2013 - 09:37am PT
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So the surgery went real smooth last night according to Sandra. Thanks for all the good energy and positive vibes you all gave. Mike will be recovering in the spinal ward soon in VGH.
Thanks everyone!
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:40am PT
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Piling on the post count and stacking up the healing vibes.
Thanks for the update, Mr. Relic.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Feb 25, 2013 - 10:08am PT
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Thanks for the updates relic.
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east side underground
climber
Hilton crk,ca
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Feb 25, 2013 - 10:28am PT
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sorry to here this, get well soon! Cheers
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Feb 25, 2013 - 10:34am PT
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Damn Big Un, that sounds horrific. Hope they got you a hot nurse, some righteous percocets, and a wifi connection!
Heal up soon, Big Mike.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Feb 25, 2013 - 11:04am PT
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Thanks for the update. I'm really very saddened about this turn of vents...I just so enjoy Big Mike's post.
Heal up there Big Mike...you've got so many folks pulling for you, and Sandra lots of thoughts of comfort going your way too, as you navigate these tough waters with Big Mike.
Hour by hour, day by day as healing and well being returns to carry you both forward in strong health again.
Susan
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 11:30am PT
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ugh, tough accident
best wishes going out to Mike
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WBraun
climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 11:58am PT
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Big Mike is super cool dude.
Best wishes for your recovery Mike from this hideous injury
and we all hope to see you back here again with your awesome posts about your adventures soon.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 25, 2013 - 12:24pm PT
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:29pm PT
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Here's a note to all caring locals that want to visit Mike in hospital. Sandra has indicated that eveyone should wait about a week before visiting. As you can imagine this is a very hard time for him and his family.
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MH2
climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:35pm PT
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Thanks, Harry. I want to know how Mike is doing but it will be better if those of us out in the crowd can get some news from those closer to him.
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Feb 25, 2013 - 12:37pm PT
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Big Super Topo Bandaid for Big Mike!
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:17pm PT
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Biggest cutie pie Mike, that's what we've always called him!
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hamish f
Social climber
squamish
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:17pm PT
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Very sorry to hear this news Mike.
Make sure they let you try all the diff pain meds until you find the one that agrees with your system. Some are terrible...
All the best from rainy Squamish.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:21pm PT
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Damn, Mike, why don't you stick to something safe like, say, climbing?
Heal up well big fella.
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kennyt
climber
Woodfords,California
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:22pm PT
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Hope your road to recovery is a short one.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:29pm PT
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HOLY SPINAL TAP BATMAN!!!
Dude, I knew there was a reason I didn't do snowboard aerials-n-sh#t....
You are the bomb, must follow advice of professionals and heal up proper.
Big Mike = BIGGEST CUTIE PIE ON THE TACO! I thought eKat reserved that title for me....you must rate HIGH!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:52pm PT
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Thank you Relic for setting up this thread. Thank you everyone and I wish I could reply to every single one of you personally. Sandra is posting on my behalf because its the easier way right now . I can do it but my right hand is currently pins and needles so typing is difficult. I am over joyed from the love coming my way. It's pretty obvious why I'm so addicted to being on the taco. Sandra will figure out visiting hours and it should be sooner than initially thought. I will walk out of here. Love Big Mike
Sandra here: thank you for all your kind words. Brought many tears of happiness to mike and I while I read to him. Thank you!!!!!!
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mechrist
Gym climber
South of Heaven
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:54pm PT
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I will walk out of here.
Nice!
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labrat
Trad climber
Auburn, CA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 01:57pm PT
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Good thoughts going your way! Heal up soon.
Erik
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MH2
climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 02:15pm PT
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Sure, it makes you cry, but now they are happy tears. Thanks Mike and Sandra.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Feb 25, 2013 - 02:23pm PT
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Phukkin' awesome post.
Thanks Mike, and thanks Sandra for being there and being the typist interpreter.
Are the drugs any good?
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 02:32pm PT
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Been checking this thread often hoping you would be able to chime in soon, Mike. Glad to hear you're in good spirits, and know that Christina and I are thinking of you. Heal up soon man, you're young, strong and in good health, so you have a lot going for you. Plus you even have your own personal assistant for Taco posting ;)
Berg heil, brother. Hope to talk to you soon.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Feb 25, 2013 - 02:33pm PT
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Well hospital policy won't let you walk out of the hospital... But...once you get to the front steps...
Rock on Mike and Sandra...
Susan
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Feb 25, 2013 - 03:36pm PT
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Great news about the walking out. I was sick to my stomach reading this last night. Heal up quickly, hopefully you'll be out by the time I get up there and I'll buy you and Sandra a beer or five. Cheers.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 25, 2013 - 04:31pm PT
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:17pm PT
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Mike and Sandra,
Sorry to hear about this serious injury.
Hopefully you will get some motor function back, but it may take awhile.
I had a T10 fracture (in 1978) and was paralyzed from the waist down for a few weeks, but eventually I was able to wiggle my right big toe and things improved further from there.
Wendy (who posts here as "TheLittleUnit") had a burst L2 fracture (worse on the left side), and a longer recovery with more damage, but she is back in action at work, school, play, etc.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=1292707&msg=2006748#msg2006748
P.S. Josh Wharton's spine injury mentioned upthread sounds more like a compression fracture without nerve damage, as in the video he describes having dragged himself out to the road.
Keep us posted on what you can do as things start healing up a bit and you get some energy back. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, and I think Wendy would, too.
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:22pm PT
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Dam.... Us climbers sure do pay a hi price for our FUN....
Sending healing vibes to you, and I hope you run out of that place... soon.
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sempervirens
climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:31pm PT
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Hope you're good as new in no time Big Mike!
Always enjoy your reports and photos.
What's an ollie?
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:36pm PT
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Best Wishes, Big Mike!
heal up, man. Spine injuries suck. Does not sound good, if you're in for a whole week. But does sound like you are getting good care.
All the best.
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:42pm PT
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Damn, dude sorry to hear about this. I too, have broken myself on the hill.
I'm sure you'll heal up quickly, with your energy it's a sure thing!
Best, Brandon
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:55pm PT
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Just now had a short visit with Big Mike at the Blusson Spine Clinic VGH. Surgery went well but the injury is still a very, very serious one. It's going to be a long road to haul for him.
They had to operate to repair the sheath of the spinal cord, alleviate impingement and other other nasty details. L1 & L2 areas. No prognosis available yet.
Wishing for the best possible outcome for Mike.
Snowboards suck....
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kennyt
climber
Woodfords,California
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Feb 25, 2013 - 06:57pm PT
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Snowboards suck....
Statements like that could get you in a lot of trouble!
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matty
Trad climber
under the sea
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Feb 25, 2013 - 08:02pm PT
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Dude...hope you heal up quick as can be...I hurt myself bouldering saturday...just after I got back from skiing in Colorado...but at least I got an the FA of a new trad line before bouldering that day...cheers and maybe our wrecked bodies can rope up sometime.
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LilaBiene
Trad climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 08:24pm PT
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Hey, Big Mike, I'm sending all of my "special reserve stubborn will" vibes your way...good healing and lots of patience to you, too. 'Nothing worse that having to stay still. And glad you are in good, loving hands.
Walk on.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:13pm PT
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Thanks for the posts Mike & Sandra- & BK lol, I got this image of Mikes feet sticking out of the bird in my head, so funny!
I shredded a few turns for u today & had a quick beer with Joel after & told him your scene, he sends his best as well.
You will walk out of there. Your attitude is perfect.
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The Lisa
Trad climber
Da Bronx, NY
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:38pm PT
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Sending BIG healing thoughts to Big Mike. I do not know you but there is a big community of wellwishers here and I am adding my good vibes. Being an injured athlete is so frustrating but thank goodness for modern medicine.
I have wiped out on groomers, and even in the lift line, more than I have wiped out in sketchy steep back country runs.
You will be back riding like a fiend next season, and have probably guaranteed awesome deep pow for the rest of us this season ;)
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:41pm PT
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hey there say, mike... not sure if someone
will be reading these to you...
i sent a get well card, to tami, for to send to you...
will some other 'hang in there good cheer' later...
god bless...
man oh man... yes, things are not fun, going through them, at times, but,
later, when it's over, you will be stronger than you ever realized, in new
ways...
think on that, if you ever get tempted to get depressed...
and--keep busy a day at a time--don't look to far, to where you can't reach yet, or you may feel despondant...
look at each days success and what you CAN do, to make the next morning, work, as, THAT will lead to another good morning.. .and onward, goes the better spirits then...
instead of :
how will i EVER reach the top, :O
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:44pm PT
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If you try walking out, there WILL be a big foofawraw(fight). That happened to me in Modesto after my rescue. Give 'em Hell, Big Mike!
An ollie is like a hop. Things can happen to anyone, anytime.
Glad to hear you're in good hands up there, Bro.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:52pm PT
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Am very sorry to hear about your accident, Big Mike!
Wishing you some fast healing, and that you'll be riding lots of deep pow next season!
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Feb 25, 2013 - 09:53pm PT
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Gnarly stuff but stoked to hear you will be walking outta there!
Dunno if Big Mike is the top cutie-pie but that Sandra could be in contention.
Am I envious of a guy in the hospital?
Mebbe
That can't be good Karma can it?
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Feb 25, 2013 - 11:30pm PT
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Full healing vibes to big mike!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 26, 2013 - 12:03am PT
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Hey Everyone,
I'm with Mike right now at the hospital visiting. Mike's sister and her partner are here too. We are just chilling and yakking. Mike's totally with it right now and awake so it's cool. He wanted me to let you all know that he sat up today and held himself upright. That's pretty huge. He also is moving both his feet around much better today too. Awesome!
He is accepting visitors now no problem, and the company is much appreciated. So if ya have a chance to stop by come on down. Just hold off on bringing food and drinks for now as he's having trouble holding it down right now. His large intestines are kinda messed up a bit.
He is sounding stoked and looks forward to hearing from you all.
I read him all your posts since he posted, so keep on sending him the vibes.
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Powder
Trad climber
Bay Area; the Flower Box
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:15am PT
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Heal up and wish you a FULL & COMPLETE recovery!!
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MH2
climber
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:17am PT
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Very good news, Relic.
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:18am PT
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Glad to hear you're on the mend Mike. What's your estimated stay at the Vancouver General Hotel? I'll try to pop in and visit if I'm in the city this week.
Room? Ward? Wing? Is that the right hospital?
Take care,
Kris
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:26am PT
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Sorry to hear of your injuries, Mike. May the worst of your discomfort pass soon.
Look forward to hearing about your complete recovery in the months ahead!
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:30am PT
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He also is moving both his feet around much better today too.
That's great news! Still a long road, but that's a good place to start from.
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:30am PT
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Just hold off on bringing food and drinks for now as he's having trouble holding it down right now.
Slip a little extra morphine into his drip, and he'll do better on the holding down food & drink thing. Might allow him to enjoy a very tiny sip of single malt.
Actually, a little extra morphine in the drip is one of those things that is sufficient unto itself when you're where Mike is right now, so save the Scotch for later.
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:36am PT
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The seriousness of the whole situation is just sinkin as I gather all the facts,I'm so glad you can feel your feet again. Fricken gnarly! I gots the week off so we'll be down to visit Wednesday or Thursday. Hopefully that beds on rollers and we roll outside and smoke a doobie!
Edit: is it true the doctor took out an extra vertebrae so you can fit through standard size doors more conveniently?.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 26, 2013 - 12:38am PT
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This should help you find him.
Something super cool to bring him would be climbing mags to read, get him psyched.
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:40am PT
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Big Mike enjoying better times last week ...
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Feb 26, 2013 - 01:12am PT
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Hey Big Mike, your even photogenic in a gown. So glad to here your moving your size 18 feet. Of course now that people expect top notch trip reports from you, you'll have to do one on your hospital stay. Please include all the cute nurses.
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MH2
climber
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Feb 26, 2013 - 01:32am PT
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Yeah. The OR nurse who heads the neurosurgical team (or did recently) is a climber. Not that they would have recognized Mike as one of the tribe under the drapes.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 26, 2013 - 03:00am PT
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Hello all Sandra here. I just wanted to say reading all these posts has somehow made it a tad easier to digest mikes situation. I can't believe the out-pouring he (and I) have received. Thank you so much for the reassuring stories, for expressing your love and your honesty and most of all for making us laugh. Thanks Relic and Sister T (tash) for being with him tonite in my absence. I had to step away temporarily to take care of a few things in Whistler but will return tues evening with climbing mags and some other things mike would like from home. I'll be with Mike from late tues to Friday and as Relic mentioned he'd love some visitors so see some of u in the coming days. Thanks again everyone. I gotta say that the last 5 years we've been together has been the best years of my life. He was there for me in my time of need while healing from injury and now its time to give back to him all that i've got. I'm going to have to be stronger and braver than I've ever been to help my Mikey pull through. I love u baby and I'll see u tmrw.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 26, 2013 - 03:09am PT
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Thanks relic for taking that photo of hospital sign. I've been so focussed with Mikes comfort so these little extra things are very thoughtful. All the happy climbing photos have been wonderful to see on here .
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 26, 2013 - 03:20am PT
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weezy
climber
|
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Feb 26, 2013 - 03:25am PT
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sending vibes to the coolest giant on the taco
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Rolfr
Social climber
North Vancouver BC
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Feb 26, 2013 - 04:06am PT
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Mike, sending you my good vibes and healing thoughts from a down here in So Cal. Get well quick, and a poem to make you laugh.
The Giant's Accidents
The giant stood up and hit his head:
he gasped and fell back on the bed.
The bed broke with a mighty crack -
he dropped right through and bumped his back.
He lept up with a mighty roar
and knocked his elbow on the door.
He stiffened with the sudden pain
and then he hit his head again.
He staggered round - the room was reeling -
he slipped and crashed straight through the ceiling.
To try and stop his sudden fall
he stretched hhis armm to grasp the wall.
The noise was heard all over town:
the whole house swayed and tumbled down.
He tunnelled up from underneath
with bits of floorboards in his teeth.
He shook his beard: some bricks dropped out
and gave his nose a nasty clout.
"It can't get worse", he gave a grin,
then slipped on a banana skin.
by
Charles Thomson
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O'B
Trad climber
Whistler
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Feb 26, 2013 - 05:06am PT
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Dude, so sorry to hear about your back man!! I wish I could pop by VGH and bring you some og man. Wishing you a speedy recovery from down under man. Im feelin for ya bro.. Miss ya man. Next time i see ya you'll be dancin in your ports or shants bro! It's crazy man, stupid Murphy!!
Thank you Sandra and Relic for the posts and updates. Keep em comin.
Chris
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Feb 26, 2013 - 08:44am PT
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my brow is furrowed,
my breaths, short and frantic.
i've no peace, nothing to smile about.
freezing is the heart
that aches for understanding and well being.
fleeting shall always life be.
take care big mike.
take better care for a while.
then thrash about one day
further on down the rutted road,
and i'll meet you there.
wielding adoration and acclaim.
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Feb 26, 2013 - 10:48am PT
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Get well from the next generation. It's easy to tell which one Mike is! Georgia forgot to sign her's.
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:06am PT
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Big Mikes Butt
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 26, 2013 - 11:38am PT
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Address to send fun things to:
Vancouver General Hospital
899 W 12th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1M9
tel:604.875.4111
Not sure how to address things but...
Mike Cowper
9th Floor Centennial Pavillion, bed 4
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10b4me
Boulder climber
Somewhere on 395
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:40am PT
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Glad to hear that he is on the mend
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:44am PT
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Thanks Derek, got your PM, this extra info very helpful...this sounds like a large hospital...but I'm sure they'll need to add extra mail room staff now that this has hit the Taco Stand...
Susan
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:50am PT
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Just checked into the Taco today and saw this awful news.
Big Mike, I don't have a clue how long you're going to have more time than usual to lie around in bed, but I'd like to send you some super inspirational climbing book to keep your legendary stoke high. Will you be in the hospital long enough to receive mail from the States (I think about a week)? Or do you have a smart phone or ipad/kindle that you can download a book too?
Best Wishes, Phyl
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Feb 26, 2013 - 12:35pm PT
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Just tried to ring him through the hospital - he doesn't have a phone in his room as an FYI. Sandra currently has his cell, so that's the way to go I guess. She will be back in later according to the nurse.
Now, if I had his cell # I could call him! ;) That's what I get for living Stateside, we used Bmac's phone while they were here.
Glad to hear you can move your feet Mike!
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scuffy b
climber
heading slowly NNW
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Feb 26, 2013 - 01:23pm PT
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Best Wishes, Big Mike.
I hope you have a good healing experience.
I'll be thinking of you.
scuffy
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browniephoto
climber
bc
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Feb 26, 2013 - 01:23pm PT
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now imagine that gully swarming with tourons.
a hot mid-summer's sun, and a granite corner quickly create an oven.
temperatures are soaring.
and mike comes along with yet another chief summit in his pocket.
he stems, and sweats, and sweats some more.
the tourons grip the rusty chain in hopes they won't be washed away, while the big guy chuckles.
can't wait to go walk the rocks again with ya mikey! see ya sometime soon, with the gang of course.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 26, 2013 - 03:27pm PT
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Hello everyone Sandra here again...i think i need to get my own account. soon soon, haha.
Just so you all know i have Mike's phone so if you're texting or calling and he's not answering that's why. He needs to really focus on rest so I've got his phone for now. I had to come back to Whistler last night to take care of a few things here and I'm heading back to Vancouver tonight and staying there for the next few nights. Mike is pretty tired but feeling okay for some visitors...just not in droves....
We've been giving him his Supertopo doses and other messages...its just been so much so fast to take in that I'm having a hard time keeping up with it all. So bear with me while I get all your messages to him.
Thanks everyone for all your well wishes and posts and your offerings to help... keep him in your thoughts and stay positive!!! Love you all for being there for him :)
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 26, 2013 - 03:33pm PT
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hey there say, sandra... thanks for sharing ... keep up the good support and love and care, job... :)
and as to this quote:
just so you all know i have Mike's phone so if you're texting or calling and he's not answering that's why. He needs to really focus on rest so I've got his phone for now.
good for YOU... not only pets can be trained for responce-sounds, but us humans surely DO:
jump at too many 'bells' these days...
takes away the 'peace of mind' if one tries to juggle them all, while
needing rest, for sure... saps body strength, when the mind goes... :O
god bless, and prayers :)
EDIT:
SAY, relic, thanks kindly for sharing an address for mike...
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TheSoloClimber
Trad climber
Vancouver
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Feb 26, 2013 - 08:49pm PT
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I'll be in to visit as soon as I'm back in the city! Great to hear that everything seems to be looking up. We'll have you back up on the rock in no time.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Feb 26, 2013 - 08:53pm PT
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Oh shit! Get well Mike! Recover in time for rock season!
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Feb 26, 2013 - 08:54pm PT
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Just got back, rain and all but it is home,yah. Great to see those pics of you up and about wiith the guys. When you get better maybe you could instruct Jim on how to focus a camera!
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MH2
climber
|
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Feb 26, 2013 - 09:00pm PT
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Haha, QINTL. That is the side they had him turned to at around 4 pm today. He was doing well with his sister Natasha by his side. The family resemblance in calm friendly presence is uncanny.
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
WA, & NC & Idaho
|
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Feb 26, 2013 - 09:10pm PT
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Heal up Mike.!!!!!!!!!
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Daphne
Trad climber
Black Rock City
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Feb 26, 2013 - 09:36pm PT
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Sending major healing vibes your way, Big Mike and Sandra, for abundant health. And a big taco hug, too.
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Gal
Trad climber
a semi lucid consciousness
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Feb 26, 2013 - 09:52pm PT
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Just saw this thread, so sorry you are going though this ordeal. It looks like all is proceeding well though, and you'll be back on the rock soon-probably preferably red rocks, seeing as what an awesome trip you recently had there. Sending good thoughts your way-hope each day feels better than the previous!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Feb 26, 2013 - 10:30pm PT
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It's really great that he is able to move his feet.
He looks great in that dress, too. And since he can move his feet, I bet some of those boys in the picture were asking him for the next dance.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 26, 2013 - 10:45pm PT
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Jim! The French guy is PY!! Really cool all u boys got in for a visit, Mike looks good!! Stay strong Mike! You got this!!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 26, 2013 - 11:33pm PT
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Thanks for the pics Jim. That must have felt great for Mike to get up out of that bed! Right on bro, I'm thinking of ya all the time.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:39pm PT
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Cosmic, perhaps it's time for a feel good manip of ole Mikey here? I know that would cheer me up :-)
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
|
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:42pm PT
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Yo Mike
work on that beard while you're down!
Keep smiling and heal up!
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Oplopanax
Mountain climber
The Deep Woods
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:48pm PT
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Those nurses are doing some good spotting there. Straight arms, braced stance... all good.
And I bet when they got him on his feet it was "Look up, waaaay up".
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zBrown
Ice climber
chingadero de chula vista
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Feb 26, 2013 - 11:51pm PT
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good to see you moving around. i hope you were not on slopes in that outfit.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Feb 27, 2013 - 01:15am PT
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Great shots, Jim. I can tell you, having been through 5 operations in 35 days, that the love of friends is all I had to go on for some of the time. Knowing there were others waiting as you are wheeled into that ice box of an operating room, again, is a giant help. So to the extent that Mike can handle visitors, keep showing up. Even for brief moments. I can't imagine dealing with a spinal cord injury. It must be scary. I send what courage I have left.
JL
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 27, 2013 - 03:15am PT
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Hahaha thanks Cosmic! Ur a legend, I bet Mike just had to ring the bell for a bedpan change right there. Ride the lightning Mike!!
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Michelle
Social climber
Toshi's Station, picking up power converters.
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Feb 27, 2013 - 06:50am PT
|
That picture is awesome!
Heal up bro!
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telemon01
Trad climber
Montana
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 07:24am PT
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Big Mike is, well,... BIG!!
sending positive vibes your way Big Mike; looks like you're surrounded by lots of love.
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dirt claud
Social climber
san diego,ca
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Feb 27, 2013 - 10:10am PT
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Glad the SB accident was not more serious and that you are on the mend Big Mike. Hope you get back out there soon. Sending good vibes your way in T minus 3,2,1...
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darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 27, 2013 - 11:37am PT
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So good to see you sitting up and smiling... I just keep thinking positive thoughts for you, Big Mike!!
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snakefoot
climber
cali
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Feb 27, 2013 - 11:48am PT
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heal up, this is a game changer i would never wish on anyone. glad to see your smiling in the shots.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 27, 2013 - 12:02pm PT
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hey there say, relic, jim, and all... i am sooo happy to see him at this stage... was so worried...i know he has a long way to go...
thanks for being there with him...
and to big mike:
a day at time... with what is best, in mind... and you will do fine...
and to sandra... and family, etc...
may you enjoy wonderful victories, as mike tackles each new day...
:)
prayers and god bless...
*cosmic:
the staff will run you up a tree, if rumors of THAT
kind of treatment, get out... ;)
hope your parrots did not see that ;)
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Feb 27, 2013 - 02:54pm PT
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That's hilarious, Cosmic!
But you forgot something:
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Feb 27, 2013 - 03:26pm PT
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Crunch and Coz....what is wrong with you guys!!???. Too funny....
It may hurt Big Mike to laugh too hard...be nice...flowers and butterflies might be more appropriate.
Susan
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 27, 2013 - 03:53pm PT
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LOL!!!!! Thanks guys!!!! Those manips are awesome and so is this thread!!!! The got me out of bed again today to sit on the commode!! It has been something I haven't had much luck with yet, so I was very glad to make what little progress I did. They are going to move me to another room today, which has made Sandra very stressed because she has gotten settled here, but we'll deal.
I'd hate to be the guy trying to sleep next to my snoring ass through that thin curtain!! ;)
Thanks again for all the wishes and the visitors have been positively amazing!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 27, 2013 - 04:02pm PT
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If anyone wants to call I'll b stoked to hear from you! (6o4)9O249oo
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Feb 27, 2013 - 04:20pm PT
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You couldn't handle a call from me. My fees are ridiculously high.
I'm sorry to hear/read/see you so tragically involved with pain and suffering. You get over it, hear?
No sh#t, Mike, like tough sh#t. And you're a tough sh#t.
Vibes....ON!
Vibes....OFF!
Better?
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 04:25pm PT
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 27, 2013 - 05:24pm PT
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Nature, put some angle on those bindings & your gonna be twice as good at snowboarding as u are now, have fun man!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 08:30pm PT
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Thanks for the pic Naitch!! Too cool! Ryan is right tho, need to put some angle to the dangle! ;)
Had some more rad visitors today! Kyle, Nina, Aislinn, Luke and Kieran, and then Perry and Nadine showed up too! If was rad!!! Super fun afternoon of visitors! I got settled in new room and it seems like things should go smoothly here.
The Gang!
Aislinn too this one cause she's an iPhone genius
Perry and Nadine
Looks like I found my new live tr!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 27, 2013 - 09:17pm PT
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Wow!! John Long just called!!!! Thanks John. It would have meant a lot if you had just posted up, but that just made me so happy!!!!
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ryankelly
Trad climber
el portal
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 09:48pm PT
|
sending some healing your way
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WyoRockMan
Trad climber
Flank of the Bighorns
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 10:04pm PT
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I hate that the first time I communicate with you is to wish you well and a speedy full recovery. All the best!
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 10:30pm PT
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MH2
climber
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 10:58pm PT
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Very cool visitors. And a call from John Long. From the young to the old growth deep in root and high in upper story. And Cosmic throwing the switch.
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Saugy
Mountain climber
BC
|
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Feb 27, 2013 - 11:22pm PT
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Hi Mike. I work with the folks on Blackcomb Patrol.. during the morning meetings they'll bring up recent big incidents that happen on the hill and inform on details of the crash, the nature of the injury,the extrication,etc. and especially the ongoing condition of the patient.
Your incident was brought up, and when I heard the name I knew right away who it was (I post up here and there but usually lurk around, but I still remembered)...
Anyway, our on-hill doc..we call him Dr. Shred..commented on how solid of a dude you were, being a climber,skier,local,etc. and you had a serious crash but because of who you are you will respond well to whats needed to get you rocking again.
I then had to mention that people call him Big Mike, and he has an online following that spans the continent, if not the world(!)so there should be a pile of good energy coming his way!
This was confirmed when I pulled up this thread tonight!!
So the folks on your local hill are hoping for a strong recovery for you...and so am I.
See you out there soon, bud. Stay strong, Don
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
|
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Feb 28, 2013 - 02:10am PT
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Big Mike bump! It was so great to see him in such high spirits today, despite the injury.
Keep the stoke up buddy! Stoke up buddy, congrats on the bowel movement!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 28, 2013 - 02:32am PT
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Glad all the hooligans made it down today! Too bad I was at work and missed the party. Looks like the thread has been hyjacked and is now a live TR! Sweet!
And Kid Comer, get your hands off Mike's drugs birthday boy!
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roadman
climber
|
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Feb 28, 2013 - 03:19am PT
|
Hang in there Big Mike! Sending good vibes!
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
|
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Feb 28, 2013 - 10:43am PT
|
Big Mike,
It was not good to see you in your current plight but I'm real glad we had opportunity to visit you yesterday.
Real pleased to see your crew there.
You put great energy into our lives and we're there for you in any way we can through this challenging time.
Like the card says;
IF YOU'RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING!
(Winston Churchill)
PB
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kennyt
climber
Woodfords,California
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Feb 28, 2013 - 11:33am PT
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IF YOU"RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING!
make sure you stop for a beer or two!! Hope yer doin better, kennyt
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 28, 2013 - 03:09pm PT
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I hate that the first time I communicate with you is to wish you well and a speedy full recovery. All the best!
No worries dude!! Thanks for the thoughts! The mean a lot from everyone! I have never felt this level of support before, but I know everyone has my back now, and that feels incredible!
I just tried calling you Big Mike but yer Voice mail is FULL.
DOH!!!! My phone died last night, and I just called Bell to find out why my voicemail only stores three messages??? Not acceptable, and fixed, something tells me ill need a few more!!. I will be returning your call shortly Dwaine, it will be a pleasure to hear your voice for the first time.
Saucy - Don. Wow! Just Wow! I can't even express how much that means to me. It made me start crying tears of joy. Thank so much. You are welcome here any time.
I'd loan you my CUSTOM Wheelchair, Big Mike,
LOL! Thanks dude! I need all the laughs I can get!!
Great to see you too Luke! Thanks bud! Dude why did no one tell me it was your birthday!! Really sorry u didn't know.. Been a little preoccupied lately ;)
Ouch. Nothing worse than squeezing out a hard turd after a diet of codine with a busted spine.
I know that well!! Never thought I would be so happy to sh!t the bed!!!!!!
I'm off to sample the snow for you tomorrow mike. I'll take a bunch of pictures!
Enjoy it bud. Please do take pics, you know I love em!!!
Feb 28, 2013 - 12:17am PT
One day, Big Mike was standing in line, waiting to get checked in.
When he finally reached the front, St. Peter asked him, "What are you doing?"
"Hold on a sec," said Big Mike. "I'm working on my TR."
So they sent him back down.
LOL HAHAHAHAHAHA GAG HAHAHAHA!!! So funny!! I'm not done yet dammit!!!!!
Thanks Roadman!!
Be glad as well your Canadian right now more than ever. This type of injury would set you back a decade of hard labor to pay for such an injury in the US. You will get all your needs met and not leave that hospital bankrupt.
You know it Weston! The only person that has asked me for a dollar so far is the tv lady! My parents paid for that. I should be able to at least run my business this summer if not contribute as much as I normally do, so hopefully it won't kill us completely like they do to you guys down there. I really feel for you guys!!
IF YOU'RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING!
Best card ever!!! Thanks Perry!!!!!
Hell ya Kennyt!!
The nurse took my cathider out this morning, and I just peed in a bottle which they didn't think I would be able to do!!!!!
It's all coming together!! Soon ill get this drain out of my back and then ill be able to sleep properly!!!!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Feb 28, 2013 - 04:36pm PT
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The nurse took my cathider out this morning, and I just peed in a bottle which they didn't think I would be able to do!!!!!
Consider yourself lucky. When I was in your position (i.e. all smashed up and horizontal in a hospital bed) and they took out the catheter, I tried to pee in the bottle and it hurt so bad I begged them to put the catheter back in.
Count your blessings.
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NigelSSI
Trad climber
B.C.
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Feb 28, 2013 - 05:31pm PT
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Even in the legendary company around the taco you're one of the best posters around. Your love of life and genuine stoke is obvious, and infectious.
Thanks for a little bit of inspiration to get out there more, and I hope you'll be up and about taking more pictures to share with us soon!
All the best Mike & Sandra!
-Nigel
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Feb 28, 2013 - 07:00pm PT
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Ryan/Mike - what angles should I go for? I'm goofy.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 28, 2013 - 07:38pm PT
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Nature, jump up in the air as high as u can with 2 feet & stomp the landing as if you were on your board. Now look at your feet, that will be a good starting point. My angles are 28 degrees on the front & 12 degrees on the back(pointing outward), most people like the back a little closer to either side of zero. Maybe to start turn your front binding out about 15-18 degrees & then play with it a bit until it feels good, cheers.
Hope ur havin a good day Mikey, I'll check on your stash tomorrow for u & make sure it doesn't get too fresh while ur out!
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Feb 28, 2013 - 07:55pm PT
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Just bumping the bed. I'll take Big Mike over Big bad Mike any day of the week. I never have to worry bout my ears with him.See you tomorrow big guy.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 28, 2013 - 09:29pm PT
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huh? is WTF's first name Weston as well? That would be weird...
Oops!! My apologies... I got a little confused there!!
Consider yourself lucky. When I was in your position (i.e. all smashed up and horizontal in a hospital bed) and they took out the catheter, I tried to pee in the bottle and it hurt so bad I begged them to put the catheter back in.
Oh I am Dave. They kept threatening me with the catheter again and I did not need to get that infection!! Thank god because not being able to pee and not having one is torture just like you and largo have said!!
Even in the legendary company around the taco you're one of the best posters around. Your love of life and genuine stoke is obvious, and infectious.
Wow Nigel!!! Thanks! It seems like I infect the staff around here too! Everyone is super stoked for me and it looks like they're going to ship me off to GF Strong next week!! I got to stand up on the parallel bars today and actually weight my right foot!! My left is still a spaz, so what I learned is I'm going to have to re-train my whole lower half to do what I want it to do.
Good thing is everything seems to work as long as I can figure out how to tell it too!!!!
Edit just googled it,
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre is the largest rehabilitation hospital in British Columbia.[1] It is located in the South Cambie neighborhood of Vancouver.
It provides provides inpatient (overnight stays), outpatient, outreach and clinical support services to clients/patients across British Columbia and the Yukon in four unique programs: Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Arthritis and Neuromusculoskeletal. It also has specialized programs for adolescents and young adults. Health care professionals such as physiotherapists and physiatrists deliver individually tailored treatment for people with the most serious and complex injuries and illnesses requiring rehabilitation.[2]
WOW!!
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Feb 28, 2013 - 09:45pm PT
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Trip out on this Big Mike!
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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Feb 28, 2013 - 09:49pm PT
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Congrats Mike on being admitted to GF strong ! - thats Huge. Also a Healthier place than the hospital you are in. Fingers crossed on all your precautions to not get sick from something else at VGH before your discharge.
Very happy to hear this dude
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MisterE
Social climber
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Feb 28, 2013 - 09:58pm PT
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Sorry to come in late on this - wishing you a quick and complete recovery, Mike!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 28, 2013 - 10:06pm PT
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I was rereading your Full Conditions trip report and couldn't help see the old cliche that its the mundane things that can get us while the Full Conditions adventures usually keep us on point. Anyway, sounds like you have the right attitude to heal at triple speed and get back after it. Which is good because we need the good words and reports from guys like you to keep this place positive and inspiring!
Thanks Chris! You're so right. This was so routine for me, and then WHAM!! I'm on a Heli. Naturally you're way more focused in a situation like Angel's Crest. I think that major lesson I just learned is I need to be more vigilant all the time because you never know when it's going to happen. As far as the taco goes, it amazes me more everyday, and has proved it's tribe is really that. A community who cares. With love like that, how can I ever leave!!
Nature- what Ryan said. I'm super weird with my angles, like +45 on the front +17 on the back too! (Facing forward). Full on Alpine Stance!!
Looking forward to seeing you Harry!!
Wow Jefe! Tripping hard!!
Also a Healthier place than the hospital you are in. Fingers crossed on all your precautions to not get sick from something else at VGH before your discharge.
Bruce, haven't you learned I'm stronger than that?? ;) seriously tho, thanks for the advice, and it's a good thing I've only had to pick at their food and family and friends have been hooking me up HUGE!!
Your mind is going to be blown by the tiny, almost imperceptible nuances. . . say. . . from the bottoms of your feet and the ends of your toes. . . and how the back injury has interupted what usually came natural for you.
All ready has Ekat! Blew my mind the minute I figured it out. Really trippy thing is I spent my whole childhood training for just this type of eye hand coordination by playing video games!!! Guess they weren't all useless!!
Edit oh ya!! I made a giant softball sized projectile fly out my butt today!! It's amazing how much the little things matter when they are taken from you.
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John_Box
climber
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Feb 28, 2013 - 10:20pm PT
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Hey Mike, I've been pretty sick of ST recently but I've been compulsively checking this thread for the last couple of days. I'm f*#king stoked to hear how well you are doing! Sounds like you are doing great and I'm sending lots of good vibes north.
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Jim Clipper
climber
from: forests to tree farms
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Feb 28, 2013 - 10:31pm PT
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keepin the magic alive while keeping it real BUMP!
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Feb 28, 2013 - 10:57pm PT
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Comin' for a visit tomorrow. Any requests? I've got a few goodies to occupy your time, but i'm open to suggestions.
Kris
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Feb 28, 2013 - 11:10pm PT
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Your mind is going to be blown by the tiny, almost imperceptible nuances. . . say. . . from the bottoms of your feet and the ends of your toes. . . and how the back injury has interrupted what usually came natural for you.
Ain't just back injuries that do that. You should have seen me after they bolted my left leg back on. They had to cut a lot of muscle in the process, and even after everything was pretty much healed up, the brain-nerve-muscle-nerve-brain loop was operating in some separate reality.
Imagine a normal looking guy walking along in a normal-looking way, and then suddenly having one of his legs stop working.
Now put that guy on a rope and send him up some rockface. Watch him step up on his left foot... and then suddenly fall off.
Took over five years for all the nerve pathways to rebuild. Weird sh#t.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 28, 2013 - 11:29pm PT
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Everything from L1 down (that's the one I pulverized) needed retraining.
Woah!! I missed this!! What happened Ekat??
Thanks MisterE No worries mate! As the Aussies say..
Hey Mike, I've been pretty sick of ST recently but I've been compulsively checking this thread for the last couple of days. I'm f*#king stoked to hear how well you are doing! Sounds like you are doing great and I'm sending lots of good vibes north.
Thanks John Box!! I swear all the support has made me heal faster!!
Thanks Jim!!
Kris, stoked just to see you dude!! Thanks!!
Took over five years for all the nerve pathways to rebuild. Weird sh#t.
Crazy Dave!! I'm going to have to do some hardcore reprogramming!!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Feb 28, 2013 - 11:45pm PT
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Edit oh ya!! I made a giant softball sized projectile fly out my butt today!! It's amazing how much the little things matter when they are taken from you.
Awesome, I lol'd
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MH2
climber
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Feb 28, 2013 - 11:46pm PT
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Yeah, bring him a chess set, Kris.
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east side underground
climber
Hilton crk,ca
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Feb 28, 2013 - 11:49pm PT
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you'll be dropping in , in no time....all the best. Cheers
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Keep it going Big Mike, save a climb for me but i'm sure you'll have a full dance card.
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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It's things like this that make me love the Taco all over again.
A call from John, posts from Donini and even from Chris Mac...the outpouring of love from everyone - so important to the healing process.
Was awesome to talk to you the other day, Bro. If I was closer I'd be there in person. I will give you a call again soon - really digging the reports that things are working body wise, even if you have to retrain them a bit. I know if anyone can do it, you can Mike! I'm really glad we tied in together, I enjoyed the hell out of it. Can't wait to do it again!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I woke up at 12:00 literally running out of my dream. I thought I was climbing for a sec, then awoke and thought, "this is wrong.." I had set myself up on my back and with the wound drain the pain was just too much. I've weaned myself off the meds really quick, too quick probably. I've been trying to get them to up the OxyContin for sleeping, but they're reluctant because I've been doing so well.
I got them to roll me over to my right side, which is the most comfortable since my surgery scar is in the left, and is killing me when I sleep on it. I woke up again sweating and in pain at 2;00am and haven't been able to sleep since. They gave me a full 5,0 oxy this time and promised me another one at 5 am. They rolled me onto my left, even thought i knew it would be bad. i lasted there about 45mins. The pain is subsiding now and I think I will try and sleep again, but I needed to do something to cope, and this thread is my coping process.
I'm definetly not superhuman. It's funny. Just over a week ago I was in the lap of luxury, staying in a dope spot and climbing classics with friends. A lot of people weren't very impressed with my ticklist, and to tell the truth, I would have liked to have done more, but I was happy to be there and enjoying myself and knew that was all that really mattered.
Now I'm on the flip side of the coin dealing with hell, and I'm so glad I enjoyed the time I had in heaven. I told Travis in Vegas, "You never really appreciate the best in life until you've experienced the worst." I believe that even more now.
I'm sorry I can't reply to the latest messages right now, I'm just not able to right at this moment mentally. I surely did appreciate them though and will reply in kind , in the morning.
I'm going to try and get some more sleep now. See you guys in the morning.
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Up early for a biz trip and find it wryly amusing to see this thread contiguous on the ST forum with the 60 y.o. thread.
Been following yr arc with interest, Big Mike. Good luck in getting to the other side of this challenge, fellow. It was about yr age when I hit the ground from 70' and was unsure of my future. See aforementioned thread, eh.
'Persistence furthers.'
Hang,
Gilroy
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Thanks Jim. Means alot right now.. Just got more meds. Hopefully I can sleep.
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mooser
Trad climber
seattle
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Big Mike, you've always struck me as one of the most positive, encouraging voices on ST. Even from your hospital bed, you're sending out the same great vibe. Thank you.
Good vibes back to you, and prayers for a full recovery.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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WTF???????
Mike not sure who weston is but I'm no Weston in fact we've met but only briefly.
Really??? Who are you??? Pm me if you wish. I will not reveal your identity. I do understand I have a tendency to use people's first names, and realize that you may not want to choose to.
Your tick list from red rocks was great. A fine bunch of climbs for a first visit. DID YOU HAVE FUN? That's all that matters.
Ya man! I had a blast!! I know what you say is true also and know that haters love to hate, and not to listen to them, but I am human, and sometimes the doubt creeps in.
Big Mike, you've always struck me as one of the most positive, encouraging voices on ST. Even from your hospital bed, you're sending out the same great vibe. Thank you.
Thanks Mooser, I try. I've always enjoyed your posts too.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Love chess MH2. Just need Someone to play with. Any takers?? ;)
Oh Little Mike.
It's time for your LITTLE shot of,
HAPPY JUICE!
LOL!! Damn Dwain. Coulda used that last night. Pain is increasing, meds decreasing. Gotta sort out that situation.
Keep it going Big Mike, save a climb for me but i'm sure you'll have a full dance card.
Wow Jim!! Any time I can man. Any time.
It's things like this that make me love the Taco all over again.
I know, RIGHT!!
Was awesome to talk to you the other day, Bro. If I was closer I'd be there in person. I will give you a call again soon - really digging the reports that things are working body wise, even if you have to retrain them a bit. I know if anyone can do it, you can Mike! I'm really glad we tied in together, I enjoyed the hell out of it. Can't wait to do it again!
It was a pleasure Travis. Me too. Go climb the Captain for me this summer!!
Obviously I'm not sleeping. 'twas a rough night. They say I should get this drain out of my back and sort out the dosage situation today. I can't wait to have it figured out.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Awww sh*t, I'm so sorry to hear about the increased pain. It does seem to go that way ... For awhile...but then evens out again. I've been thru a couple injury surgeries (nothing as bad as yours) and found the same pattern...shortly after surgery, "I'll be able to manage this" to several days out "Nurse, please more .... Or a gun please". I've often wondered if its the body shaking off the initial shock as well as all the initial surgical meds leaving.
Do take care...thinking of you often...hugs to Sandra...care givers have their own unique set of stressors. Can't wait to have you and your buds get back to "regularly scheduled programming" with your outrageous trip reports.
Susan
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Hey Mike,
It's great to see you responding to our posts, and keeping us apprised of how you're doing. We're all rooting for you, buddy, that's for sure!
When I busted my leg, it was temporarily fixed in Yos and then I hobbled home for the surgery. The free Canadian surgery, eh? Once home, they only made me pay for my crutches.
Anyway, I had just been carried down from the base of El Cap, and had done the trains planes and automobiles stuff for days, no shower, very scruffy looking after all of this when I finally landed in hospital. I woke up in bed after surgery hooked me up to the morphine drip, and I was fine for a day or two. I'm guessing I didn't smell too good.
After a couple days, some junior nurse decided that I no longer needed the morphine, and switched me over to Tylenol 3. It didn't hurt much breaking my leg, it was all those plates and screws they put in afterwards that killed me. I kept asking for my drugs back, but nobody would give them to me! I must have looked like a real dirtbag. In other words, like myself.
Anyway, my "good nurse" comes in around midnight, and says, "You're right, she shouldn't have taken you off the morphine drip. I'll hook you back up."
And I'm like, "Great. By the way, my leg has swelled so much in my cast the pain is excruciating, and something really needs to be done about it."
I don't think she understood how dire the situation was with my leg, because she told me to wait til morning. So once the drugs kicked in, I phoned my 80-something dad at home and said, "Look, I can only talk to you lucidly for the next ten minutes or so, the point between where the drugs have started to kick in, but not too much. This cast needs to come off now, dude, and no one here believes me. Can you please come NOW and rescue me?!"
So my dad comes down to the hospital at like one in the morning, and the first thing he says is, "When was the last time a doctor saw my son?"
And I said, "I've been here two days, and I haven't talked to one doctor."
And my dad is like [God bless him, it was funny] "Wow, if that's not grounds for a lawsuit, I don't know what is."
Now, as you know, us Hosers aren't all that litigious, but my dad just so happens to be a Merrican.
Anyway, you should have seen the nurse move! She ran down to emerge and grabbed some doctor from Kuwait who'd been operating for the last twelve or twenty hours or something, and dragged him up to my bed to cut off that damn cast! My toes were turning blue by this point. Imagine the relief when he chopped that bastard off my gigantic swollen leg!
Anyway, as for injuries, I cheated death once again, just like you. So like I wrote you before, "It's your turn this time, mate." Most of us risk takers / spazzes go through this a time or two in our lifetimes, some of us never do, and some guys never even get the chance to get better because they end up dead first.
I can tell by your writing that you are also one of those guys who sees the glass as half full, and focuses on the positive. You *will* get better, mate. It just takes time. Initially my ankle hurt SO MUCH it was inconceivable to me that I would ever walk again let alone climb, but here I am still givin' er. And so you will you.
As for retraining those legs, just fukkin' retrain 'em! You show them who's boss!
But that's for later. Just chill for now, enjoy the down time as best you can, do what the docs say, and never stop believing. If there's anything we learn from stuff like this it's that we learn stuff. And anything that doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Accordingly, you will come out smarter and stronger than before. [How can you fault logic like that, eh?]
By the way, I was quite touched in Curry Village this year when recognized me, and came up and introduced yourself to me! I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated that. It's always fun to meet someone off McTopo face to face, or in our case, face to chest. I wish more people would come and say hi.
Anyway, take care, keep on keepin' on, and we'll see you down on the bridge for beers one of these days soon.
Cheers,
Pete
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MH2
climber
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PTPP,
Your cast situation is famous in Canadian health-care. Well, not yours personally, but a case just like that is what caused the nurses' charting to become a legal document.
Big Mike,
It is good to cut down on pain meds but that must be balanced against other good things like sleep. If you can't get to sleep that is a good case for more medication and can be charted as the reason for giving you more. Some people are reluctant to give more just because you ask but if you can't sleep or if the pain is keeping you from moving well those are good reasons to do something about the pain.
Got a couple prints for your decor. Will bring them by. Wish I had done one of Cosmic's wheelchair, or his other chair.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Too busy with hospital stuff to reply to the last few right now but I read most of it and will be back!!!
Repost from shred thread Blackcomb Ski patrol at thier finest.
It belongs here too.
These might be hard, but every snoriders best friend is ski patrol!!!
Take pictures honey!!!! Really?????? YES!!!!
Worried Sandra accidental self portrait.
Thumbs up for the Heli!!!
I can't say enough about the work that Blackcomb Ski Patrol does. They are true heroes. Quick and amazingly efficient! Top notch really!
I will always be in their debt. Were they not around I might not be tapping these words. Although, by the sound of Ekat's story, maybe I might, but I would be a lot worse off.
SCARY EKAT!!!!!!
I would describe my experience as smooth. Thanks to my heroes in Red!!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Haha Mike ur so funny asking your girl to take photos right after u get mangled! The guys in the last photo is asking his buddy to pass the hacksaw so he can cut the bottom of the litter off so you can fit.
Hey Mike sounds like a good time to invite yourself on NIAD with Donini.
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Mike,
So sorry to hear of your accident. Hoping with everyone else for a quick and full recovery. There are amazing advances in spinal medicine these days, so keep your spirits up.
I have enjoyed all of your threads, which demonstrate a palpable love of the mountains and exceptional stoke.
Be patient and I'll bet your back on the board soon.
Rick
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Sredni Vashtar
Social climber
The coastal redwoods
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all the best for your recovery, I dont know you but certainly read your TRs and the rest are right, you are at the core of this community.
Damn snowboards, mine used to beat me up so much although never as bad as my downhill mountainbike did. heal well and heal strong
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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It was a pleasure Travis. Me too. Go climb the Captain for me this summer!!
Would the Column suffice? I'm happy to do a wall for you, but I need to start small hehe.
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Here's a collage for Mike's "real" wall in the hospital. I used his pics and various pics from his ST friends so if anyone would like their pic removed please let me know.If you want to identify all the scurvy naives, download the file and view it on Picasa or Window live gallery and zoom into to enlarge it.
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Footloose
Trad climber
Lake Tahoe
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Mike,
Your spirit is truly inspiring. I wish you all
the best in your comeback.
Bill
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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That collage rules Harry!
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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OMG. A ST scrapbooker....who knew? Very Nice!
Susan
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MH2
climber
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Great idea, Harry. That is very Big Mike-like.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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I tried to call in to The Big Mike Show, but I was politely shuffled about for a while. I hope you get the message, Mike.
If not, Meh. Goddam Officialdom, anyway.
There's still vibes.
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Great scrapbook photo!
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Fish Boy
Social climber
Squeamish
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Chess and doobies soon bro!
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Harry, that is totally epic. Well done!
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Hamie is also in the collage. Black and white, about a quarter of the way from the left, 1/3 of way from bottom. He's standing, rope coiled over his shoulder, cigarette in hand.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Friday night special.
I'm having one for you, dude!
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
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Well I guess if yer gonna read one thread a year on ST this would be the one. Sorry to hear this particular adventure features so much hospital, Big Mike, and best wishes for getting on out.
Ian
PS Given my tangential presence, I don't feel entitled, but one of you regulars oughta mine the relationship between Big Mike's acronyminitials and his intestinal struggles.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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dammit mouse... that greasy bad looks dam good right now. And I'm a vegetarian.
I'm buying skate skis tomorrow stoke.
off to the friday night thread....
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Aactually just popped that on because Mike never got to stop in at the one yere in town. He went to the East Side instead, which happens to be the Dark Side, but only part of the day, just like yere. No, I had a righteous helping of liver and onions and yohoghrt after that Glorious Bloody Mary Lunch.
B.M. acronymous O.I. Geddit
Lots and lots of opportunity to sleep now. Do so. ATB, Big.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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In and out of conciousness for 8 hours as I squirmed on the floor trying to get out of the closet, down the long hall and into my office to get the phone. Dark. No heat. Nobody knew I was there.
Wow Ekat!! This gets the tear ducts going Everytime I read it!!
I don't think she understood how dire the situation was with my leg, because she told me to wait til morning. So once the drugs kicked in, I phoned my 80-something dad at home and said, "Look, I can only talk to you lucidly for the next ten minutes or so, the point between where the drugs have started to kick in, but not too much. This cast needs to come off now, dude, and no one here believes me. Can you please come NOW and rescue me?!"
Wow. Thank you both. If you guys can survive and prosper, I'm absolutely sure I can!! My experience has been far mellower.
Bad pain isn't something you should have while healing, it slows the healing process, leads to chronic pain issues. I was fortunate to be well medicated during my back break. Morphine and percocets, they'll do you right. Get on the button, complain to your spine doc, whatever, you aren't doing yourself a favor by sitting there all tensed up and sweating it out.
You're absolutely right Jeebs. I'm stepping up the oxy and it's working. It took me awhile to convince them, but I'm feeling more positive about the outcome now.
Ditto Mh2
I sincerely hope that after you heal up that you are pain free.
I wouldn't wish my position on anyone.
Me too cosmic! Sorry to hear about yours. I wish you the best buddy
Haha Mike ur so funny asking your girl to take photos right after u get mangled!
I figured I never want this to happen again, so might as well get pictures now!! + it's sick thread bait! ;)
There are amazing advances in spinal medicine these days, so keep your spirits up.
Thank God for that!! Thanks Rick. I will persevere!!
Damn snowboards, mine used to beat me up so much although never as bad as my downhill mountainbike did. heal well and heal strong
All my worst injuries have been riding. I gave up biking because I used to break parts.
Would the Column suffice? I'm happy to do a wall for you, but I need to start small hehe.
For sure! Thought you were ready for the big guy already.. Any climb would be inspirational!
Your spirit is truly inspiring. I wish you all
the best in your comeback.
Thanks footloose!!
Harry's poster is awesome!!! He brought it by tonight!! So cool!! Thanks Harry. It was a major effort that the software almost didn't allow, but after 40 tries to export it, it finally worked!!
I tried to call in to The Big Mike Show, but I was politely shuffled about for a while. I hope you get the message, Mike.
If not, Meh. Goddam Officialdom, anyway.
There's still vibes.
Yes sir! Got the message! Instructed them to refer future callers to my cell. I have posted it here 6o4 9o2 49oo.
Thanks and much appreciated, wish I could have chatted with you!
Chess and doobies soon bro!
Sounds sick!! Sweet tunes cap!! Thanks!!
Mmm looks great Mouse! I can almost taste it!!
Great to see you Tami! And Phil.
Thanks for the gifts!!
Thanks Ian! Hamie calls me BM all the time and I always think that ;)
Mouse you missed Vegas baby Vegas? I gorged on in-n-out there serveral times.
Nice Naitch!! Enjoy!
It's way past bedtime. Got my meds, passing out after a few pics.
My buddies Devon and Mark stopped by last night
It was sick because it's been forever since I've seen both of them!!
And fishboy aka Niiick ;)
Then Scrubber this morning!!
He loaned me some excellent old school mags before I was whisked off to my shower! Sorry I ended up cutting it short dude, but the visit and drink were much appreciated!!
The shower was simply the best of my life. I hogged it for forty five minutes!!
My occupational therapist John got me a sick new bed I actually fit in. And I slept like a baby for two and a half hours!!
Then I went The gym with my amazing physiotherapist Erica!!
Photo: Sandra vgh spine ward physio
Learning to stand again
Beautiful girlfriend photo
My first time outside in a week!!
Erica physio photo..
F*#k it's late, I'm tired. Will sleep tonight!!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there, say, big mike...
wow, outside!! so wonderful to see you outside!!...
keep climbing this ol' trail, day at a time...
enjoy each meadow, :)
did you get my card, from tami?
also, i got a small gift for you, too...
am going to send it on monday or tues... had not money yet,
'til then... :)
will put a small thing in there, for sadra, as well!
god bless... prayers and soooooo glad to see you getting weller and weller...
:)
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 2, 2013 - 05:50am PT
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Wow Mike! Looking like you had another really productive day. Hopefully you didn't get too soaked when you went out today. Or maybe the pineapple express was just what the doctor ordered?
Hey I put up a quick Bishop TR for you to look through Mike. I know you love the Eastside life!
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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i understand that mike has
been relocated.
please impart unto us a new
address so's we can
send our friend on the mend,
some inspiring goodies.
i just took a new position
for some company called, Heaven.
my title is the
patron saint of mountain zeal,
all 138 pounds.
i had to pass a drug test
to get in the gates
(it was strange to me that
they didn't have doors
but instead these glowing gate
thingy's with song everywhere;
i bouldered a wee bit on the
left pillar of Heaven but
some long-haired dude frowned at
me. he musta been concerned about
liability and my lack of a ground
tampon to absorb my bloody fall
from heaven but i never fall
but they don't know that.
yet.)
supper trippy, but heh,
i faked my way thru the drug test,
so the paychechs are ripping
thru my mailbox faster
than i can spend them.
mike's name
pryed its way onto
my assignment card,
he's like i.d.
# 400 or something
and beside his name is an asterix
that instructs me to pray for him.
i give boss the old patronizing
nod, but f*#k him i don't pray for nowone.
by the way how can employers force upon me
religious intentions?
any lawyers around here want
part of this?
(there seems to be tons of money in this company)
no offense mike.
i believe prayers they are offensive.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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It's good to hear you got your In n' Out. There's still the taco truck convoy anytime you're in the mood.
You look and sound as if you are in good hands.
Don't get constipated, B.M. and to keep from that, stay active as you can and try to wear yurself out & then sleep like a bear. And SO GLAD someone cared enough to get you a bed that fits your frame!
+1 for that guy and his family, too!
"You are the bug under the Mike-o-scope. All eyes are now on YOU! How's that make you feel?" asked the papparazzo.
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Michelle
Social climber
Toshi's Station, picking up power converters.
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Hey mike, what colors do you like for your surprise? :)
I'm not sure if you posted an address earlier or not, but where can I ship it to?
Hang in there buddy!
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Thanks for your great post, Big Mike! Keep on keepin' on.
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orle
climber
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Now that you're temporarily moving about on two wheels, shouldn't you be called Mig Bike?
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Good seeing your progress Mike. Keep at it.
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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Bump and a thank you Mike, for having a such a productive, and at the same time, a laid back trip climbing with Big Mike. I've met few climbers who were as easy to get along with as him.
Had a long phone call with Mike the other night and his enthusiasm for recovery was infectious. I wish I had the support network he has now, seven years ago when I ended up in a wheel chair for 6 months. Your doing great Mike !
Also VERY glad to hear he is still going to be able to run his business from GF Strong rehab.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._F._Strong_Centre
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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OK, I just spoke with Sandra (Mike's partner), and here is your Saturday noon update.
Mike didn't sleep well last night, and needs to rest today (Saturday, March 2nd). Sleep and rest are the best way for him to heal. Please don't visit Mike today unless you're certain you should be. If you're not sure whether you should visit today, call the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre at http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=11570 or (604) 875-4992, before going, to check whether it's a good idea. (Mike Cowper aka Big Mike aka Mig Bike.)
Sandra will be in Vancouver all day Sunday, and today is in Whistler, both for work and looking after Mike's business, and everything else. In other words, she's BUSY. You can call her on Sunday if you'd like to visit then: (604) 967-1277.
(Sandra is having problems logging on to ST, not that she needs more vexation at the moment. She asked that I post this - hope I got it right.)
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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As an aside, I met Stewart Blusson,. the man who is sponsoring the unit Mike is in right now in January at my Stepfathers memorial service. He is a very smart guy and an adventurer too, not just a philathropist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Blusson
Stewart Lynn "Stu" Blusson, OC (born 1939) is a multimillionaire and philanthropist. He co-discovered billion-dollar Ekati Diamond Mine, 300 kilometres from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. He is President of Archon Minerals Ltd. In 2002, Blusson donated key start-up funds necessary for Quest University Canada in Squamish, British Columbia. In 2006, Blusson donated $10 million for the Archon X PRIZE to develop a quick and inexpensive way to sequence the human genome. Blusson had a net worth of $660 million CDN in 2006
After school, he joined the federal Geological Survey of Canada, leading regional geological mapping and research programs in the central Yukon and parts of British Columbia. During that time he survived a serious helicopter crash and a Grizzly bear attack. In 1969, Chuck Fipke, a geologist, needed to be rescued from the side of a mountain where he had been stranded for close to a week. Blusson was the helicopter pilot that saved him. From this first encounter, Fipke and Blusson became friends and prospecting partners.
He left the Geological Survey in 1979 to explore the modes of formation of mineral deposits from Mexico to the Arctic. He discovered a number of important occurrences of gold, copper and other metals.
Blusson married his wife, Marilyn, in 1980.
In 1981, he and Fipke began searching for diamonds in the Northwest Territories, concentrating their search on indicator minerals commonly associated with kimberlite, a host rock for diamond. They found kimberlitic indicator minerals near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories in 1985, and their first kimberlite at Point Lake in 1991.
In 1998, Ekati opened, a joint venture between BHP Diamonds Inc. (51%), Dia Met Minerals (29%), Fipke (10%), and Blusson (10%). Blusson's net worth in 2002 was estimated to be $295 million (US).
In 2004, he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and was presented with the Logan Medal, Geological Association of Canada's highest honour. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.[2]
http://genomics.xprize.org/ - Stu's X-Prize challenge
I didn't mention anything to Stu about bigfoot DNA sequencing tho.
Stuwart speaking at the reciept of an honary degree we recieved at SFU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOoE1VPLjng
Interesting.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I'll give everyone the address for GF Strong once his transfer date,etc has been finalized. (still can't post cuz ST won't allow me to Sign Out of Mike's account on our laptop at home!)
Thanks everyone, Sandra
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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unless of course Mike beats me to it as he'll really know exactly when he's going since i'll be back and forth between Whistler and Vancouver working/living/helping Mike.
Cheers,
Sandra :)
Big hugs to ALLLLLL of YOU on here. You guys have been incredible and I can't thank you enough. Absolutely amazing.
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The Call Of K2 Lou
climber
Squamish
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The free Canadian surgery, eh? Once home, they only made me pay for my crutches.
Ahh, the ol' Pharmasave rental crutches, right? That takes me back. ("How many armpits do you suppose these have been in? I'll, uh, 'let' my brother's face investigate.")
Mike, I don't know you personally, but I too am a vertically-gifted, Vancouver-area Topoan. Hope you're doing well and getting well-er. We alien long-bodies can't afford to lose one of our kin.
Edit: Muchos Kudos to you as well, Sandra. It sounds like a much-deserved rest should be in your future.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Just off the mountain at Bridger Bowl....conditions weren't ideal but supposed to be good snow tonight. At my age I don't shred so much as I rip and tear.
Remi is an avalanche dog that is back to work after beating cancer...all good returns to the mountains
Ferretlegger shreds free heeling style at Bridger
Favorite gully
Your stoke is infectious....now hopefully some rest for ya!
Susan
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Hi Anders!
Great post Mike, sleep well tonight. Great to see how far you have came already, looking forward to your further progression. One day at a time, some days will be hard but they always end & you will have a new day to face with more strength & knowledge than the previous.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Borrowing from what Sandra posted on Facebook, Mike is probably moving to G.F. Strong on Monday, to start rehabilitation - so Monday, or whatever day he does move, may also not be a good day for visits. From experience with another friend, I'd guess he'll be at GFS for several weeks to several months, and will need lots of company and help during that time. In other words, we all need to pace ourselves.
Hmmm... Had no idea that my account hadn't been deactivated. Strange.
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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That Blusson guy must know Tricouni eh?
Yeah, we had adjoining offices when the GSC was in the Sun Tower in Vancouver years and years ago. We went in different directions: he left the GSC and went off to find diamonds; I stayed with the GSC to keep working in the Coast Mountains, my home turf.
Stu is a really, really nice and gentle person. Good amateur baseball player: apparently back in his university days he was good enough to get a try-out with the Detroit Tigers.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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No energy for a proper post tonight, but I think I have the meds under control now. Everyone here rocks so hard! Susan you opened up the waterworks with that one!!!!!! Rest day today. Maybe tomorrow to. Been working too hard with not enough meds!!
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Fish Boy
Social climber
Squeamish
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Hey Sandra, if you need to get something to Mike, I travel from Squamish to Van each day, I'll happily deliver anything you require to make your life easier. Dunno if that helps at all...
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nah000
Mountain climber
canuckistan
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i haven't checked in to st for a bit, so while this is a bit late, i want to add a stranger's voice to the chorus...
i've appreciated your stoke and contribution to this joint, Big Mike.
i'm hoping you get well soon.
it'll be there when you're ready:
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Gf I will be at your namesake tomorrow, gf strong!! ;) call me and I'll tell you what's up. Ill pm my number.
Sporry I wasn't able to visit the first time, but I did appreciate the note!!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Happy Sunday morning Mike.
It's a totally gorgeous day down here across the border, and I'll be spending it chained to this keyboard, so someone else will have to have fun for you today.
Good luck with the move tomorrow -- it'll probably wipe you out, but at least you'll be in the right place to take the next steps on your journey back the crags and hills.
Here's something to remind you of what's waiting for you next winter.
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east side underground
climber
Hilton crk,ca
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old school sleds......glad to be rid of them.......bring on the new school..........hope you'll be back working on your ride soon
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Here's a night out in Henderson where Mike tried to shark some road trip money off my son on the pool table.
This is I think where Bmacd got his Sasquatch DNA sample.
Carbing up for our great adventure in the morning
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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bumf por an address where
mike can be traced.
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Tami, Miss Ives sees all.
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Gotta keep Mike stoked, and keep this thread on the front page.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Keep at it Mike. Hope to see you at the tower or in the needles some time soon.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I suffered through the night on Friday with absolutely no sleep. My shoulder and back muscles were all seizing up, just as Jeebs predicted. My night nurse Tyler decided we should up the oxy to try and get things under control, but nothing helped. I begged him to put me in the shower to help loosen my muscles but he couldn't do it because it would be far to noisy for the other residents in the ward.
At about 3:30am I asked Tyler to put me in my wheelchair because the pain of just lying in bed was simply too much to handle. I wheeled around for a bit for a change of scenery and when I got bored I went back to my room to zone out on some tube.
I got him to help me back into bed around 5 when I just couldn't hack the chair anymore. I asked him what the earliest time was I could get into the shower get some hot water therapy going. He told me he would get me in just before shift change at seven. I was relieved to hear that I would be able to heat my aching muscles and get back into bed before things got too crazy in the ward to sleep.
He got everything ready and at 6:45 realized he would have to re-dress my wound before he got me in there and simply didn't have enough time to do it before he left for the day. He advised the next shift of the plan, and told me they would come get me at 7.
It didn't happen. I called a nurse at 7:15 and they told me they would do their best to get me into the glorious hot water ASAP. After watching another patient walk to the shower and waiting till 8:30 I called them again crying from the pain and told them I really needed to get in there.
They finally got me in the shower at 9 and I stayed in the amazingly healing waters until 10:30. When I got out I had flooded half the floor and the hallway to boot. Needless to say, I wasn't very popular with my new nurse. ;) I went back to bed and slept a much needed four hours before they woke me up for my X-ray.
hey there, say, big mike...
wow, outside!! so wonderful to see you outside!!...
keep climbing this ol' trail, day at a time...
enjoy each meadow, :)
did you get my card, from tami?
Neebs, you rock! Tami didn't mention a card so I'm assuming she hasn't received it yet?
The trail is getting ascended don't you worry. One foot in front of the other, eventually.
Wow Mike! Looking like you had another really productive day. Hopefully you didn't get too soaked when you went out today. Or maybe the pineapple express was just what the doctor ordered?
Hey I put up a quick Bishop TR for you to look through Mike. I know you love the Eastside life!
Ya I stayed under cover.... ;) didn't stay out too long. It's nice out today so we should go cruising!!!! A tr just for me?? You?? I'm flattered ;) didn't get a chance yet, yesterday I was a write off, but you know I will!!!
i understand that mike has
been relocated.
please impart unto us a new
address so's we can
send our friend on the mend,
some inspiring goodies.
Sent ya a pm weege. I move tomorrow so the new addy will be formalized then. I will post er' up!!
i just took a new position
for some company called, Heaven.
my title is the
patron saint of mountain zeal,
all 138 pounds.
i had to pass a drug test
to get in the gates
(it was strange to me that
they didn't have doors
but instead these glowing gate
thingy's with song everywhere;
i bouldered a wee bit on the
left pillar of Heaven but
some long-haired dude frowned at
me. he musta been concerned about
liability and my lack of a ground
tampon to absorb my bloody fall
from heaven but i never fall
but they don't know that.
yet.)
supper trippy, but heh,
i faked my way thru the drug test,
so the paychechs are ripping
thru my mailbox faster
than i can spend them.
mike's name
pryed its way onto
my assignment card,
he's like i.d.
# 400 or something
and beside his name is an asterix
that instructs me to pray for him.
i give boss the old patronizing
nod, but f*#k him i don't pray for nowone.
by the way how can employers force upon me
religious intentions?
any lawyers around here want
part of this?
(there seems to be tons of money in this company)
no offense mike.
i believe prayers they are offensive.
I quoted all this because I love your writing dude. Thanks, much appreciated. As far as the last stanza goes, you are a man after my own heart sir!!
Don't get constipated, B.M. and to keep from that, stay active as you can and try to wear yurself out & then sleep like a bear. And SO GLAD someone cared enough to get you a bed that fits your frame!
+1 for that guy and his family, too!
I'm trying not to Mouse, these oxy aren't making it easy tho. Tom is a life saver for sure, he called ahead to make sure they have that sorted at GF Strong also!!
"You are the bug under the Mike-o-scope. All eyes are now on YOU! How's that make you feel?" asked the papparazzo.
LOL!! Pretty mellow really, super stoked you guys all got my back. My life is an open book, because my policy is to do no harm.
How big is it?
It's ten kind of bitchen that Her Majesty and I are in it!
I dunno? 16x20?? Harry said he trolled the Internet looking for all your pics!! So much work went into it!!! I don't even know what you look like Ekat! I tried to snoop on Facebook but no access to your photos. I'm assuming you are on the bottom left????
I must add. . . the best part . . . in every single one of the photos of you, here at TheTacoStand, you're going for proverbial greatness. . . whether you're washin' frikken windows, schralpin' the gnar, or struggling to get out of bed. . . you've got a gift, BigMike. . . for gettin' 'er done!
True, but I don't take pics of me doing lame stuff... ;)
Thanks Michelle!!
keep stoked
You're helping eastside!!
Keep on keepin' on. Thanks PTPP I am, every day.
Now that you're temporarily moving about on two wheels, shouldn't you be called Mig Bike?
Should I change my supertopo name?? ;)
I don't think It will stop from doing what you love either.
Hell No!!
Nice work Tri-Pod!!!!
Thanks Justin!! I'm trying!
Bump and a thank you Mike, for having a such a productive, and at the same time, a laid back trip climbing with Big Mike. I've met few climbers who were as easy to get along with as him.
Thank you Bruce. Wouldn't have happened without you dude. I had a good idea what the trip would entail when we went down, and wasn't disappointed, just listened to haters too much!
Sorry about the uninspiring back country mission but at the risk of giving you an uncontrollable hard on in front of your physio I thougfht you'd enjoy this:
LOL!!! Too funny Bruce!! That thing is a workhorse for sure!!! Nice work!!!! Any day out is a million times better than one in here!! ;)
Mike, I don't know you personally, but I too am a vertically-gifted, Vancouver-area Topoan. Hope you're doing well and getting well-er. We alien long-bodies can't afford to lose one of our kin.
Thanks Lou!!! Apparently you're a tall guy too eh? Everything improves daily, so I'm continually stoked with my progression.
Susan- that picture rocks!! I cried tears of joy when I saw it this morning. Thanks!! Sandra thanks you for your kind pm also!!
One day at a time, some days will be hard but they always end & you will have a new day to face with more strength & knowledge than the previous.
True that bro! Thanks for the blessing, finally had a good sleep last night!!!! Lots of oxy helps too!
Hmmm... Had no idea that my account hadn't been deactivated. Strange.
Lol Anders!! Chris couldn't delete you altogether!!! He knew you would return eventually ;)
Right about this time yesterday I had just got out of x-rays, after a sweet four hour nap.
It was then I realized that my room has an amazing view!!
Beauty is everywhere
My parents came and brought me a late lunch, and some goodies. Some nice cheese and crackers, and all sorts of good stuff. We had a great chat, and it was quite nice to see them.
i've appreciated your stoke and contribution to this joint, Big Mike.
Thanks nah000! It's always nice when someone tells you they appreciate your efforts.
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John M
climber
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This is I think where Bmacd got his Sasquatch DNA sample.
I think Harry is on to something here. Did they check you to see if you had been darted? Could be why you crashed. :-)
Good luck with the move. I know how it goes when you are in pain and can't do anything about it. It sucks.. Hang in there. Better days are coming.
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MH2
climber
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That is great that warm water helps the pain. Not so good that you can't get it when you need it. Did they offer to heat up a pad in the microwave to use like a hot water bottle?
Any suggestions for food you would like brought in?
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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The day ended smoothly because we decided to up my pain meds to the maximum the doctor had allowed. I'm having these weird lucid dreams now. Especially when I'm alone, I'll hear a voice and turn my head, but nothing is there. Then i'll zone out just for a sec, think I'm climbing something only to snap out of if and realize I'm still in my bed.
Tyler gave me some more oxy at about 9 and 9:30 I was out like a light. He woke me every three hours for my meds, but I still managed almost 8 hours of cumulative sleep!! Finally. I told him about this thread and asked him if he would mind me taking a pic. He was stoked.
My nurse Tyler
Then I cruised around for some dawn pics.
The moon
This ones from my room. Probably one of the nicest in the whole joint.
Same shot, more light
Pink
Pano
Really pink
Loving the light playing off the buildings.
Bird
Amazing sunrise..
Power chair charging room
Golden hospital wing
Too many bird poop windows here.... Need a contractor? ;)
Rolled out for some fresh air..
Just about to ship me outta here! STOKED!!!! More later..,
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MH2
climber
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Amazing sunrise bump
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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BIG MIKE-
I was hospitalized for 10 days, and man this is bringing me right back.
The little things like light and shadows outside kept me psyched.
I wish you the best in recovery.
You will Crush AGAIN!!
Peace Man.
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matty
Trad climber
under the sea
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Hope you feel better and get more sleep and less pain soon.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Good luck with the move tomorrow -- it'll probably wipe you out, but at least you'll be in the right place to take the next steps on your journey back the crags and hills.
Been pretty mellow so far. They're late, so all packed up and just sitting here.
Nice shot Dave. Thanks!
Ya eastside! Any sled is better than none! Mine's almost ready, it's just not setup quite right yet.
This is I think where Bmacd got his Sasquatch DNA sample.
I've been wondering when you would pull that shot outta the bag.. ;) I was having fun with J..
Have fun in the pool. There was a sort-of climbing wall ( a really ugly pool side thingie ) that was made by the company I used to work for. If it's still there then yey for you.
I'm stoked for the pool Tami! Swimming is my rehab solution!! I love swimming and it's a great way to stretch out! Hope the wall is still there too.
Sick shot Dave! Thanks!
Keep at it Mike. Hope to see you at the tower or in the needles some time soon.
Me too bud! They both look awesome!!!
. . . I'm the one in purple. . . standing next to Her Majesty, the bus that makes people smile. (she's in purple, too!)
:-)
Had a feeling that was you! My patents had a 78' volks kinda like that one. It was a pop top and we would camp everywhere in it. She was orange tho. I begged them not to sell her!! They traded her for nothing to a ford dealer and bought a Aerostar. Booooooo!!!'
I think Harry is on to something here. Did they check you to see if you had been darted? Could be why you crashed. :-)
Damn that's why!!!! ;) Darn Sasquatch hunters!!
That is great that warm water helps the pain. Not so good that you can't get it when you need it. Did they offer to heat up a pad in the microwave to use like a hot water bottle?
warm Blanket was the only option, doesn't cut the mustard tho. It was muscle pain from the muscles in my upper back and shoulders from compensating, working my butt off, and not enough meds.
Any suggestions for food you would like brought in?
Mmm food ;) Thai? Indian? Chinese? Pizza? Anything with meat would be awesome. Sandra keeps getting veggie stuff because that's what she likes. Sandwich meat is the closest thing I've had to the real deal..
Don't let the action about change of venue get in the way of keeping it cool
It was all good till the transport didn't show up and then they kicked me out of my room. Now sitting in my chair in the "patience" lounge.
Good morning, Big Mike!
Thanks QINTL
The little things like light and shadows outside kept me psyched.
You know it Mucci!!
You will Crush AGAIN!!
Thanks man, I know I will. The admissions doc from gfs stopped by this morning and said she would be my doctor when she got back from her leave in April. My goal is not to be there by then. We'll see..
Hope you feel better and get more sleep and less pain soon.
I have had 8 hours of interrupted sleep each of the last two nights. It's been amazing! More drugs and a nightly shower has been the key. Can't wait for a full 8! It will be heaven!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Transport just showed!! Yee haw!!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, mike..
when your're out, you're out... wow, right out into the halls, :O
say, glad the ol' 'stagecoach' finally made it 'round the bend,
to take you on your next leg of the journey... :)
thanks for sharing all the neat canada pics, city only, i know, but neat view of mts, off there, and of course, a bird enhances any picture, :))
god bless...happy new room, :)
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Hey Big Mike...hope your trip was smooth. Somehow I envision speed bumps and potholes and the patients being jumbled....the kind of stuff that in the moment you want to shoot somebody (well maybe not in Canada) but becomes the epic stories of "survival" down the road. And may your road to wellness grow shorter each day!
Lots of healing vibes headed yours and Sandra's way!!!
Had 9 new inches of powder today at Bridger...nice and cold 9 degrees this morning.
They are there, yes they are, they will show up once I point them downhill!
Your pics of Vancouver are lovely. I'd forgotten how pretty a city it is.
Give those physical therapists a run for their money!
Susan
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Hope your move goes smoothly, and that they have big tubs full of piping hot water for ya, mate!
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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It makes me glad that you can see the Mountains from your window.
Keep groovin', Big Mike. I certainly will in your stead.
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TheSoloClimber
Trad climber
Vancouver
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What's your new location? I'm gonna come by tomorrow after work!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Yeah Big Mike, love that positive outlook. In honor of your progression me n' Luke r gonna go do an apron lap right now for u- i'll try to report live a la' Big Mike if possible.
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McHale's Navy
Trad climber
Panorama City, California & living in Seattle
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I don't know you but I'm a snowboarder and have snowboarded up there and we're fellow posters (or imposters). I'm kinda late to the party and don't want to crash it! but get better - looks like you've got lots of friends for good cheers!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, mike, or, most likely sandra....
just looking for the new address...
:)
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Too bad they moved you. I was going to suggest you head down to the maternity ward and have a good daily hot soak in their water-birthing tubs. Hopefully they'll have something similar at GFS.
Here's a couple of pics from today to feed your fire. Wallowing in the mud until my hands were cramping and feet were freezing. It's right beside Triage Arete above the Bluffs parking lot. Maybe the name should compliment the medical context of it's neighbor? How about Rehabilitation Route?
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Haha this isn't working at all
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MH2
climber
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Some connection between what Scrubber did today and St. Vitus'.
Can't remember what it is but maybe Scrubber could work at night and RyanD and Luke climb in the day?
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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live feed from the side of the highway - no ones fooled guys .... try using photoshop instead
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 12:11am PT
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We haven't heard from the Live TR inside of a Live TR team at all in 40 minutes. They are probably close to death. There are rumors one or more of the climbers may have dropped their hand jammies. Aislinn, start up the Apron trail and start the rescue now.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Ya vitus!!! What what!! So sick !! Proper post to follow !!
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MH2
climber
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I think Hamish did post that story, Tami, along with several other stories that make a person wonder how he survived to eventually start a whole new string of mountain bike injuries.
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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^^^^ No sh#t MH2 ...
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Yesterday I woke up at 5:30 to my screaming, biting, delusional neighbour trying to tell her nurses that they were hurting her while cleaning up the results of the night. I feel really sorry for her because she looks horrible like she had a fight with about ten sets of stairs, and I wouldn't want to be woke every two hours for tests and pills etc..
The wake up call is a little earlier than I would like. I have a feeling here it will be a bit mellower.
Then I went to the fridge to get the two cheese blocks my parents had given me when they visited the other night. Unfortunately they had disappeared. I wasn't very happy about this revelation.. First my slippers then my cheese.
I had several staff members who were kind enough to root through the contents, but they had simply disappeared. Needless to say I was somewhat disappointed, but karma will get those thieves
Just before lunch, Sandra and Relic stopped by and I was stoked to see them! After eating my lovely turkey wrap that my beautiful girlfriend picked up for me, Tash and Anders also made an appearance, and we headed out to the park.
Sandra and I.
Relic photo
The gang at the park.
Relic, Anders, Tash and Sandra
We found a nice passerby to take a group shot for us, her son joined the group photo
Anders was up to his old tricks chasing pussy again....
This ones from the shower window
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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So yes, we survived Mike. We did a st vitus simul in your honor tonight & spray painted your name on memorial ledge. I hope this will help with your rehab. We had aspirations of a summit bid & rollering your handle across the ravens nest slabs, but fear of samsquantch in the forest above memorial crack had us scared & running for the death line which we rapped for the too manieth time before belaying each other while crying down the slabs to Luke's for a nice beer. Hope u have a good day today!
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cowpoke
climber
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Big Mike, dude. just checked into ST and saw this thread. Holy smokes. As many others have said, but can't be said enough, you're spirit is super inspiring. And, wonderful to see all the support you are getting from afar and near. Will be checking back in to see updates. you rock.
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hamish f
Social climber
squamish
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String of mountain bike injuries? Last year I squeezed in well over 400 hours of that great sport and only cracked a couple of ribs.
Hardly a string... In my mind anyway.
More importantly, glad to hear you're improving mike and I will make it down for a visit as soon as my full body anti hospital germ suit is back from the cleaners.
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hamish f
Social climber
squamish
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Wow Jim, that is beautiful.
No staph getting through that thing!
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Mike, great that you survived the transfer to the new place. Will send some little token via snail mail to help the healing vibe. Rest up, kid.
Phyl
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Mike are you available for a luncheon if so text me and I'll bring by some Wendy's!
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Hey buddy,
This is me, pretending to be a Merrican who is trying to sound like a Hoser:
"Hey, Mike - it's great to see you oot and aboot, EH?! EH??!!"
{insert goofy Merrican grin here after saying the "eh" way too loudly, eh?}
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, mike...
as to this:
Then I went to the fridge to get the two cheese blocks my parents had given me when they visited the other night. Unfortunately they had disappeared. I wasn't very happy about this revelation.. First my slippers then my cheese
wow, sadly, that's pretty terrible... you are trusting this place with your health, as well, :O
say, you need to have sandra get you a lock-up to lock to your bed, :)
for you stuff... you should not be left unable to fend for yourself, in some way, :(
oh my... a gift of some bits of cheese from your beloved folks, :(
how sad...
well, i need an address, had the bit of good cheer to send you and don't know where... hope an address shows up soon, as, there is bad weather coming, and i may miss the 'drive to mail it' gap, :))
happy good day, may nice slippers come your way, :)
perhaps sadra can find you some, hee hee:
remember PUT an alarm on them, ;)
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Michelle
Social climber
Toshi's Station, picking up power converters.
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I'll come up there and smack the person that pilfers what I send! Lol, got yarn today. It's PINK!!!!!!!! JK.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 05:26pm PT
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Wendy's? Ghetto!!!
Splitz Burger is wayyyyy better and way cheaper. There's one on Main St at 27th. $4 for a goood burger with a million toppings if you want.
When I'm off Friday i'll pick you up a naan butter chicken wrap!
You should give us some visiting hours and address info dude!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Wait, ya mean he isn't climbing yet?
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Could someone discreetly let Anders know that teal-n-purple outdoor wear went out in, oh, about 1995.
Hang tough BigMike. And make that kid bring you a Frosty if he's gonna force that Wendy's crap on ya.
Maybe the nurses stole the cheese when they heard you in the terlet trying to squeeze one out the other day. Probably thought that was the last thing you needed, more plug in the piping.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
the crowd MUST BE MOCKED...Mocked I tell you.
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Send that Wendy's garbage to me! (no, not really, but I'm so hungry right now)
Heal fast BigMike!
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Keeping the Stoke and taking some advice....
I went to 21 on the front foot and 15 on the back foot. Notice a little difference I suppose. We've had 10" in the last 24 hours so it was a good day to get out.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Nice Nature that's much better, I see you have went with the Euro racer stance as Big Mike does (both bindings angled the same direction) this is gonna be great for aggressive carving but for jumping & riding fakie it may feel strange at first. I ride more of a duck stance( bindings angled away from each other) because its easier on my knees, riding fakie is more fun & I feel more square & solid on my board. Personal feeling rules all here & there's no better or worse way to do it, don't be scared to keep tweaking it until one day it just feels awesome. Cool you guys are getting some pow still.
Since when is splitz only $4 relic?? Calling BS here methinks. I'm sure Mike could care less how much a burger costs right now anyway! Nomnomnomnom.
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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I don't think a Splitz burger has ever been $4. Closer to $10 once you add bacon, cheese, and guocamole. But worth every penny! Oops, I mean nickle.
I might be down again on Sunday. Let me know if that would be a good day to pop by. I can also bring anything that needs shuttling down from up this-a-way. I'll be in Whistler on Saturday, so could bring stuff from there too.
Kris
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Wassup Baconator Haters.
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Good to talk to you on the phone today Mike, and share my weekend adventures with you. Talked to my big wall trainer/partner today about that big wall, looks like we will be heading out to the Valley in April or May for Skull Queen, depending on the weather and when we can get the time. Stoked!
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east side underground
climber
Hilton crk,ca
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I'm with Ryan D , I ride slighlty "duck" a few deg. on my back foot way better imo, maybe a little wider stance as well. Happy gey tray!!! But hey I also ski so what the f*#k do I know!!!! keep on keeping on big mike,cheers
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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get one from Vera's.
Are you kidding me, Tami the best burgers in Vancouver were from Harryhotdogs. Although that became my nickname I sold mostly homemade burgers and bavarian smokies. Vera's is also run like a dysfunctional teenager as opposed to a well oiled machine. Expect waits of 45 minutes or more at busy times.
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splitter
Trad climber
Cali Hodad, surfing the galactic plane ~:~
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Big Mike,
dang, just noticed this thread for the first time. have only read the first page so far, but felt compelled to say something. must say that it came as a bit of a shock. but it sounds like you are in good hands and will pull through this, shinning a little brighter and brighter with each passing day. and my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
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The Real Mad Dog
Gym climber
Napa, CA
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Wishing you the best. A sheared vertebrae is not the end of the world. I sheared my T12 about 8 years ago in a head-first fall to the ground. Am turning 70 in a month and will be celebrating climbing for 50 years this summer. May you have an equally long and rewarding climbing life ahead of you.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 11:49pm PT
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RyanD- No BS! It's the lunchtime special 11:30 till 4:00 Mon to Friday
A Splitz burger or Lentil Burger for $3.99
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grover
climber
Northern Mexico
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Hang tough Big Mike
What is your new address to send shwag to?
oh and may the cheese thieves be bunged up for a week straight.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Wow Relic, & I mean Wow.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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I'm more about big carving and downhill speed than jumping (too old) or riding fakie (never seem coordinated enough).
I am noticing my front side to back side turn is quick and snappy. but backside to front side... not so good. I'll keep tweaking the angles and maybe that'll fix itself.
All this snow just in time for me to head to Costa Rica.... ah well.... someone has to do it.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Woke up to the rooster next door again monday morning. Luckily I passed out at 9:30pm the previous night. Another 8 hour interrupted (for my oxy every 3 hours) of course, but I felt lots better after a second night of decent sleep.
Got a couple decent shots while I ate my leftover pizza Sandra had provided last night. She did a lot for me yesterday and I can't thank her enough. Thanks Babe!!
Hello dawn...
Golden buildings
Tony my medical transport was super busy today. He said he normally does ten trips a day, and he had already accomplished that before noon!!
My transport
Ask Tony!
Gf Stong
I made it here ok, but as I was late, things were very busy and I wasn't able to get my oxy until 4:30 which was hour and a half later than my schedule. So I've been chasing the dragon again all night, but I did manage some sleep.
LOL you got this thing loaded in the back eh?? ;)
Your pics of Vancouver are lovely. I'd forgotten how pretty a city it is.
Give those physical therapists a run for their money!
Heck ya Susan! Who knew such beauty could exist within view from a hospital!
I intend to work my butt off here, when they'll let me!! I might start going to the gym when people visit as anders suggested so I can get more in!
Hope your move goes smoothly, and that they have big tubs full of piping hot water for ya, mate!
Thanks Pete! I'm well on my way to showing them I can be independent in a chair, so when they see that I can, the shower and tub will be at my disposal whenever I want.
It makes me glad that you can see the Mountains from your window.
Me too Skully. Not here at gfs though. That's ok. More motivation for me to work my butt off and get out of here!
GF Strong room 228 Nate!!
Some friends came down from whistler yesterday to wish me well at my new digs.
Bones, Christina, Sloane, Rick and Heather
Tash and Ryan also made it out and she helped me get everything put away.
Had a quick visit with my Surgeon before I left VGH and he gave me these:
My lower spine, rear.
My lower spine, left
Anders sent me some pics last night also.
GF Strong sign
Anders photo
Pre interior decoration
Anders photo
Post Anders magic..
Anders photo
Editing pics on my phone again.
Anders Photo
Thanks Anders!!
I know I'm behind, I'm gonna try and catch up here before i fall asleep.
Thanks for the mention in the Newsletter Chris!
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hamie
Social climber
Thekoots
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BM
Lookin' good.
H.
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The Call Of K2 Lou
climber
Squamish
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Great googlymucci, that's a lotta hardware. Adamantium claws up next?
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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I've got you beat in the metal-inside-the-body department. I've got so much that I think I could do
an advance deal to sell my body to a scrap metal dealer when I die.
I never know whether I should be thankful for modern medicine for saving my life, or pissed that
I needed it in the first place.
Have they given you any kind of rehab program yet?
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Holy frig. Why do I feel pukey everytime I see Xrays of screws in guys' bones? I thought my ankle X-ray looked bad, but man - look at the size of those screws right in the middle of your back!
So what's the story with your back exactly? It looks like the screws are inserted into the two "good" bones above and below the "busted" bone, is that right? The one in the middle is the busted one? How busted is the busted bone? What has to happen back there before you're well again, and how do you assist in the healing process? Is there any nerve or spinal cord damage?
Look on Facebook at Ammon's photos of his busted up knee - it looks like a barbed wire nightmare from WWI trenches.
My bone doc told me that the plates and screws could stay in my leg for life if they didn't bother me. Getting my ankle inside my ski boot the next season was out of the question, but my ankle didn't feel strong enough to ski anyway. So the next spring, about a year after the break, I asked that the metal be removed. I didn't like the feeling of metal nuts right under my skin. So out they came, although I still didn't feel motivated to downhill ski that follwoing winter, either.
However I did go caving in Kentucky for a 24-hour trip only about three months after the break, with my leg still in the cast as backup and one crutch crutching down the muddy cave passage for several miles.
And only four months after the break, with all the hardware still in, I climbed El Cap via Son of Heart. Slowly, but we still sent. I wore the cast on the approach. And a crutch makes a pretty good cheat stick on the wall, you know.
Will you have the option of removing those plates and screws at some point, or are they there for life?
Man, did you see all those staples in the X-rays? There's a giant S-bend right down the middle of your back! Couldn't your surgeon even cut and staple a straight line?! {wink}
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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In honor of your progression me n' Luke r gonna go do an apron lap right now for u- i'll try to report live a la' Big Mike if possible.
Youz guys are crazy!! I love it!! ;)
I'm kinda late to the party and don't want to crash it! but get better - looks like you've got lots of friends for good cheers!
Thanks Mchale's. No Crashin' here (well, maybe me....) ;) Everyone is more than welcome. They say you find out who your real friends are when you end up flat on your back, well if that's true that I am certainly one lucky guy!! The support has been otherworldly!!!
just looking for the new address...
Ok Neebs and everyone else here is the official address
Rm 228
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
4255 Laurel Street
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 2G9
It' right beside Triage Arete above the Bluffs parking lot. Maybe the name should compliment the medical context of it's neighbor? How about Rehabilitation Route?
Wow. Too cool Chris! Sounds like an honour!!
I like to think the plants are saying "Oh Fuk! It's KW!"
LOL thanks for the laugh ;)
Haha this isn't working at all
Worked good enough to get me laughing and stoked! Thanks. Still can't believe you guys would rather walk off in the dark then take the south gully raps. ;)
Can't remember what it is but maybe Scrubber could work at night and RyanD and Luke climb in the day?
Hahahaha Lol they are training for an undertaking witch these night skills will come in very handy!!
As for Scrubber i'm sure he knows you can't take decent pics at night ;)
So yes, we survived Mike. We did a st vitus simul in your honor tonight & spray painted your name on memorial ledge. I hope this will help with your rehab.
What's really funny is my friends who are following my progress here keep asking me if these outrageous statements are true ;)
We had aspirations of a summit bid & rollering your handle across the ravens nest slabs, but fear of samsquantch in the forest above memorial crack had us scared & running for the death line which we rapped for the too manieth time before belaying each other while crying down the slabs to Luke's for a nice beer. Hope u have a good day today!
LOL Luke said that the fixed line was the crux. Please don't go killing yourself on mank like that.. It's the last thing I need right now. :) oh and no more crappy belays pls. Do it for me.
Here are some flowers. . . from high atop the drumlin in the deep northwoods. . . I hope they cheer you up!
Cool colors Ekat! Thanks.
Big Mike, dude. just checked into ST and saw this thread. Holy smokes. As many others have said, but can't be said enough, you're spirit is super inspiring. And, wonderful to see all the support you are getting from afar and near. Will be checking back in to see updates. you rock.
Thanks Cowpoke. What else can I do right?? It's certainly helped my outlook on the future and I firmly believe it's why I am doing so well with my recovery. I've said it before and ill say it again,
THE TACO ROCKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!!!!
My girlfriend, friends and family have helped immensely also!
More importantly, glad to hear you're improving mike and I will make it down for a visit as soon as my full body anti hospital germ suit is back from the cleaners.
LOL No need Hamish. Everyone here is fighting to get back to normal with their injuries like me. If you get sick, they ship you back to VGH. Plus if its nice out we can go for a stroll. It will be awesome to see you!!
I only needed it BEFORE Mike's first hospital shower ! ! !
Ya it was getting pretty nasty. Stoked on being more independent now, showering every day without hassle will be a luxury! ;)
A terrible thing to hear that yer cheese was pilfered. I can't imagine anybody stealin' yer slippers tho' - who has feet that big???? :-)
Might see Sandra tonight if she needs a place to crash !!!
Ya that's what we thought about the slippers too but they are gone?? Can't see them getting tossed? They were really nice..
Sandra is coming down tomorrow and will be needing a place tomorrow night me thinks. Thanks so much for the offer!
Will send some little token via snail mail to help the healing vibe. Rest up, kid.
Phyl
Aww thanks Phyl! This place is really setup for re-hab. They are pushing me to be more independent too so I'm stoked about that.
"Hey, Mike - it's great to see you oot and aboot, EH?! EH??!!"
LOL.. Thx Pete.. Wanna go climb a raaawt?? ;)
wow, sadly, that's pretty terrible... you are trusting this place with your health, as well, :O
Ya. Glad to be out of there. Hospitals are never the best place to hang.
remember PUT an alarm on them, ;)
Anyone wanna buy me a car alarm for my slippers?? ;) LOL!!
http://www.verasburgershack.com/locations.html
"You can't beat Vera's meat."
Excellent.
ANd I received neebee's card today. Will get it to ya Mike here in the future soon.
Love the pix of Anders and the pussy :-D hahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!1
Vera's sounds good!! ;) I am stoked to receive Neebs art!! I liked that shot too Tami. Tabby was wandering around so naturally anders went to say hi. He picked him up once and brought him over but jumped off before I could take the shot. I told him that I would love a pic so he went and got him again but had to hold him a bit tighter this time to get that result. If you look at the expression on kittie's face he is saying "let me outta here you purple troll!!"
LOL
I'll come up there and smack the person that pilfers what I send! Lol, got yarn today. It's PINK!!!!!!!! JK.
I would love to see that Michelle ;) Pink eh? And yellow too right?? :)
When I'm off Friday i'll pick you up a naan butter chicken wrap!
You should give us some visiting hours and address info dude!
Mmm butter chicken! Is that splitz??
Just did address, visiting hours are supposed to be 4-8pm ish but I get 45 for lunch at noon. My schedule isn't exactly set yet either so call me (6o4)9o2-49oo to see what I'm up to in the afternoons.
Wait, ya mean he isn't climbing yet?
Yes! I am! In and out of bed, which is a major feat for a guy who could barely move his feet a week ago. Yes I need a chair but I was practicing standing up from the bed a little today and getting my quads going. I was making good progress, standing up until my hands were at full extension on the bed.
So things are improving rapidly. I can't wait to get on those bars again!!!
Could someone discreetly let Anders know that teal-n-purple outdoor wear went out in, oh, about 1995.
He knows! But does he care? Nah! A man after my own heart.. ;)
Hang tough BigMike. And make that kid bring you a Frosty if he's gonna force that Wendy's crap on ya.
Maybe the nurses stole the cheese when they heard you in the terlet trying to squeeze one out the other day. Probably thought that was the last thing you needed, more plug in the piping.
Maybe one did. I'm over it. Had my best BM so far today too, and they finally got my off the OxyContin onto some long acting stuff. Yay!!
Heal fast BigMike!
Thanks Munge!!
I went to 21 on the front foot and 15 on the back foot. Notice a little difference I suppose. We've had 10" in the last 24 hours so it was a good day to get out.
Nice Naitch!! The trick is to play with them until you find a sweet spot. Tough to do on a pow day, I know. 10" eh? Sweet!!
Since when is splitz only $4 relic?? Calling BS here methinks. I'm sure Mike could care less how much a burger costs right now anyway! Nomnomnomnom.
Probably a Vancouver lunch special with no cheese or bacon I'm guessing?? Relic? Mmm splitz burger with the works and onion rings!!!
Wassup Baconator Haters.
If it had lettuce and tomato I'd be down. Something about all that just meat and cheese don't sit right. I usually grab a big bacon classic.. And a couple jr's
Thanks for the offer anyways Luke and it was cool to see you today!!
Good to talk to you on the phone today Mike, and share my weekend adventures with you. Talked to my big wall trainer/partner today about that big wall, looks like we will be heading out to the Valley in April or May for Skull Queen, depending on the weather and when we can get the time. Stoked!
Ya for sure dude! Wish I didn't have some didn't have some trainee doc asking me questions when you called. We could have spoke longer. Oh well probably best for your phone bill anyways. Skull Queen eh?? Sick!! Can't wait to see that report!!
Sick shot eastside! Thanks!
Are you kidding me, Tami the best burgers in Vancouver were from Harryhotdogs. Although that became my nickname I sold mostly homemade burgers and bavarian smokies.
Damn! Wish I was around then...
must say that it came as a bit of a shock. but it sounds like you are in good hands and will pull through this, shinning a little brighter and brighter with each passing day. and my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
For me too Splitter!
It is shining brighter each day and I'm stoked! I will survive!
Wishing you the best. A sheared vertebrae is not the end of the world. I sheared my T12 about 8 years ago in a head-first fall to the ground. Am turning 70 in a month and will be celebrating climbing for 50 years this summer. May you have an equally long and rewarding climbing life ahead of you.
Good to hear mad dog, thanks. One day at a time right? I will get there sooner than later if I keep up this pace!
Thanks Grover! Just posted address
Did you Shrink a few inches after the surgery?
LOL maybe.. Unsure? Will have to check that out when I can stand again..
All this snow just in time for me to head to Costa Rica...
Sounds like fun to me!! ;) enjoy!
Thanks Hamie!
Great googlymucci, that's a lotta hardware. Adamantium claws up next?
Heck ya! That would be sick!! ;)
Today was a good day. My nurse was kind enough to wheel me into the shower after a half descent breakfast, then my occupational therapist showed me how to dress myself, use the raised toliet seat by myself and we practiced for the bathtub transfer.
Then I went to physio and they tried a couple different new wheel chairs since the one I'm currently using from vgh has to go back to them.
Harry brought me a dope falafel for lunch and the kid joined us. I had some bladder management class I was supposed to attend but I have that under control already so I skipped it to visit instead.
After they left I wheeled around a bit to check out the facility. Still haven't explored everywhere but it looks pretty sweet so far.
My buddy Terry arranged a visit for the afternoon, and showed up just after Nate did!
Then Tash showed up around 5:30, and I was done. I was in bed already, and tried to have a conversation with her, succeeded for awhile but nearly passed out on her several times. She let me go, because she could see that I clearly needed sleep. I passed out for about three hours, which was good because when my snoring roomate returned, he won the battle, and I'm not even sure how much sleep I got last night. I know I'm tired now.
My nurse came and told me I have nothing on my schedule for the day, which sucks because I just want to get back on the bars so I can practice walking this time. I know I'm strong enough, just get me out there!!
Oh well maybe a few more zzz's will hit the spot.
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Wooooop! Woooooop!
Tell them you want your own personal set of paralell bars in your room. You could do dips all day after your walking practice. You'd be mantleing like a mo-fo in no time! PRESS IT OUT!!!!
Request some monkey bars above your bed too. A friend of mine who broke his femur and pelvis in a nasty grounder came out of the hospital with his upper body stronger than he'd ever been, just from a self imposed workout routine on the bars and rings above his bed.
K
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I've got you beat in the metal-inside-the-body department. I've got so much that I think I could do an advance deal to sell my body to a scrap metal dealer when I die.
Hahaha glad to know I'm not the only magnet bait around here! ;)
I never know whether I should be thankful for modern medicine for saving my life, or pissed that I needed it in the first place.
Happy. Sh#t is unavoidable
Have they given you any kind of rehab program yet?
Not yet. Pt this afternoon at 2 now. Stoked.
Yeah. . . all tools and spare parts you have to carry around in vintage VWs.
OVER IT!
Although. . . I REALLY miss that paint job - it just wouldn't look the same on this thing!
LOL you should do it!! You'd stick out like a sore thumb tho! ;)
So what's the story with your back exactly? It looks like the screws are inserted into the two "good" bones above and below the "busted" bone, is that right? The one in the middle is the busted one? How busted is the busted bone? What has to happen back there before you're well again, and how do you assist in the healing process? Is there any nerve or spinal cord damage?
Ok so l2 is the busted one it fractured so they took a piece out. Then screws in l3 and l4 below, and t11 and t12 above. Everything was fairly minimal but there was a small rip in the spinal cord sheath with some nerve ends popping out (they end around t2 where the damage was) so they had to sew the sheath back up.
Basically it's almost healed, now I just have to rehab all the muscles and wait for the swelling to go down. They are unsure how much sensation will return but I'm hoping most of it will.
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supafly
Trad climber
vancouver, bc
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Hey Big Mike - we have meet briefly, you were trying to coax Sandra down the rappels on Rambles, she was worried she'd go off the end of the rope :)
Anyway, been reading this thread every day for updates, even found myself thinking about your accident when I was out in Whis on Sunday.
Super unhappy that this happened to you, but your attitude in the rehabilitation is inspiring and of course you will come out of this stronger and more badass than ever!
Music for your Wednesday!
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, big mike... great to hear all the social fun here for you!
friends, and sharing DO keep the spirit up...
so glad the card got there... canada, as to you, well, YOUR side, is kind of
far from here, in michigan, :))
little gift is also on the way, by way of boston, had to send it to a friend, to send to you, due to being too hard to get the post office wayyy across town, and my regular mailing spots will not send to canada or over seas, any more, :( man oh man, i miss that, :(
might take it a week and half to get there, :O
say:
ksolem most likely know more to this, than me, but:
after any kind of hard muscle workouts, i think? right, kris? the ol'
BODY needs a rest the next day... it's like a skip a day type thing, as to the hard stuff, and the body, as well, WILL soak in brain-wise, what is down and how much etc, and be READY to tackle it again, the next time...
sounds complex, but it does work that way... if you over do, by just
doing it, too long, your body rebells by forcing you to rest whether you
want to or now, :(
so on the 'boring days' unless you do have some low system type stretches or whatever, just enjoy the trail markers, whatever they be:
hopefull fun share, with friends, again:
as they keep the spirits up, :)
god bless!
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Wow, that's great news! You are one lucky ass m@ther f@kker.
I still feel a bit of numbness on the tops of a couple of my toes, because the surgeon told me he cut so many nerves. But the feeling seems to be returning, albeit slowly. It's been 8 years for me. But I'm more or less good as new.
Might they ever take the metal out, or is it there for life? Cuz you're gonna be setting off the metal detectors in the airport like my ankle did!
Thanks by the way for all the detail in your posts, eh? Nice to know you're reading everything everyone says, and responding to it all!
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Hey, like what's up with the guy with 3 ears? Is he like, like your Rehab room mate? Does he hear everything, even if you whisper?
Susan
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Wow, so good to hear that you are making such amazing progress, Mike! That you have progressed so far in the last week should be really encouraging. I also second what Scrubber said about doing pull ups by lifting yourself up while in bed. Those parallel bars are a salvation for one learning to walk again. I wish I couldn't make this statement with such authority, ha ha.
It will take time for your back and legs to heal, so get your upper body extra strong to compensate, and build up your back muscles around the injury. That you are staying positive and smiling throughout this ordeal speaks volumes about your character. Remember that the Doc's will usually give you worse case scenarios, and not everyone they treat has the drive, tenacity and Spirit that you do!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Gnarly looking hardware you picked up. Glad you made the move. Next stop home. Keep at it mike.
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GLee
Social climber
Missoula MT
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I just lurked in to this Mike, so here's another Taco-ite wish for a speedy Rehab from 718 km away....
(Hi Anders, Nice Picture of your friend & self!!)
If your peeps are worried about hospital germs, maybe they should look into a Samsung ecoBubble Technology Wash Cool washer!?!? It seems to work great,
and on cold water!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/eryxAcsTcOA
Greg L
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Will you have the option of removing those plates and screws at some point, or are they there for life?
The doc says when I heal up and everything's good if it becomes an issue we can talk about it. It will set me back again a bit, but if it means a reduction in pain and more mobility i will probably push for it.
Man, did you see all those staples in the X-rays? There's a giant S-bend right down the middle of your back! Couldn't your surgeon even cut and staple a straight line?! {wink}
Ya, you can hardly miss em... I'm assuming that it will heal better that way because it won't split as easy. Who knows.. I'll ask Brian next time i see him.
And only four months after the break, with all the hardware still in, I climbed El Cap via Son of Heart. Slowly, but we still sent. I wore the cast on the approach. And a crutch makes a pretty good cheat stick on the wall, you know.
crazy. I'm not going to re-injure myself again by pushing too much. i don't wanna Fvck this one up!!
Tell them you want your own personal set of paralell bars in your room. You could do dips all day after your walking practice. You'd be mantleing like a mo-fo in no time! PRESS IT OUT!!!!
somehow i don't think the nurses would like this very much :) i have been doing range of motion every chance i get, and stretching a bit.
Request some monkey bars above your bed too. A friend of mine who broke his femur and pelvis in a nasty grounder came out of the hospital with his upper body stronger than he'd ever been, just from a self imposed workout routine on the bars and rings above his bed.
I wish. My spine would not like that right now. Soon enough I will be able to push myself again. just getting in and out of this chair to shower, use the can, eat and back in bed is a mission in and of itself these days. My shoulders are killing me! my upper half is going to be ripped by the time I'm done for sure!!
we have meet briefly, you were trying to coax Sandra down the rappels on Rambles, she was worried she'd go off the end of the rope :)
Ya, I had knots in the ends too, and a prussic for her... She gets scared sometimes...
a big hello to you from the east coast of asia -i did not make it in as planned on sunday
No worries GF. Sunday ended up pretty full anyways so it was all good. I understand people have lives to live too..
so glad the card got there... canada, as to you, well, YOUR side, is kind of
far from here, in michigan, :))
Thanks Neebs!! I can't wait to see it!!
little gift is also on the way, by way of boston, had to send it to a friend, to send to you, due to being too hard to get the post office wayyy across town, and my regular mailing spots will not send to canada or over seas, any more, :( man oh man, i miss that, :
That's awesome Neebs! I understand that this is a big effort for you both financially and physically so i really appreciate it. I think i know how to return the favor when i get better.
so on the 'boring days' unless you do have some low system type stretches or whatever, just enjoy the trail markers, whatever they be:
hopefull fun share, with friends, again:
as they keep the spirits up, :)
I know, I can't push all the time. I need rest days too. I get impatient tho, but also am realizing that just everyday life is a major effort right now so there are really no rest days.
Wow, that's great news! You are one lucky ass m@ther f@kker.
I agree!!
Thanks by the way for all the detail in your posts, eh? Nice to know you're reading everything everyone says, and responding to it all!
Thanks. That is the essence of a Big Mike tm Live Trip Report! Interactivity! It's a lot of effort but it always pays off, in beta or meetings with people i would otherwise never get a chance, etc.
Hey, like what's up with the guy with 3 ears? Is he like, like your Rehab room mate? Does he hear everything, even if you whisper?
Who Bones?? No way, he's deaf as!! he decided to turn his head during the pano and i just used the shot anyways.. kinda funny eh? :)
It will take time for your back and legs to heal, so get your upper body extra strong to compensate, and build up your back muscles around the injury. That you are staying positive and smiling throughout this ordeal speaks volumes about your character. Remember that the Doc's will usually give you worse case scenarios, and not everyone they treat has the drive, tenacity and Spirit that you do!
Thanks Wayne. I am doing what i can under the conditions. Soon enough i will be able to push harder.
I recently fuked my back up training but after reading your story and seeing the X-rays I got nuthin to bitch about.
I will definitely think back to this experience before i go bitchin again also ;)
Gnarly looking hardware you picked up. Glad you made the move. Next stop home. Keep at it mike.
Sweet eh? Next stop home for sure. can't wait for my bed!!
hey mike have you got a DVD / VCR at your finger tips?
You ever seen Woodstock?
I gotta call Relic and ask him to drop that one off again for me as i can use that one he previously lent me here.
I just lurked in to this Mike, so here's another Taco-ite wish for a speedy Rehab from 718 km away....
Thanks Greg! Not in the hospital anymore so not nearly as worried.
More in a bit. gotta go get some eats and some frickin pain killers!!
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supafly
Trad climber
vancouver, bc
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btw BM.. if you're posting this all on an iphone, including all copy and paste quotes, you deserve a medal of valor! :D
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Hoser
climber
vancouver
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So I've been chasing the dragon again all night
Hell If that was the case you probably wouldnt need any Oxy's...and it would probably be a hell of a lot busier!!! :)
You know your supposed to scrape the protective coating off the Oxys first eh....
Glad to see your on the mend! Keep up the hard work!
Good Day eh
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Like take off, eh? Hoser. Have a beauty night, Mike. Hope someone is smuggling in some beers for ya.
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browniephoto
climber
bc
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don't be afraid of the things that go BUMP in the night.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Hell If that was the case you probably wouldnt need any Oxy's...and it would probably be a hell of a lot busier!!! :)
Ya you're right hoser, I'm not doing heroin.
Glad to see your on the mend! Keep up the hard work! Thanks for the kind words hoser.
Hope someone is smuggling in some beers for ya.
Nope. Sandra did bring Sushi though!!
don't be afraid of the things that go BUMP in the night.
:) nice!! I'm more afraid of my snoring roommate winning the sleep off battle again!! ;)
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Snowmassguy
Trad climber
Calirado
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You will be back at it before you know it. Keep healing up !
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Canuck: Hello sir, may I buy that touque??
American: Touque??? What the hell is a Touque?? Oh you mean that Beanie.
Canuck: What the hell is a Beanie??????
Edit oops. Can't spell..
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The Call Of K2 Lou
climber
Squamish
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Careful, Mike. Ya might get sacked for misspelling toque.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Gym Birdwell says hello
here's a fish
I'm going boarding in the morning... 26/20 I think I'll try
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Nature go 26f 10b back that back foot off it will be super weird otherwise!! Unless you mean -20 on the back
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2013 - 01:48am PT
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Ya dude, back off! You sounding way euro.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Today started off rough. My roommate won the snoring battle and the earplugs just were not cutting it. What can I say? I snore too, can't blame the kid. Luckily I snuck in three hours before he went to bed, so it wasn't that bad. I checked my schedule and my physio booked me for 2pm.
I got the nurse to hook me up with some towels so i could use the bath shower in my room. I pretty much finished up all by myself and asked her to get housekeeping to make my bed so I could crash after my shower for a bit. I asked my nurse if that was ok, and she said "lunch is at noon!"
I replied; I need to sleep more and she approved. When she woke me there was a very nice package for me from MH2! A sweet Montreal smoked meat bagel and some loose bagels with cream cheese, as well as some sick prints! What a nice way to start your day! THANKS ANDY!!! I was sorry I missed you but hope you can understand given my lack of sleep the night previous. Thanks for not waking me also! ;)
View from the lunch room
During lunch I had a nice conversation with Eugene. Eugene is a fellow "incomplete"
(from wiki: Spinal cord injuries are described at various levels of "incomplete", which can vary from having no effect on the patient to a "complete" injury which means a total loss of function.)
who slipped on a throw rug in his bathroom and broke his neck. He messed up C2 and C3 and depressed the spinal cord. Six weeks ago the docs told him he wouldn't ever walk again. Tomorrow he walks out of here!! I was pretty damn stoked to hear that story. Then he told me he had to miss the last four episodes on his show; Arrow. I said oh ya, I recognize you! You're the Russian mob boss guy! I had to run to physio, so I took my leave but thanked him profusely for sharing his very inspirational story and the enlightening conversation.
I rushed down to physio to find my therapist wasn't there yet. Phew! I got talking to Peter, another one of the pt's (physical therapist) and asked him if my new chair was ready yet. He went and grabbed it for me and I started cruising around in it a bit.
My pt showed up and said It was still lacking a cushion and that would be our mission for the day. After a lot of trial an error we found a sweet thermarest style one that actually made my butt feel better. It ended up being a winner.
After the session I wandered around and took some pics.
Spinal pt room
Gym
Games room
I bumped into Eugene again and asked if I could take a pic and post it on this thread. He agreed but he buddy had a better idea, lets ask a nurse to get both of you!!
So, me and Eugene.
He said he would be back every Tuesday and would be glad to bs with me about stuff, and lend a supportive hand. I was shocked and thanked him for his kindness.
Allright gotta get some zzz's tonight so,
PEACE!
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Love your last post, Mike! So happy that you met and made a new friend in Eugene. His story should indeed provide encouragement to a young, fit, motivated bad ass like you!
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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"... slipped on a throw rug in his bathroom and broke his neck. He messed up C2 and C3 and depressed the spinal cord. Six weeks ago the docs told him he wouldn't ever walk again. "
Holy sh#t man.
"Tomorrow he walks out of here!!"
I'd say it again but it would be redundant. Both parts are jaw droppers. Makes my roll down the hill 2 Sundays back seem like baby steps. Put a hole in my new 2 month old Patagonia jacket, and from your story I have nothing to complain about cause I walked away. Sh#t, what a story.
Good luck with the PT Mike!!!!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Sh#t yeah. That place looks a lot less like a hospital.
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Something tells me this post number should be significant, but I can't seem to remember why.
Thanks again for mentoring me into the trad climbing activity we all enjoy. I'm still learning from ya, be it how to tap and dye a new bolt, or how to keep a positive attitude.
Love ya big guy, keep up that steady progress, and holler if you need me to sneak in some baconators!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Ekat I love this:
"AUNT KATHY, MY ATTITUDE IS MY CHOICE!"
Sandra tries to tell me "you make me feel that way" all the time to which I reply "you feel the way you want to feel"
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Edge
Trad climber
New Durham, NH
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Big Mike, you are an inspiration!
Continued well wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Thanks Tami! You rule!!!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, tami...
will try to think of something i can do... :)
and hey there say, to big mike...
tackeling this BIG trail, :O :)
with--a big GOOD attitude... :)
with a big crowd of great buddies, to help and cheer him on!
oh, and a girl friend with a big heart, there, too, :)
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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First chair!
Went with 9(b) 27(f). Was carving it up pretty well until I caught something and went for a good slide.
took a few runs and then I freed my heals (and my mind)...
not bad for day 17
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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I put an auction item up on Tami's "Help Mike & Sandra thread" so go check it out and start helping
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!! At least you got hurt doing something proud!
Imagine if *you* had been the one who slipped and fell in the bathroom! Holy frig, you'd never have lived it down.
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MH2
climber
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Love that eye for the good stuff edited and soundtracked.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2013 - 08:34pm PT
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Hahahaha. That video was eXTREMME+++++++++++!!!!!!!!!11
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Hello everyone. Having to post from my blackberry right now. First time on the taco. I will write a lot more later but for starters I just want to give an extra big thanks to all of you on here!!!!!!!!!!!! We're now on Day 12 and Mikes pretty pooped today. He was almost passing out in his OT session. So now he's snoring up a storm for a nap. :) I can't begin to express how I'm feeling right now. Everything is so overwhelming. I almost feel zombie like (no I haven't been hitting up any bathsalts ;p) but things are calming down a little as we both settle into our present reality. One day at a time...gonna be difficult to learn that one! Well...just wanted to say thank you for all the support, photos, stories, encouragement, jokes,etc. More later. :)
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Good to see you got set up with an account Sandra. Try to get some rest. I've heard that coping with a serious accident to your partner can be similar to learning to live with a new baby in your lives. (No I'm not calling Mike a baby) Similar in that you're always exhausted, never know what to expect, and just when you think you've got something figured out, it changes. Sleep whenever possible, and don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need it sometimes.
K
PS Brownie,that opening sequence had my palms sweating. Can't believe they managed to pull it off without even wearing the velcro sheep-mitts!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2013 - 09:23pm PT
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The opening ascent of the sweet boulder in the rock climbing video was not valid. He was clearly using hand jammies, which is not cool at all. Sorry guys. Ethics are a must.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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So funny Kieran!
Edit- u guys see what I mean about Luke climbing like a honey badger?? Its so awesome- Look at that opening mossy mantel with the slomo roadrunner feet! I can't stop laughing!
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bmacd
Trad climber
100% Canadian
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yer all guunnnaa diiee ....
but totally hilarious video
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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G'nite Mike ; we fed Sandra pumpkin pie. She'll bring ya some lasagne tomorrow :-) Fer now some sleep!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Tami. The pie was excellent today. So was the lasagne. Mmm lasagna!
Love your last post, Mike! So happy that you met and made a new friend in Eugene. His story should indeed provide encouragement to a young, fit, motivated bad ass like you!
Thanks Wayne. I was actually quite shocked when he said he would come back and mentor me a little and be my friend. It was super inspiring to say the least.
I'd say it again but it would be redundant. Both parts are jaw droppers. Makes my roll down the hill 2 Sundays back seem like baby steps. Put a hole in my new 2 month old Patagonia jacket, and from your story I have nothing to complain about cause I walked away. Sh#t, what a story.
There are so many things I've walked away from over the years. When I think of the stuff that I've gotten away with compared to this, I laugh. I should have killed myself a hundred times over by now. Cars, trucks, racing skis and snowboards, dropping cliffs on them, more small avies than I can shake a stick at, big ones too. Only a few of those. soloing easy stuff waaaaaay off the deck. Ect. I'm so lucky. I will be taking a new awareness away from this one of what consequences can be and what acceptable risks are. Puts it all into perspective really.
Pt rules. I love it, crave it. Want more. Ot (occupational therapy) rules too. I was way to messed up for it today. More later
Sh#t yeah. That place looks a lot less like a hospital.
Ya Justin! It's way nicer. They are way more stoked for you to be independent here too which I enjoy. A lot.
WhatAreYaKiddinMe?
I was just wondering this, yesterday. . . DO YOU REALLY POST UP USING YOUR PHONE?
SOMEBODY GET THIS DAD A LAPPY!
Sandra just brought me one today. I doesn't do much good when you are on your back and sitting is a major pain in the A$$!! I has my sis's blackberry for awhile but never really used it because there isn't any wifi up here in my room. I'm stuck on 3G unless I go downstairs, if it's working. I can share my 3G with my laptop or tablet but it's all slow, plus you ever type anything significant on a tablet on your back?? This thing is heavy enough.
Thanks again for mentoring me into the trad climbing activity we all enjoy. I'm still learning from ya, be it how to tap and dye a new bolt, or how to keep a positive attitude.
Love ya big guy, keep up that steady progress, and holler if you need me to sneak in some baconators!
Your welcome bud. I wish i had mentors as early as you. but i feel like i have lots more now! Make em jr bacons and we are on.
I clicked on yet another thread bitching about the negativity on ST and read your post. Your comment there reminded me to leave that BS alone. Big Mike, you are truely a shining example of what positive attitude means. You have a long road of recovery ahead but there is no doubt in my mind that you will come out stronger and wiser.
Thanks Andy. The 2 biggest things my current relationship has taught me are; Patience and the importance of a good attitude. I still work very hard at both. In person I find them somewhat difficult to achieve sometimes, but here, I get to edit my thoughts before I post them. I find it a lot easier to maintain said attitude here although I am taking these lessons from the digital realm and trying to apply them back to the real world.
And. . . about the negative bullwhack all over this site. . . Life's too LONG to deal with it. If life went by in a flash, who'd care?
Exactly Kat. Exactly..
I know many, many people who have no clue how to read their emotions, let alone portray them. . .
Hey! I used to resemble that remark! ;)
Big Mike, you are an inspiration!
Continued well wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks. Just another human being who gets to read what he says before he posts. Me too on the speedy part!!!
Big Mike, you are an inspiration!
Continued well wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks. Just another human being who gets to read what he says before he posts. Me too on the speedy part!!!
will try to think of something i can do... :) Neebs, you have already done so much for me. Thank you. Don't feel as if you need to do more. Your card was amazing and I'm really hoping your gift is what I think it is, and will allow me to sleep and explore the dream realm more. Once again. Thank you!!!
Went with 9(b) 27(f). Was carving it up pretty well until I caught something and went for a good slide.
It looks good Naitch. Caught edges will happen. Try not to cross up sports if you are really looking for progression. I know you don't have a lot of time to make that happen but progression comes with repetition. Something I'm sure you are familiar with from climbing.
I put an auction item up on Tami's "Help Mike & Sandra thread" so go check it out and start helping
You rock Dave. Thanks.
Sick vid Keiran!! Super fun. Thanks for the stoke!
Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!! At least you got hurt doing something proud!
Imagine if *you* had been the one who slipped and fell in the bathroom! Holy frig, you'd never have lived it down.
LOL totally. Help big mike the dumbass who fell on his bathroom floor"
But seriously. Just proves it can happen anywhere.
Love that eye for the good stuff edited and soundtracked.
Kierans got it. That's why he's pro!! Too bad you gotta play the game in the snowboard industry... It's tough to be an artist these days.
Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!! At least you got hurt doing something proud!
Imagine if *you* had been the one who slipped and fell in the bathroom! Holy frig, you'd never have lived it down.
LOL totally. Help big mike the dumbass who fell on his bathroom floor"
But seriously. Just proves it can happen anywhere.
Well...just wanted to say thank you for all the support, photos, stories, encouragement, jokes,etc. More later. :) LOL OOPS!! That's my pet name for Sandra and I accidentally set it up as her screen name. Oops.. Cats outta the bag now ;) ditto what she said...
(No I'm not calling Mike a baby)
Lol ya you just did!! ;) truth is I feel like one right now, relearning all this stuff and being watched like a hawk....
Ethics are a must.
Clearly... Re edit!!! ;)
I can't stop laughing!
I gotta watch it again on something other than my phone... ;)
The most important thing to remember is to take care of yourself so that you can take care of whom you love. Your sleep and well being are as important as anything else, in order to be effective.
I will second this and have told her many times. While I absolutely love her being here and helping me and taking everything on, you come first babe. Don't forget it. I have lots of people here watching my back. And I got yours too as much as I can right now. But take care of yourself first please. Then we will both make it through this.
Ya eastside! Can't wait to do that again!!
Bmacd thanks for the call tonight.
So today was interesting to say the least. Started off great, slept a solid 6 hours before I woke up to sip some water and then woke up even more when dumped half the bottle on my head after nodding off with it in my hand.... Second time I've pulled this stunt lately...
Got back to sleep after a change of sheets and slept till eight or so. Took a shower again which was nice because if you can't do it for yourself then it's only twice a week. So things are improving quality of life styles too. Went to pt and had a great session figuring out where I was at and working some old injuries. Then Harry very kindly brought me lunch and Jim visited too.
It was nice to have the guys meet Sandra and the support you guys have offered is awesome!
After lunch we played some pool as mentioned..
After lunch we went back to my room to drop off some stuff and I ate a few cookies which I am assuming contained some green stuff which I shouldn't have consumed, and then went to a drug, tobacco and alcohol post spinal cord injury meeting.
I managed to sit through the first half of it, but my tailbone was killing me after three hours in the chair and pt, so I bailed to my room to rest.
Then I got my nurse to give me a breakthrough as well as my long acting for my ot meeting. I was a space case for that and made very little progress.
When I got back I felt like crap and my arm was bulging so Sandra called the docs. They were asking me all sorts of questions and all I could say was tired and then asked me if I had anything that might have crossed with my medication to receive this reaction to which I relplied "uhhhhhhhh, no" which was about the time i figured out that there might have been something in those cookies...
Then they asked me why were you so hesitant to answer that question? I replied that I might have had some cookies which potentially could have caused it. They weren't too fond of that answer, but after a promise to leave the cookies alone in the future they let me sleep it off.
I feel better now, but like a bit of an idiot. They are treating me like a kid again which is sweet (not), but I guess I kinda deserve it. In retrospect I should have seen the signs before I ate them instead of blissfully ignoring them.
Last time I let that sh#t interfere with my recovery. All right. Gonna try and sleep now after passing out a good portion of the afternoon. Tomorrow should be fun dealing with fallout.. Oh well such is life.
Btw if you like my shots on here and want to help us out a bit, go check my fundraising thread, I am selling prints. Also wallpapers for your computer for five bucks. Every bit helps guys!!
Thanks
Your favorite dumbass
Mike Cowper ;)
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, big mike...
as to this:
Neebs, you have already done so much for me. Thank you. Don't feel as if you need to do more. Your card was amazing and I'm really hoping your gift is what I think it is, and will allow me to sleep and explore the dream realm more. Once again. Thank you!!!
yep, it is... :)
sorry it takes so long to get there... my friend in boston should get it any day now, and she will mail it...
it is too hard for me to get the post now, as i said:
before, i could mail to canada and over seas, from the grocery outlet...
too bad, it changed. :(
:) but i find ways to do it, :))
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Get Well, Big Mike.from The Flames.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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yours is one helluva journey, mike.
im sweating it, and im only periphery to it.
your resolve is admirable,
though i'm sure that it wanes, at times.
we appreciate your updates,
and are rooting for you.
your care package compliments of norwegian
is waylaid; costs and such minutia
that i'll surely overcome.
you've dealings in the past
with heir gravity.
your present quarrel with her
is surmountable.
(i intend you no insult
by offering loose prose
in regards to your spinal injury.)'
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I appreciate your prose weege and I would never take offense to it sir. I enjoy every single one of your posts. The best part is re-reading them to try and interpret your meaning.
Mike
your present quarrel with her
is surmountable.
This line gives me power. Thank you sir!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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My favorite, indeed. . . but dumbass doesn't enter the equation!
Thanks kat. We can all be a bit hard on ourselves sometimes I guess. I felt pretty stupid yesterday.
Edit Tami yup... My fault... Shoulda known..
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!! Cookies!!!
Dude! Too funny! After I busted my leg, I was sitting on a bear box in Curry just kind of hanging out. I was starving and someone had some cookies, and I gobbled down three. She looked at me and said, "Didn't you hear what I said about those cookies?"
Uh-oh.
Well, I think they had given my some Vicodin for my leg, and except for booze and ibuprofen, I don't use any drugs. So needless to say, the combination hit me like a ton of bricks. I had the spins so bad I had to sit on the can inside from the Pizza Deck for fear I was going to puke from seasickness! The other thing I remember was the vicodin seemed to make the entire world turn orange.
That was not a pleasant evening. Sheesh.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 8, 2013 - 12:36pm PT
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Butter chicken naan wrap coming your way at noon!
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Where do you get those Relic? Inquiring hungry minds want to know.
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Squamish Climber
Trad climber
Shangri-La
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Mike I've been following your close call and recovery on this thread and wanted to just say it warms my heart to see friends and strangers alike rally around you. Although we only met briefly at the Squamish Mountain Festival and at the Bluffs I feel I know you much more - thanks to your great ‘live’ TR’s and posts. You have put out a lot of good karma and now it’s coming back round - so great to see. I added some Tshirts to the Fundraiser and Auction for Big Mike thread.
So hang in there dude and when you reach the top keep climbing ...and posting.
PS: I’d like to drop by for a visit and maybe have some cookies. When are the best visiting hours for you?
Dave
squamishclimbing.com
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 8, 2013 - 01:17pm PT
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Harry, there is a new Indian place near me on Broadway just west of Main called the Dhaba. That is where I get the naan wraps.
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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25 bucks for a new Tshirt dave?? I got mustered stains all over my other one.
Ooops
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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It looks good Naitch. Caught edges will happen. Try not to cross up sports if you are really looking for progression. I know you don't have a lot of time to make that happen but progression comes with repetition. Something I'm sure you are familiar with from climbing.
cross up sports? who me? you mean like.....
xc-tour, skate ski, telemark, randonee AND snowboarding all in one season? who me? naw... never....
realize though I started skateboarding 30 years ago, started surfing 25 years ago, and started snowboarding 20 years ago. so it's less about improving at this point and more about waiting for powder days so I can go get my steep and deep on.
skiing on the other hand has always been a challenge for me. the xc-touring at the nordic track is helping. I took one run on the telemark gear and realized the conditions sucked (the cords were frozen which really wasn't helping). I need a couple inches of fluffy stuff before I try again.
I love snowboarding so it's hard not to want to ride as often as I can (especially because my board is new). But I'm going to learn to be a better skier.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Great stuff, Big Mike. Close your eyes and sleep tight.
Thanks QITNL.. Wow what a trip. I don't think I ever tripped that hard even back in the day when I was making a serious effort to!! WOW! Oops.
too bad, it changed. :(
:) but i find ways to do it, :))
Neebs you rock! Never forget it, or allow others to convince you otherwise!!!
Get Well, Big Mike.
from The Flames.
Thanks Mouse! I'm going to have to go back and read your epic flames thread! The opening salvo was awesome, but I ran out of time for it at one point with all my posting and recreating.....lots of time now! Especially this weekend!
Sweet pic!! Thanks!!
though i'm sure that it wanes, at times.
we appreciate your updates,
and are rooting for you.
your care package compliments of norwegian
is waylaid; costs and such minutia
that i'll surely overcome.
Thanks again weege. Ill be here Awhile still it looks like, so whenever. Stoked to see what you have in mind?!! ;)
Well, I think they had given my some Vicodin for my leg, and except for booze and ibuprofen, I don't use any drugs. So needless to say, the combination hit me like a ton of bricks. I had the spins so bad I had to sit on the can inside from the Pizza Deck for fear I was going to puke from seasickness! The other thing I remember was the vicodin seemed to make the entire world turn orange.
LOL!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Too funny Pete!! I can almost see it!!! At least you didn't have the docs poking at you going what's wrong????? ;)
Butter chicken naan wrap coming your way at noon!
Relic rules!!! Thanks buddy!!
So hang in there dude and when you reach the top keep climbing ...and posting.
PS: I’d like to drop by for a visit and maybe have some cookies. When are the best visiting hours for you?
Thanks Dave. Sorry I haven't had more time for www.squamishclimbing.com, I get so caught up over here.... Visiting Hours are typically 4-8pm during the weekdays but weekends are free. I'm staying put, some come visit me while I finally get a chance to get into all the awesome reading I've been bestowed/lent.
Well, I think they had given my some Vicodin for my leg, and except for booze and ibuprofen, I don't use any drugs. So needless to say, the combination hit me like a ton of bricks. I had the spins so bad I had to sit on the can inside from the Pizza Deck for fear I was going to puke from seasickness! The other thing I remember was the vicodin seemed to make the entire world turn orange.
LOL!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Too funny Pete!! I can almost see it!!! At least you didn't have the docs poking at you going what's wrong????? ;)
Butter chicken naan wrap coming your way at noon!
Relic rules!!! Thanks buddy!!
So hang in there dude and when you reach the top keep climbing ...and posting.
PS: I’d like to drop by for a visit and maybe have some cookies. When are the best visiting hours for you?
Thanks Dave. Sorry I haven't had more time for www.squamishclimbing.com, I get so caught up over here.... Visiting Hours are typically 4-8pm during the weekdays but weekends are free. I'm staying put, some come visit me while I finally get a chance to get into all the awesome reading I've been bestowed/lent.
realize though I started skateboarding 30 years ago, started surfing 25 years ago, and started snowboarding 20 years ago. so it's less about improving at this point and more about waiting for powder days so I can go get my steep and deep on.
Kinda figured.... Jack of all trades, master of Sushi?? ;) I've had so many days on a board, that I can land on my a$$ at 90 km/h and not kill myself. ;)
I had an awesome ot session this morning. Off to pt now. More later!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Just got back from a great pt session, we did lots of standing. That seemed to be the focus of the day. This morning in ot it was the same. Using my legs and abs to hold me up rather than my hands.
I did pretty good but keeping my balance was tough becuase my left leg is still numb. I did start to get it figured out by the end of the day but I also got quite tired very quickly. I am still amazed at how exhausted I get over simple movements, compared to climbing or snowboarding it feels like nothing, but yet there I am pooped after simply standing for five or ten minutes or doing some easy range of movement exercises...
My physio says its because I am working twice as hard since the muscle isn't as strong because only half the neurons are firing, so the muscle just can't generate the power that it used to before.
Relic popped by to bring me a sick lunch and help me with my homework.
Which toe is this??
I had a couple minutes before my physio so I popped out to the sunny courtyard
I received a letter from Ekat today! Thanks Ekat!
In also not sure if I mentioned Mh2 brought me some prints for my wall!! Thanks Mh2!! Ill take some pics of my room tomorrow.
Oh ya, my physio said she can pretty much guarantee I will be walking out of here! No timeline but I'm thinking at least 8 weeks. She said I might be able to be back in full health within a year from now.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Agreed!!! Stoked, but I never doubted it for a minute. Which is why I'm here now.
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Mike, sorry to hear about your accident. It sounds as though you are ready to put in the hard work of coming back. Follow the plan, stay strong, and git better so you can drag me up the Squamish classics!
Todd
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Michelle
Social climber
Toshi's Station, picking up power converters.
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Checking in to say hi!
"Hi!!!"
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Hi Michelle! Todd you're on! Gonna be a long summer.. Ill be back before I know it, but one step at a time for sure. Hey Sandra, better learn to lead this spring!! ;)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Thanks moose! I was sleeping. Tough to sleep through these days with the pain...
Just flipped to my back, time for more sleep!
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Michelle
Social climber
Toshi's Station, picking up power converters.
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Good luck!
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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That seems like a long time, don't it?
It's not.
Be of good vibes today.
Glad you liked the pic, Big Mike.
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Hey Big Mike sending you good vibes for your recovery.
And a few words of caution.
Take your time, be patient.
Speaking from the experience of having had 13 surgeries to repair damaged body parts you need to push yourself with appropriate care and moderation. When you are healed and sound it will be all good. Just don't let the frustration get you down. Particularly when you experience temporary plateaus or even set backs in PT. Always remember where you started from and where you want to go. Trust me you DO NOT want to reinjure yourself.
Cheers man.
Now the rest of you get on to the Auction Thread and let's raise this man some dosh.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Good luck!
Thanks Michelle! I slept until 8ish and then went back to bed for a bit. Sleeping in isn't nearly as fun as it used to be. It actually hurts to lie in bed too long. The drugs help, but I am getting weary of that too. It's a fine balance between handling the pain and being able to function normally, and being completely out of it.
It's Saturday, so rest day. Nuthin going on. Maybe I'll actually get some reading done today. Thanks to my friends, I have plenty of that to do! ;) I'm supposed to have some visitors later, so I'm stoked for that.
That seems like a long time, don't it?
It's not.
Be of good vibes today.
Thanks Mouse! I know it isn't. Really it's a lot better prognosis than most people who end up in my position will get. I know I need to have patience and work at it. I am prepared for that. It doesn't make it easy tho. I really wish I could go climbing today. Instead I will just have to dream and read about it. You never really know how much something means to you until it's taken away.
I have been given a chance though. A chance to improve my life by tying all the loose ends that I typically ignore and working on projects that I put off to go enjoy myself. A chance to improve my relationship instead of ignoring it because I'm too busy having fun. I am an addict. I am addicted to fun, and adrenaline, and will sacrifice everything else to pursue those things. I know it's not right, but I'm an addict, I can't help myself. This injury will help me get my priorities in order.
Take your time, be patient.
Speaking from the experience of having had 13 surgeries to repair damaged body parts you need to push yourself with appropriate care and moderation. When you are healed and sound it will be all good. Just don't let the frustration get you down. Particularly when you experience temporary plateaus or even set backs in PT. Always remember where you started from and where you want to go. Trust me you DO NOT want to reinjure yourself.
I know Philo. I know. But thanks. I have been down this rabbit hole before with less significant injuries and paid the price of not being patient. It bears repeating though, because I want for nothing more then to get back out there again. I will be patient this time. I must be. If you guys see me starting to slip to soon, let me know.
You will know, for I cannot resist sharing my stoke, as you might be aware by now. So please, let me know.
Frikka-Zee. . . that only took 12 days!
:-)
You're welcome!
HappyHeartMan ROOLS the Earth!
No, Ekat, you rule. Thank you for all the kindness and compassion you've showed me, even before my injury, you shared my stoke. I thank you for that. ;)
I thank all of you who have made time for me in your life. All of you who share your stoke with others, and realize that our differences don't really matter as much as our similarities.
No matter what, we all share one thing. We are all human.
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weezy
climber
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;)
hope you heal up quickly, big mike. i think you'll be fine by summer.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Lol!! Right now I would give up all my snowboards for one climbing day... ;) ill be back. Slowly but surely! Funny, for a kid who used to live for snowboarding, I don't post on any snowboarding sites!!
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Big Mike, I am glad you understand. BUT, remember this isn't a knee or elbow this is your CORE. Take the time you need. Oh and one other thing and this is SERIOUS!!!!
Start taking stool softeners like now. You have not experienced agony until constipated with a spinal injury.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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They have me on em' Philo. It is serious. I understood that the day I couldn't get up off the snow. I'm not going to waste all this effort I am putting in, not to mention everyone else's time and all the money they are paying to keep me in this bed.
Not to mention the stress and agony my friends and loved ones are enduring. Nor the fundraising efforts that everyone is putting towards my recovery. Don't you worry my friend. I will take full advantage of this amazing chance that I have been offered.
I will not waste it. Mark my words.
Mike Cowper.
Edit: Start taking stool softeners like now. You have not experienced agony until constipated with a spinal injury.
Unfortunately despite the softeners I have already experienced the agony you speak of. I must be diligent about my diet as well.
Thanks for everything Philo. Thanks!
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weezy
climber
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big mike, many years ago i dislocated my shoulder one fine january morning snowboarding at snowbird. i felt the same way, super pissed off at snowboarding for ruining my climbing ability and threatening to never do it again. all my friends who'd dislocated their shoulders said "you'll never climb again, it'll pop out all the time now." i was bummed as hell.
well, a few months after my accident i got some of the sickest spring powder days of my life. i was back on the rock that summer and i've only had a couple of times where it bothered me climbing in the time since.
my point is, don't think you gotta give up the things you love. just be diligent with your PT (which i've no doubt you'll give 100% to) and be patient. it's amazing how resilient and regenerative the human body is. i know a guy who broke his neck when he ripped a tcu and decked on a 5.9. he was onsighting 5.12 desert cracks a year later. and he was in his thirties! hang in there, bud.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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mike hang on tight
i've thrown to the forces that be
between you and i
something that i enjoy!
though you may make of it what you'll.
regardless of how the weeds grow,
i admire you
and what you are battling thru,
and so i sent to you
what i hope will aid your passage.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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^^^^^ LOL! love it guys! Glad you're going to see him again today!!! I won't be able to get down there again until Wed :( Enjoy your visit! Feel free to do his foot/toe sensory testing exercises i posted on the wall with him!
Peace!!!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Did our best to get some climbs done for you at Red Rocks, but the first morning we were here the rain started, and it's looking like no sandstone climbing until about the time we leave. Mari might be able to grab some pitches for you while I'm working tomorrow or Monday though -- we'll see.
Hang in there, and take Phil's advice on the rehab: diligent, but not over-zealous.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 9, 2013 - 08:27pm PT
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Uhhhh Mike, I guess we aren't going out for sushi next door with you...
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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^^^^ HOLY SH*T!!!! This totally sucks! They have such tasty food too!! Guess we'll be going elsewhere for Sushi. They'll proly have it fixed in a week or two. :)
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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What, you mean it wasn't a drive thru?
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Jeeze!! Glad we weren't there!!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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my point is, don't think you gotta give up the things you love. just be diligent with your PT (which i've no doubt you'll give 100% to) and be patient.
You're right weezy. I wasn't really saying that, just joshing around a bit. What I meant was, I'm more stoked on climbing these days then riding is all...
mike hang on tight
i've thrown to the forces that be
between you and i
something that i enjoy!
though you may make of it what you'll.
regardless of how the weeds grow,
i admire you
and what you are battling thru,
and so i sent to you
what i hope will aid your passage.
Thanks Weege, I will keep battling!! I am very much looking forward your package!
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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full health within a year from now
Well Yippeee, but of course! Been thinking of you as I've been skiing my arse off this late season, but dang, it keeps following me around! Skied my 43rd day today which I thought was purdy good until a lady on the lift with me said it was her 76th day and she was close to me in age!
I would give up all my snowboards for one climbing day. We need to get you and Sandra down to Moab and Indian Creek. I know this spring at Sushi Fest is too early for you, but next fall you guys are welcome to be guests of us. We're back down there in Oct and Nov. Moab has a great vibe...you guys would love it!
Sorry sleep is challenging. Sleep deprivation combined with pain....not good. Not good.
As for "cookies"....yeah well....I guess set it to "not accepting cookies".
As for the auction...there are a few things I want to add but won't be back to my home base for a couple weeks so I'll add them at that time.
You gotta lot strength and insight there for a young guy! Down the road people who are suffering go back and read these threads of folks that have shared their journey and redouble their own perseverance when faced with adversity.
May the Sandman sprinkle you with sleepy dust, as for cookies, stick with Girl Scouts for a bit!
Susan
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cowpoke
climber
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Big Mike - sendin' the love bro.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Big Mike;....you are strong, my brother;...you got this;.....Look forward to sharing a rope w/you when you get this all behind you. Listen to your doctors, drink more beer, and stay w/it. Next year when you come to So. Calif., let's go climbing....or I'll meet you in vegas or something too.....whatever....... I also would like to send you a check to help out a bit;....what is your mailing address please..(don't want to do the pay pal thing...)...thanks.....
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MH2
climber
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A great good vibe, there, Mike. (Mayor) Todd is long on stoke and generosity, as are you.
Good old days.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2013 - 12:34am PT
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Well, we managed to safely eat dinner together tonight without being run over mid-meal courtesy of some fine Splitz grill take-out. Afterwards we headed down to the games room where we quickly scared away two residents that were enjoying a nice peaceful game of billiards.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 10, 2013 - 01:06am PT
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hey there say, big mike.... wow...
so is every asleep now, :O
say, here are some exciting bed time stories for you,
or, day time stories, if you are alone and bored...
this is near enough to being the wild and wooly wildnerss stuff,
as canada, right?
here you go:
http://www.alaskastories.com/
doug used to post here on certain occasions...
there is soooo much to read there, you'd NEVER get bored...
something for every one, somewhere, there...
:)
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Mar 10, 2013 - 12:04pm PT
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The unplanned bivy on the ping pong table definitely squashed the style points of our visit,
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Mar 10, 2013 - 12:14pm PT
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Anyone need anything taken down to Mike today? Non-mind altering baked goods? I'll be heading down sometime in the afternoon. Hopefully that's an appropriate visiting time.
Mike, call me if you need anything, or have a request for tasty goodies. anyone else for delivery service to GF Strong. 6o4-8i5-8637
Kris
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2013 - 02:58pm PT
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Wow, a full on Larry caught on tape. How unfortunate for Luke and his sponsors- Hambone Applesauce, Newt's Ear Fungus Remover, and Handjammies™.
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Mar 10, 2013 - 03:33pm PT
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Nice eKat.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 10, 2013 - 04:05pm PT
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Did our best to get some climbs done for you at Red Rocks, but the first morning we were here the rain started, and it's looking like no sandstone climbing until about the time we leave. Mari might be able to grab some pitches for you while I'm working tomorrow or Monday though -- we'll see.
Hey Ghost! Missed this last night didn't I? Bummer about the weather. Bruce and I really hit a great window I guess! Hopefully you guys get a window, otherwise head out to the limestone or north to the basalt crags. Check my Vegas thread for more beta, can't remember the name of it..
Hope Mari gets out!!!
We need to get you and Sandra down to Moab and Indian Creek. I know this spring at Sushi Fest is too early for you, but next fall you guys are welcome to be guests of us. We're back down there in Oct and Nov. Moab has a great vibe...you guys would love it!
Oh heck ya!! That sounds like a plan!! I've been wanting to goto IC for awhile now! Moab would be sick too!! Slick rock Mecca I hear!
Sorry sleep is challenging. Sleep deprivation combined with pain....not good. Not good.
Think I may have that figured out. Drugs are under control now, and last night a bunch of the crew came down and we tuckered ourselves out in the game room. I slept like a baby. I was woken up twice for drugs, but total, i got about 11.5 hours last night!! Awesome catch up.. Needed that. Big time.
You gotta lot strength and insight there for a young guy! Down the road people who are suffering go back and read these threads of folks that have shared their journey and redouble their own perseverance when faced with adversity.
Thanks. I have a lot of time to think too. ;) I do hope people can use this thread to get through tough times in the future.
May the Sandman sprinkle you with sleepy dust, as for cookies, stick with Girl Scouts for a bit!
Yep. In retrospect I should have known. I will be more vigilant from now on. My bad. Apparently weed messes with your nervous system and can slow re growth. This is not what I want, so I am not going to mess with the stuff anymore. Period.
Big Mike - sendin' the love bro.
Thanks Cowpoke. Every message means a lot right now. All this support keeps me stoked and focused on the goal. Walking. Everything else is bonus.
Big Mike;....you are strong, my brother;...you got this;.....Look forward to sharing a rope w/you when you get this all behind you.
Todd, Wow! Thanks! I would enjoy that!
Listen to your doctors, drink more beer, and stay w/it. Next year when you come to So. Calif., let's go climbing....or I'll meet you in vegas or something too
Sounds like a plan!!
I also would like to send you a check to help out a bit/quote]
Thank you Todd. I still can't believe the support this community is dishing out, left right and Centre! It's inspiring. I have always believed I could get back to doing what I love, you guys multiply that 100 fold!!
A great good vibe, there, Mike. (Mayor) Todd is long on stoke and generosity, as are you. Hell ya!! Wow. Stoked.
Great pic Andy!!
Relic and everyone else, thanks for coming by last night!! It was a blast!!
Did he eat the cookies too ? LOL!! ;) Luke had a big day yesterday! Up early, hiked a bunch of gear up to the base of uwall to try and do it in a push, forgot the Gri Gri so said f that, then went bouldering to show Ryand up ;) then down here to visit. He's high energy but even the energizer bunny has to burn out sometime ;)
doug used to post here on certain occasions...
there is soooo much to read there, you'd NEVER get bored...
Looks cool Neebs! Thanks!!
Sick edit Kieran!!
The unplanned bivy on the ping pong table definitely squashed the style points of our visit,
Ahh style points shmyle points... It was super funny and i can always use a laugh!! ;)
Anyone need anything taken down to Mike today? Non-mind altering baked goods? I'll be heading down sometime in the afternoon. Hopefully that's an appropriate visiting time.
Stoked Kris! Can't wait to see ya!
Wow, a full on Larry caught on tape. How unfortunate for Luke and his sponsors- Hambone Applesauce, Newt's Ear Fungus Remover, and Handjammies™.
LOL HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!! Newt's ear fungus remover!! Lol!
BigMike, Dood. . . with stuff like that goin' on, you'll be laughin' yourself to a total recovery!
LOL!! Last night was a riot! I think I gained a bunch of recovery points. Most fun I've had since I've been injured for certain!
ALWAYS BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE STOKE!
Words to live by to be certain.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 10, 2013 - 06:03pm PT
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Yesterday was pretty fun. The morning was mellow, just caught up on my supertopo and watched The Dark Night. Then my sister Tash, Ryan and my buddy Jesse showed up and we went for a stroll outside.
Tash Jesse and Ryan
Tash me and Jesse
We had a nice discussion about the state of the world and then they left me to go find some food and pain killers
Then the gang showed up. We were supposed to go out for dinner but you saw why that didn't happen..
After some nice greasy splitz burgers and some gifts of Banana bread and Butter Chicken currie from Nina and Kyle, we went to the games room where as Relic said we managed to scare off the local residents (sorry girls!!).
A funky pano of the gang
Kieran's goal was to make it look like that.. :)
Luke was stoked on the adjustable height pinball machine for energy conservation reasons..
Kieran and Relic enjoying some ping pong.
Luke found the Sip and Puff controls
Then Relic did
Being climbers, naturally something had to be climbed... Aislinn had a go at the brick wall first, and then of course everyone else got inspired
Nina has a go as Kyle spots the picture
Then Kyle sent it
Luke got pretty tired...
But so did Relic
Then the security guard came and said, lockup when you're done and we said, we're done..
Thanks for coming down guys!!
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Mar 10, 2013 - 07:12pm PT
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Amy Winehouse shoulda gone to rehab. It looks like a frat party.
Susan
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Mar 10, 2013 - 07:52pm PT
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Wow! Sorry i had to miss that party!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 10, 2013 - 08:07pm PT
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Me too babe ;)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2013 - 12:45am PT
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Thanks Jefe. I was talking to a gentleman Trevor in here today, who went in for thumb surgery and somehow after the surgery during transfer ended up twisting his spine and not being able to walk anymore. My jaw dropped to the floor after that story.
Anyways we were talking about positive vs negative attitude and he was saying that most of the people that he saw here in gf strong who had positive approaches towards their recoveries were the ones who made the most gains, and the negative ones tended to stall out. I'm glad I have always leaned towards the positive side and that gives me even more incentive to stay that way!!!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 11, 2013 - 01:19am PT
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Dude, just don't get run over by a car inside a sushi joint and you be good to go.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Mar 11, 2013 - 02:02am PT
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Haikus for Mike Who’s In a Cage Not a Rage--Even Acts His Age!
Even the odd egret
Errs egregiously. Even
Odder, otters.
Eager for egress
Even eagles examine
Every elevator.
What would be the odds
Of Big Mike making his bird
From there tomorrow?
Astronomical.
Nothing is impossible,
However, is it?
One day you’ll decide
That tomorrow and the doors
Will be opened wide.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2013 - 03:05am PT
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Dude, just don't get run over by a car inside a sushi joint and you be good to go.
Thank god ya'll were late, to save me from that fate.
Sick edit Kieran!! Thanks ;) Marc Andre right?
Even the odd egret
Errs egregiously. Even
Odder, otters.
Eager for egress
Even eagles examine
Every elevator.
What would be the odds
Of Big Mike making his bird
From there tomorrow?
Astronomical.
Nothing is impossible,
However, is it?
One day you’ll decide
That tomorrow and the doors
Will be opened wide.
Thank you mouse that's beautiful! I think I ill print it and put it on my wall!!!
One day I will fly again. And it will be in large part thanks to all of you folks!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2013 - 03:55am PT
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Wow. Walking dream. Weird
Good sign?
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Mar 11, 2013 - 09:10am PT
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Hellz yeah, youth!
Every day, keeping at it 'til that dream comes true.
Persistence furthers the great man.
Pulling for you, Big Mike. Jale dura!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 11, 2013 - 11:46am PT
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Hell of a sequel that film is. I nearly pooped when he muffed up that heel hook. I think his gear would have held though so no biggie.
Bumpin soundtrack. Good olde rock n roll.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2013 - 12:17pm PT
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I thought it was a comedy.. Twin ropes and gear on a boulder problem?! LOL I was laughing all the way ho ho ho... ;) I also noticed he doesn't smoke on the more serious routes.. ;)
Every day, keeping at it 'til that dream comes true.
Thanks Gilroy
I will man!! More work today. I'm stoked!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2013 - 02:43pm PT
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Sunday mellow Sunday... Yesterday was great. A nice mellow start with 11.5 hours of sleep under my belt for a change. After breakfast I did some taco'ing and then Anders showed up and we had a nice conversation over my lunch. Then we headed down to the computer lab so I could post up my photos from Saturday night faster.
Anders lurking on the taco
We went outside for a bit, but it wasn't very nice out there, so we went back to my room because Tricouni was supposed to show up at any moment, but he had not arrived yet. Back downstairs again I bid Anders a good day and Tricouni showed up as we were parting.
Tricouni and I went upstairs and had an excellent conversation about the days of Squamish lore and showed me his u-wall pin, and his Dick Culbert: A Climber's Guide to the Coastal Ranges of British Columbia.
Which is in amazing condition and is being auctioned for my benefit. Current high bid is only 150 bucks! This historical treasure should go for way more. Go bid in on it!!
Then he asked me about my humble beginnings. After what seemed like a few minutes, but was actually a couple of hours he had to take his leave and I saw him to the door.
After eating my "pseudo dinner" provided by the good folks at gf strong I went back to my room and snoozed through the first period of the canucklheads game, and Scrubber woke me up for our real dinner meeting.
We cruised over to the little Singaporean eatery beside the sushi place which was recently converted into a drive in restaurant by an errant elderly driver the other night.
We were weary but the place was full of Asians so we figured it had to be pretty good. We had a very nice dinner and chat. It was awesome to get out of the institution for a bit of a change of scenery.
Me eating my sweet and sour pork "white man" special. ;)
No, I have no idea what is up with my left eye.. ;)
When the started turning the lights off, we figured it was time to skidaddle, Scrubber accompanied me back to my room, and gave me a couple posters to decorate my now not so boring walls. Thanks for dinner dude! It was awesome !!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Mar 11, 2013 - 02:54pm PT
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No, I have no idea what is up with my left eye.. ;)
The old "smack eye" is a well known symptom of, er, "pain relief".
Baby steps. It is going to be all about baby steps.
The days get better and then the nights soon follow.
"Action achieves strength; moderation eventuates in charm."
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2013 - 02:21am PT
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15 steps huh Mike? That's pretty sick!
Hey did you check out the new Indian Creek TR of cat wall? You are gonna love that thing, check it out!
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Plaidman
Trad climber
South Slope of Mt. Tabor, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Mar 12, 2013 - 02:24am PT
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Hey Big Mike say hi to Anders for me!
Plaid
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 12, 2013 - 03:12am PT
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The old "smack eye" is a well known symptom of, er, "pain relief".
Baby steps. It is going to be all about baby steps.
The days get better and then the nights soon follow.
"Action achieves strength; moderation eventuates in charm."
Nutin but pain killers on that face unfortunately ... ;)
It was all about baby steps today!!!
The days are continually more awesome and sleep is returning!
"Learn by doing" has always been the way for me. Trial by fire. Had another wicked day today.
The doctors finally came to check out my surgery scar and gave the go ahead to remove half the staples today , half tomorrow. Julius my fantastic nurse, pulled 14 of them today .
*WARNING* scar photo coming!!
My surgery scar
I get the rest out tomorrow. Beyond stoked. Pool time soon!!
I went to my pt appointment and we did some awesome leg strengthening exercises. Which tuckered me out pretty good. Then she asked if I wanted to do some standing! Yes please!!
I was doing good at my stands which lead to lifting one foot while standing on the other. My pt had to brace my left knee from going wacky on me, but I was able to accomplish this task pretty well, and learning to bend both knees again instead of just locking them. I got my left knee figured ok and then she asked me to put one foot in front of the other.
I could accomplish that pretty easy so then we started doing baby steps. Right foot, left foot. And so on. I started walking with her help for my left knee.
I did three lengths of the bars, and one backwards length to get back to my chair.
Needless to say I was ecstatic!!! When I got back to my room I used my dinner table to do a standing transfer to my bed solo-style and laughed my bag off like a little girl for about 10 minutes. I was pooped to say the least.
Then after lunch I did it again to get back to the chair!! I was so pumped!! I went to my ot and met up with him. We did some more standing first with chairs and then without. It was hard to stand up with my hands on my knees, but I got it done a couple times. Then we headed up to my room to practice some standing transfers, and I did one but he wanted it to be smoother and we ran out of time so we left it at that! My legs were poached!!!
After a bit of rest and an excellent visit from my buddie Nigel, i had a recreational therapy meeting where we discussed some of my options, and I signed up for the pool evening as well as wheelchair sports, and a tai chi course. We also had a very nice about how I ended up here and my lifestyle.
I went back to my room to post up yesterday's activities and then went to the kitchen to have some of Nina's amazing butter chicken for dinner, and it was excellent as always. THANKS NINA!!
My sister and Ryan and Jesse showed up and we hung out in my room. I was pretty darn tired so I just chilled I bed as we chatted.. They brought lots of nice snacks for me and I was quite pleased to have them. Ryand showed up around 6:30 and brought some amazing looking ribs and some nice looking veggies aka tomorrow nights dinner...
Tash and those guys took off not long after be showed up because they hadn't eaten yet.
Ryan and I had an awesome chat and he lasted till about 8:30 before he had to head back to squish. Thanks for coming !!!!
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Mar 12, 2013 - 03:25am PT
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Hi Mike glad to hear of your progress and your good timing on not having sushi.
Anders mentioned another restaurant fiasco,Dynamite Pizza on the sw corner of Broadway/Cambie.The guy was doing a real thorough job cleaning the ovens with gasoline = massive explosion that destroyed the whole corner both floors. He survived miraculously and nobody was hurt because it was 3 in morning. Darwin award candidate.
It's funny when I saw the brick wall in the games room I was going to say somebody should climb it and lo and behold my wish was granted. What was the grade.
Glad to see you are making the best out of the worst.
Oh that III movie was the bomb Brownie.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Mar 12, 2013 - 04:13am PT
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Yeah Big Mike, good to hang today & see you doing good man! You are on your way! I was gonna ask to see the damage but wasn't so sure so thanks for that shot, wow. Gnarly stuff man- but you are gonna be like wolverine when you get those wheels working again :-)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 12, 2013 - 11:35am PT
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15 steps huh Mike? That's pretty sick!
Hey did you check out the new Indian Creek TR of cat wall? You are gonna love that thing, check it out!
Ya man!! Stoked. Pretty soon ill be running circles around this joint! ;)
IC eh!?? Mmmm sounds tasty!
Plaid I will but rest assured he lurks on this thread so you have just done the job yourself!!
Hi Mike glad to hear of your progress and your good timing on not having sushi.
Me too!! Holy f.. How many lives have I burned through now??
Anders mentioned another restaurant fiasco,Dynamite Pizza on the sw corner of Broadway/Cambie.The guy was doing a real thorough job cleaning the ovens with gasoline = massive explosion that destroyed the whole corner both floors. He survived miraculously and nobody was hurt because it was 3 in morning. Darwin award candidate.
Dynamite pizza eh?? He picked the right name!! ;) wow..
It's funny when I saw the brick wall in the games room I was going to say somebody should climb it and lo and behold my wish was granted. What was the grade.
Glad to see you are making the best out of the worst.
Grade? Probably 5.6/7 the bricks were dusty for added spice factor ;) of course someone had to climb something! ;)
Oh that III movie was the bomb Brownie.
Agreed. It was all cheesy Hollywood drama style ;)
Yeah Big Mike, good to hang today & see you doing good man! You are on your way! I was gonna ask to see the damage but wasn't so sure so thanks for that shot, wow. Gnarly stuff man- but you are gonna be like wolverine when you get those wheels working again :-)
Dude, always rad to chill with you man!! My nurse asked yesterday if I wanted to get a pic and I said ya sure!! Wolverine for sure!! Adamantium tailbone boy!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 12, 2013 - 08:54pm PT
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Bump, I did my daily report last night and it's on the last page..
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Mar 12, 2013 - 09:25pm PT
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congratulations
on your stellar
(and i'm sure hard-won)
progress.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 13, 2013 - 12:56am PT
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Thanks weege!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Mar 13, 2013 - 01:46am PT
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Hi Mike. Sorry to have been absent from this thread for a while, but I was down in Las Vegas watching the rain fall when I had time to climb and watching the sun shine when I had to work.
Back home now, and here's a picture to keep the rehab energy level up where it belongs
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browniephoto
climber
bc
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Mar 13, 2013 - 03:43pm PT
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REEEAAAADDDYYYY TOOO HHHAAAUUULLL!!!!!!
DDDDDDRRRRRROOOPPPPIIINNGGG IINNN!!!!!!
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Mar 13, 2013 - 05:00pm PT
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whats up mike,
im sorry that you have to be
stuck in the constant confines of a hospital room.
keep up the effort,
you'll bust out soon enough.
a great summer is just ahead,
and i think she'll welcome
you with open horizons into her
warm realm.
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cowpoke
climber
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Mar 13, 2013 - 05:46pm PT
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Stoked. Pretty soon ill be running circles around this joint! ;)
And, I'm stoked for you!!! Great to see your progress, Mike.
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Mar 13, 2013 - 06:06pm PT
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After all that burger talk last week... You've probably seen this Mike, but just in case:
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 13, 2013 - 06:32pm PT
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Hi Mike. Sorry to have been absent from this thread for a while, but I was down in Las Vegas watching the rain fall when I had time to climb and watching the sun shine when I had to work.
No apology necessary. Too bad the weather gods didn't work out for you and Mari. It's pretty obvious to me now why things worked out so well for us. My stroke of good luck was balanced by this bad luck. I needed to learn to never ever take anything for granted or be disappointed that I didn't get to do exactly what I wished. I certainly will never do that again.
Every day on my feet is a good one and each time I walk out the front door even better. This injury has really taught me to enjoy every moment for what it is rather than what it could be.
I've always tried to make the best of things, but now I realize that as long as I have my health it is the best. I would even rather be at work then being here, and I always hated work, because I always felt it was time that I could be doing something better.
Now I would rather be able to provide for myself then be a burden. Thanks to Canada for our medical system. And GF Strong. I would be lost without it. Thanks to Cmac we have this awesome website and all the people who use it!!! The Taco has been a simply amazing support vessel both mentally and financially. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all of it.
People talk sh!t about this place all the time, but when the time comes, we are there for our fallen brothers. You guys and gals have taught me so much about the meaning of community, and for that, I can never thank you enough. I can only hope that I will be able to help the next person in need, when the time comes..
Thanks for the pic Dave. I am definitely stoked today, if not a little emotional, I have never really truely understood tears of joy before this incident. I feel as if I am a better person for it.
Stoke up.
Hell ya!! Sick vid man! Nice part! Tell your buddy I said thanks for putting it together. ;)
Kieran you guys are frikin' hilarious buddy. Thanks for all the laughs!!!!
I can always use a laugh!!
im sorry that you have to be
stuck in the constant confines of a hospital room.
Don't be Weege! I'm stoked to be here. I'm stoked to be receiving the therapy I need to get me back on my feet. I'm stoked that there is people to take care of me so my family and friends can continue with their lives without having to feel guilty or modify them severely to be able to take care of me. But most of all I'm stoked because the people here are awesome and they help me achieve a little bit more success every day.
Obviously I would love to be out playing in the snow, or cuddling on the couch with my beautiful girlfriend on our couch at home, but I realize than those things just aren't a possibility anymore. It's funny, I used to go nuts if I knew there was snow I couldn't play in, or dry rock I couldn't climb.... I don't get that way now for some reason. I seem to have learned to accept reality as it is and realize it just isn't to be at this time. I know I will get some again, hell, I'll get plenty. It can't always be my turn. I've had more than my fair share over the years....
As a great man once said...
a great summer is just ahead,
and i think she'll welcome
you with open horizons into her
warm realm.
You rock dude!!
And, I'm stoked for you!!! Great to see your progress, Mike.
Thanks cowpoke, every bit helps!!!
Oh sh!t scrubber!! That is classic!! Thanks!!
How would he feel about a splitz burger?? ;)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 14, 2013 - 02:20am PT
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Yesterday was another good day. It started early when the nurses came in to wake up my roomate for an appointment at the hospital. It turned out that, it was actually cancelled becuase the team of doctors he was supposed to meet, had their plane delayed the night before. It was good though becuase it gave me time to have a shower before my appointment with one of the equipment manufacturers.
My meeting went well and I assumed that my next appointment would be pt, but I was mistaken. So I went to occupational therapy instead. I found my ot and he asked if it would be ok if his student observed our session. I said "No" and they took me seriously for a second until I smirked and laughed and said "of course not!" ;)
We had a good session and I did lots of standing and balancing with one hand on one table, and some sensory stuff with my left foot to help train me to feel my toes again. I was pretty worked after about 45 minutes, but was ready to continue, when my ot ended the session.
I went back to my room to chill a bit since I had a busy afternoon ahead of me. After I relaxed for a bit I remembered that I was supposed to go over my tax stuff for my business that I got behind on with my friend kim who volunteered to help me with it.
I set up the laptop to try and get on my hotspot on my phone but it was being a little biatch. No go so I rolled downstairs to try again in the computer lab, but still no luck. I managed to borrow a thumb drive from the lab tech to transfer the file from my email on one of the lab computers to my laptop.
After I got back to my room I was pretty gassed so I just chilled waiting for Kim to call when my friend Erin from the snowmobile club showed up. We had a great chat and suddenly I realized that I had an appointment and I had to run. I saw Erin to the door, and Kim sent me a message as I rushed to physio. She said she ended up stuck at work, and we would have to do it later.
When I got to physio I realized that I was in the wrong place!! Oops! The social worker had me booked for two!! I rushed back upstairs and was pretty darn pooped by the time I got there. I ended up waiting a bit anyways which was fine with me.
After some initial discussion about finances and other necessities, she asked me about my life story and I started down that road. Before I knew it I was bearing my heart to her, and it was already 3:00pm. I rushed down to my pt and got beat down by my exercises, proceeded by some standing exercises! (A first), and then some more walking.
When I returned to my room, I found Bruce Kay indexing videos and books. We had a nice chat, and he told me he was off to chamonix for some climbing!! Very nice Bruce!
After he departed I finally got a chance to go the the washroom and my nurse finally found me. She asked if I had ditched my painkillers on purpose today? I said no and realized I had been so busy I missed my painkillers and lunch!! I decided that since I had gone over on my pain killers by 3 hours, I could cut down the dosage.
After she fed me drugs I rushed off to the lunch room to get some grub. I had just started heating up Nina's fabulous butter chicken, when mom showed up. She says "you're eating dinner already?" "I wanted to take you out!".
I said "This is lunch mom!" It was about 4:30 by this time so she was pretty shocked I hadn't eaten yet. I told her I'd been busy, really busy. She watched me intently as I ate. It was about then that I started to hit the wall. I finished my dinner, and told her I needed to go lay down.
By this time I was in quite a bit of pain. I laid down and she said "oh I can tell this is your room" implying that it was messy. I told her it was all I could do just to go to my appointments and get back to my bed to rest most days. My sister was washing my clothes which was awesome, but meant I only had the same t-shirt that I had worn for the past two days, to wear again tomorrow.
Mom suggested that she wash it for me upstairs, to which I happily agreed, but I was worried it might not dry in time because I can't afford to dry my shirts in the machine if I want them to still fit me. She didn't seem to understand that and after a bit of discussion agreed to only dry it a little in the dryer before she hung it.
By the time mom returned i was passing out in my bed. I tried to stay awake but I was just so tired i couldn't keep my eyes open. She went to get my shirt and hung it on my chair before leaving me to snooze. Sorry Mom!! I had a big day. Catch you next time!!
I woke up at about 9:00 to write yesterday's post and read a bit of taco.
What a day! Each day gets better but man, do I get worn out!!
Edit oops you didn't see that wheelie up there ... ;)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 14, 2013 - 03:05am PT
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Just got more feeling in my left foot!!!!!!!!!!
Pain is my friend!!!! I love pain!!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Mar 14, 2013 - 03:21am PT
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Pain is my friend!!!! I love pain!!
Too much pain can be debilitating, but once you get beyond that point, I know of few other tools better for healing than pain. It's nature's built-in feedback system.
I'm so glad your making such awesome progress, Mike and I am still planning on coming up. Somebody needs to slap the Kid around and smoke everybody's dope. Three boxes of Mooser's climbing porn ta boot.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 14, 2013 - 03:43am PT
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I do have 300+ gigs of climbing porn for your mental recuperation ... if you want ill lend it to you to copy over ... i do warn you only about 1/2 of it is "real" climbing ... the rest is pebble pulling and bolt weenism ;)
Thanks Eric! I have all the porn I could ever need at the moment, but thanks! The thing I need most at this time is what you are providing. Support!! Thank you, and feel free to visit me at GF strong if you have some extra time!!
Too much pain can be debilitating, but once you get beyond that point, I know of few other tools better for healing than pain. It's nature's built-in feedback system.
Agreed. When my back was killing me earlier because of lack of drugs, that sucked. Feeling more of my foot however and the slight pain that brings is amazing!! As long as my back is under control I am happy to feel more pain in my numb left limb. This is what I meant when I said that!
I'm so glad your making such awesome progress, Mike and I am still planning on coming up. Somebody needs to slap the Kid around and smoke everybody's dope. Three boxes of Mooser's climbing porn ta boot.
Dude!! So stoked to see you man! Let me know when, I'll tell everyone and we can take over the games room again!!
Party at get fvcking strong!!!!
Ok bedtime now..
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 14, 2013 - 03:59am PT
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hey there say, big mike...
here's a link to take a look at...
from a thank you note, from jessica garcia, that FELL in yosemite, recently
a bit ago...
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/2092674/jessicas-THANK-YOU-for-those-that-helped-QUILT
ALSO:
your gift, with something for sandra reach it's mailing destination, the other day, and is NOW being mailed, TOMORROW to you...
wow, WHAT a day you had, :O :)
hope it won't take too long to get there...
was not able to mail it nearby, so my friend volunteered, trouble is,
:)) she lives OUT of state of me, :))
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 14, 2013 - 04:47am PT
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Ok wow. So I mentioned that I had the nurse drop the dosage on my pain killers now. They just have me what they call a breakthrough which is the drug I had a weird reaction to last time. So now I'm having crazy nightmares. Gotta get the doc to switch me back tomorrow. At least now that I realize the nightmare I can fight it in my dreams. I dreamt
this guy was trying to poison me, with my pain meds. So nuts. I don't even want to write the details. Must be my subconscious reaction telling me that this sh!t is too much. I've been avoiding these since my last negative reaction (the one that crossed with the cookies).
At least now that I realize what is up, maybe I can control my dreams better instead of just letting them run rampant... Spooky sh!t man.. Just wanted to see where I was at with the pain since I did so well on Tuesday but I realize now the dose of long acting is still exactly what i need.
Just had to write this to clear my brain..
Edit thanks Neebs. Looking forward to it. I can really use it right about now. Dreams are something that had been suppressed in the past so it seems now they are vivid, I need to re-learn to control them.
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Mar 14, 2013 - 12:03pm PT
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Hey Big Mike, pain is a double edged sword my friend. It will tell you where you are at but it will hold you back. Don't be an idiot and try to out tough the pain! Don't try and be your own doctor and determine your own dosage. You WON'T end up a pill poppin' junkie if you take care of the pain NOW with the right protocol.
I should know. I have learned to walk 13 times now and have no lasting addiction. The nightmares are real in that they are extremely lucid and you go through them with deep conviction. Be careful! In 1980 after way too many days of doping I almost got permanently lost in a recurring Morphine nightmare about being buried alive. In a desperate struggle for air I would completely thrash everything in reach- including snapping in half three of those metal triangles they hang on your bed for you to pull your self up with-trying to dig and claw myself out. The nurses would find me splayed out naked, IVs yanked out and with my hospital bed an utter shambles. They would rebuild the bed, tiddy me up and re-stick the tubes all while I was in another galaxy far far away. I would wake up unaware and none the wiser and everything in order.
One day when I was finally getting on my feet for those first steps and was crutching pathetically but proudly down the corridor a real cute 'Candy Stripper went walking past me. Which was nice since I have always liked the way girls walked. I was hoping she would turn around so I could see what was on the other side of the perky pony tail. But curiously this one gave me not just a quick glance nor an intrigued double take but a knowing triple take. Intrigued I said something suave like "whut?" Probably while still drooling from the drugs. She looked me square in the blurry eyes and said with an impish smirk "I didn't recognize you with your clothes on" and walked away. Believe me i was absolutely befuddled and possibly twitterpated. It was several days later when my mind had cleared but my head had not that I was told the whole back story much to my deflated ego's chagrin.
Hope that brought a smile to your face.
They are so much better at treating pain these days. Talk with them, listen to them, work with them. And let me say that 15 steps is a major achievement. The equivalent of climbing a Grade V in a day at this stage of the game. PT is some of the hardest physical work I have ever had to do. But so ultimately worth it.
There are a few million stories in the nakedtacocity.
So now in case you missed it and for your reading distraction is the TR of my story,
http://www.supertopo.com/tr/C3-C7-a-psycho-physical-Trip-Report-from-an-A-type-personality/t11117n.html
May it give you the perspective to match your stoke.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 15, 2013 - 01:35am PT
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May it give you the perspective to match your stoke.
That is has done sir. Thank you. I read every word. Canada is such an amazing place to be seriously injured. Your perseverance is simply inspiring!!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Mar 15, 2013 - 04:25am PT
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I had a bad reaction to morphine once years back too when my boss at the place I used to bartend slipped some liquid morph into a few vodka tonics he made us at the start of the night, then a rod Stewart impersonator showed up to play for some lady's 50th birthday(no shit). It was pretty funny & all, but the custys definitely had to wait for their drinks that night since I had an anvil strapped to the side of my head & Maggie may sounded like Barry white was singing it over nine inch nails. Can't say I'm in a rush to get more of that stuff, definitely not a party drug. Pretty glad I don't work there anymore too! Good ur aware of the potential though Mike, way stronger than any meds you are, use em for their intended purpose & lose em as soon as u can!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 15, 2013 - 11:30pm PT
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Nathan and I went over for a visit tonight to bring Mike a smoothie and shoot the sh#t. We threw on some crappy climbing dvd and gabbed about things when out of nowhere Mike's like, "hey wanna see my new party trick?"
I was pretty surprised to say the least!
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MH2
climber
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Mar 15, 2013 - 11:37pm PT
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Great to see that. Quite a surprise at this stage.
Don't think I want to do the set-up for that trick, though!
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Mar 16, 2013 - 01:40am PT
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Mike this is great! I am really glad to see things going the right way. Perhaps your incredible attitude is driving the process!
We were out on the Olympic Peninsula today and the rivers were ripping, sun popping out, and spring fully going off. Sneak outside and get some nature to help with the mending.
Again, excellent progress!!!
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Mar 16, 2013 - 03:01am PT
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Believe.--Griz Giant
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 16, 2013 - 03:05am PT
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My wife had a bad reaction to morphine which sounds similar to yours ( nightmares, halucinations) which went away when she switched to Hydromorphone / Dilaudid which is a synthetic opioid. Its pricier but thats not your problem.
That's what I'm on now Bruce. Btw i was really sorry to hear about your loss. Your one tough dude, I never would have known if i wasn't informed.. It's the short acting hydromorphone that messes with me.. The reason I tried to back off a bit again on the long acting was because I was hoping It would help with my constipation, but obviously I'm not ready yet.
I had a bad reaction to morphine once years back too when my boss at the place I used to bartend slipped some liquid morph into a few vodka tonics he made us at the start of the night, then a rod Stewart impersonator showed up to play for some lady's 50th birthday(no shit).
Wow Ryan! That's hardcore!! Thanks for the story!! Lol!! Morphine can be pretty nasty and will mess you up good for sure!!!
I was pretty surprised to say the least!
That's for sure " whoa dude! What are you doing!! ;)"
I've re-learned alot this week. It's been pretty intense. I'm still working on my Wednesday post becuase I've just been so physically exhausted! This weekend is full snooze fest for sure!!
It was great to see you guys tonight and get the live commentary while watching "no permanent address"!!
Don't think I want to do the set-up for that trick, though!
The set up has been busting my ass all week! Unless you mean the initial injury, then which ya totally ;)
Mike this is great! I am really glad to see things going the right way. Perhaps your incredible attitude is driving the process!
I am certain of it Todd! My attitude and the incredible amount of support I have received from you guys and gals is certainly the key!!
We were out on the Olympic Peninsula today and the rivers were ripping, sun popping out, and spring fully going off. Sneak outside and get some nature to help with the mending.
I will if the weather gods allow. I haven't any rain gear with me so I'm rather reluctant to get wet ;)
Cool pic moose! I love rapping too!! Interesting how the angle of the sun makes the shadow look as if there is only one rope near the bottom.
I do mouse! I know you guys do too!! Cool pic!! your tress down there are pretty amazing!!
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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Mar 16, 2013 - 10:04am PT
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F*#kin A man, right on! Picture says it all, congrats on standing Mike, that's the big one, the big hurdle: running, boarding and climbing all coming up next.
ps, like the poster! LOL
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Mar 16, 2013 - 10:50am PT
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Awright, ya big-ass Canuck! Upright first, then "Up and at 'em!"
You, sir, are awe-inspiring...
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darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
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Mar 16, 2013 - 11:48am PT
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YES!!! I've been waiting for that pic! And I'm psyched to see the next steps in your recovery. Keep healing, and keep up with your positive attitude!
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Mar 16, 2013 - 12:26pm PT
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I know the look in that face. It is amazing how much joy can come from something as seemingly simple as standing up.
Keep it in balance.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Mar 16, 2013 - 01:56pm PT
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I'm liking your new party trick, Big Mike!
Quick! More vibes!
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Oplopanax
Mountain climber
The Deep Woods
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Mar 16, 2013 - 02:43pm PT
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Selkirks stokety stokage for Big Mike!
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Mar 16, 2013 - 05:04pm PT
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Life is hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Mar 16, 2013 - 05:14pm PT
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awesome upright, mike.
you're tectonic.
like a mountain range rising from
the sedentary unto absolute heights!
it looks like the lamp took some shots
enroute.
just grab the socket (unplugged)
and wrench it back to vertical
(oh the parallel irony is outrageous!)
buy an incandescent lite bulb
(with the proceeds from your auction)
pick up a shade at the thrift
store and it's like the sun
setting alpine syle within
your confines.
cheers to you,
valiant mike.
may the sierra-stone-stack
light your wiley path!
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Mar 16, 2013 - 07:42pm PT
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A little levity for the day.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 16, 2013 - 09:33pm PT
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hey there say, big mike...
wow, me too! i love that new party trick of yours, :)
three cheers and many more!!!
gift is still on the way... but be in mid air, somewhere, :))
say, oh my, sorry the ol' egret could not earn you any funds...
i tried, :)
but, if you ever DO need some kind of help, i am still here, :)
god bless!!!!!
soooooo very happy, soo very happy...
too many sad stories in all kinds of subject-matter...
these stories, inspire folks to not give up, :)
say, did i yet tell mention????
you are sooo tall! :O :))
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 16, 2013 - 09:45pm PT
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Wednesday started off a new routine, a double block of pt starting at 9am. Mat exercises were the name of the game, and muscle strengthening the goal. I was happy to have it, I've been feeling like i could do more, if I had a chance.
First session went well, and second session we focused on standing. That had me stoked, i love standing!! Then some balancing and soon I found I could balance on my own two feet! Since I was able to do this, my pt decided to see how I would do on a "berg"? Test. The test involved a lot of balancing and reaching while balancing, picking stuff up off the ground (fail), picking one leg up at a time, balancing with my eyes closed, stepping up... I got a 29 out of 56 which was pretty sweet for a first effort so soon.
After the test they got the walker out, and I did a couple laps across the pt room with it. Then they just happened to receive some cane crutches which seemed like the perfect height for me. Another pt handed them off to me to test out the height and before I knew it we were doing a couple laps on those. After that I was pretty pooped, and my time was up, so I headed back to my room for a rest.
I missed lunch, and since I've been pretty mobile, they expect my to come to the day room and eat with all the other spine patients. If I don't, they usually bring my meal to my room but I guess my nurses forgot because I never got one. That was ok though, because I had an ace up my sleeve.
And what an ace it was...
Mmmmm ribs!!!
Ryand's mom provided this excellent meal for me!! Thanks dude!! The ribs were awesome!!
When I headed back to my room, I got my 6mg of hydro and chilled for a bit before I realized it just wasn't doing the trick. I tried switching positions and sitting in my chair for awhile but it just wasn't cutting it. I called my nurse and told her the deal. Since the doc had switched my meds that morning, the nurses didn't have the authority to up my dose so I had to take the breakthrough (short acting hydro 4mg). After that I felt great, a little dopey but great.
I had a shower to get cleaned up because I had my favourite visitor coming. Sandra showed up at around 6:30 and promptly whipped my messy room into shape for me. Then she went and got us some nice sandwiches for dinner and we ate then in the cafeteria.
My Beautiful Girlfriend
Then we cuddled a bit and watched some tube before she had to run off to Tami's house for the night.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 17, 2013 - 12:45am PT
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running, boarding and climbing all coming up next.
You know it couch!! Thanks!!
ps, like the poster! LOL courtesy scrubber!! :)
Awright, ya big-ass Canuck! Upright first, then "Up and at 'em!"
Thanks Gilroy! That's the goal!! I can hear my pt now " allright Mike, i need you to fire those glutes and hip flexers!!"
YES!!! I've been waiting for that pic! And I'm psyched to see the next steps in your recovery. Keep healing, and keep up with your positive attitude!
Ya Darkmagus!! I think a lot of people have! Truth is I've been doing it all week, but nobody's been around to shoot pics!!
My thought is, what's the point in thinking negative? It's not like I'm going to lose anything by believing in myself?
I know the look in that face. It is amazing how much joy can come from something as seemingly simple as standing up.
Keep it in balance.
That's my, "I'm not really supposed to be doing this unsupervised" smirk ;)
Don't worry, the bed is right there and I can do it for about 4 or minutes solid now...
I'm liking your new party trick, Big Mike!
Quick! More vibes!
Thanks captain Skully ;) I received your letter the other day, thank you very much!!
Sweet pic Dru!! Lots of parties eh?
Life is hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch.
So true! Big jobs are much easier when you just break them up into little pieces!!!
it looks like the lamp took some shots
enroute.
just grab the socket (unplugged)
and wrench it back to vertical
(oh the parallel irony is outrageous!)
Lol. It is isn't it. I just thought that was your artistic twist sir!! Thank you for the gift! It's beautiful!! Just like your family!
A little levity for the day.
LOL! Good one Philo!
gift is still on the way... but be in mid air, somewhere, :))
say, oh my, sorry the ol' egret could not earn you any funds...
i tried, :)
Stoked on the gift! Thank you! And your painting! Try indeed! No apologies necessary! The effort was more than I could have asked..
you are sooo tall! :O :))
There is a reason for the nickname I guess! ;)
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Mar 17, 2013 - 01:27am PT
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Nice Mike! Ur killing it buddy, glad moms ribs found a rightful place in your gut!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 17, 2013 - 03:16am PT
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Mmmm so good dude! Thanks!
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Mar 17, 2013 - 06:07am PT
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Hey Bro - stoked at your progress! Christina and I think of you every day.
We had a nice adventure today. Drove out to the Kelso dunes south of Vegas. Got a super awesome bonus - we found an endangered Desert Tortoise on the road! It's super early in the season to see them, and seeing them is rare at best.
We wanted to move him off the road, but you have to minimize contact with them. I was hunkered down a few feet away, and he came walking right up to me! So stoked!
I figured out he was after the shade I was casting, so I kept moving a bit and he would follow me to get in the shade again. Finally got him off the road, until he found a shady bush he liked better and we left him there. Got some great pics, I will post a couple up once I go through my camera.
Keep up the great work, we are all rooting for you with every step you take.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 17, 2013 - 04:17pm PT
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Cool dude! That sounds rad! I'm guessing no camera or you would have some rad pics to show me!
Apparently I pissed off Bruce with my realization that I am stoked for what we got to do rather than how I felt sometimes on the trip with my expectations vs reality. For this I am sorry Bruce. I grown a lot in these past three weeks and I guess talking about it publicly has embarrassed/pissed you off.
I hope you can forgive me someday and realize that I was never slagging you but in fact realizing that I was being a big baby and stupidly frustrated rather than enjoying every moment of our luxurious vacation.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 17, 2013 - 06:23pm PT
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Thursday was a great day. My pt block was kick a$$ and I made great progress. My pt had me standing between the parallel bars and hitting a balloon back and forth with her. It was actually quite challenging to balance and hit the balloon at the same time. It's funny the things that are challenging when you are recovering from a spinal injury.
I fact everything from putting your socks on to going to the bathroom is a new challenge. Overcoming challenges has always been my thing, so this has just been a new set to keep my busy.
Then we went to the gym to practice with a walker again. This was a lot more territory than I had ever been given to cover. Half way through, Sandra showed up and took this shot.
How do I do this again??
Sandra T photo
I managed two laps on the walker and then another two with the canecrutches. Sandra was pretty stoked to say the least, as was I.
I saw the doctor after pt and we sorted out my meds which was a relief. The rest of my day's schedule was pretty mellow, so Sandra had arranged for me to get my hair cut.
Last week she had stopped by one of the local salons to enquire about it, but got a less than enthusiastic response from the front desk. She stormed out in frustration and one of the owners who just happened to be sitting in the waiting room, chased her down.
The owner told Sandra she would see what she could arrange and got her phone number. Then one of the stylists contacted her and told her that she would come here to cut my hair! Not only that, but she would do it free of charge because she was happy to help out!
So I got my haircut on Thursday afternoon and we were stoked to have it done. Sandra and I got to chill for a bit after that, and I got pretty tired and passed out. When I awoke, she told me that she had arranged for a free massage too! I was really stoked about that, as I can always use a massage and usually can't afford such a luxury. I guess the local college practices here at the rehab center!
Sandra and I got a bit more time to cuddle and i passed out again eventually. Then she had to leave and my masseus showed up. He did a killer job on my shoulders. He really loosened my upper body up quite a bit. Sleeping has been much easier since! Thanks babe! And thanks to my massuse too!!
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Mar 17, 2013 - 06:35pm PT
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Hi Big Mike, Great how you are coming along; I couldn't believe how easily you stood up yesterday. And very cool story about the hair stylist. Give her a nice tip, unless it's the original crabby one.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 17, 2013 - 07:24pm PT
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Thanks guys!
Tricouni- Sandra got her a gift card for Starbucks. Hopefully she likes coffee!
Ron a thanks buddy! I'm busting my butt.
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MH2
climber
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Mar 17, 2013 - 09:03pm PT
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we are all rooting for you with every step you take.
What Vegasclimber said. The steps, the balance, the balloon swatting may SEEM like simple things, but I swear on my Handbook of Physiology that they are not.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 17, 2013 - 09:14pm PT
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Based on how much effort they take, mh2, you are entirely correct. I never thought so before this though!! ;)
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Mar 17, 2013 - 09:20pm PT
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It's funny the things that are challenging when you are recovering from a spinal injury.
Yeah, but you are doing well. Important to get out of the chair; avoid sitting, get on your feet, no matter what sticks or bars or other help you need. Your progress is looking great.
One way to look at it is that you have two injuries in one: the spine, and all the other stuff. The broken bits call for rest; but the spinal cord healing requires usage, exercise. Sounds like all the other stuff is healing up, so it's probably time to shift gears and get on the spine pt.
When I hurt my spine, 3 years ago, I recall that putting on socks would just give me fits! For a while had to use a funny "cheater-stick" thingy to help.
All the best!
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Mar 17, 2013 - 10:32pm PT
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Big Mike, WOW...pretty incredible to see pictures of you walking!..... I'm so happy for you....
Thanks for all the updates, and always being such an inspiration.
Saludos....(-;
ps...i hope you are eating some fruits and veggies...
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 17, 2013 - 10:52pm PT
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hey there say, ... big mike.... you are making big progress!!
all the little detail work is getting added in, how nice!
and--listen to nita, as to the eats, :)
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kennyt
climber
Woodfords,California
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Mar 17, 2013 - 10:56pm PT
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Looking good Mike, you and the ribs.
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Mar 17, 2013 - 11:20pm PT
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I fact everything from putting your socks on to going to the bathroom is a new challenge.
No sh#t.
After they bolted my leg back on to my body it didn't take too long before I could get around a bit (a very little bit) on crutches, but some of the simplest things were bizarrely difficult and painful.
The one that I remember more than any other was lying on my back (yeah, I could do that) with a sock on my foot (getting the sock on was too much sometimes) and a sheet of Teflon under my leg. The idea was that I should raise my knee so my heel slid back along the Teflon sheet. No friction, no load, just a simple movement of the leg.
F*#king near killed me.
Keep at it big guy.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 18, 2013 - 03:54am PT
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Yeah, but you are doing well. Important to get out of the chair; avoid sitting, get on your feet, no matter what sticks or bars or other help you need. Your progress is looking great.
Hopefully this week they give me a walker so I can do that. Right now I'm still stuck in the chair or bed when I'm not in pt or ot. My only out is my free solo standing trick, and I do that quite a bit, when ever it makes things easier.
When I hurt my spine, 3 years ago, I recall that putting on socks would just give me fits! For a while had to use a funny "cheater-stick" thingy to help.
I've got it down now, just fold my feet up over my knees, while lying on my back or sitting up and the slip em on. Same thing for shoes. It sure was annoying having to ask the nurses to do it all the time for the first week..
All the best!
Thanks man!
Big Mike, WOW...pretty incredible to see pictures of you walking!..... I'm so happy for you....
Thanks for all the updates, and always being such an inspiration.
Thanks Nita! I'm happy too!! This thing is kinda my interactive journal I guess, as for inspiration, I'm just trying to be as positive as I can knowing that it helps me a lot. It is nice to know others are inspired by it.
ps...i hope you are eating some fruits and veggies...
I have cleaned up my diet so much! Primarily because of my constipation issues due to my pain meds. I seems to be working! So I am really happy about that. I still miss my junk food though ;)
hey there say, ... big mike.... you are making big progress!!
I am very happy to be doing so. I thank my luck stars that the spinal cord damage was limited to bruising and a small tear to the sheath!!!! The support I have received both online and in person has made the largest difference I think! If ever I start to get down, I get a visitor, or log in to st or fb and I can't help but feel the love and realize I have nothing to be bummed about!
After seeing that picture with the physio crew, I think your biggest problem towards a cure is bonking your forehead in a door jamb while walking back to your room...
Once they let me loose on the walker, for sure!!! ;) lol.. I'm still focusing on getting my stride back which is why I'm looking at my feet. I still have majorly reduced feeling in my left leg/foot so I'm doing eye leg coordination!! ;)
Looking good Mike, you and the ribs.
But those ribs look better!! Lol!! Mmmm!!
The one that I remember more than any other was lying on my back (yeah, I could do that) with a sock on my foot (getting the sock on was too much sometimes) and a sheet of Teflon under my leg. The idea was that I should raise my knee so my heel slid back along the Teflon sheet. No friction, no load, just a simple movement of the leg.
Damn! That sounds rough ghost!! With the drugs, I've actually got everything pretty sorted. Nothing I do really hurts anymore, my leg just gets super tired to the point of where I just can't do it anymore!!
Sounds like you have a great GF, Mike.
I have an amazing girlfriend!! She has stuck beside me through thick and thin, and is the hottest, kindest, compassionate, sensitive, loving person I have ever met. This injury has taught us both a lot. I can never imagine being without her, and I hope one day, she can see all the things I see in her.
And lots of great people around you, I'm sure you'll come back stronger than ever.
Wishing you all the best, SC.
It makes it so much easier to have the support network for sure. I can never give up when so many others are rooting for me.
Kieran- thank you. You have no idea how much I miss those views. Just seeing Squamish, the mountains, the sky and the rock lifts my heart. I miss it so much. Please keep it up! Keep sending for me! I'm so happy to know you guys are out there still killing it!!!
I'd give you a free haircut whenever you like, too, Big Mike.
You probably wouldn't be as pleased by mine. ;-)
Thanks capt s! I probably wouldn't even care.... But Sandra would hate it ;)
Thanks for the tunes... What a weird video!!
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Mar 18, 2013 - 10:18am PT
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Good morning Mikey!
Sounds like you're making one hell of a come back. So stoked for ya!
Me, Ryan and Kieran have been out picking plums.. Ones called Big Mikes reach, which I pulled Off the second ascent of yesterday. An I picked one and called it The Blue Dragon, and Ryan got the second ascent.
Plums plums every where
Lets go pick a treat
These plums are for the ego
They're not ment to eat
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 18, 2013 - 10:55am PT
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You guys rock man!! Thanks for the homage ;)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 18, 2013 - 10:57am PT
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Friday started well, I woke up right before my nurse came in for breakfast. My breakfast actually contained bacon, which I simply could not believe!! I have not had bacon since I hurt myself!! After breakfast I headed down to pt.
I got halfway through my exercises and I was just bagged. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I ended up taking an extra long break before my walking session. My pt an I worked on balancing while stepping up on one foot, and a few other things, but i was so bagged, we didn't get much accomplished.
Then we went to the gym and I did a lap with the walker, and that was all I could manage. I went back to my room, and passed out. I slept until 2:00 when my nurse woke me for drugs, and I ate lunch before rushing off to ot.
It was my first occupational therapy appointment since Tuesday, and Nigel explained that he was pretty busy with other clients this week so he didn't have very much time to see me.
We worked on using the cane crutches to balance while stepping and getting my glutes and hip flexers firing properly when doing it. My left side which is the numb side is actually better at firing my hip and glutes while my right hip is weaker. Probably because of the mechanism of my injury.
Then we did some standing cane transfers to the chair,
and I tried one without the canes. I was pretty pooped at this point and Nigel could see it, so we called it early.
I went bad to my room and hit the sack again until around 6 when I took my Tylenol, and them not long after Nate and Relic showed up to hang out for a bit. We chatted for awhile and then I asked Nate if he had seen relics flick "No Permanent Address" yet. He said no, so i threw on the DVD copy that relic had lent me and we got the live commentary from him to boot, which was sick!
Then I showed them my now infamous party trick.
They peaced out not long after that so Nate could get his plastic fix on, and I watched "snakes on a plane" for my first time... Talk about cheesy.. ;) that was about it! I was so bagged I got to bed pretty early....
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dirt claud
Social climber
san diego,ca
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Mar 18, 2013 - 03:00pm PT
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Glad to see your healing well. Cheers to good friends, family and the ST crowd keeping your spirits up.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 18, 2013 - 03:34pm PT
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Kieran, Ryan and Luke! You guys rule!! Too funny man! You guys are killing it!! Glad to see the team is gelling! Thanks for everything boys! The stoke is high! I walked about 500m today from pt to ot!!
I predict big things for your valley trip!! Go rip it up and show everyone what Squamish pride can do!!! You will make the og's proud I'm sure of it!
Thanks dirt claud! Did you check ^^^^^^ those hosers out?? So much stoke!!!
For those who are unawares, the blue dragon is also the name of my snowmobile!!!
Too funny guys!! Keep cracking me up! I'll be back out shooting pics of
Youz guyz in no time!!
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dirt claud
Social climber
san diego,ca
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Mar 18, 2013 - 03:38pm PT
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Yeah, I saw them Mike, good fun being had, that's for sure. Great to grow up with good friends and create many great memories to reminisce about in the older years. Really awesome that we have the technology to make such cool videos these days too.
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Mar 18, 2013 - 04:50pm PT
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"I have an amazing girlfriend!! She has stuck beside me through thick and thin, and is the hottest ...."
I'm stopping at "hottest". Man, ya just gotta love a girl in a smokin' hot toque. {sigh} It must be a Hoser thing, eh?
Great to see your steady improvement, Big Mike. Keep up the good work!
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Mar 18, 2013 - 07:09pm PT
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that's a nice ring-type-thing
she's wearing on her,
uh, wedding finger.
do you guys in canada have that same
cultural tradition?
the one wear pinky's neighbor on the left hand
is reserved as a communication medium of structured commitment?
you too big to put on the spot.
i think i just put you on a three-dimensional plane.
oh wait,
maybe some of that wadded up tinfoil
mistakenly got wrapped around her finger.
when i proposed to my wife
i was laying in a stranger's bed,
with her,
and i ratted thru their bedside drawers
and found a stick of gum.
so i freshened my breath
and proposed as i encircled her above referenced finger
with the chrome gum wrapper.
true as shite, i swear.
she said yes.
though she might regret that emotional wobble that
that tightened the knot entangling us.
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cowpoke
climber
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Mar 18, 2013 - 08:08pm PT
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Yee ha! Dude, a bold, endurance lead with multiple cruxes, but you are cruising this pitch!! Showed my family this thread -- so many folks rooting for your every step (literally) toward recovery and, ultimately, an even bigger and badder Mike.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Mar 18, 2013 - 08:23pm PT
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Loving the progress reports and them canucklehead videos. Few things better than hanging with your friends and climbing in the forest.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 19, 2013 - 03:44am PT
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Great to grow up with good friends and create many great memories to reminisce about in the older years. Really awesome that we have the technology to make such cool videos these days too.
Gawd. It will be too funny being 60 and looking back at all this stuff... Memories will be a lot easier to come by with all the cues ;)
I'm stopping at "hottest". Man, ya just gotta love a girl in a smokin' hot toque. {sigh} It must be a Hoser thing, eh?
Hell ya! You should see her without it! I love her hair!! I'd like to see it more often in fact!!! {hint hint} ;) most assuredly a Canuck thing.
Thanks Pete! I'm all about getting back on these monster feet. Permanently!
that's a nice ring-type-thing
she's wearing on her,
uh, wedding finger.
do you guys in canada have that same
cultural tradition?
the one wear pinky's neighbor on the left hand
is reserved as a communication medium of structured commitment?
I posed her this question tonight sir. She answered thusly; "well I figure I'm already taken so why not?" Also it fits best on that finger and it is an excellent defense mechanism from the hordes of men in whistler as well as inquisitive ladies. ;)
Of course this led to her asking me whether I would be purchasing her another one soon, and I told her, if so it would not be a diamond as i am not a traditional fellow and such funds would be better spent on many other things. To which more questions ensued and I bartered a deal with her that if she will start ropegunning some pitches for me this summer than there would probably be a ring in it for her.
This deal would serve us both two fold. For one I would have a regular ropegun, and for the other she will gain boatloads of confidence, which is both something she really needs and the thing that i require for this thing to work, not to mention the key to her happiness in feeling like an equal partner in this relationship.
Thank you for your proposal story. I know you can remind your better half from time to time, why she embarked on this quest with you in the first place.
Yee ha! Dude, a bold, endurance lead with multiple cruxes, but you are cruising this pitch!!!
Thanks cowpoke! I guess it is rather bold for me to bear my soul publicly like I have. I have been accustomed to doing it for awhile but I have definitely stepped up the disclosure level on this one. It seems to have cost me a friendship already unfortunately, but i am unsure that anything I have said was really derogatory to have deserved such a deletion, so I am willing to let sleeping dogs lie, and chalk it up as just another bump in the road... My attitude is my saviour and without it I am unsure if I would have all ready attained the success that I am, so I have no need for negativity.
Norwegian shines, huh?
That is for sure capt, but it is a question that has been begging an answer for some time and it is only now that we both have the clarity to address it.
Loving the progress reports and them canucklehead videos. Few things better than hanging with your friends and climbing in the forest.
As am I Justin. As am I. The reports are my reflection and my journal so that I will never forget these moments of inspiration. The videos are awesome and increasingly so, plus they crack me up !! I miss hanging with those dudes and cannot wait until I am afforded another opportunity to goof around in the woods with them!!!!!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Mar 19, 2013 - 11:01am PT
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Mikey, putting it out there! Congrats to the both of you!
I've heard of a shotgun wedding but this is the first ropegun wedding I can recall :-)
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 19, 2013 - 11:37am PT
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I went bad to my room
You are bad. Go to your room!
I wanna get the third ascent of those plums! I'll bring my climbing mag reporter to spray the details.
Jeez, Luke's now a boulderer. Ryan is now an aid climber. What is the world coming to? I think it is a sign of the apocalypse.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 19, 2013 - 11:53am PT
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This weekend was mellow by intent. Saturday I tried desperately to regain sleep and rest, knowing that I would need every scrap of energy I could reserve for my long week ahead. This was made difficult by nurses waking me every two hours starting at 6 for my Tylenol, then my hydro which I really need at 8 followed by a courtesy, "don't you want to do something with your day?" Wake up call at ten. I managed to roll over after all of them and sleep until one or so. My friend josh texted me around then so I decided to at least turn on the tv and chill in bed for a bit.
He arrived not long after that and we had a really nice visit.
My buddy Josh
After we had a good chat, I got dressed and saw him off to his car. Then I went for dinner in the day room, which was halfway decent and after I immediately went back to my room and chilled out on my bed and watched some more tube.
Sunday was much the same except I bit my nurses head off a tad a six this time so they didn't bother me much, and I chilled pretty much all day till around 6:30 when Anders showed up. At one point my nurse asked me what time she could get me up, and I had been up watching tube and taco'ing all day, so I replied "I'm up already!!"
They just wanted me to get out on such a nice day(and probably thought I was depressed for sitting in bed all weekend), but I was focused on resting. At about 6:30 Anders came by and I decided to get up and go for a spin and my st paddy's day Guinness. We rolled down to "neighbours" restaurant just off oak and king Ed, and had a beer and kalimari to celebrate the occasion.
Anders got pics but I haven't got copies yet and am reluctant to steal them from facebook. It was excellent to get out tho and I much appreciated the company and the occasional uphill pushes.
I forgot I got this pic!!! Oops
This was the best smile I could illicit from Anders!! ;)
Edit thanks guys! Gotta run! Replies later!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 19, 2013 - 02:31pm PT
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I've heard of a shotgun wedding but this is the first ropegun wedding I can recall :-)
yes.. well if she can swap pitches with me on ultimate everything without too much whining then she will have proved that she is confident enough to be my one and only ;)
Jeez, Luke's now a boulderer. Ryan is now an aid climber. What is the world coming to? I think it is a sign of the apocalypse.
I know right?? sh!ts cray son! ;)
I am so estatic that you are doing so well!
I put a Good Word in for you with the GUY upstairs.
Thanks Cosmic!! I have lots of spirts pulling for me too! Ron A said he would put in a good word and Sandra told me a member of the pemberton band informed her that they were doing so as well!!
I feel so blessed in many different ways!!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Mar 20, 2013 - 12:49am PT
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I imagine the drugs have kicked in, and you're in dreamland now, but here is a little something for you to start the day with tomorrow...
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 20, 2013 - 12:59am PT
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Mmmm yummy ghost! Not quite! Just got em! She was late tonight...
Just got back from the pool!! Yeehaw!! Too much fun!! Swimming is so going to be my rehab!! It's definitely not the same as before! But it will help me a lot!
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Rolfr
Social climber
North Vancouver BC
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Mar 20, 2013 - 01:44am PT
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Big Mike, you are the luckiest man alive, love that wonderful girl and buy her the biggest dam ring you can afford. Congrats.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 20, 2013 - 02:01am PT
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Rolfr-I'll get her what she wants, when the time comes. Lucky she's sensible like me about that stuff ;)
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Mar 20, 2013 - 03:40am PT
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So psyched to read how well you are doing, Mike! The pool sounds like the best place to get really fit, for the next bit. Count me among those sending you lots of healing energy!
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
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Mar 20, 2013 - 04:33am PT
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hey man, I have been off in my own world and not checking in. I get the impression pool therapy rocks. I've been working in the pool to get ready for my surgery and I love it!
fyi, your surprise is still in process..
namaste
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Hoser
climber
vancouver
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Mar 20, 2013 - 11:16am PT
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I'll get her what she wants, when the time comes. Lucky she's sensible like me about that stuff ;)
you are very lucky guy!!!
Women, sensible, time and rings....those go together? I think that ends abruptly at 28 :)
Keep up the hard work Kid Dynamite, looking good
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 21, 2013 - 02:42am PT
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So psyched to read how well you are doing, Mike! The pool sounds like the best place to get really fit, for the next bit. Count me among those sending you lots of healing energy!
Thanks Wayne! The pool rules!! Very stoked to get back in there again. The gf strong one is empty at the moment so Tuesdays only for now but, hopefully they let me in the gf strong one when the maintenance is done. Apparently it's pretty popular tho so I might have to fight someone for a spot ;)
I get the impression pool therapy rocks. I've been working in the pool to get ready for my surgery and I love it!
What Surgery? You probably told me and if so sorry I forgot..
fyi, your surprise is still in process..
Oooohhh. Must be good then!!
you are very lucky guy!!!
Women, sensible, time and rings....those go together? I think that ends abruptly at 28 :)
Keep up the hard work Kid Dynamite, looking good
Sometimes I think you are right but Sandra knows what she wants and I've made it very clear that ill be ready when I'm ready and she can take it or leave it. Good news is I think we are both almost ready so it looks like this thing is going to work in the long run. I've learned my lesson in the past about relationships, thank god, so when I think we're ready I'll pop the question.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 21, 2013 - 04:18am PT
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hey there say, big mike...
hope your gift gets there soon, :O
the one little thing in there is for girlfriend, too...
well, happy good eve...
:)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 21, 2013 - 11:10am PT
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Thanks Neebee!!!
Anders forwarded this from our st paddy's day adventure
Bn server photo
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John_Box
climber
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Mar 21, 2013 - 10:17pm PT
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Got a day of skiing in a made a few turns for ya Mike. You'll be back at it for next winter!
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Mar 21, 2013 - 10:25pm PT
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scandinavian folk, we well-substitute for religious apparitions.
just don't seek us out if you're in the market for salvation...
anders sure seems to be a damn good fella.
and you mike have inherited a new emotional horizon.
wellness is yours.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Mar 21, 2013 - 11:03pm PT
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It looks like you are drinking Anders under the table!!!!
Getting stronger there, Mike! Looking good, lots of good vibes going your way as you keep moving forward!
Hugs to Sandra...lucky girl....luckier you!!!!
Susan
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Mar 22, 2013 - 02:12am PT
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Your probably part Viking anyway Mike so it's good that your sharing hops fortification with Harald Fairhair himself.
You must be getting quite a routine going now at G F Strong.
On the occasions that I've worked in the park across the street I've seen many an unfortunate soul being wheeled around after some horrible accident with no hope of ever walking again. I'm so happy for you that you won't be going down that road,and alot has to do with your awesome attitude you've had since the beginning,I don't know whether I could have stayed as positive as you have. So impressed. Hope to visit soon as we will be over in Vancouver alot.
I'm suprised the posse hasn't scoped out the buildering around GF Strong yet with their rabid thirst for climbing,why stop at the games room wall.
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cowpoke
climber
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Mar 22, 2013 - 05:04pm PT
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big bump for big mike.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 22, 2013 - 09:14pm PT
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There are a few pre-requisites to take care of first... If those are taken care of, i will ask, yes. ;)
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Mar 22, 2013 - 10:00pm PT
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She's a keeper if ever there was a keeper.. You are too. Best of all .. already together.
Stupid ass societal customs..You crazy kids are already there
Be happy.. be sad .. be together and let the rest flow away as irrelevant unless it brings joy to both.
For now you keep pushing on.. be cautious of the drugs but not too cautious..push hard in your therapy..push hard in your rest.. push hard on drinking water and eating well.. sleep hard .. work hard.. heal well.. love deeply!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 22, 2013 - 11:47pm PT
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Stupid ass societal customs..You crazy kids are already there
You got that right bud!!!! Thats why no hurry on my part to make it "legal". She knows i got her back 100% and i know she has mine!! ;)
The drugs are perfect now. Just enough to keep me feeling normal, not crazy. Killing it in rehab, wasn't nearly as tired today as last week!! Stoked!! Hella stoked!! ;)
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Mar 22, 2013 - 11:49pm PT
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Forecast is snow snow and more snow. Powder day tomorrow. Gittin' some!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 23, 2013 - 01:04am PT
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Sick Naitch!! How was your trip??
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 23, 2013 - 02:36am PT
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Got a day of skiing in a made a few turns for ya Mike. You'll be back at it for next winter!
Nice work John! Thanks!
anders sure seems to be a damn good fella.
Anders is awesome! He's endured way too much teasing over the years and still remains super positive and upbeat. Only knock on him is his chosen profession!! ;) It seems he puts even that to good use tho!
and you mike have inherited a new emotional horizon.
wellness is yours.
I seem to have connected on higher level lately for sure. Honesty and openness are the keys to happiness it seems. I always knew that though, i just never made such a public spectacle of myself before ;)
It looks like you are drinking Anders under the table!!!!
Hugs to Sandra...lucky girl....luckier you!!!!
No doubt i could, although our tolerances are probably fairly similar. I would have the advantage simply because of my size ;)
I am lucky for certain to have a partner as beautiful and trust worthy as her. Funny, she said last week that she felt left out, because i spent a lot of time talking about all my visitors, but i don't think she was wanting this much attention!! ;)
On the occasions that I've worked in the park across the street I've seen many an unfortunate soul being wheeled around after some horrible accident with no hope of ever walking again. I'm so happy for you that you won't be going down that road,and alot has to do with your awesome attitude you've had since the beginning,I don't know whether I could have stayed as positive as you have. So impressed. Hope to visit soon as we will be over in Vancouver alot.
I am very lucky. A lot of it has to do with the nature of my injury. If i was not wearing my impact shorts, i shudder to think of the damage that would have occurred or if i would still even be here today??!!!
I am very glad to be walking again and the light at the end of the tunnel grows ever closer! At first i was unsure how quickly i would get to this point, but the steady gains have continued and the feeling in my left leg is returning which is simply amazing!!
I'm suprised the posse hasn't scoped out the buildering around GF Strong yet with their rabid thirst for climbing,why stop at the games room wall.
Shhhh anders and i had some first ascents planned ;)
big bump for big mike.
Thanks cowpoke. I know i've been slacking this week.. I'm just so tired from busting my ass all day i can't write much ;)
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 23, 2013 - 06:19am PT
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hey there say, big mike.... yep, take a breather in between rounds...
you got to last for all the 'therapy rounds' you know... get out of the ol' boxing ring, ready for the 'next fight' --WALKING on your own, :)
three cheers... your many cheerers ARE here...
we don't mind when you need to rest, :)
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Ottawa Doug
Social climber
Ottawa, Canada
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Mar 23, 2013 - 11:17am PT
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We all want you back out in the field at 100% Mike.
Get well Soon!
Cheers,
Doug
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2013 - 12:03pm PT
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I stopped by for a visit yesterday and Mike was in the middle of his Occ therapy session. They were going for a walk over to Safeway, no big deal...
The crux.
Learning some stealth ninja shoplifting techniques.
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MH2
climber
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Mar 23, 2013 - 12:33pm PT
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Really moving on down the Road, Mike! Such good progress. Thanks, Relic.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Mar 23, 2013 - 12:41pm PT
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Hell yeah, next stop is home. Good work Mike.
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Mar 23, 2013 - 12:56pm PT
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I'm super impressed by your positivity and rapid progress, Mike.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Mar 23, 2013 - 01:18pm PT
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Holy Shiiiit....he's goin' for the cookies....
Susan
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Mar 23, 2013 - 05:17pm PT
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Heck yeah!!!
Mike is being discharged next weekend.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Mar 23, 2013 - 05:34pm PT
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Woot!
Hey, Big Mike...Let's go shopping. ;-)
Dude, you're out in The World. Just like a person, or something. Hehehe.
Keep grooving the flow, man.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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Mar 23, 2013 - 05:58pm PT
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Sick Naitch!! How was your trip??
The trip was awesome. Crazy to think that a week ago I was surfing head high waves in Costa Rica and then today....
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 23, 2013 - 06:50pm PT
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Brandon!! Not supposed to ruin my surprise!! Not discharged, just a weekend pass.
;)
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Leggs
Sport climber
Home away from Home
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Mar 23, 2013 - 06:52pm PT
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Big Up on you, Big Mike!!
Keep on movin'!
~peace, Leggs
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 23, 2013 - 11:40pm PT
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you got to last for all the 'therapy rounds' you know... get out of the ol' boxing ring, ready for the 'next fight' --WALKING on your own, :)
You know it neebs!!
three cheers... your many cheerers ARE here...
we don't mind when you need to rest, :)
Thanks neebee! Many cheers from me too for all the support!!
We all want you back out in the field at 100% Mike.
Get well Soon!
Thanks Doug! I always knew i would walk again, but was never sure how much feeling i would regain in my left leg. I get back more every day, and my left leg has been killing me today, so i'm pretty sure that i'll get most of it back eventually!! So i will be pretty close to 100% hopefully!!
Thanks for the report Relic! I was stoked when you texted because i knew you would get some good pics!
Thanks for lunch too!! That is my ot Nigel hiding behind me btw..
Really moving on down the Road, Mike! Such good progress.
Thanks mh2! The limited scope of my injury is really coming into play now. My lifestyle and attitude don't hurt either. I've been working hard in my therapy's and both of my therapists are awesome so that's another bonus.
Most of all my own will to get back out there is probably the largest factor!
Hell yeah, next stop is home. Good work Mike.
Hell ya!!! Next weekend buddy!!! SO STOKED!!!!!!!!!!
I'm super impressed by your positivity and rapid progress, Mike.
Thanks Brandon!! It helps. I think I inherited Wolverine's magical healing powers when I got my adamantium tailbone installed!! ;)
Holy Shiiiit....he's goin' for the cookies....
The cookies better watch out!! Big Mike's back in town!! ;)
Woot!
Hey, Big Mike...Let's go shopping. ;-)
Dude, you're out in The World. Just like a person, or something. Hehehe.
Sh#t ya!! You buyin?? ;) i know, i feel human again! It was kinda weird having a dude with a wheel chair follow me around ;)
The trip was awesome. Crazy to think that a week ago I was surfing head high waves in Costa Rica and then today....
Ya buddy!! Surfin U.S.A!!
Your angles look sweet, how do they feel? Like on your surfboard??
Damn i gotta learn to surf!! I got up a few times when i was in bali and even managed to cut a turn, but then bailed! Surfing is so hard!! Snowboarding is wayyy easier!!
Big Up on you, Big Mike!!
Keep on movin'!
Ya Leggs!!! Life is good!!!!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Mar 24, 2013 - 02:18am PT
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Big Mike your crushing man, good to see. Have a great day!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 24, 2013 - 02:39am PT
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Monday was the start of another week. I started off with a pt strengthening session with Derek. After I worked my butt off, I thought I would be working with my walking pt, but instead I had ot, so I walked over there with my Nigel.
We started with some standing squats, focusing on my right hip flexors. Then we started working on my left foot. I've been having some trouble lifting my left toe when i walk and doing a proper heel toe step as a result, so Nigel got out a ball and we practiced kicking it and stopping it by stepping on it with my left foot. Then he asked me just to use my heel.
After i had that pretty well mastered, Nigel asked me to try and incorporate that into my walking. I was able to activate my toe a lot more after that.
After ot i went upstairs and rested. I had a decent lunch and at two, had my pt. After some walking exercises we did some walking and i cruised around the halls and through the gym. It was probably 800m, a lot more than i had done so far. It tired me out pretty good.
As i was heading back to my room, tash called. Her and Ryan were waiting when i arrived. Tash threw some of my laundry in the wash and Ryan and I had a nice chat while she was upstairs.
When she got back, we went for a walk (roll for me) around harry's park.
We stopped at a bench on the other side, and i took some pics.
Tash and Ryan
What kind of tree is this? Harry?
March in the park
Then as we returned to gf strong, i invented a new comedy routine for disabled people, complaining about how disabled people affect able people's lives, and how they get special treatment.. It started when my chair was taking up the whole sidewalk, and a guy had to detour around me.
"Friggin disabled people, always taking up the whole darn sidewalk"'....
Dunno... Could be a little controversial... Definitely only works for a guy in a chair ;)
When we got back, tash hung my stuff for me and they took off.. That was pretty much the end of my day..
Edit ya ryan!! Sending it!! Having a few peeps over at my place saturday night if your not working!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 25, 2013 - 03:39pm PT
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Ya naitch!! Rip one for me dude !!
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Mar 25, 2013 - 11:37pm PT
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Keep on keepin' on, mate - good on ya!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 25, 2013 - 11:43pm PT
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Thanks pete!!
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Fish Boy
Social climber
Squeamish
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Mar 26, 2013 - 12:19am PT
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Glad to see you're doing so well man, catch ya soon!
-peace-
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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Mar 26, 2013 - 12:28am PT
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Awesome to see you progressing so well Mike! We've been thinking about you during this bit of nice weather and being thankful for our health.
Hopefully we can rope up together by the end of this season. If not we'll drag you up on the first wheelchair ascent of the apron. see if you can get some 5.10 stealth tires for that rig.
Kris
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 26, 2013 - 12:43am PT
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Ya nick!!
I'll be sending this summer kris. No worries. Soon enough. I will be training Sandra a lot this summer and getting some practice in on the easy stuff first i think. Maybe some cleaning too!
We'll see.
I'm so behind on my journal it's ridiculous. Oh well. It is what it is.
Tuesday was crazy busy!! I thought i had a double block of pt in the morning, but it turned out i had ot. Ot went well, nothing special.
After i was supposed to have a meeting with the drug and alcohol counsellor but i got her to move it to this week because my day was such a gong show.
This allowed me to get my wheelchair fixed finally. It's been pulling to the right ever since i got it. I went to see the boys in wheelchair services and they said to get my nurse to bring it down and they'd fix me right up.
I went back upstairs and jaydeen my awesome nurse took it down for me. i got to chill in my bed for awhile which was nice cause the double pt blocks wear me out.
I asked my social worker to meet me in my office, so i could chill in bed. She agreed and the meeting went well. She also agreed to let me set meetings when i want them rather than having a standard appointment. I really don't need to talk to her every week since i'm in pretty good spirits. I find it rather annoying anyways since it makes my tuesday pretty nuts!
After my sw left, i got ready for pt we did some standing exercises and then a bit of walking. To end the day i climbed my first set of stairs. First with the rails, then with one rail and one crutch. In total I did four stairs four times.
I was really excited about that because it was one of the final hurdles between me and going home for the weekend.
When i finished, i was bagged. I headed back to my room to chill for a bit.
My mom and sister came to visit for a bit, and went to grab my dinner for me when it was time. Then they let me snooze a bit before my pool outing.
The pool was awesome! I had lots of fun there. I noticed that my left leg certainly doesn't work the way that it used to. I was trying to flutter kick but i wasn't really going anywhere fast, i really had to concentrate to get going.
Walking in the deep end (it's only 4 feet deep) was fun, since i haven't done much walking unsupported.
After I tuckered myself out, I spent the rest of my hour of pool time, roasting in the walk in hot tub. The tub is actually attached to the pool, and you open a door and walk right in. Pretty cool for disabled people, since hot tubs can be particularly difficult to access.
I didn't want to leave!!! Eventually i had to, and we took the bus back to get fvcking strong.
I slept like a baby that night.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 26, 2013 - 01:10pm PT
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Uggh.. One of those days.. Shouldn't have stayed up so late last night!! Nap time!
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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Mar 26, 2013 - 01:30pm PT
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........"I slept like a baby that night......"
I remember the last time I "slept like a baby"....I wet the bed and cryed all night. LOL. ...Man....good times, but I digress, sounds like you are on the path to wellness though, damned nice.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Mar 26, 2013 - 04:02pm PT
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The pool was awesome! I had lots of fun there. I noticed that my left leg certainly doesn't work the way that it used to. I was trying to flutter kick but i wasn't really going anywhere fast, i really had to concentrate to get going.
Walking in the deep end (it's only 4 feet deep) was fun, since i haven't done much walking unsupported.
After I tuckered myself out, I spent the rest of my hour of pool time, roasting in the walk in hot tub. The tub is actually attached to the pool, and you open a door and walk right in. Pretty cool for disabled people, since hot tubs can be particularly difficult to access.
I didn't want to leave!!! Eventually i had to, and we took the bus back to get fvcking strong.
I slept like a baby that night.
Sooo excited for Mike to home for the weekend!! I think he's getting a little stir crazy at Get F**king Strong. I'll be able to bring him to Meadowpark to swim/hot tub a couple times while he's home. :)
Thanks for all the posts, visits, gifts, donations and cards everyone!! Thanks for EVERYTHING...you've helped Mike (and I) more than you may know... its been incredible to see. Because of all the gifts, cards and visitors he's now known at GFS as "Mr. Hollywood". LOVE it! :)
As for the "ropegun wedding"...i best be getting my leads together quick! haha.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Mar 26, 2013 - 04:13pm PT
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Oh and Weeg...awesome lamp btw! Finally got time today after work before the gym to run down to the Re-Use It Centre in Whistler to see about getting him a used lampshade. Wish me luck!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 26, 2013 - 04:26pm PT
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Sweet babe! I wanna get this lamp rockin!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 27, 2013 - 10:50am PT
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I remember the last time I "slept like a baby"....I wet the bed and cryed all night. LOL. ...Man....good times, but I digress, sounds like you are on the path to wellness though, damned nice.
Damn couch.., that sounds lame!! ;)
I was rudely awakened at 6am this morning, because my roommate has an early appointment. FVCK!!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Mar 27, 2013 - 11:29am PT
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To end the day i climbed my first set of stairs.
Major milestone, dude. That's often the ticket out of the hospital -- as in "We're not letting you out of here until you show us you can go up and down a full flight of stairs by yourself."
Keep on it.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 27, 2013 - 11:42am PT
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You guys are soooo cute :-)
Where? ;)
"We're not letting you out of here until you show us you can go up and down a full flight of stairs by yourself."
Yup. That's the deal. That's why i get weekend passes now. Thank god. Maybe i can get 8 hours sleep for once!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 27, 2013 - 01:42pm PT
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Yay!! "Package for mr hollywood" says the nurse!
I recieved Neebee's beautiful dream catcher today! She also sent some lovely earrings for Sandra!
I just had to take a picture.
Thanks Neebs!!
Hopefully we can get a lampshade for weege's super cool lamp so i can get a proper picture of that too.
Edit
Might as well put up a couple shots of my room i took this weekend too
My humble abode
Phylp's cool print and mh2's awesome collage with the climbing poster scrubber passed on to me.
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Mar 27, 2013 - 04:01pm PT
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Good to see that you're progressing nicely, Mike. You might be home just in time for Spring. Then again, if I had a hot tub, hot nurse, and hot meals...I might stick around a while.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 27, 2013 - 09:03pm PT
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Thanks Elcap. Once i leave here, i gotta pay for pt and pain meds, so i'm definetly going to take advantage of this opportunity while i have it. Less distractions here too (besides the sleeping ones) so easier to focus on my recovery.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 28, 2013 - 12:26am PT
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hey there say, big mike... wow, the stairs, now THAT is great progress, :O :)
say, it sure took a long time to get the dreamcatcher to you, :))
i could not add all the feathers, in three strings, as i like, 'cause i got
to get more leather strips, so i am using them sparingly, or, i'd
have put more feathers on...
most all my recent ones are the single feather now...
however, i just got some new beads, so am most glad for that...
looks like it came on a great day, though, during your dreams of going home for the weekend... weekend, only? or do you need to stay, for getting
'weller' :) before you can reallyyyyyyy go home to stay...
:)
sooo happy for you, big mike!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 28, 2013 - 02:22am PT
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I did two flights of stairs today neebs! I can now officially skip the elevator if i'm feeling bold and have lots of energy. Yes, weekend only. I need more work before i can walk without the crutches, and that is my goal. At least for a little bit.
I also have access to lots of stuff here that isn't cheap when i leave and need to save my funds for my longterm physio care. Daily physio just isn't going to happen anywhere else, and i need to focus, so this the place for me at the moment.
Your dreamcatcher may have taken awhile, but it is timely as you said. Even more so because i found out that my childhood dog Kobe passed away while i was in Vegas before i injured myself today. I geuss with all the commotion my parents forgot to tell me about it.
I was pretty shocked when i talked to my dad tonight and he accidentally dropped the bomb on me. He said he'd been getting up early lately and i said "why to walk kobe?" to which he replied "no, no dog anymore". I said "what???? Kobe died????" "Ya i thought you knew??"
I almost broke out in tears right there but i kept it toghether long enough to get off the phone, and have my nurse leave my room (she just happened to bring my meds right at that moment). Then i wailed like a baby for about an hour, right through my shower and when i got out i called Sandra and she calmed me down a little. I'm tearing up right now writing this though. It's good for my soul to just get it out and deal with it.
I'll be fine. Just a bit of a shock, it's hard to lose a family member. The last time i was home, he snuck out of his bed and came and jumped into mine and we cuddled all night.. I will miss him dearly.. RIP KOBE!!
Ok that's it i'm done for tonight. I hope you are all well and don't worry i'll be fine, i'm just dealing with it still...
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Mar 28, 2013 - 08:46am PT
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Sorry to hear that, Big Mike...Dogs don't last as long as us. I think it's because all that love can't be contained for very long. Their candle burns bright & fast. RIP Kobe.
I'm amazed & stoked by your progress, though. I think it's the vibes. Keep it up, man. You're doing great. (Mr. Hollywood....Hehehe).
WOOT!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 28, 2013 - 10:04am PT
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I did two flights of stairs today
Holy shiiiiiite man! That's awesome! Hope you have a great time at home this weekend bro.
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Roots
Mountain climber
SoCal
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Mar 28, 2013 - 12:10pm PT
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Awesome news on the progress!
PS make your bed you bum!
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Mar 28, 2013 - 05:52pm PT
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Time for some travel stoke!
A couple weeks ago, Christina and I were in Death Valley looking for an F-100 Super Sabre crash site. Here are a few pics of the trip.
Then we took a trip to Kelso Dunes, and found an endangered Desert Tortoise on the road. He kept following me to get in the shade I was casting, so I managed to move him off the road without touching him.
Our second trip to DV last weekend was fun too. We firmly located the site of the F-100, but it's in super steep terrain and our friend couldn't make it up to the site. We then went and located the site of an SR-71 crash, and camped out in DV in awesome temps. The next day, we went to another F-100 site that I have already visited and did some more cataloging of the parts that are there. All in all, awesome trips!
Edit to add, really sorry to hear about your pup. When I lost mine, I hadn't seen her in years, as she had been living with my Mom. It still hurt, big time.
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Mar 28, 2013 - 06:18pm PT
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I managed to move him off the road without touching him.
Perfect! Most people aren't aware that if you handle them, they often freak out (think it's a predator) and void their bladder/intestines as a defensive mechanism...this, in turn, severely dehydrates them and if there isn't adequate vegetation around for them to munch and replinish the lost water, they die.
Once you get on the CA side of I-10,15, or 40 you might notice that the much of the right of way fence has a second layer of fencing on the bottom 1/3 with very small openings, and when the fenceline ends, that smaller opening fencing is run in a sort of "U" shape to act as a forced turnaround/cul-de-sac for tortoise cruising along the fence. This is specifically to excluse tortoise from the roadway, and is present in most of the designated critical habitat area, although not all (not yet anyway. CalTrans usually mandates addition of tortoise fence to areas in critical habitat without it when that section of road is up for resurfacing).
So Big Mike, heal up and come on down to groove on the tortoises.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 28, 2013 - 06:25pm PT
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Sorry to hear that, Big Mike...Dogs don't last as long as us. I think it's because all that love can't be contained for very long. Their candle burns bright & fast. RIP Kobe.
Thanks cap! I know. It was just a shock. I'm dealing better with it today. You're spot on about pups. They give it their all and then head off into the blue yonder.
Don't want to sound like your Mom but,
Pick up that messy room Mike and remove that porn from the walls! LOL
Ya right Tad! ;) i'm so tired from busting my ass usually, it's all i can do just to get to my bed and pass out! :D
Yesterday i passed out for a good three hours after pt. She had me on my feet for over an hour! The stairs were the last thing i did!!
Holy shiiiiiite man! That's awesome! Hope you have a great time at home this weekend bro.
Ya buddy!! Killing it!! Have fun in leavenworth!!
PS make your bed you bum!
Thank god the cleaning ladies do that for me! I think i could almost do it now..
Super cool pics Trav!! Sounds like fun!! I take it since you catalogue parts, you guys leave the crash site as is and don't take souvenirs?
Edit to add, really sorry to hear about your pup. When I lost mine, I hadn't seen her in years, as she had been living with my Mom. It still hurt, big time.
Thanks dude. It hurt pretty good last night, but Kobe did his time, and hopefully he's having fun out there somewhere!
I had a good day again today. This afternoon in ot we played some games in the games room i managed to play ping pong without my crutches, but i sucked just as bad as before i hurt myself, and then we played two games of pool without crutches, and i just put one hand down on the table lightly to walk around it!!
My ot suggested i could start climbing again (on toprope) for rehab! He asked my pt and they agreed that when my surgeon cleared me I could start climbing again in the gym!!!!
SO STOKED!! Hopefully we can get my post op checkup done next week!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOO FRICKIN HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Mar 28, 2013 - 06:49pm PT
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NIIIICE on getting cleared to top rope! Awesome! I am so stoked every time I read your progress reports. Keep it up!
Yeah, I am very anti removing anything from crash sites. A lot of the ones we visit are close to 50 years old, and some of them have historical significance. Everyone wants to take a "souvenir" and pretty soon there isn't anything left. That's what happened with the SR-71 site - very well known and right next to a road. We found three fragments about the size of a quarter, and the remains of the power lines it hit coming in. Several years back, this guy got the grand idea to go out there and get everything he could find and is still trying to sell the pieces online.
We have visited the site of an F-100 that hit a United airliner here in Vegas, total loss was 49 people. That was the straw that broke the camels back, along with the airliner midair in the Grand Canyon, and caused the formation of the FAA a few months later.
There is another F-100 (yeah they crashed a lot) near here that was flown by a gentleman named Boyd, and the crash almost cost him his Air Force career. He went on to write the book on dogfighting strategies and tactics, many of which are still in use today. The location of that site is a very closely held secret.
Here are a few crash site photos - when jets hit, they usually scatter all over the place. The debris field at this site is almost a mile long, with the engine at the end of it.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Mar 28, 2013 - 10:36pm PT
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Hey Big Mike (Mr. Hollywood :)
Thanks for keeping the updates coming. Your stoke is contagious. I bet they'll miss you a lot when you leave GF Strong! Great news about the top roping. Keep working at it. I always check this thread. A year from now and you'll be ripping it up again.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 28, 2013 - 11:14pm PT
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NIIIICE on getting cleared to top rope! Awesome! I am so stoked every time I read your progress reports. Keep it up!
Almost. Just gotta convince my surgeon when i get to see him. Everything is healing well as far as i can see so i don't know why he wouldn't let me!
Cool crash site photos man! I understand the logic for sure. Too bad everyone else doesn't. Nowadays the faa comes and cleans up the whole mess for analysis no?
Thanks Kulan Shan! Thanks for the donation and the cool book too! I haven't had a chance to dive into it yet, but i'm looking forward to it!!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Mar 29, 2013 - 01:44am PT
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Tami sez:
Happy Easter Mike
Not being religious, Easter never meant anything to me. And all those stories about some epiphanal bolt-from-the-blue turning some sinner's life around seemed silly.
But the other day, just as Easter was approaching, my work in the garden was interrupted by the arrival of...
No sh#t. This little guy just suddenly showed up and moved in. He (she?) follows me around, likes to be patted (or at least puts up with being patted), and does his share of the work by eating copious quantities of weeds.
And when I got down on the ground beside him yesterday, he came up nose-to-nose, and said: "Get off your f*#king ass and get that package sent off to Big Mike."
I used to mock people who said they'd seen the face of Jesus in a piece of toast, but not any more. I'm headed to the Post Office tomorrow, before something really ugly happens.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Mar 29, 2013 - 04:53am PT
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Ghost born again??
Big Mike, sorry about Kobe. I feel for u there dude, I love my pooch so much but when u get them you know what ur signing up for. Chances are if he grew up with you he probably lived the best life a dog could ever wish for......
As for you tho, sounds like ur kicking some serious ass! Way to go dude, have a great weekend sleeping in your own bed, you are a lucky guy to be bouncing back so quick & it's really cool to see!
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Mar 29, 2013 - 10:19am PT
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So great to read about your progress, Mike! Wishing you and Baby Doll a fantastic weekend!
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Mar 29, 2013 - 11:11am PT
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a hero's tale,
unfolding right here.
good stuff mike.
thank you for
the reassurance
that we behold within us
a dormant valiance that
that erupts from
the heart when
the feet falter.
ps dude you gotta get a shade and bulb
for the lance, i mean lamp.
mike's got enough on his plate,
could one of you locals pick up
some cheap earth-tone lamp shade
at the thrift shop
(there's probably one write next to the pub)
and a 60 watt (how do canadians quantify illuminance?)incandescent bulb (don't get one of those flourescent jobs they quill the mood.)
please.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 29, 2013 - 03:27pm PT
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Have been busier than a one-legged guy in an ass-kicking competition and hated the first painting I started so painted gesso over it today. :-D
Awesome tami!! i love that line!!
No sh#t. This little guy just suddenly showed up and moved in. He (she?) follows me around, likes to be patted (or at least puts up with being patted), and does his share of the work by eating copious quantities of weeds.
LOL!! That's awesome Dave!! Where did you get that acid that made him talk to you?? LOL!!
Too funny man. I needed a laugh. You're sending me a package?? Stoked!!! Thanks!!
Big Mike, sorry about Kobe. I feel for u there dude, I love my pooch so much but when u get them you know what ur signing up for. Chances are if he grew up with you he probably lived the best life a dog could ever wish for......
Thanks Ryan. I miss him, but he's gone to a better place now. He was so cute, last time i was home, he couldn't see, but once he caught a whiff of me he was so stoked. Barking and wriggling around, wagging his tail like hell.. That's how i'll always remember him for sure.
I'm stoked i'm doing so well too. A lot of people are. That just spurs me on even more.
Wishing you and Baby Doll a fantastic weekend!
Thanks Wayne. I still don't know how she ended up with that avatar... Oh well.. It's fitting ;)
a hero's tale,
unfolding right here.
Weege!! Your writing is truly inspiring dude!! I still have that gravity quote on my whiteboard.
Sandra tried to find a shade at the re-use it center, but was unsuccessful in her mission. She simply hasn't had time to look for one anywhere else. As you say, i am pretty busy. If i could just jump in my truck, and go shopping, i would have it done by now. I will have a wheelchair accessible bus pass soon, so it will be easier then, but anything extra is quite a bit of work, and i'm usually super exhausted after a big day of working out.
So, if anyone would like to fulfil Weege's request, i would be quite obliged, and we can get that lance rocking!!!
I am currently writing this from my nice comfy bed, which i got an excellent sleep in last night. I feel more rested than i have been in the past five weeks!!
Whoo hoooo!!
Thanks to everyone especially my lovely girlfriend who got my butt home for the weekend!!
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Gian
Sport climber
Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
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Mar 29, 2013 - 08:08pm PT
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Hi Big Mike,
How are you? Sheila and I hope you're feeling okay now.
The crag's waiting for ya!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 30, 2013 - 11:15am PT
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Hi Gian, I am doing pretty darn good. I had a fantastic day of relaxing yesterday. I did an hdr edit;
Early spring in vancouver;
Caught up on some of my tv shows, and hung out with my friends Kyle, Nina and Heather when they stopped by and made dinner for me and Sandra! My buddy Rick came over too!
Then a nice HOT shower unlike any i have had since i left VGH which was super sweet, and a restful sleep in my bed, although i guess i still woke up too many times for Sandra...
Today should be fun too, a bunch of friends are coming over tonight to say hi. All are welcome but it's a pretty small venue so it should be interesting. I think we are going to have to hold my official welcome home shindig at the pub in squamish or something as there will be more room there.. Dunno, tba.
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Mar 30, 2013 - 11:22am PT
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Sounds like yer doin' well Mike.Sounding full of positivity too!Positive Eastside vibes in yer direction!
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Mar 30, 2013 - 11:52am PT
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guess i still woke up too many times for Sandra
TMI, young man, wink, wink, ; )
Susan
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 30, 2013 - 12:11pm PT
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This whole thread is tmi!! Oops!!
Thanks cap! ;)
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Mar 30, 2013 - 12:20pm PT
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Plus-Hey,I live a whole two blocks from Palmas and I know how you hate that place so make sure and look me up next time yer in town.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 30, 2013 - 12:43pm PT
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What??? You live near las palmas??! Damn!! Send me a burrito buddy!! ;) For sure i will capt! Bishop rulez!!
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Mar 30, 2013 - 02:47pm PT
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I tried to find a lamp shade for that beautiful lamp Weeg but no luck so far (Red Cross or the Re-Use It Centre failed to meet our needs!). Haven't had time to make another Walmart stop and the last time i was there i was trying to find an anti-slip bathtub mat for Mike and forgot to look for a shade...plus i wanted to go to the thrift store first...which I've now done, without much success.
Question: Does it need a type of shade that attaches directly to the lightbulb itself or one that attaches to the post??
And it was a GLORIOUS treat to come home after a hard day of work to my OWN house and have dinner cooked by someone else!!! THANK YOU NINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you're amazing! :) I ate too many of those cookies though! haha. HOpefully I can find a way to give back to you and Kyle sometime soon!
Oh and Neebs.... THANK YOU for the beautiful earrings which brightened my day. I wore them yesterday. :)
have a good day everyone!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 30, 2013 - 04:18pm PT
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Cool tune Captain! thanks!
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MH2
climber
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Mar 31, 2013 - 12:33am PT
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I've been thinking about that lamp. It looks so good. No pressure, here, but ultimately it should get a shade that looks like a cloud, or such suitable companionship. I remember a phase my family went through making lampshades out of balsa wood and paper. Don't wanna burn stuff down, of course, and for now any shade that grips the bulb sounds better than none. I don't know if poor little old me will come up with a good idea, but I can point out the obvious, at least.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Mar 31, 2013 - 12:49am PT
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Yo Mike.
When the time comes, think about a trip to Arizona.
I'd love to show you around the Stronghold, you'd dig it.
Keep it up champ.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Bump for Big Mike :)
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Big Mike, good to see ya yesterday!
Before anyone gets too concerned or the drs see this an boot him outta the clinic I should say that Mike is about 20' away from the car & belaying thru the shot holes in the rock next to him so no impact on that big ol spine of his!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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So he's not giving a hip belay? That's badass.
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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When the time comes, think about a trip to Arizona.
I'd love to show you around the Stronghold, you'd dig it.
Take Jefe up on that offer Mike. The Stronghold is one of the best cragging venues in North America.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Maybe you can drag him with you Ghost?
Some chickenhead hiking/glory climbing could be just what the doctor ordered come October.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Don't mean to rain on the parade, but Mike, if you had to hold a leader fall...
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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belaying on morphine is underrated...
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, big mike...
oho my, i am the 'mommy' gramma type, and i am sending a tad
of rain, to join johntp's rain:
don't risk the spine, at all, :O
say there to baby doll:
ohhhhh, so very glad you loved the earrings...
the 'helpers' need good cheer, too, when helping
the 'need help' -ers... :)
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grover
climber
Northern Mexico
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Neebee and John.. all is well.
BM is not belaying from a harness, he is using a block of granite instead.
Someone buy this man a harness dammit!!!! ;)
Great to see you outside amongst the bluffs Mike!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Grover read the fine print! :)
Yea. No leader falls for this guy yet. Top rope with anchor supports only!
Jefe i'm down! I have a feeling a big ol' roadtrip will be in order when the time comes!!
I have lots of taco friends to come visit!!
Great to see you outside amongst the bluffs Mike!
Thanks bud!! Twas simply amazing to be there again!!
Some better shots of my belay setup by Aislinn Merkel
Gotta keep the belay hand strong!!! ;)
Check out http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=1618401&msg=2105550#msg2105550
For more pics and info from yesterday!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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So I know I've been slacking on the progress reports. Truth is i've been pretty darn busy, and got tired of the daily thing a bit. My recovery continues at a rapid pace. I had an amazing weekend at home thanks to my beautiful girlfriend.
Thursday night she picked me up after a very long stressful day. The ride home went well but we stopped for dinner first so i spent a large amount of time sitting before we ever even left the city. I managed up furry creek hill before we had to stop so i could stretch my legs. After a couple more stops we made it home and was very thankful to jump in my cushy bed.
Friday was straight chillin. I didn't get out of bed until noon. It was heavenly. Then lots of tv, followed by a nice dinner with Sandra and some cuddles on the couch.
Saturday was more of the same, with some friends coming over in the evening for a very nice get together.
Sunday was a chillaxing day for both sandra and i. We slept in late, and lazed around the house for a bit. In the afternoon we went swimming, followed by a little sushi dinner.
Monday morning i bid Sandra adieu as she was ever so nice to pack up all my stuff for me.
Then kyle and nina picked me up, and brought me to the smoke bluffs!!
Nina chillin
Brownie says Whattup!!
Ryand gets his groove on
Yula looking cute while Brownie rigs up a rope harness
I was pretty wired that night and had some trouble hitting the hay..
Yesterday was good. I stepped it up in strengthening pt after figuring out how my ankle worked a bit better this weekend. In ot we figured out my hip flexors a bit more and worked on those. Then they moved me to a new room! I'm now in the south wing which is the more independent wing. I get my own room now! Pretty sweet. Less nurses stopping by too which is even sweeter!!
After moving all my stuff i was pretty tired so i asked the drug and alcohol counsellor to come grill me in my room. That all went pretty well and then she left me with 20 mins to snooze before my pt.
I was pretty bagged when i got there so we just did some testing to figure out where my new baseline was with my legs after all the strengthening work i've been doing these past couple weeks. I still need lots more work on my hips, so we did some floor exercises and i got tired pretty fast.
I managed to get my butt off the floor with some tricks she showed me last week, and she sent me back to my room early since i was so bagged from all the goings on of the day. We met one of the vendors in the hallway and went up to my room to discuss the few things i would need to purchase for when i went home. We arranged to look at some forearm crutches, as well as some butt pads. Then my pt took my wheelchair away! No more wheeling for me!!
I passed out for a bit on the other bed, then cleaned my bed (they put all my stuff on it when i moved!) and went to dinner. After dinner, a little taco action, and then my tuesday night pool session. I managed to find some reserve energy in the tank, but kept it pretty mellow. We got back around nine and then i passed out just after 11.
I slept pretty sweet in my own room with little distraction. This morning i got up and went to strengthening, and had another pt right after, where we worked on some driving exercises for my left clutch foot, followed by a little bike time.
Then i had ot where i worked on hip strength again. After a short session i looked at my schedule and found that i was in the pool at one! I had a nap before lunch and then it was off to my first pool pt here in the building!
Pool session was pretty sweet. We did some stretching and then some walking, forwards sideways and backwards. We finished it off with some kicking.
I went back to my room for some taco'ing but it was such a nice day eventually i got bored and had to go enjoy some sun, so i went and grabbed a ball from pt, and played some hoops outside in the courtyard. That wore me out pretty fast so after 45 mins or so i went back to my room to lay down again.
I found myself nodding off around dinnertime, and struggled to get down to the dayroom to eat. I was supposed to go to Tai Chi after, but just didn't have anything left, so i came back to my bed refuge and taco'ed some more. That's pretty much it..
I'm almost walking normally now. Playing ball was pretty tough with a crutch in one hand.. ;)
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Good to see you are so busy that you can't get bored. One day you will look back at this as a distant memory and just a blip in your otherwise productive life.
Playing ball was pretty tough with a crutch in one hand
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Post 700! Read that stoke baby!
Good morning Mike, hope you're doing well today. Really happy to see you back out and on belay duty, that's awesome. Keep it up!
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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So I know I've been slacking on the progress reports. Truth is i've been pretty darn busy, and got tired of the daily thing a bit. My recovery continues at a rapid pace.
Great!
Yup, probably best to concentrate on your pt, let other things slide. With a spine injury, the first few weeks and months are critical. Good to hear you are off the wheelchair.
With climbing, I'd recommend an indoor wall and toproping (no leading!) on juggy stuff that is vertical or just slightly overhanging. You can use your upper body to "spot" whatever your legs and feet can stand on/push off of. Lower-angle terrain, however "easy" mightl be pretty challenging. Keep the toprope tightish.
And careful with lowering to the ground, have your belayer go slow and easy.
It's excellent therapy, once your body feels up for it.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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One day you will look back at this as a distant memory and just a blip in your otherwise productive life.
My life's been productive? ;)
Nice pic Harry! Some inspiration for sure. I don't think i'm gonna need these things for that much longer tho... Six months tops.
Look forward to seeing you when you are well again. Do me a favour and give bmacd a call, if you haven't spoken to him lately.
happy to see you back out and on belay duty, that's awesome. Keep it up!
Ya man! Stoked to get out there again! For sure!
For you, BigMike, it's calm waters from here on out!
Thanks ekat! That looks fun! I could totally paddle right now. That would be sweet.
With climbing, I'd recommend an indoor wall and toproping (no leading!) on juggy stuff that is vertical or just slightly overhanging. Keep the toprope tightish.
Yup! That's the plan for sure. Everything else is secondary to my therapy for sure. I just started setting up my room today. It drives Sandra crazy because she stresses when things aren't done, but i have my priorities straight. Everything else will happen in due time..
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Roots
Mountain climber
SoCal
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Looking good Big Mike!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, just checking up o big mike :)
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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And now for a message from our sponsers: Uncle Ben says "Hope your mending up well. Have a beer."
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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My life's been productive? ;)
THAT cracked me up! Gak, isn't that how we all feel sometimes?!
I've heard that kittens are good in helping improving rehab time.
So does thinking fondly of your countrymen in uniform.
Just trying to help man.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Thanks Roots and neebee! Good to see your looking out!
Hi Kris! Tell Uncle Ben i'll have one but no more as they mess with my pain meds and dilute them! No fun!
Yowza Bruce! I like kittens!! ;)
Well another day on the gf spine ward. My day started off with my nurse waking me 15 mins early. I wasn't super pleased about it, but i asked her nicely if she could please refrain from doing so in the future..
I started doing a bit of exercise for my morning commute..
I made it to pt early which is rare. Strengthening went well and i bumped up the weight a bit for my leg exercises. I had pt directly after that, and we did some more driving stuff.
Then we focused on my shoulder a bit to help out an old separation i had which is nice, and then off to the bars for some balancing. I was on one of those soft half balls, but upside down, and it was not too hard.
The she says "try it with your eyes closed! " That was hard. I managed to stay upright, but not too much else. We did some more foot routines for my clutch foot, then calf raises followed by some tippy toes walking.
I thought i had a appointment with my pharmacist, but it turned out i was mistaken so i just taco'ed a bit till lunch. Lunch has been quite fun lately, joking around with the usual characters, and some of the nurses.
I went back to my room and started to put up some of my pictures and stuff. It's still pretty disorganized tho, and i kinda like it that way, because it feels like my room growing up.
I got tired of standing after fourty five minutes, so i hit the sack for a bit and chilled. Then i headed off to OT where i had a medical student ask me if he could sit in on our session. I said yes so he started to grill me a bit. After a few questions i turned the table on him. Turns out he helped startup a energy solutions company that installs a lot of solar panels on houses and buildings in california.
Then Nigel showed up and we started off with some barefoot standing and stepping, followed by some short walking without the crutches.
We also did some more hip strengthening stuff and i tried catching and kicking the ball again. After a bit he told me to kick the ball with my eyes closed. I actually did better at that than with visual clues! ;)
We finished up the session with a walk, and a short stint outside in the pouring rain to see how i would fair on the wet grass. It was fine. At the end of the walk, i went back up the stairs that i started my day by going down.
The rest of my day was pretty mellow. Some taco'ing and a bit more room arranging..
Tomorrow is another day and then I get to go home again!! Thanks to Luke and Ais coming to pick me up!!
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Great update Mike.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 5, 2013 - 01:58pm PT
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Whoa man, I can't believe you are doing stairs Mike! That is amazing. The picture of the stairwell kinda made my arse pucker. That's where I screwed up my knee on Monday, at work walking down the stairs. I have a partial tear of my MCL.
Sooooo, ya. I'm stuck at home unable to walk while you are ripping up the carpet over there. Pretty funny ehhhhhh?!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Thanks Bruce!
Awww poor Relic! Which knee did you screw up? The bad one again?
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 5, 2013 - 04:33pm PT
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yeh the right one
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Ohh right knee.. No driving then! No!
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cowpoke
climber
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then I get to go home again!! Woo hoo!!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Heck ya!! I found out my appointment with my surgeon isn't till the 29th, but my resident dr, said she would send him an email to ask if it was ok to climb in the gym again!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I missed a couple of decent pictures when i got behind last week.
Jim Brennan was kind enough to stop by and he, Sandra and i went for a walk..
The next day Sandra snuck me out of the hospital to buy some pants at mec.
Me making my first wheelchair purchase
It was a pretty sweet day and this view from the flagship mec rooftop parking lot.
Luke should be here shortly to pick me up..
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silentone
Mountain climber
wisconsin
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Mike very cool to see your doing well.
I don't know you but I feel like I do.
I'm sending you somthing and would like to order some of your prints, are you still at the same address just a different room?
Please post it up so I can send you some stoke.
Carry on
wishing you and Sandra all the best
S.O.(Paul)
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 6, 2013 - 11:19am PT
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Umm so I heard you like crack?
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Wow...I'm so NOT photogenic. :(
But...happy that Mike's camera happy :)
And also glad he's home for the weekend again...albeit the snoring issue has returned.
Off to the pool again tonight with Mike. :)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mike very cool to see your doing well.
I don't know you but I feel like I do.
I'm sending you somthing and would like to order some of your prints, are you still at the same address just a different room?
Please post it up so I can send you some stoke.
Thanks Paul! I guess i've been letting people get to know me via this thread. I've had nothing but positive results so far so i'm pretty stoked! I'm in room 248 now, but stuff addressed to my old room will still find me so no worries.
Thanks Captain! Wishing you the best dude!
Cool pic Relic!! Sweet Problem! I hope your knee gets dealt with the right way. That sucks.
Don't be such a self hater babe. Looking forward to the pool tonight!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 10, 2013 - 02:50pm PT
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So i had a purdy good weekend. After a very nice ride home from Luke and Ais friday night, i crashed out hard. I didn't get to the pool unfortunately because Sandra developed some horrible back spasm's at work on saturday. Sunday I went out to wildwood with Kyle and Heather and ordered the three benny. I love their benny's! It was a real treat to get back there again.
Amazing Bennys!
Sandra was kind enough to give me a ride back to GF sunday night and we stopped at Essence of India in Squish on the way. They had just finished a remodel and the place looked amazing.
Monday morning i woke up really stuffed up. I was sniffy all weekend but i was hoping that it was just allergies. I did ok in pt though, and got into the weight gym with my pt to figure out some exercises for my shoulder. Then I went back to my room, and ran into the doctor in the hallway. We discussed my condition for a bit and she told me to keep an eye on it and let them know if it got any worse.
I had pool at 1 and that went pretty well. We did some nice stretching and walking, forwards, backwards, sideways.
Then finished it off with some kick board.
After some rest, i went down to ot, where i found out that Nigel had double booked me. I was kinda tired anyways so i let him see his other client, and i went and dealt with some paperwork i've been needing to do for awhile.
I went to dinner at five, and after that, i crashed hard. I woke up once for my meds, and then got up for a bit at 11 and couldn't get back sleep till 2.
Yesterday i woke up not feeling so hot. It was definitely a head cold. I went to pt, and put in my best, but the energy just wasn't there. At ten, i was supposed to have another hour and my pt said "you're done. Go sleep."
I obliged happily and spent most of my day in bed. I was pretty choked because a nurse had brought this cold in on friday, and one of the other nurses warned me about her. I did my best to stay away from her, but i'm pretty sure that's where i got it from. I haven't been around anyone else who's been sick.
I got out of bed for dinner, but sat well away from everyone. I dumped my plate of hospital food and ate my currie leftovers instead which was way better!
After dinner i snoozed a bit till Anders showed up and brought me some tea and a nasal rinse setup at Sandra's request.
We had a nice visit and as always a quality chat. He had another engagement to attend, so i bid him adieu, and thanked him for his kindness.
I'm really concentrating on trying to get rid of this thing, so i can continue kicking ass at rehab.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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Apr 10, 2013 - 08:16pm PT
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hey mike i'd like to do
the nose with you when
you feel ready.
i totally just put you
on the spot but
i think we could both
use a goal like this.
keep at it mike,
you're making strides.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Apr 10, 2013 - 10:41pm PT
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hey there say, big mike... get well soon...
and tami! oh my... hope you are well... that's toooo long to be sick, :(
god bless, to all...
hope sandra's back is okay, too, :)
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Rolfr
Social climber
North Vancouver BC
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Apr 11, 2013 - 12:35am PT
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Dude that is some mighty large eating. I guess that how you stay being Big Mike!
Food, the good drug.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 11, 2013 - 04:13am PT
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Thanks Captain. I needed some good tunes!
That cold/flu thing will be a week ( at least )in the badness. We've got it here
Say it ain't so! Oh well.. It's been 5 days now, so i geuss only a couple more? I had a huge nap after swimming this afternoon, and i feel lots better. Tell Phil I wish him my best!
hey mike i'd like to do
the nose with you when
you feel ready.
Weege!!! Let's go!! I can't wait!! I will be busting my ass to get back to health asap. I don't know exactly when this will be a reality, but i'm down! I wanna try and free a lot of it but camp a bit too. Kinda like how Vitaly did it! I don't want to rush up there, i would like to enjoy our time on the big stone!!
It sounds like you are doing well with your current mission. Kudos man. That sh!t is hard.
hey there say, big mike... get well soon...
god bless, to all...
hope sandra's back is okay, too, :)
Thanks Neebs. Sandra's been working too hard, busting her ass to take care of me and stressing too much. She needs a break. I hope she can get one soon.
Dude that is some mighty large eating. I guess that how you stay being Big Mike!
Food, the good drug.
Hell ya!! Back up to 215 again!! Starting to get some of that muscle mass back!
Mmmmmmmm bennies!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 12, 2013 - 07:15pm PT
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Yup. Getting there!! ;)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
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Apr 12, 2013 - 07:17pm PT
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HELLA! I can't wait to get back in the gym! Surgeon said no till he sees me on the 27th at least..
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
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Apr 12, 2013 - 07:37pm PT
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I am.. Don't wanna f this up. That's why i'm waiting for doc's approval. I'm still using my canes for safety and to help get my stride just right.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 12, 2013 - 08:05pm PT
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Ya eh? Snowboarding next year will be weird for sure! ;)
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Gene
climber
|
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Apr 12, 2013 - 08:11pm PT
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That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! That dribble at 0:09 tells me all the parts are talking to each other.
Keep your game below the rim for a while, K? Don't wanna twist an ankle, right?
g
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 12, 2013 - 08:32pm PT
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Running isn't in my vocabulary yet.. Dunking? That requires jumping. Jump shots are next ;)
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Apr 13, 2013 - 01:59am PT
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Mike. Great to see you making good progress on the process of recovery. I'm getting closer to being there to see you and share what I can. What is a good day and time to visit and where? I haven't been on my computer very much recently , so I'm not sure where you will be be and when.
Peace Out.
Wayno
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 13, 2013 - 11:55am PT
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What is a good day and time to visit and where?
Wayno! I would love to see you buddy! I'm in rehab monday to friday and i usually have appointments till around 4. So anytime after four is usually good. Then i leave friday night to come home, till sunday night usually.
Pm me or call to let me know and i'll gladly confirm. If you can't make it during those hours we can figure something out.
Moose- What is woodfest??
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'Pass the Pitons' Pete
Big Wall climber
like Ontario, Canada, eh?
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Apr 13, 2013 - 04:04pm PT
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Snowboarding next year?
Man, after I busted my ankle - the first year skiing? No way.
I had the hardware taken out, and then the second season, I wasn't feeling the love. No skiing until the third season.
However, I did climb El Cap via Son of Heart about three weeks after they took out my diastasis screw. Did you know a crutch makes a good cheat stick?
Great video playing basketball! We should play sometime... [ahem]
Love the shot in the MEC, you Hoser, you. You need to explain the Merricans how bitchin' the MEC is.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 13, 2013 - 06:13pm PT
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Ya i wanna ride next year. See what the doc says. I'll be carefull that's for sure..
These dudes know what mec is, it's our version of rei. Some stuff is better, but some rei stuff is pretty rad too, like the rei thin puffy i got in vegas.
Wanna play some ball? You should roll out to the wet coast this season. Maybe tackle u-wall to roman chimney's while you're here or something!
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Apr 14, 2013 - 02:07pm PT
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Hey Mike -- I'm in your town. I'd love to arrange a visit, but I'm only here for 7 hours, and not allowed to leave the international transit zone at YVR while I wait for my flight to Hong Kong. On the short hop up here from Seattle I got a view of about eight zillion trillion tonnes of snow. Every mountain I could see was totally plastered, so naturally I thought of you -- in the hope that next year you'll be sliding down all that white stuff again.
Take care of yourself and work on the rehab -- maybe, if things go well, we can get out together this fall.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 14, 2013 - 02:25pm PT
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Things are going well Dave. We will be getting out this fall. One caveat. You're leading!! I'm currently at home (Whistler) surrounded by mountains. I love it. I'm just laying in my super comfy warm bed, but just being here is awesome!
We fought the crowds a little last night to go check out NAS. I didn't last long but what i caught was pretty sweet!!
Nas in Whistler
Thanks to Sandra for being brave enough to take me.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Apr 14, 2013 - 04:06pm PT
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Hideous.
Ah well, Vibes all the same. ;-)
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Apr 15, 2013 - 09:59pm PT
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Haha... "hideous"... not so much; but some of the idiots in the crowd sure were. I'm unfortunately an anxious person by nature so you can imagine how "brave" i had to be to go with Mike in his current condition. We did really well though considering. Mike and I ended up standing beside this big tower they have set up for the outdoor show and some girl was smoking up there and her ashes were falling down onto us...so Mike decided to take one of his canes and reach up...Waaaaay up and managed to hit her bag with the cane to get her attention. She was a little startled hahah.
I myself had to scream at a guy for being an ignorant you-know-what who acted like Mike was some sort of inconvenience or was faking or shouldn't have been there or something...he gave Mike this terrible look so I screamed at him (it was pretty loud though so not sure if he heard exactly what i yelled). Haha...don't mess with this girl!
Was sweet though...glad that Mike was able to get out to enjoy it!
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 17, 2013 - 06:48pm PT
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 21, 2013 - 03:51pm PT
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Ok, so i know it's been awhile. Last week was really good. It started out with my buddy Cam giving me a ride to the city.
Two gimps on the road.
On the way to Squish, the chief was so well lit up we had to stop at the Tantalus Lookout.
I wished i had a real camera with a telephoto lense..
Then we stopped for dinner at the Wiegan Pier a local fish and chips shoppe.
I took this sunset pic on the way out of town
Cam hadn't been to GFS yet so when we got there I showed him a around a bit and we played some gimp ball.
On Monday when i got back from my room, I had received a package from Guido with a very cool Hex shirt in it and a nice letter. It's always really nice to get something in the mail, especially a very cool shirt i can wear! Thanks Guido!
Not long after that Rolfr came and picked me up for lunch. It was good to meet him finally. We had lots to talk about between climbing and contracting, so it was an excellent meeting.
We went to Biercraft on Cambie street.
A quaint little pub, with excellent food. It was just the right venue to stimulate and excellent conversation. We talked about his recent trip to J-tree which he quite enjoyed and old times at Squamish.
Before i knew it we were done and it was back to the grindstone. I got Rolf to strike a pose for this shot just outside the pub.
Rolf got me back just in the nick of time for swimming, he must be a business man or something! ;) Thanks Rolf!!
That night, Anders stopped by for a bit and we had an excellent chat also. He stayed well past visiting hours, and we broached many subjects.
Anders has become an excellent friend since i've been incarcerated, and i hope i will be able to repay him for all the kindness he's shown to me. His visits always brighten my day.
Me with my new shirt on showing off my card wall.
Anders Ourum Photo
Tuesday was another great day. After seeing Relics pics from Squamish on monday i got a bit jealous and told him we should hang out tomorrow. He was happy to oblige and after my "work day" (aka rehab) was complete, he picked me up and took me out to a tasty burger at Modern Burger on broadway.
Modern Burger
It had cool old school decor and amazing service. The food was really good too.
Chocolate shake.
Burger and fries
Vintage toy collection at the till.
Then we still had some time before i had to get back for swimming, so relic suggested we go to Kits beach. I said, "HELL YES!!".
Beautiful Kits Beach
Relic on said beach
On Wednesday Harry stopped by for lunch and brought me an amazing falafel. If you think i'm over enthusiastic about the food i get treated to, you should try eating off my tray every day... ;)
We had a engaging conversation about his wife's recovery from her cancer battle and i'm happy to report she's doing quite well and things are looking up.
Then we got onto the topic of climbing and, time flies when your having fun. I bid him adieu so he. Could go see he lovely wife and realized i was supposed to be in the pool 10 minutes ago! Oops!
After swimming I had my team meeting, which went quite well and we were all quite happy with my progress.
Sandra came down for it, so we got to hang out after and she brought me a nice home cooked meal which was much nicer than tray food. We also got to eat with some of my rehab friends and quite enjoyed their company.
We got to hang out late, and she blew off everything she had planned to do on the way home. That kinda sucked, but quality time is way more important than life bs, and i think she's finally learning that.
Thursday was interesting. After an engaging workout, i was playing ball in the gym and i happened to poke my nose outside to check out the power chair demo which was happening in the courtyard, and was shocked to find a table stocked with some of the most amazing sandwiches and salads i had seen since i had landed on my ass almost 8 weeks ago.
Having absolutely no shame, and starving for decent fare, i feasted as much as i could and then went to let the other patients know what was going down. Unfortunately i couldn't find anyone!
I found them all later at the lunch table and regaled them with tales of treasures long since passed... :) I was happy to be stuffed and passed on my tray, but didn't really feel guilty since i had made an effort to get a hold of them while the getting was good.
After lunch we had an interesting education session on complications after spinal cord surgery, but i found it difficult to sit through, literally since it hurts pretty good after spending more than 45 minutes in a chair. I spent most of the session shifting back and forth between the chair and leaning against the wall, and had to go lay down for twenty minutes before my next appointment.
Dinner was intellectually stimulating when one of the patients who had been at GFS fifteen years earlier and ended up there again brought up the subject of mental treatment. We had quite an emotionally charged conversation which left one of the girls in tears.
I'm so glad i have a strong support network.
Friday was pretty routine, I played ball for a bit after physio and then i got challenged to my first one on one since my injury. Neither of us could run, so it was pretty fair, but my height won the day. My ot appt was cancelled since Nigel is on vacation right now and my temp was pretty busy.
On the way back to my room, i ran into one of my friends who is really having a rough go of it. He's a quad who's walking, but he's plateau'd and he's in a lot of pain. I keep trying to tell him that he can't give up, but he's really depressed. We ended up talking till lunch.
Sandra had arranged for our friend Amanda to pick me up, and we had a lovely chat on the way home. Thanks Amanda!!
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MH2
climber
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Apr 21, 2013 - 04:31pm PT
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Good to hear from you, Mike. Keep talking to us. Keep talking to those other people, too. Some need it more and sometimes it's all you can do.
Also keep listening, preventing starvation, and the rehab, etc. etc.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 21, 2013 - 05:07pm PT
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Thanks Andy. I just realized, i never really updated my condition! I'm walking a lot better now. I'm using my crutches like walking sticks for short distances and i'm feeling really good. I've been playing a lot of ball, and my goal for the week is the up the walking quotient. I want to hike the chief again soon so i need to get my endurance up.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Apr 21, 2013 - 09:15pm PT
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hey there say, big mike... was hoping to hear an update...
wow, you are doing so well!...
happy to see all this,
take care and keep doing good!
hey there to sandra, too...
:)
edit:
say, i got a little surprise for anders, so, when
you see him, ask him please to email me address...
or--if wayno, etc, or someone is going up to see you,
i could mail it to them?? and they could take it?
whatever works best, :))
let me know, folks, :)
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Apr 22, 2013 - 12:31am PT
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I'm shootin' for next Monday/Tuesday for a visit.
Hey Relic or someone, can I get a couch or a floor for next
Monday night? I will bring wine.
Neebee, if you need to send something here for Anders,I can get it to him.
Mike, it looks like you will be picking that high-hanging fruit again in no time.
Peace Out and Live Upfull!
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Apr 22, 2013 - 02:11am PT
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So psyched to hear how well you are doing Mike! Keep at it! I know that you will be back to 100% sooner than later!!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Apr 22, 2013 - 10:54pm PT
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hey there say, wayno, great! i will try to send it by thurs, or even wed, ... hope it will make it in time... :)
wow, thanks!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Apr 22, 2013 - 11:59pm PT
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Good to read your progress report and that you are getting out and enjoying life. My brother was on crutches for a Slayer concert, pretty interesting. Crowds tend not to notice the crips. Even if they are eight feet tall.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Apr 23, 2013 - 12:12am PT
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Big Mike is 8 feet Tall!?!???
I knew he was big, but Ho Man!
Hehehe. Vibes, Big Mike. BIG Vibes. I'm stoked. I got an egret from the wondrous NeeBee today. It's WAY more beautiful in the Real.
Mike needs Tunes....hmmm. Here's one.(Sorry, I don't NAS).
[Click to View YouTube Video]
That's about as hippy hoppy as I get.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Apr 23, 2013 - 04:15pm PT
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hey there say, capt, or skully...
yeaaaaaaaaaaaa, EGRET has landed and nested!
:)
thanks for sharing, for just a tiny bit more only, it was worth the priority--was near the same as regular mail...
so i knew it would not take too long... :)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Apr 29, 2013 - 04:07am PT
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Sorry i haven't had a chance to get back to this lately. I will update you guys asap!
Suffice to say life has been very busy lately.
Here's one from the good ol' days, me at the top of Mushroom
Luke Cormier Photo
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Apr 29, 2013 - 10:22am PT
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Chocolate shake! Bacon burger!
Nice to be out of the hospital, heh?
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Apr 29, 2013 - 12:02pm PT
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niiiiiice progress report! Looking very very gooooood.
Now take care of that Birthday Girl!
Susan
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 10, 2013 - 11:45am PT
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Heck ya it is Jim! I've been so busy lately!! Hopefully things will start to settle down a bit soon and my transition goes well. Sandra has way too much on her plate and i need to start carrying my portion of the load.
Hopefully i should be able to finish up some of my extra tasks soon, and file a progress report here.
It was great to see you the other night btw!!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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May 10, 2013 - 02:09pm PT
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Hey Mike, I didn't get a chance to say bye to your buddy Kale. His story was very moving. Please give him my regards and tell him to look me up if he ever gets down this way.
I know you are glad to leave GFS, but I also realize how bitter-sweet the experience has been and will be. GFS is impressive in their conduct as I personally witnessed. Truly a blessing. Now get back to work.
Wayno
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 11, 2013 - 10:41pm PT
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Wayno, i will send him a text right now. Thanks again for your visit. It was really cool to hang out with you for a couple days.
I hope the world is ready for a 6'7 incomplete para!!
Bye Bye Gf Strong!
Thanks for everything!!!
Thanks to everyone here for all your support as well!! It's been amazing and refreshing. Supertopo truely is an amazing community!
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orle
climber
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May 11, 2013 - 10:43pm PT
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YER GONNA DIE! :D
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 11, 2013 - 10:46pm PT
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Yup. ;)
Some day!
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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May 11, 2013 - 11:51pm PT
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I bet you set some records for fastest recovery! I know there's more recovery to go but getting released so quickly is a good sign. I bet your core muscles are stronger than when you went in!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 12, 2013 - 01:11am PT
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Getting there! I still can't do a sit-up without my feet held, but the fusion in my lower back isn't helping that i bet.. ;)
I guess it's good when they kick you out for being too able eh?? ;)
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
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May 12, 2013 - 01:35am PT
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Grrrr, I deleted your address!! I need it, the package will fly the first part of June
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Leggs
Sport climber
Is this a trick question?
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May 12, 2013 - 01:48am PT
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You're out! You're out!! YES!!!
Smiles everywhere!!!!
Woot!!!
~Leggs
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 12, 2013 - 01:49am PT
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Ok. I'll send it to you michelle
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Oplopanax
Mountain climber
The Deep Woods
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May 12, 2013 - 01:05pm PT
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What is it with you getting out of jail free and then the rain starting up again?
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 12, 2013 - 03:01pm PT
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What is it with you getting out of jail free and then the rain starting up again?
I know!! Seriously right!!
Burch- Thanks, one thing that i'm not sure everyone realizes tho, i also sustained a spinal cord injury which resulted in a total loss of function in my left leg. I literally had to train it to do what i wanted again, hell i still am. It also affected my right hip which still isn't normal either.
You will be happy to hear function has pretty much returned with much training, and now i have to make it work better. Feeling in my left leg below my left knee is still spotty. I feel certain parts and not others, but i keep getting more back and am really hoping that it will return 100% some day. If not i can learn to live without it, adapt to my situation as it were.
I will be buying a gym pass for the local rec center as well as my local rock gym to keep my training going and am arranging a local physio to work with.
This is all pretty unusual for me as i have never really "worked out" per say, just went outside and did fun stuff. I can no longer afford to take that approach and must train to be a superhuman to overcome my nerve signal weakness as well as try and stimulate the nerves to allow for more connectivity so the muscles affected can work as hard again as they once did.
Thanks Ron! And thanks to everyone who has supported me in any way! Your support has been a beam of light in an otherwise dark tunnel. It is a long road and this is only a small step along my path the freedoms that i used to enjoy.
A piece of advice to y'all cherish everyday, realize how good it is to be able bodied. It might not always be so easy and you will look back and realize how lucky you really were to be able to do the things that you love!
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Powder
Trad climber
the Flower Box
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May 12, 2013 - 03:10pm PT
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SUPER glad that you're going home!!!!!! Yayyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!! :D
It's a start of a new journey. It's not going to be easy but you'll make it through and be fine, with that strong will and super positive energy!
Keep healing and recovering!! Looking forward to more of your mini adventures - whether in town or in the mountains!
A piece of advice to y'all cherish everyday, realize how good it is to be able bodied. It might not always be so easy and you will look back and realize how lucky you really were to be able to do the things that you love!
Yup. ...feel that... totally!
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Plaidman
Trad climber
South Slope of Mt. Tabor, Portland, Oregon, USA
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May 12, 2013 - 04:33pm PT
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Dude glad your on the mend. I'm going the workout thing too. Thought climbing was enough. Found out I got to work to keep the weight off. Down 16 pounds and working out nearly everyday.
Keep after it man. You are an inspiration.
Plaid
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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May 12, 2013 - 09:03pm PT
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The sweet taste of Freedom!!
Awesome Mike,glad to see u where u are man. Really amazing how fast this time had cruised by & the adversity which u have overcome.
Thx for the cams too- I placed more than a few & thought to myself "Big Mike approved" before climbing past em'. I'll drop em off maybe tomorrow or Tues if ur around. Cheers.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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May 12, 2013 - 09:20pm PT
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I've four friends who broke their backs climbing. OK, not climbing, falling.
That was it for one, pretty much it for another, and barely phased the other two; more yer ilk. :-)
Rock on, big fella!
Ps
Aren't you just a little worried about ODing on good vibes?
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Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
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May 13, 2013 - 12:59am PT
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Can't wait to see you back out there Mike. Thanks for helping put most of my petty woes into perspective. I try to feel thankful every day for what I have, because things can change so fast.
Lets have a beer on the back deck soon.
Kris
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Fish Boy
Social climber
Squeamish
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May 13, 2013 - 02:02am PT
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Awesome news Mr Mike, totally stoked to see you kicking ass and making a strong recovery.
It'll be a pleasure to get out there again with ya!
Nick
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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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May 14, 2013 - 08:43am PT
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way to go, mike.
i hope that your new stride
carries you strong and proud.
you have earned a bountiful gait.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Jun 11, 2013 - 09:43pm PT
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Hey All..long time no posts... Mike's been a busy boy since he got home (May 11). Despite the fact that he coulda used another month in GF Strong, he seems to be doing quite well with his transition of being home. His motivation could use some help right now. I'm posting today though cuz I wanted some of you awesome peeps to see some of the things I've been up to other than rope-gunning for Mike since his return home:
Weege's lamp
Tammi! I found the PERFECT space to hang the painting you made for the big guy... one of the nicest, not to mention, most meaningful, pieces we have in our collection. The photo of it doesn't do it justice...the walls are actually white not yellow and the painting glows blue during the day. Thank you!
And I also made a Get-Well Collage out of all the nice cards and messages which is hanging on our kitchen wall...
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Jun 11, 2013 - 10:17pm PT
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Keep working Big Mike. I hope to see you in the needles or tower sometime and I still have to get to Squamish. I hope you are ready to give me the tour when I get there. I haven't been checking in with the taco too much lately, but it sounds like you are making great progress.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 11, 2013 - 10:40pm PT
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hey there say, sandra... thanks for posting all the 'at home and settled'...
i will sure send 'keep on keeping on' the ol' trail, motivation to
big mike!
when the trail twists and turns a bit, or hits a new uncharted spot, or an old sore spot, the nice breeze can fizzle a bit...
you can or may want to slow a bit, think and contemplate, and try new strategies, then--you will find you are moving ahead again, :)
with grace and dignity, :) and a happy heart... :)
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MH2
climber
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Jun 11, 2013 - 11:43pm PT
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Great to see those pictures, Sandra. Thanks!
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Jun 12, 2013 - 12:56am PT
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All the best, Big Mike!
Not sure how you are doing, exactly, likely sorta mixed, some good, some not so good. You're in this for the long haul. You're still young and your nerves and spine will be improving for many, many months ahead. For goals, just figure on doing something, some hiking/walking, if nothing more, each and every day. Improvements will come slow (too slow, I know too well) but they WILL come.
One day at a time; appreciate and relish everything you CAN do.
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Jun 12, 2013 - 01:10am PT
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Mike! Keep at it Brother. You are going to be amazed by the progress that there is to be made by staying positive and working really hard. Healing is a strange and mysterious thing. It comes on its own schedule, no matter how much we may wish otherwise. However, by being patient you can expect more of it than you may be able to imagine in this still fairly early phase of your recovery. Adapting to your situation and focusing on getting the parts of your body that do work well to be as honed as possible is a great plan. The rest will come in time.
Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.
Gandhi
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MH2
climber
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Jun 12, 2013 - 01:59am PT
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Not sure about indomitable, but Big Mike has good enough will.
(I happened to meet Will S today)
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Jun 12, 2013 - 02:12am PT
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when the trail twists and turns a bit, or hits a new uncharted spot, or an old sore spot, the nice breeze can fizzle a bit...
you can or may want to slow a bit, think and contemplate, and try new strategies, then--you will find you are moving ahead again, :)
with grace and dignity, :) and a happy heart... :)
Thanks NeeBee...been quite the journey thus far. We are hitting a bit of a wall...but like you say, "try new strategies" and move ahead some more.
We hung the dreamcatcher above our bed (more over Mike's head then mine...haha...) but i think it managed to capture a few good dreams..and chase some bad ones away.
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Jun 12, 2013 - 02:24am PT
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Don't sweat it if you feel like doing nothing, taking a day or three or so off. Go with the flow. You got to find a balance that works between training for the future and enjoying what you have. Good luck!
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Jun 12, 2013 - 02:33am PT
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Not sure how you are doing, exactly, likely sorta mixed, some good, some not so good. You're in this for the long haul. You're still young and your nerves and spine will be improving for many, many months ahead. For goals, just figure on doing something, some hiking/walking, if nothing more, each and every day. Improvements will come slow (too slow, I know too well) but they WILL come.
One day at a time; appreciate and relish everything you CAN do.
Thanks for your words of wisdom Crunch...sounds like you (unfortunately) know a little about recovery from injury of the more traumatic nature. Even though I've had to rehab my own (past) minor injuries, its important for not just Mike, but for me as well to hear this advice. He's been super positive for the most part but now that he's home and our pace has slightly calmed, we have both really started to process our new reality. I believe I've been a bit more of a 'basketcase' than Mike (haha) but we're both working through it. The "many, many months ahead", as you say, WILL bring positive results with patience and time...we just have to remember to take time outs and properly absorb whatever emotions creep up to the surface. The 'waterworks' have become a norm for Mike and I as of late, but so has the push and will for him to do as much as he can to stay positive about his recovery. We've been doing a lot together lately....gym, pool, hiking and climbing gym with a side of cragging. Its been a different kinda fun for us nonetheless. :)
You are going to be amazed by the progress that there is to be made by staying positive and working really hard. Healing is a strange and mysterious thing. It comes on its own schedule, no matter how much we may wish otherwise. However, by being patient you can expect more of it than you may be able to imagine in this still fairly early phase of your recovery. Adapting to your situation and focusing on getting the parts of your body that do work well to be as honed as possible is a great plan. The rest will come in time.
And Wayne, yes, i totally agree and know from personal experience that "healing is strange and mysterious and definitely has its own schedule". With some gentle coaxing and positivity, Mike will make the most of his recovery.
Thanks for appreciating the photos MH2 :)
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Jun 12, 2013 - 03:26am PT
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Hey that lamp is awesome!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 12, 2013 - 07:32pm PT
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hey there say, sandra... as, well, too...
somewhere along the line, in life, we all have situations where things have seemed to either come undone, or roof caved in, or rug pulled out, etc...
and--us, being human, MUST adjust and in some ways even change our 'trail strategy' and not in the usual 'human sense, as to make things smooth, spiffy and easy' --nope, the change may involve HARD work, or self diciipline... and:
many folks learn sadly face this in the middle ages, or, when folks that are young, have kids TOO soon, before they UNDERSTAND the process of life:
life is meant for living for a whole picture, NOT just ourself...
so--frustrations sets in, and relationships fall apart when the 'easy self ways' bite the dust, and the hard trail part, kicks in...
if folks are shallow, they will never understand the great meadows and views that are to be AFTER these precious hard-tests...
relationships and love are better and sweeter and so are friendships with all that tackled or helped, or supported or encourages, during these times...
it is BETTER now, that you and big mike learn all this now, while young...
if you were still together, without this in the older years, it would have been much harder to deal with--both being set in the ways of 'youthful vigor, eyes on the end of world' etc...
also, for folks that later have kids, this is PRACTICE... practice to tackle whatever needs be, for that little one that needs all kinds of help that is not seen until 'individual baby situations surface' for each kid, trying to grow, grow up, and learn to live in the world...
trails are always best, when you know that the trail is more than you think, at first look... :)
easier to accept and take the challenges, then...
and --to win the prize...
god's grace and wisdom, and prayers to you both...
oh, and say:
hey there big mike, may the day be sweet today! and the evening,
a blessing, :)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 22, 2013 - 05:15pm PT
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Hi all!
Long time, no post. Sorry about that! Truth is, this summer's been rather challenging, both physically, and mentally.
I did ok for the first month or so after i left Gf Strong, kept up with my exercises, but didn't work much.
Things changed a bit when the boys needed more help on site, though. I started working a bit more to pick up the slack and started feeling guilty about not having enough energy to do both work, and rehab.
This lead me to depression, but i think it was also feelings that i never really dealt with after the accident.
Things are slowly getting better though. My business is paying a few bills again, rather than loosing money, so that is a great stress off my shoulders.. I'm feeling stronger all the time and my pain is getting significantly better, accupunture's been huge. It really does wonders for me, and helps my body loosen up. I get uber tight again when i don't go.
I've been climbing a bit, definitely getting stronger, but the loss of feeling in my left foot still makes things very interesting. It's hard not to skate off a slab when you can't feel your big toe, but i'm getting better at it.
My biggest effort so far was Calculus Crack, a 5 pitch 5.8 on the apron. Kieran was kind enough to ropegun us up there, and Nina and Kyle had a beautiful dinner waiting for us, at the top, on memorial ledge!
Ropegun, extraordinaire.
Sandra on p2
She cleaned it, despite having dinner and a huge thermarest on her back!
Me on p3
Kieran Brownie photo
Sandra on p3
Kieran starting up p4
Memorial Ledge (they set up the handline for the cripple...)
Dinner!!
I'm headed to the Valley this week for Facelift, so hopefully see ya'll there!!
Thanks again to everyone for all your support!! I would not be where i am today without it!!
Special Thanks to Sandra. Without her, all this would have been so much harder!! I love u babe!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 22, 2013 - 06:37pm PT
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It's a start of a new journey. It's not going to be easy but you'll make it through and be fine, with that strong will and super positive energy!
Keep healing and recovering!! Looking forward to more of your mini adventures - whether in town or in the mountains!
Thanks Powder!! Sorry i never got back to you, my communication skills have been lacking this summer.
Dude glad your on the mend. I'm going the workout thing too. Thought climbing was enough. Found out I got to work to keep the weight off. Down 16 pounds and working out nearly everyday.
Ya Plaid! You killed it this summer buddy!! You're my inspiration now!!
That is a hell of a task. I've read countless stories of people suffering injuries to their spine, and even though everyone told them they'd never do X,Y,Z, etc again (including their doc), they showed them differently with training, positive thinking, and a whole lot of stubbornness. Good beer too, probably.
You're right burch. Not allowing oneself to accept failure is the key. Stubborness. Pure and simple.
Awesome Mike,glad to see u where u are man. Really amazing how fast this time had cruised by & the adversity which u have overcome.
Thanks Ryan. Funny, for me, things seem so slow, but when i compare myself to other friends with spinal issues, i've managed pretty well.
Rock on, big fella!
Ps
Aren't you just a little worried about ODing on good vibes?
Thanks Reilly! Can you od on vibes?? Lol ;)
Can't wait to see you back out there Mike. Thanks for helping put most of my petty woes into perspective. I try to feel thankful every day for what I have, because things can change so fast.
Thanks Kris! I'm trying!! Thanks for everthing man! I can't tell you how much your hospital visits meant to me!!
Awesome news Mr Mike, totally stoked to see you kicking ass and making a strong recovery.
It'll be a pleasure to get out there again with ya!
Heck ya buddy! Sorry i haven't been in touch this summer. I'll call u when i get back from the valley!!
way to go, mike.
i hope that your new stride
carries you strong and proud.
you have earned a bountiful gait.
Thanks Chuck!! Thanks for the lamp too! It rules!!
you've dealings in the past
with heir gravity.
your present quarrel with her
is surmountable.
Thank you for this. Is was my new motto the moment i read it!
Keep working Big Mike. I hope to see you in the needles or tower sometime and I still have to get to Squamish. I hope you are ready to give me the tour when I get there. I haven't been checking in with the taco too much lately, but it sounds like you are making great progress.
Thanks Mike! Sorry i never got back to your squamish moderates thread!! I will certainly be ready to give you and Jack a tour next summer!!
when the trail twists and turns a bit, or hits a new uncharted spot, or an old sore spot, the nice breeze can fizzle a bit...
you can or may want to slow a bit, think and contemplate, and try new strategies, then--you will find you are moving ahead again, :)
with grace and dignity, :) and a happy heart... :)
Thanks neebs! How did you get so wise?? ;)
Improvements will come slow (too slow, I know too well) but they WILL come. One day at a time; appreciate and relish everything you CAN do.
Crunch! You know this all too well! I still have to slap myself occasionally and remember just how far i've come.
crunch
Social climber
CO
Jun 11, 2013 - 11:24pm PT
Don't sweat it if you feel like doing nothing, taking a day or three or so off. Go with the flow. You got to find a balance that works between training for the future and enjoying what you have. Good luck!
Thanks for this too. It's too easy to beat myself up for not doing enough sometimes. It's been good to remember i need time to heal too.
Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.
U got that right Wayne! I'm not perfect by any means, but i ain't giving up!
Hey that lamp is awesome!
Ya it is! My own piece of the sierra's hand made by an amazing artist!!
it is BETTER now, that you and big mike learn all this now, while young...
if you were still together, without this in the older years, it would have been much harder to deal with--both being set in the ways of 'youthful vigor, eyes on the end of world' etc...
Neebee is wise!!
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Sep 22, 2013 - 08:45pm PT
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tx 4 the tr.
cant believe how clean calculus crack looks now.
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MH2
climber
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Sep 22, 2013 - 10:10pm PT
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Extraordinaire all around, Mike.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 22, 2013 - 10:57pm PT
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cant believe how clean calculus crack looks now.
Thanks to Scrubber!! There's a new direct start too. It's sweet!!
Thanks Andy! It was great to see you last week!!
all tied to a bad pelvic break sustained when she got taken down in a road race
Ugh.. So glad my pelvis stayed intact!!!! I wish her well!!!
No oxy's but still using the hydromophone. sparingly though, down to 3mg per day. I usually skip it if I'm not doing anything though.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 22, 2013 - 11:09pm PT
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Great you're up and at it, Mike. I have about 25% feeling in my left foot, zero in my big toe so it's weird, I know.
Hang tough and get better.
JL
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ncrockclimber
climber
The Desert Oven
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Sep 22, 2013 - 11:20pm PT
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BIG props to you, Mike! I wish I would have found this thread earlier. Your attitude is inspirational, and your recovery is nothing short of amazing. Keep strong! If I ever have the pleasure of meeting you, the beers are on me!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 23, 2013 - 12:17am PT
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Wow John! You never told me that! How are you doing these days! Thanks again for the phone call, what a shock! I almost didn't believe it was really you!! Made my month!
It's difficult man I feel your pain in your post, your bummed brother. I am too for you but here's the deal. Your still in recovery man. Refocus and do your rehab. Don't slack! Business is business ups and downs ride it and realize you can only control so much and make the best of that day and moment in which you are dealing with.
You're right dude. I know it too, I've been out before, but never this long, so this is kinda new for me.
BIG props to you, Mike! I wish I would have found this thread earlier. Your attitude is inspirational, and your recovery is nothing short of amazing. Keep strong! If I ever have the pleasure of meeting you, the beers are on me!
Thanks ncrock! I look forward to it!!
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Rolfr
Social climber
North Vancouver BC
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Sep 23, 2013 - 12:20am PT
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Good to see you'r on the road to healing mentally, a lot of us have been there. Little kindnesses mean so much, a great support group here.
Sending you good vibes and positive thoughts.
Like always your photos are awesome!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 23, 2013 - 01:20am PT
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Thanks Rolf!! You still in J-tree?
Tami! I think so! We hammered it out awhile ago, and Matt said that would be the last i'd hear about it till it prints! I'm hoping it's good to go!!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Sep 23, 2013 - 01:26am PT
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Yeah Big Mike!
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dirt claud
Social climber
san diego,ca
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Sep 23, 2013 - 10:14am PT
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Glad to see ya doing better Big Mike. You got good people around you. Hope everything keeps getting better for you physically and every where else in life.
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 23, 2013 - 01:05pm PT
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Have a blast in the Valley dude. Hope you get to send some fun stuff there with everyone. RyanD might be by there soonish
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Sep 23, 2013 - 01:39pm PT
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You are doing exceptionally well for how short an amount of time it has been since your injury, Mike. Just think how well you will be doing by next Fall!
Hope that you and Sandra have a fantastic trip to the Valley!!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Sep 23, 2013 - 02:50pm PT
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I just saw Brownie on his way to the Valley. You guys are set. Are you in town tonight? Give me a call, maybe we can do dinner.
still using the hydromophone. sparingly though,
Pain. Not fun. I had a bad gout attack in my elbow a few days ago and after 3 ibuprofen gel-tabs, I still couldn't sleep. One dilaudid later and I was snoring. It's nice to have a stash of Hydromorphone.
;^)
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Hoser
climber
vancouver
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Sep 23, 2013 - 03:09pm PT
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Nothin but sun on Wed/Thurs...probably worth sharpening the tools up for a run up a nearby north face...coolest temps of the fall for wed & thurs night...possibly the first sub zero night squamish and north, certainly hitting around 5/6 in Vancouver
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Hoser
climber
vancouver
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Sep 23, 2013 - 03:37pm PT
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hahaha, perfect friction then...yea its over
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Sep 23, 2013 - 03:37pm PT
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The mountains here actually have rock climbs on them Bruce!
California awaits Big Mike! I hope u guys get a chance to get high, er I mean up high while ur here. I'll probably see u tomorrow, text me when u arrive.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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Sep 23, 2013 - 06:40pm PT
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you're going to school me
on the nose, right mike?
spring is but a couple of destined chromosomes
within the womb of the atmosphere.
let's deliver her when momma's nature water breaks.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 23, 2013 - 11:59pm PT
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Mike, so glad to see that things are steadily improving for you. Keep rehabbing and keep your positive attitude toward everything and in no time you'll be progressing right back to where you were, and it'll be sweeter than ever
Thanks Weston! Still hoping to make it back to Vegas this winter! We'll see how the funds work out. Gonna have to bust ass to make that happen!
Glad to see ya doing better Big Mike. You got good people around you. Hope everything keeps getting better for you physically and every where else in life.
Thanks Dirt! I've been really fortunate with the amount of support I've received. I can't thank everyone enough for that!!
Ya Relic!! Too bad you can't make it this time. Next time for sure!!
You are doing exceptionally well for how short an amount of time it has been since your injury, Mike. Just think how well you will be doing by next Fall!
Thanks Wayne. I know, it's just frustrating sometimes. ;) I'm stoked to be where I'm at for sure!
Mike, your timing is impeccable...
I know eh Bruce? At least I get lucky occasionally!! :) what was it you said last year? "Like rats deserting a sinking ship!" :)
Thanks Wayno! Sorry we didn't make it out!
California awaits Big Mike! I hope u guys get a chance to get high, er I mean up high while ur here. I'll probably see u tomorrow, text me when u arrive.
Me too buddy!! Can't wait to hang with you in the valley!!
you're going to school me
on the nose, right mike?
spring is but a couple of destined chromosomes
within the womb of the atmosphere.
let's deliver her when momma's nature water breaks.
Hahaha!! School you?? Doubt it! Aid climbing is just clipping ladders to gear right?? Lol any hooking on that thing? We'll get it done weege! I have some wall rat friends who might be interested in helping me practice a bit!! (Hopefully!)
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Sep 24, 2013 - 01:15am PT
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Bruce Kay
Gym climber
BC
Sep 23, 2013 - 03:31pm PT
we were just talking about Sierra mountain climbing and came to the conclusion that it was cheating by any definition of the term.
That's why I call it Sierra rock climbing on mountains Bruce- Either way it beats the sh#t outta the rain :-)
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Sep 24, 2013 - 05:44am PT
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There are no rocks in the sierra. Nothing to see here folks, keep moving along.
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harryhotdog
Social climber
north vancouver, B.C.
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Sep 24, 2013 - 09:45am PT
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Have fun down there Mike. We all miss your trip reports, hint hint.
As far as weather and rock quality California climbers are spoilt rotten. Like when I tried to get my old toyota's front end steering fixed down there. The mechanic came back and said he couldn't work on it. I inquired why thinking it was unfixable. He stated a matter of factly that it had rust and we don't work on rusty cars. OH MY GOD RUST, it's the end of the world!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 24, 2013 - 10:03am PT
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Have fun down there Mike. We all miss your trip reports, hint hint.
Gotcha. On the plane now!! Woohooo!!!!
Rust... Lol if they only saw most bc cars... Lol
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 24, 2013 - 12:07pm PT
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Hey Mike, are you guys gonna maybe take a drive to the Eastside perhaps? A rest day in the hot springs, drinking some 395 might be wise after all that garbage pickin and wall sending.
Show Brownie the Eastside life. Get him psyched!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 26, 2013 - 04:21pm PT
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hey there say, big mike.... wow, glad to hear from you again, missed seeing you on the facebook, so i figured or hoped you were out doing stuff... and:
feeling better and well...
say, the clue to not feeling down/bummed, is to keep
focusing what is there before you to do,that you CAN DO... and,
be thankful that you are NOT back where you were when you fell :O
and--stay around those that help feed good goals that you are trying
for... and--
relax in the middle of any hard tries, as you make sure you
don't set any tries up that are far TOO HARD, ;))
strength is build in sessions, as we all know... each session
leads to a better plateau...
GOOD to hear from you!!!!
god bless!!!
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Sep 27, 2013 - 01:26am PT
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I didn't get to hang out nearly long enough, but I'm glad I did get to say howdy, & shake your hand, Big Mike.
Your recovery astounds me.Stokes, too. So there.
Groove on.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Sep 27, 2013 - 02:12am PT
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Yipppppeeeee. Got to meet Big Mike and Sandra....is is weird to say "what an adorable couple'?
Susan
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Relic
Social climber
Vancouver, BC
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 27, 2013 - 11:55am PT
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Watcha garbage pickers all getting up on down there? How is Sandra liking her first Valley experience? Is ryan d still kickin it with ya? Need more spray from the squamish weenie crew. Summer's over up here. Ya'll picked the best place to be.
I got itchy at work and booked off till Canuck thanksgiving. Gonna head to the Mormon lands for some sandy stones
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Show Brownie the Eastside life. Get him psyched!
We did make it over there thanks to the politicians bs.. Owens River Gorge was cool, and the tub was devine! Thanks 4 the beta!
say, the clue to not feeling down/bummed, is to keep
focusing what is there before you to do,that you CAN DO... and,
be thankful that you are NOT back where you were when you fell :O
I know Neebs. Thanks. It keeps getting hammered home again and again. I'm super lucky to be where I'm at.
I didn't get to hang out nearly long enough, but I'm glad I did get to say howdy, & shake your hand, Big Mike.
Your recovery astounds me.Stokes, too. So there.
Groove on.
Thanks Kirk! It was great to meet you dude!! We need to do it again, and tie in next time!!
Yipppppeeeee. Got to meet Big Mike and Sandra....is is weird to say "what an adorable couple'?
Thanks Susan. It was awesome to meet you and Mike. Next time we will have to make it much longer! Tell Mike, thanks for the stoke to keep rolling!!
Watcha garbage pickers all getting up on down there? How is Sandra liking her first Valley experience? Is ryan d still kickin it with ya? Need more spray from the squamish weenie crew. Summer's over up here. Ya'll picked the best place to be.
Sorry no live tr this time bud. I fully immersed myself in the experience instead. A full blown tr is forthcoming. You should come to skaha for thanksgiving!
Nope. They are adorable. And fabulous too .
Not as adorable as you and Phil!! Next year we are kidnapping you guys and transporting ya to facelift!! ;)
More in a bit, duty calls.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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eh mike we still putting the nose
between thumb and four fingers?
my ascents have been quite flat
over the last month,
but hell i've been doing this
long enough that i've local that
genetic memory of
the global breaches in gravity's weave.
the pink sky beyond is the summit,
the chaotic tangle of snow laden branches
represent.
the 30 odd pitches.
let's walk into the liquid sky
this spring, and get some
on our boots.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I'm stoked Weege! Ever since the first time I set eyes on The Captain, I've wanted to ascend it's massive flanks. I'm getting stronger so i think it is well within my abilities.
I think doing it with you will be super fun and am stoked that you are into sending it with me!! I'll send you a pm later about it.
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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That's rad- get some boys!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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I set eyes on The Captain,
Yer screwed now, brother. If there is anything you think I could help you with to bag that beast, just let me know. Carry loads, score pins, get stoked, stoned or otherwise perturbed, call it. You too, Weege. I can already see you guys at the top.
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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All best wishes toward making this incredibly worth pursuing objective a reality. You guys can do it, if you want it badly enough!
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MH2
climber
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Feb 23, 2014 - 10:51pm PT
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I'm in. Well, maybe not for boarding.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 24, 2014 - 12:50am PT
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I would love to hang out tommorow gentlemen but unfortunatly Sandra has only one day off this week, so she really needs to get some excersise to keep her sanity. :)
I will be down to gfs soon to visit a local skier who ended up in gfs recently. He busted his neck so he's an incomplete quadriplegic. From his videos and stuff he looks pretty good considering. I'm well aware of his challenges though and worse because of the level of his injury.
So hopefully that will come together within the next couple weeks and I can meet up with you then.
I'm gonna write a bit about how i'm doing but it's gonna take me a few minutes so I'll do it in my next post.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Feb 24, 2014 - 02:07am PT
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^^^^
Ewe, loads.
Snicker.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Feb 24, 2014 - 11:46am PT
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Wow. What a year. The ultimate roller coaster. Lots of highs during rehab, and lows upon returning home, and realizing that life was going to be much harder for awhile.
The pressures of running a seasonal buisness were no easy task. Unable to find a reliable third employee and having to deal with a new hire who was costing me money, I ended up working quite a bit to make ends meet. None of my other friends from gf are anywhere near where i'm at now, so i guess being forced back early was good to get me moving again.
I climbed a bunch this summer, and even managed to get my butt down to Cali for facelift. I was in quite a bit of discomfort there, as i was really pushing my limits to be so active, and sleeping in a tent didn't help the back relax much. I'm probably lucky that Sandra came with me, because we stuck to some more realistic goals, and even though the climber in me wanted way more action, somehow i knew my body wasn't really up to the task yet.
Today will be day 21 on a snowboard for me. The first day back was super wierd. I could barely ride and there wasn't much snow yet so there were lots of people on very few open runs. I was honestly scared of getting hit by someone for the first time of my life. My front foot still felt like it was just floating on top of the board with the reduced sensation.
Was i not worried about re-injuring myself up there? Hell yes i was, and still am. The muscle memory is very helpful though, and the sensory stimulation of the binding has been nothing short of amazing. I used to describe my left foot as being patchy with little bits of feeling here and there, but now it's more like little areas of reduced sensory on what feels like a foot more and more every day.
I've been very picky about my days up the hill, and try to go only when conditions are soft enough so i don't land on my butt again too hard. I did fall on it once all ready which set me back a couple weeks so i'm trying to be super cautious.
I'm feeling a lot stronger these days, and the pain has reduced significantly which is nice. The latest challenge has been kicking the opiates which seems to be going pretty well. I have been a little aggressive with my tactics perhaps in that regard, but nothing new if you've been following this thread since the beginning.. Lol
I finally went snowmobiling too which is somehing i've been avoiding for lack of snow and impact potential, but i just had to get out the other day and boy was i ever happy to get back out the the backcountry again!!
I put my sled back into the garage that night to avoid tempting fate anymore.
Anyways i'm going up the hill with Sandra and some friends to celebrate the one year anniversary of my injury today, so i better get rolling.
Best to you all and Thank You again for all your support! It really helped me through some dark times.
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Feb 24, 2014 - 01:18pm PT
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So heartening to hear how well you are doing, Mike, all considered. I know that in the months, and years, ahead, you will find much healing, and continue to make incredible progress!!
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Feb 24, 2014 - 01:45pm PT
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STOKE!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Feb 24, 2014 - 11:10pm PT
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F*#king awesome Mike! Your attitude has definitely helped your recovery. All those thoughts of doubt and unknown have been answered, not saying you're 100%, but you are on your way. Sometimes the worst thing to happen to you can also be the best. Happy for you man.
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Feb 24, 2014 - 11:14pm PT
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What a great post, Mike! You'll keep mending for some years to come (this is good)!
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Feb 24, 2014 - 11:19pm PT
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I'm feeling a lot stronger these days, and the pain has reduced significantly
So good to hear, Big Mike. Your and Sandra's struggle toward rehabilitation for you has been inspirational. The circle of support from your friends and ST acquaintances illustrates the worth of a community of climbers both in the 'real world' and on the internet (which is of course the only way you and I are connected.) I look forward to the progress of this tale as it has implications for us all.
Climb high and come down slowly,
Keith
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feb 24, 2014 - 11:24pm PT
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Big Mike is back.
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cuvvy
Sport climber
arkansas
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Feb 25, 2014 - 01:36am PT
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Sending some get well wishes
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portent
Social climber
your mom's house
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^^^^^^+1
Come on down Mike...
Would be rad...
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Mike. COR. June. Light.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2014 - 02:42pm PT
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Carry loads, score pins, get stoked, stoned or otherwise perturbed, call it. You too, Weege. I can already see you guys at the top.
Sounds fun Wayno. Start of May is when we're doing it. Unless your vacation time is now dedicated to COR in which case i really want to do that too!
Positive vibes for Big Mike and the Norwegian to send on the Big Stone
thanks Truckee. I've got the itch big time! I've been studying topos of it like a mad man, trying to figure out haul strategies and possible pitch linkages.
All best wishes toward making this incredibly worth pursuing objective a reality. You guys can do it, if you want it badly enough!
Thanks Wayne! you're such an inspiration man. If you can fight your body up El Cap it should be easy for any of us "Able" types!!
These injuries give you pause, but the challenge gives a fighting spirit worthy adversary.
Thanks Jeebs. It definitely has put a spin on the way I look at things days. Anything is possible as long as you want to put the work in to make it happen.
Love ya too Tami!!
I know that in the months, and years, ahead, you will find much healing, and continue to make incredible progress!!
Thanks Wayne. The goal is to be stronger than before.
Maybe some of yer pals from GFS didn't have access to certain medicines.........
That's for sure. One of my buddies is still in the hospital. It's so sad. he's had so many complications because of the medication and getting sick.
STOKE!
Ya Philo! U know all about it!! How's the neck feeling these days??
Sometimes the worst thing to happen to you can also be the best. Happy for you man.
I know.. I know lol. I'm starting to see the silver lining in all the body awareness I've gained from this incident. The feeling in my left big toe is starting to come back. Now if my foot could just feel normal again instead of buzzing all the time.. it seems like that is going to happen though. It will just take time.
You'll keep mending for some years to come (this is good)! Thanks Glenn. Looking forward to roping up this summer.
Your and Sandra's struggle toward rehabilitation for you has been inspirational
Thanks Keith. This is a good point too. As many have said on here it is often harder on the partner. This is certainly true and I've been making efforts lately to help Sandra more in this regard. It`s been difficult indeed but so far, we seem to surviving the storm.
Big Mike is back.
And he says... Oh my BACK!! ;) I`m pretty damn sore today after dogging up Crime yesterday..
Sending some get well wishes Thanks Currvy. They`re working!!
Are you coming to Woodfest in May? That would be awesome.
Andrzej, Seth I would love to join you guys, but I`m already booked for an El Cap ascent in early May and then I have to come home and start work.. :P Next Year?? Or would one of you like to meet me in Vegas in early April? ;)
Swing towards Haines next year (no snow this year), bring your rev and I'll show you around Nadahini and Three Guardsman.
Treez, That sounds awesome! I just got the rev purring so now i gotta catch up on my truck maintenance.. lol
Dingus, I got a special post brewing just for you buddy.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mar 11, 2014 - 02:54pm PT
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Hey Big Mike, you still on the Lyrica? Yea or nay can you discuss a little bit about your experience with this drug? Did it help and if so, how? And for how long? Did you notice when you 'went off it' or forgot a dose or three?
Happy to see you doing so well. I'm doing pretty good too. Been meaning to ask you more about Lyrica; its been on my mind lately.
Hey Ding.
I ditched Pregabalin about 2 and a half months after my injury. The doctors switched me to Gabapentin for a couple weeks and then I ditched that too.
I definitely noticed a slight increase in the shooting nerve pain frequency initially, but after 4 or 5 days that eased quite considerably.
I still have nerve pain occasionally but it's usually in an area that i haven't had sensation since my injury. For example the other night my left big toe was hurting, and now I can kinda feel it when I kick the table with it. lol
I didn't really notice any side effects of coming off it per say. Not like these opiates which really have an effect on my mood i'm coming to find out. I have more to write on that later..
How is the drop foot coming? if it's still bugging you, get that dictus i was talking about and you'll have it sorted out within the month!!!
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Feel the vibes Big Mike!!
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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If you see this message honey I'm rooting for ya!!
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Does anyone know where they bivied last night?
Wakey wakey, coffee and ibuprofen...
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philo
Trad climber
Is that light the end of the tunnel or a train?
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Big Kudos Big Mike.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Me and the lady are gunna take the drive to the ditch and take some pics of the team. Don't expect an el cap report, but should be able to update their progress from the ground. Cheers.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Cheers Justin!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Nothing to see justin!! We bailed.. Lol more later. Gotta go deal with the cluster and get ready to go climb a multi tomorrow!
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
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Bailed???
It happens.
How long are you there for? I may shoot up there just to say hi! Seriously!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Lol, I think I got some killer bail shots. It was way clustered right above you guys. El Cap meadow is a great place for dinner.
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briham89
Big Wall climber
san jose and south lake tahoe, ca
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Was your treat still at the sickle anchor?!?!?
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, a bit 'hey there' to you, big mike!
lot of nice stuff here... :)
hope yosemite is going great for you, this trip!
and a 'hey there' to sandra, for me, :)
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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Was your treat still at the sickle anchor?!?!?
TREAT?
The maple kind?
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Michelle- i'm here till sunday!! Look me up!!
Brian- not sure... We didn't even make it there!! Lol..... Too funny. I wish...
Thanks Neebs!!
It snowed last night up there but several teams weathered the storm.
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
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I may bomb up on friday then! I'll fb you.
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briham89
Big Wall climber
san jose and south lake tahoe, ca
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Oh dang I forgot about the weather change. It was sunny at the beach!!
Well someone scored some M&M's!
I hope you still got some climbing in.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Dude!! Thanks so much for your help bro!! Come north sometime and i'll show you around!!
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briham89
Big Wall climber
san jose and south lake tahoe, ca
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No worries man. Thanks! I'll try to take you up on that sometime!
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Damn....too bad you didn't get down a week or two earlier!
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Good to see you back on the rock Big Mike. That's an inspiring recovery. Woke up to 50-some degrees in SoCal, ya'll could have come down here and done some JTree big walls...they're all of 3 pitches, lol. Be up and down before lunch. None of that shitting in bags and cuddling with some smelly hippie who's prone to wearing chicks pants, just sunshine and dodging the meth freaks in town.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 13, 2014 - 09:01am PT
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Lol. El Cap i'll take u up on that sometime!!
I posted this on the depression thread but i'd originally promised to post it here. So here it is again.
I've suffered from depression for most of my life too. I was going to write this post this sping on my recovery thread but I never got around to it. Depression is a tough thing to write about. You don't even want to think about it when you're up and actually feel like being productive...
As a kid i experienced a lot of teasing and bullying, thanks to my size, as well as joining a tight knit group of kids who had been together since kindergarten in a small community that i had just moved to. I was never really accepted by them and was teased constantly. I ended up in the principal's office regularily for fighting back.
I thought often about killing myself often during all this, and it was always tough to find happiness. Most of my classmates who i did end up making friends with would always seem like they didn't want to be seen with me when the cool kids were around...
By grade six i had developed a pretty tough shell, and had learned to not care about others bullshit opinons... I became a loner pretty much, except for my best friend who had moved to my home town that year. He was a god send. I honestly don't know if i could have turned my life around without his compainonship.
Junior high got easier, as i devolped my shell more and more. By high school i simply didn't give a fvck about anyone else's opinion. I found snowboarding, my first real love. This gave me much joy.
Moving to Whistler was probably the best thing i could have done for my mental state after high school. Meeting new people with no pre concieved idea of who i was and making friends who actually seemed like they had my back. Riding a 100+ days a season and partying all the time, kept me distracted from my mental issues, but i would have lows during summers before i discovered mountain biking. The lows weren't as low anymore though, i don't remember any time during my twenties or early thirties where i actaully thought about pulling the trigger.
Then I broke my back. I knew from past experience that i simply could not let myself slide down that road. My counsellor, physios, nurses, and doctors, kept me going physically and emotionally and progress, and my friends and family plus all the great people who took the time to talk to me on my recovery thread really boosted my spirits. I know i walked out of Gf Strong because of this support, so thanks again supertopo for that!!!
When i got home though.. It was a different story... Life beat me down. Bigtime. I tried to remain postive but the false reality was cracking at the seams. I could not function as i used to and everything was now harder. I worked with a friend of sandra's who is a physical trainer at meadow park, which helped a lot. She got me motivated to get to the gym and train to get my body stronger. Then she hurt herself and couldn't train with me for awhile, and i crashed hard this time.
I sat at home all day, while the boys went to work. I was barely able to bring myself to do the required admin stuff to keep my business running. I smoked way too much and this fed into my apathy. I started to entertain thoughts of suicide again. What kept me from them was knowing how sad all my friends and family and the not wanting to disapoint the kind people at supertopo after all the supoort they had given.
Sandra tried to get me to see a shrink but i just never got there. I've always been suspect about them.. I know it could help but i'm pretty damn stubborn sometimes.
Finally one of my employees called me out on it and said "just come to work." "You need to get out of the house and you'll feel better." So i did. At first it really sucked, but then i did start to feel better and day to day stuff was easier.
Then we went to Yosemite for facelift, which was fun, but also annoying cause Sandra was sick and stressted to the max the whole time and i was limited in what i could actually accomplish and still dealing with a lot of pain issues. When i got home i kind slipped into a lull again. Not as bad as before, and when i started snowboarding again that helped a bit.
I no longer entertained thoughts of death but it was hard for me to get motivated to get up in the morning or if i did get out of bed, leave the general vicinity of my couch. Once again smoking just perpetuated the cycle. a couple things happened that helped break this spell. First, Tricouni called out of the blue to see how i was doing. That was definitely a shot in the arm as i've always enjoyed talking to glenn. We talked a bit about my depression and he told me to keep me chin up. Then chuck started bugging me about the nose, and i realized i had better get training if i was going to have a decent shot at that goal.
So i booked my personal trainer again for a month and got off my ass and got stronger. Then i went to Yosemite and met Chuck. After hanging out together and having lots of fun in the valley my brain had clicked. I never noticed when it happened but i've been stoked ever since.
I've had my ups and downs for sure, but never that low, don't care feeling i had all last winter.
I feel very lucky that my depression doesn't seem as severe as Juan's was, or Tobia's is. It's still there though, and i still have to deal with it. Luckily i've figured out some coping measures..
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Aug 13, 2014 - 09:18am PT
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Brave story Mike.
It can be a heavy burden when you are inspiring to so many people on ST and elsewhere I'm sure.
Looking forward to seeing you in September.
Susan
Edit: Luckily i've figured out some coping measures.. I'm sure glad you have!
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Aug 13, 2014 - 09:42am PT
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What is happening in September?
wink, wink
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Aug 13, 2014 - 09:49am PT
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What is happening in September?
wink, wink
Ahhhhh... Facelift?????
Goodness I'm old enough to be Big Mike's mother. And Sandra is one of the loveliest people I know!
Susan
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 13, 2014 - 10:21am PT
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Thanks Susan!
John i really would like to meet you this year!! We're going to be in cali for two and a half weeks at the end of september!'
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Aug 13, 2014 - 10:27am PT
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Big Mike.... When you getting down to Stoney Point??????
Local craggin too
Ill buy you Los Toros, special #5, and a Margrita.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 13, 2014 - 11:58am PT
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Guyman!!!
La?? Hmm.. Don't think i'm going to make it there this trip... I do wanna come hang with u and katie tho! Maybe sometime this winter when the weather sux here and rules down there?
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 15, 2015 - 07:13pm PT
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Bump
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 15, 2015 - 07:14pm PT
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I programmed my last movement. I think? Ever feel your ankle again?
Trippy stuff.
Have you ever wiggled your tib fib? I don't know if i've done that since I hurt myself. Not consciously anyways.
Think this explains a lack of balance? Spinal Cord Injury is a Fvcking trip.
My foot still swells like a bastard after a big day. 9 weeks out. Couldn't get in to see physio until tomorrow, but i think it's just because I haven't been following the program as closely as i should have.
I've been trying to be more diligent about my exercise and riceing. Compression seems to be the main key to bringing down the swelling.
It got so good at the four week mark I kinda got a little to confident i think and stopped taking care of it as much as I should have.
Rest is the main rule I violated.. I have trouble with that one.
Two years and 75 days since the big smash. Biggest impact I'd ever felt.
Risk is still a part of my life. But more controlled than ever. I hope.
Truth is a bus could finish any one of us at any time as we cross the street. Or drive to the crag. Or any other mundane function in life.
So enjoy it while you have it. Cause you know the monkey wrench is coming at some point.
The fight is part of the deal too. If it weren't for the bad days how could we measure the good ones? There have been many good days in my life and I'm grateful for it.
Hope you all are well,
Mike Cowper.
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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May 15, 2015 - 07:40pm PT
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Risk is still a part of my life. But more controlled than ever. I hope.
Having snowboarded with you recently, I'd say risk is still a part. Words of wisdom to enjoy it while it lasts.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 15, 2015 - 07:56pm PT
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You didn't have to challenge my ego you know! Lol.
You knew exactly what you were doing! ;) It was super fun racing around the slush cup with you bro!
Looking forward to hanging again soon! Maybe Facelift we can break that valley cherry? ;) I heard it's not far from your place? ;)
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Stewart
Trad climber
Courtenay, B.C.
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May 15, 2015 - 09:13pm PT
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Hey Big Mike: Many best wishes for a speedy recovery - don't forget I promised you a bunch of free beer next time you come by this part of the world.
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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May 15, 2015 - 09:21pm PT
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Lol. Good times. The best guide is one who will think "what a f*#king idiot, wanting to go on a tree run with no snow." Meanwhile leads me down the sh#t with a smile on his face.
Condolences Tami, 92 is pretty good.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 15, 2015 - 10:23pm PT
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Thanks Tami, sometimes i just have these thoughts i need to write down and i thought i would share them. :) Your parents sound amazing, my condolences for your pa. I would love to have a beer and chat about yer upbringing.
I really hope you guys can make it out this summer. That would be super fun!
Stewart- Thanks and I'm looking forward to it. The pain of my ankle injury served to return feeling to my neuro deficient left foot. A trade I would gladly make any day.
Justin that run was fricking hilarious. Were I a better guide i would have picked my way through there beforehand to be better aware of the bare patches.. Lol but my risk adverse attitude had kept me out of the steeper trees on Whistler. Until your visit.. That upper pocket sure was nice though!!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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May 15, 2015 - 10:42pm PT
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Life, at times seems to be all about damage control. Feck!
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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May 16, 2015 - 06:10am PT
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"Always look on the sunnyside of life..."
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 16, 2015 - 06:38am PT
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Wayno! Lol! Sometimes it feels that way doesn't it.
Todd- I try man. Thanks again for the inspiration and hopefully we can tie in this summer!
I wake at 5 am to a lightning bolt of pain hitting the left side of my ankle. It feels like I'm repeatedly being stabbed over and over. This is the price of feeling.
While I welcome this nerve pain, to a place which not long ago lacked sensation, it sure is a bitch at dawn. Especially when your girlfriend is trying to get some sleep.
I need freedom to move so I head for the couch. Hopefully the pre-gab will hit soon and I can get a few more z's.
Reprogramming your body sure ain't easy... :)
FVCK OFF NERVE PAIN!
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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May 16, 2015 - 07:14am PT
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The how and why of what heals and what lingers as a reminder to take it . . .
There are many words of Ernest caution, that might apply
But BIG MIKE takes it in stride. . .
My hat is off to you
the road of pain control and perseverance in the face of Adversity !
Hmm sound Big Mike ish !
Dude is a hero to all !
The ankles
Man, that link needs major rest!
Smoke butter! Stay off 'em!
Stay sitting and do exercise
My own go all day but the next dawn I know it !
and it may take a day for the worst (at the time) to resolve to a no limp gate.
If that makes any sense ?
As an example:
Three days of seven to eight miles a day on solid trails, Not The 'roads' of the Gunks, and I am 'feeling it' swelling at the rests and pain all the time for what feels like equal to the length of time of the abuse oops use.
I got caught up reading all of this . . . .
I think I better think it out again!
Wow!
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yanqui
climber
Balcarce, Argentina
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May 16, 2015 - 07:58am PT
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This is kind of a long, personal thread for a newcomer to jump in, but I liked the title, and especially since I got in a bit of a pissing match in that other thread, I thought I should send some good vibes in this one.
I can relate to bodily malfunctions. I had some debiliting hip problems over the past decade. After three major surgeries and two artificial hips, I've been lucky enough to have a sort of a recovery. At my age, with my body, everything hurts a little bit, most the time, except maybe when I'm actually climbing. So I guess I better get out and go climbing, right now.
Salud, Big Mike, and good luck with the recovery.
Tim Bratten
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 16, 2015 - 03:02pm PT
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The ankles
Man, that link needs major rest!
Smoke butter! Stay off 'em!
Stay sitting and do exercise
My own go all day but the next dawn I know it !
and it may take a day for the worst (at the time) to resolve to a no limp gate.
If that makes any sense ?
Thanks Gnome. I get it. Mileage is not my friend at the moment. I was able to sneak back into bed after the dayshift started. Sleep came quickly and drew me away from the lightning bolt ankle.
I awoke at 12:30, the pain was still there, but muted. Seems the pregab has accomplished it's mission. Might be time for another. Today is all about rest and physio. Riceing at the moment.
Big Mike, I often wake in the middle of the night with the feeling someone is ramming a pin deeply into my left foot.
Sometimes the pin is in the middle of the bottom of the big toe. Sometimes in the ball of the foot. Oddly, sometimes up on the top deck of the foot.
Inevitably, my lower back will be twisted in some subtle way. I'll straighten out and the pain will vanish like it was never there.
You got that right. I get the cramps too. Usually after a big day where i didn't consume enough water and electrolytes. I didn't however get cramps after my Chief lap last weekend! 2.5 litres of NUUN tablet water was the big secret on that i think. All the electrolytes of Gatorade but none of the sugar.
Do you still have the drop foot then? Don't give up my friend. Nerve damage takes a long time to heal or reprogram. You need to stimulate it to get it going again. Get the ankle cuff/elastic band combo going to strengthen that part of your calf. The nerve pathways are so weak right now so the signal is not getting through.
If you make it work, it will get stronger and the weak signal will have more effect. The more you use it the better the signal will get. It sounds like it's still degrading. You need to combat that. Don't give up my friend, i'm still reprogramming after two years which they say is the cut-off date.
Try accupuncture/ cold laser too? This therapy has been simply amazing for me. Anything to stimulate the muscle healing/ sensation. Make sure you are super "zen" when you go.
Heal up (again) bro.
Never stopped brother. You too eh? Get working dude!
This is kind of a long, personal thread for a newcomer to jump in, but I liked the title, and especially since I got in a bit of a pissing match in that other thread, I thought I should send some good vibes in this one.
Yes, it is rather personal.. I needed an outlet in the hospital, and i found it here. I appreciated our repartee on the pinkpoint thread until it degraded.. No hard feelings dude, as you said the topic was very contentious, especially the way I presented it.
I can relate to bodily malfunctions. I had some debiliting hip problems over the past decade. After three major surgeries and two artificial hips, I've been lucky enough to have a sort of a recovery. At my age, with my body, everything hurts a little bit, most the time, except maybe when I'm actually climbing. So I guess I better get out and go climbing, right now.
Salud, Big Mike, and good luck with the recovery.
Tim Bratten
Thanks Tim. I'm super glad i've avoided hip issues so far. Had I not been wearing padded shorts, I am fairly certain I would have destroyed my pelvis too, complicating my recovery immensely.
I feel you on the pain thing, adrenaline certainly makes it disappear. I am glad I still have that outlet.
Hope you enjoyed your climbing today.
Mike
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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May 16, 2015 - 03:07pm PT
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i love you
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 16, 2015 - 03:09pm PT
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You too bro.
Be well.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 16, 2015 - 03:28pm PT
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On my fourth pregab today, and I haven't had one for a month. These nerve pain storms usually leave me with far more sensation and I'm glad I got the Lyrica again because they can be fairly debilitating. Mostly I like feeling the occasional stab, to remind me I'm healing.
These storms however are too much. I need to mute them as much as possible. The upside is I can feel my big toe better today, and it only seems to be improving in this regard. A trade I would gladly make, again and again.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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May 16, 2015 - 03:51pm PT
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good vibes, still, bro.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 16, 2015 - 05:48pm PT
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Thanks bro. I still want to visit AZ. One of these days i'll be knocking on your door.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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May 16, 2015 - 05:49pm PT
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I'll save some pinkpoints :-)
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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May 16, 2015 - 05:50pm PT
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Bump for 900 posts. You coulda been dead but you are alive. There you go.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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May 16, 2015 - 06:19pm PT
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I'll save some pinkpoints :-)
I'll be stoked if i get em! ;)
Thanks Flip. Yup. Being here is way more fun than the alternative!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 22, 2015 - 10:34am PT
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I feel like the last chapter in this tale, is currently being written. Sandra and I broke up, and I'm single, so it feels like I'm turning over a new leaf.
My foot is still returning, I finally got more sensation in my left big toe yesterday after eating a cookie. I would say i'm at 75% now.
It's so nice to be able to feel the ground beneath my feet. I can feel my foot wrap around the rung of the ladder when i stretch to reach the edge of a window, and when my foot touches the rung as I'm climbing.
I don't know what awaits me yet in the future, but i am excited for the prospects.
I am close to putting this tale on paper. I started long ago, but i think it was too soon, because subconsciously I guess I knew it wasn't over yet.
Thank you again to all of you for your support. I am not certain if i could have accomplished this feat without all the people and good fortune in my life.
Hope you are well!
Mike
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philo
climber
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Aug 22, 2015 - 10:42am PT
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Keep on keepin' on Big Mike.
Always remember where you were when you were injured and how very far you've come.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Aug 22, 2015 - 10:45am PT
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Mikey, yer new handle is henceforth Big Vibe!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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Aug 22, 2015 - 11:01am PT
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good things down that road ahead there Largito Miguel.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Aug 22, 2015 - 11:21am PT
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I feel like the last chapter in this tale, is currently being written.
Hardly the last chapter... Just the first volume!
You are one exciting read!!!!
Remember you have an open invite to Moab ... If we are there or not.
See you at Facelift???
Susan and Michael
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Captain...or Skully
climber
Boise, ID or the fricken Bakken, variously
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Aug 22, 2015 - 11:59am PT
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Likewise I hope we'll see you in Idaho again sooner than later. You rock, Big Mike!
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 22, 2015 - 12:53pm PT
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Big Vibe. Lol. How about Big Flashlight?
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 22, 2015 - 12:57pm PT
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That one is almost rude.
How so? It wasn't meant to be. He provides illumination.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
Boise, ID or the fricken Bakken, variously
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Aug 22, 2015 - 01:06pm PT
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Too clever, Wayno.
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Aug 22, 2015 - 07:05pm PT
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The best is yet to come, my friend!!
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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Aug 22, 2015 - 07:09pm PT
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Among lessons learned: eat more cookies.
All the best, Mike.
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Aug 22, 2015 - 07:16pm PT
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Get down to Joshua Tree or freeze yer ass off in the frigid north!
I have some routes with height dependent cruxes to show you!!!
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Aug 22, 2015 - 07:22pm PT
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Big Mike is the incarnation of good vibes.
Be yourself man. The world is full of good women, you'll get that going soon.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 22, 2015 - 10:30pm PT
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We got yer back!
Thanks Kath!! Love ya!
Thanks Philo. Hope you are feeling better these days too.
Haha Riles! Thanks. I will do my best to continue spreading the vibe..
Weston you rule buddy. Keep bringing the stoke man, inspiring to say the least.
TBC Thanks dude! That is a sick photo. Lemme know if you ever make it north eh??
Hardly the last chapter... Just the first volume!
Ok. Last chapter of the first volume. Man I want to get to IC. My rent just doubled however so roadtrip funds will be scarce this year. I would like to do a calendar again but sell it?? Any interest ??
Facelift is a maybe.. :( gotta get someone to work for me. My second bailed :(
I gotta get my photo site going too and take care of an outstanding order... (Hopefully..)
Skully- For sure dude! Come on up north, I'd love to show you around!! Sorry we didn't get to climb together at the City!
Thanks Tad!
Big Vibe. Lol. How about Big Flashlight?
Keep spreading rumours buddy! The ladies dig it!
Big Awesome.
Aww.. Thanks Tami! Can't wait to see you and Phil!
How so? It wasn't meant to be. He provides illumination.
What like with my headlamp when i'm behind you on a trail in the dark?
The best is yet to come, my friend!!
Thanks Wayne!
Among lessons learned: eat more cookies.
All the best, Mike.
Yes! Really sorry I never got back to you. No excuse. Talk to you soon.
Get down to Joshua Tree or freeze yer ass off in the frigid north!
I have some routes with height dependent cruxes to show you!!!
Sounds good Greg!! Josh is on the list!!
Be yourself man. The world is full of good women, you'll get that going soon.
Thanks bro. I'm going to take some time and just date, before I get myself into anything serious. 7 years is a long stint. I need some me time.
Wayno you know me. I have a sick mind. Sorry :-)
That's why you are so damn funny!!
Yes Jim. The statistics are staggering. The truth is, that things were going downhill before I broke my back. I ended it when I got back from Vegas with Bruce, and we made up that night. Then i broke my back the next morning. The Injury actually brought us closer together for awhile... We clash too much. It's better for both of us this way.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Aug 22, 2015 - 10:45pm PT
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Big Mike, yer the greatest.
Ringo "Ali" Starr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGJpP7wVkVs
Like weej, I love you, too.
Don't break yer back just to make Facelift, though, man.
And YES, go for the big bucks with a calendar, by all means.
I never got mine, BTW. No sweat, buddy.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 22, 2015 - 11:16pm PT
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What like with my headlamp when i'm behind you on a trail in the dark?
Yeah, like at COR, going for beer and pipeloads. That's important shite, man.
Tami, you're gunna learn some stuff from Big Mike when you go climbing with him. We thought we had this stuff wired but Mike will keep you on your toes and safe. I am grateful to have him have my back. I can be as dumb as anyone else.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 22, 2015 - 11:21pm PT
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hey there say, big mike... not sure what's up... i been off line... hope all is well... hang in there... trails have so many PLACES that they go to...
:)
you are in my prayers... :)
will go back and read and catch up here...
edit:
say, just saw that your foot is getting better, :)
keep on keeping on, mike...
new things are coming, but, like spring, it takes time, :)
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The Chief
climber
Lurkerville east of Goldenville
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Aug 22, 2015 - 11:21pm PT
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Simple Dude.....
Now get off your ass and MOVE!!!!
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Aug 23, 2015 - 08:49am PT
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I have a sick mind.
Me too. Cheers Tami.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 23, 2015 - 10:07am PT
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I never got mine, BTW. No sweat, buddy.
Dude! I suck. Sorry about that!!
Tami, you're gunna learn some stuff from Big Mike when you go climbing with him. We thought we had this stuff wired but Mike will keep you on your toes and safe. I am grateful to have him have my back. I can be as dumb as anyone else.
You had it dialed with the equipment you were using at the time I am certain.
Thanks Neebs! Overall i'm doing really well, and i'm more at peace these days which is very nice!
Rick! I'm not sure if that was just a general comment, or encouragement to sort out my housing situation, but finding a place here in Whistler is hard (just like the eastside from what i hear). Something that fits all my requirements, is nearly impossible.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 23, 2015 - 10:13am PT
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Mike....49.7 % of the worlds population are women, enough for someone like you who has game.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 23, 2015 - 10:16am PT
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Thanks Jim! Are you going to make it north this fall?
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The Chief
climber
Lurkerville east of Goldenville
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Aug 23, 2015 - 11:04am PT
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It's a BUD/S thing Mike.... DON'T EVER QUIT!
("Ring the Bell" and the insistent torture and agony is over. But the torment of doing so will haunt you for the rest of your days on earth.)
PS: The ONLY Easy Day was.... Yesterday!
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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Aug 23, 2015 - 11:11am PT
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Enjoy every new day, my friend. You know we all care for you and Sandra, whether together or apart. You will both be OK.
Best wishes on your road to health and happiness.
I look forward to climbing together again in the future.
xoxo Phyl
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 23, 2015 - 12:11pm PT
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It's a BUD/S thing Mike.... DON'T EVER QUIT!
You got that right Rick. I could have rung the bell so many times, but if i did, i'd probably still be confined to a chair like some of my other friends from GF. If anything my injury has taught me, that anything I put my mind to, can indeed be accomplished.
Enjoy every new day, my friend. You know we all care for you and Sandra, whether together or apart. You will both be OK.
Thanks Phyl!! I know it's true. It's so hard right now. We tried to climb together yesterday, but all either of us could hear, was complaining, so we decided that we need a break from each other for awhile. We both love each other and want to make it work, but end up bickering like children in each other's presence.. :(
Any thoughts of heading north??
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 23, 2015 - 12:15pm PT
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Won't make it up that way Mike. I'm leaving for the Caucasus in a week.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 23, 2015 - 12:17pm PT
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Oh well Jim, i'm sure you'll have an amazing time over there!!
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canyoncat
Social climber
SoCal
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Aug 23, 2015 - 03:13pm PT
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Life's hard, but tomorrow is a new day. Watch the sun rise.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 23, 2015 - 05:20pm PT
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Thanks canyoncat.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 24, 2015 - 08:52am PT
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Aug 24, 2015 - 11:27am PT
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Aww.... Boris.., it wasn't the same without you this year bro!
Looking forward to meeting the new pups bud.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Oct 19, 2015 - 09:20am PT
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Wow! Summer sure flys when you're having fun!!!
Things have been looking up for me. Big time. I've met this amazing lady Erin, who has captured my heart. She's fun, funny, smart and beautiful, amongst many other things. I feel lucky to be rolling with her.
I would say my foot is now at 75%, and i'm still regaining feeling. Most of my motor control issues have resolved themselves, but fine control of my left leg is still spotty at times.
A couple weeks ago I swapped pitches with my friend Heather on Angel's crest. 15 or so pitches and some challenging ones at that. Those of you who have followed this from the beginning know what an accomplishment that is for me. I truly thought I might never get back up there, and i was even able to go to work the next day and be productive!
I am very happy these days and I feel as if i'm a phoenix reborn from the ashes. I'm starting a new life and anything is possible if I put my mind to it!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Oct 19, 2015 - 09:27am PT
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Wow, some of us can only dream of having 'motor issues' that would allow us to swing leads
on Angels Crest! ;-)
Yer an inspiration!
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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Oct 19, 2015 - 09:32am PT
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Always sending Big Mike good vibes, needed or not.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Oct 19, 2015 - 01:28pm PT
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Wow, some of us can only dream of having 'motor issues' that would allow us to swing leads
on Angels Crest! ;-)
Yer an inspiration!
Thanks Riles. I'm a pretty lucky incomplete paraplegic for sure. I have age on my side too, which i have come to realize is a greater advantage than i gave it credit for.. Hope you are well!
Thanks Chris!! You too buddy! Hopefully we can hang soon!
Thanks Tami, it was so fun hanging with you and Phil! I'm going after work.. I like what you first said to me about Erin.. "She's certainly not catch and release!!" LOL!! Season isn't quite over yet.. Any climbing itch left to scratch?? ;)
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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Oct 19, 2015 - 04:13pm PT
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a splendid chapter
in the ever-animated
story of our
canadian champion.
i am happy for you
mike.
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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Oct 19, 2015 - 06:24pm PT
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Excellent to hear, Mike.
Andy Traslin and I were on Angel's Crest 6 of October and you are in mind whenever I do that route. Phoenix for sure.
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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Oct 20, 2015 - 08:53am PT
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"She's certainly not catch and release!!" I think Tami was telling you to mount her on your wall.
Awesome hearing from you last week and the updates on your positive times.
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