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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - May 3, 2016 - 01:33pm PT
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It's been six months since my accident. I couldn't write about it right after. I needed time to dull some of the edges of the memory. I want to share it now because I hope we can learn from what happened.
I took a sixty foot factor two fall on Braille Book. It was on Halloween. Our plan for the day was to "run up" this climb and then do some night climbing in costume. Our agenda set my approach, which was probably too casual. I have done Braille Book twice before. I love offwidth and chimney climbing, so this climb never felt too hard.
My partner, Ben, was a strong but relatively new climber. This was his fifth climbing trip. He was belaying me on the start of the third pitch -- about 280 feet off the ground -- when I made my mistake. I was prioritizing moving quickly and I hate rope drag... so I had no gear in. I should have clipped the anchor, but it was way to the right of the route, so I didn't. Once I got to the crack, I saw it was too big for gear. I went up and wanted to move into the chimney to feel more secure. But I was wearing a small backpack with shoes and water. I found a stance and decided to take it off and hang it from my belay loop. I normally never do this without a piece near by. But I didn't have gear, so I did. I should have down-climbed. I was 12-15 feet above Ben at this point.
As I was taking off my backpack, it slipped. I instinctively grabbed for it and threw myself off balance. I started to fall. The last thing I remember is deflecting some rock with my hand. I passed out for maybe 15 seconds. When I came to, I was way below the start of the pitch. I was against the rock and the rope was going from next to my belay loop down to between my legs and then behind me, back up to Ben. I have no idea what happened. I wasn't bleeding or scratched or bruised. Thankfully, the route was quite steep below me.
I couldn't move my legs. I thought I broke both of them. The rope started to hurt, so I used the rock to slowly flip myself upside down and free it. Once the rope was running straight up, I couldn't get myself back upright. I was dangling, my legs were useless, and I couldn't get a good hold on the rock. I yelled to Ben to lower me slowly. I pawed along the wall to try to get my torso up as he was lowering my hips. But that was also too hard.
Ben lowered me all the way to the start of the second pitch. By that time, another party had come up. The leader set up his rope to lower me to the ground. I remember struggling to stay on the ledge. It was so hard just to set up on his rope and move into position to get lowered again. Everything hurt. A member of the other party rapelled with me to keep me upright and away from the rock.
Finally, I was on the ground. Ben had yelled for help and there was a group of climbers waiting for me. They set up a spot with all their layers for me to lie down on and covered me with their jackets. The pain in my back was immediate at that point. I was shaking with cold. YOSAR had been called. The rescue party was hiking up so all I had to do was wait. I remember somebody found my little backpack next to the start of the route. I had my med kit in there, including oxycodone (which I always carry for this kind of worse-case scenario.)
I asked for the pain meds, but YOSAR instructed my friends not to give it to me. The meds would interfere with a proper assessment when they got there. I remember trying to argue for why I should be allowed to take them: my head didn't hurt, my neck didn't feel stiff, I definitely didn't have any head trauma, please let me take the pills. It was a long wait for the YOSAR medic.
About two hours later, I was loaded onto a gurney and swaddled into some sort of inflatable padding. I remember watching the helicopter blades as it hovered above me. The thing was impressively close to Higher Cathedral Rock. A rope came down and I was clipped in. They lifted me into the helicopter and took me to El Cap Meadow.
The reason I dropped much more than 25-30 feet -- twice the rope I had out -- was my partner had a very hard time stopping me after I fell on his ATC. The rope was yanked out of his hands and he was pulled into the anchor. He scrambled to stop me and was only successful once the rope somehow wrapped itself around his upper arm. The friction burned through his jacket, two layers, and took off a bunch of skin.
All together, I fractured the L1 vertebra in my spine, badly broke my thumb, broke my scapula, fractured some ribs, and got a pneumothorax. Thankfully I was wearing a helmet: there are some dents in it, but none in my head.
From the meadow I was flown to Merced and from Merced to Stanford Hospital, where I got an operation to re-open the vertebra and fuse my spine above and below the fracture for stability.
I'm still in a wheelchair. Doctor's say non-committal things like "every patient is different" if you ask them if you're going to walk again. Basically, there is a chance I will and a chance I won't. I am dedicated to making the best possible recovery I can. I think I'll walk again. I work hard towards that goal every day. I've regained a huge amount of function already.
I'm a grad student and the medical expenses have been a huge financial burden. I'm currently struggling to afford by rehab. If you're interested in reading about my recovery or want to help by donating to my rehab, please go to my blog: http://smallrestlesshuman.com
I'm still trying to process what happened to me. My questions: as anyone else had/heard of a similar injury? Given there were no marks from the rock on me, I think it was the impact of the big factor two fall, transmitted through the harness, that broke my back. After the rope arrested my fall, I think I swung into the rock and fractured my ribs/scapula. Is this a reasonable conclusion? What else could have happened? Does the weird orientation of the rope when I came to have anything to do with my injury?
Lastly, I want to thank the climbers who worked all day to help with my rescue and take care of my partner. And I want to thank YOSAR for easily getting be out of a steep gully far from the road.
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labrat
Trad climber
Erik O. Auburn, CA
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Hope you continue to heal. Thank you for the report of what happened. Good thoughts going your way.
Erik
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Alina,
Thank you for coming back to the point where you are able to write about it.
Spinal cord injuries are so tough because the nerves in the central nervous system don't regenerate.
So recovery is more about finding ways to adapt around the injury - using what you still have.
I was lucky and mine (January 1978 groundfall) was just a bruise to the cord,
but I experience its permanent limitations every day.
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crankster
Trad climber
No. Tahoe
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Falling happens so fast...it's hard to know exactly what happened or how injuries occur. I'm not sure you'll ever know.
You're young and strong and, hopefully, you will walk again. I'm sharing your blog with friends.
Best of luck.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 3, 2016 - 02:00pm PT
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Clint,
I'm lucky in that my injury, at L1, is below where the central nervous system terminates. All my damage was to the peripheral nerves. So, theoretically, they have the potential to regenerate.
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mtnyoung
Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
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Thank you for coming back to the point where you are able to write about it.
Yes.
Good luck as your recovery continues. Write more and keep us up to date?
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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I hope for your continued recovery! You have been through so much. And all the things I wouldn't have thought about...like the car! Good luck learning to drive with hand controls and getting a PT regime that speeds your recovery!
Susan
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brotherbbock
climber
Alta Loma, CA
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Wow glad you are relatively ok.
Heal fast....good healing vibes sent your way.
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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I was against the rock and the rope was going from my belay loop down to between my legs and then behind me, back up to Ben.
You were tied into your belay loop?
Glad you are here to tell the tale
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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Alina thank you for your sincere post and thoughtful analysis of the accident. I hope you make a full and reasonably fast recovery. I am in medicine and am amazed at how differently people heal. From being in my profession I fully believe that my best healers are my most positive patients. I cannot prove it empirically but I am not alone in the thought that there is a physiologic parallel to the soft/hard tissue healing process and the cellular mechanisms we see in patients with fantastic attitudes. I see it daily in the surgeries I do and am amazed at wound repair in my really positive patients, athletes especially. Please continue writing and sharing with the climbing tribe. It can be cathartic during your down days, and you're sure to have them. Surround yourself with good people and wake up every day with a readiness to heal. Again, thanks for sharing and keep your chin up.
Scott
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Alina,
My fracture was at T12, immediately above L1.
So we both have fracture injuries in the Conus medullaris (T12-L2) region.
I believe it is more in the Cauda equina (L2-S5) region where there is some chance of regeneration.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord_injury#Conus_medullaris_and_cauda_equina_syndromes
I was very fortunate because the neurological effects of mine were very minor - L5-S1 on the left side.
Also I can pee, don't have ongoing pain, I can sleep fine, etc.
I forget sometimes how fortunate I am.
Wendy Ong, whose injury severed one side of the L4 trunk, can't flex her left quad but has worked around it (this is not a complete list of her injuries).
However, she has ongoing pain and difficulty sleeping as a result.
http://wendyong.org/
Some of the original threads in November 2015:
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/2711051/gear-left-on-Braille-Book
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/2715105/cost-of-yosemite-helicopter-rescue
I read through your blog, and it's great you are getting out on a bike,
and can use your legs quite a bit.
Any way to get outside and get exercise is a big deal.
Wendy's choice of car from when she was in a wheelchair was the Honda Fit.
My wife has a Honda Element and it's clearly handy in many ways, too.
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John M
climber
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I am very grateful that you are recovering and will pray for your continued recovery. Keep us posted please. I love your good spirit. I went through a number of illnesses that kept me from getting out like I like. So I relate to what your wrote about having to view things from the car, which isn't the way that we are used to experiencing nature. I am so glad that you are able to get out more and more.
...
Thanks Clint for posting about Wendy. She skis double black diamond on one ski with outriggers. Just have to say wow.
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High Fructose Corn Spirit
Gym climber
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Incredible account, Alina.
Best wishes for your continuing progress.
Please keep posting.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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An incredible story of survival Alina.
I hope your recovery continues and you regain full function of your legs. I think the odds are with you.
Being young is certainly an advantage.
Please keep us posted.
btw, your blog is awesome!
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aspendougy
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Alina,
I am a lap swimmer, and I run into lots of people with injuries who have come back well, by including water sports in their recovery. You can start out walking in shoulder deep water, then gradually go to more and more shallow water, until you can walk on dry land. Also, regular swimming.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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When I saw your last update email with the blog, I thought of posting it here, as it is a place where many climbers look and IMO some could be very interested to see the progress. Some maybe could relate or be reminded of the risks we casually face. Didn’t feel like me posting it publicly was a good idea and glad you did it yourself! There are a few idiots here but overall I think the climbing community is fairly supportive and will benefit the healing process. Especially psychological. When you have others to share your happiness and frustrations with, it is easier to digest them...hope you do a lot of cool sh#t while recovering!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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Your optimism is exemplary. Keep up that positive stoke! You WILL get back out to those places and things you clearly love.
Thank you for sharing your story - a good reminder that our casual fun still requires utmost vigilance.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Alina,
I fractured two vertebrae in a climbing fall in December 2014; mostly repaired by an s1-L5 spinal fusion (can't say "good as new," but obviously your much more serious injury puts things in perspective).
I don't know the exact mechanism of injury--I was caught by the rope, but landed on a sloping ledge so it may have just been the impact; there was also rockfall that may have struck me. I had a loss of consciousness and only hazing memory of the accident.
Wishing you best outcome and recovery from your injuries. You will have a lot to deal with, perhaps for the rest of your life, but I'm sure you can still accomplish amazing things.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 3, 2016 - 05:13pm PT
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Thanks for all the encouragement and the wishes for fast recovery.
Thanks to those who shared their story.
Susan: yes, hard controls are crazy! I just had my assessment/lesson today. I drove for the first time in six months. Can’t wait until they’re finally installed in my car.
overwatch: oops, that’s written in a confusing way. I was tied in the usual way. I meant “next to my belay loop.” Fixed in the original post.
micronut: Thanks for the encouragement! I’ve had doctors tell me so many difficult things. Statements like: healing is done after the first year; all the function you get back after one year is all that you’re ever going to get. I wish more of them would just let my optimism run wild. But I understand why they try to manage expectations.
Clint: I’m strange and lucky in that imaging showed that my Conus modullaris terminates above my L1 (I’m an outlier), so the fracture was below it. I got all my bowel/bladder function back already. I have some chronic pain and some difficulty sleeping… but I’m dealing.
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clifff
Mountain climber
golden, rollin hills of California
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Thanks for the account. Good to hear healing is progressing so well.
As I was reading the thread, google ads popped up this ad you might want to check out:
"The path to recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) is full of challenges, and treatment options are limited. As a patient with a cervical SCI, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study called the Pathway Study. The study is evaluating human neural stem cell transplantation as a potential therapy for SCI."
http://www.sciresearchstudy.com
About the Study
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of the Pathway Study is to evaluate the safety and potential benefit of an investigational product called human central nervous system stem cells (HuCNS-SC®) for people with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). What we learn in this study may help us understand more about spinal cord injuries and help us develop future treatments.
How long will the study last?
If you are eligible for the study, your participation will last approximately 12 months, and you will visit the clinical research center approximately 6 to 10 times during that time.
Are there costs involved in participating?
Most of the costs involved with the study will be paid by the study sponsor. Some financial assistance is available for travel and for other costs involved in participating. However, it is possible that you may incur some costs depending on your circumstances. More information will be provided by the research center if you are referred for further evaluation.
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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I figured that's what you meant but you never know... thanks for the reply and again glad you made it
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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clifff,
A cervical SCI is a neck injury; hers is down at the base of the chest, and lower.
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WBraun
climber
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About two hours later, I was loaded onto a gurney and swaddled into some sort of inflatable padding.
That's called a Germa and it's not inflatable.
You suck the air out of it with hand pump and it becomes rigid to immobilize the patient.
They work extremely well and YOSAR has been using them since their inception many years ago.
They are light and carry into the field well ......
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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I have friends who came around much later than a year out with their spinal and nerve injuries, 2-4 years out and things still changing. One guy thought he'd be driving with his teath for the first 6-12 months, a few years later he's climbing 12's, not a pretty story and he's effected for life, but pretty functional. +1 a healthy body and positive mind are huge.
You didn't take a "factor 2" fall in the UIAA rope testing sense, I can't even imagine the force transmitted into your body through the rope was very high at all, given the description of your partner's friction burns and the rope running between your legs at the end and how far you fell below your belayer compared to how high above you started. Never heard of someone passing out from a fall alone, either. Seems most likely to me you glanced the rock at some point, maybe a padded harness or your clothing helped prevent bruising and scraping, your brain likely shut off the lights for a bit due to the immense pain and trauma of a bone smacking some granite at high speed - that's what I read.
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couchmaster
climber
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Holy smokes, I'm glad you're still with us and cranking out such good and strong words Alina. Quite a story. I'm sure that with a fall like yours the injuries could have been caused by your body being in the wrong position. Curious, and not that it's germaine but it would be nice for the historical record to know your harness brand and model. My thoughts and well wishes are with you as you grind out your recovery, hope you are climbing as hard has Clint and 100% pain free before too long.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 4, 2016 - 09:23am PT
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That's called a Germa and it's not inflatable.
You suck the air out of it with hand pump and it becomes rigid to immobilize the patient.
They work extremely well and YOSAR has been using them since their inception many years ago.
They are light and carry into the field well ......
Today I learned about vacuum mattresses... What a smart idea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_mattress
Never heard of someone passing out from a fall alone, either. Seems most likely to me you glanced the rock at some point, maybe a padded harness or your clothing helped prevent bruising and scraping, your brain likely shut off the lights for a bit due to the immense pain and trauma of a bone smacking some granite at high speed - that's what I read.
I have a dent or two in my helmet, so I think I passed out from hitting my head right after I hit the rock with my hand. The thing that makes me think it was the force transmitted through the harness is that L1, where my fracture is, is right where a climbing harness sits.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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The thing that makes me think it was the force transmitted through the harness is that L1, where my fracture is, is right where a climbing harness sits. That detail only reinforces my "impact to rock through padded harness" theory. The force through the rope just wasn't there in your case. Seems possible there was leverage from some extremity - ie, a small scrape at hand or foot could cause a lot of leverage at the back. The fracture suggests an impact, though. A dent in the helmet and no associated neck pain (?) doesn't suggest a knock-out from impact to the head. If you were awake for the fracture of your lower back, I'm guessing it would have been pain greater than any you've ever felt, more than enough for your brain to turn out the lights for a bit to cope. Just my read of things based on the information.
Good luck...
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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You can expect more recovery for years to come.
I Injured lower spine (pressure from bleeding or swelling) a few days after after bad fall "factor 2 for sure" on ice ... in back yard (doh). Entire right leg and foot went numb, weight bearing but unresponsive, like a stump. First 6 months rapid improvement. Could not jump, run, could not stand on front of right foot, etc. Low angle slabs near impossible. Seemed like I reached a plateau after about 6 months.
But behind the scenes things were still healing, relearning, whatever they needed to do. A decade later pretty much 100% functional. Still some residual weakness and numbness that will likely never go away now. Slight limp. After the first few months improvements become so slow as to not be noticeable except that suddenly you can do things you could not, years earlier. Like low angle slabs...
Managing time, expectations and energy, once fast gains stop appearing, becomes a tricky balance between working the physiotherapy hard in hopes of better/faster future gains and making the best of what you have, accepting and adjusting expectations, enjoying life. This balance may slowly change over time. Expect some frustrations, setbacks, apparent plateaus. Don't let these get you down. It's all good. You should get incremental improvements behind the scenes for many years to come.
Good luck with continued recovery!
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Alexey
climber
San Jose, CA
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Alina, it is shocking story happen to you. I had heard about this Halloween accident and someone posted warning about hanging rope from 3-d pitch of Braille Book, but I’ve never associated this with you. Being around you sometimes in the gym in the morning I always wanted to say about you climbing grace and agility , but did feel shy to say so. [now it is good time to say ;-). ] Also you motivation and desire to climb was highly visible. I wish you full physical recovery from your injury , get over this really unfortunate fall and get back to what you like to do and do well..
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, alina...
will keep you in my prayers, for sure...
say, i knew a guy in calif, and, he had a broken neck...
after recovery, he was never able to use his lower body,
OTHER than:
he could twist his shoulder a bit and he learned to lift or
move his arms, through them, well:
he DID get a set up in HIS VAN and was able to drive and use
electrical equipment to get his wheelchair out of his van,
and be independent, etc...
he even pushed his own chair, through shoulder power,
THE POINT here is that:
the VAN was, in case, set up VERY easy to use...
(i know this is different and MORE serious than your situation)...
he was also going to get this same thing set up in a car,
but was not able to get the funds, (i think that was the reason?)
mainly, he used a KNOB for LATCHING onto the wheel, and the
rest of the system, seemed to do all the work...
so, hopefully HOWEVER your car situation is,
it WILL do good for you!!!!
there are so many neat climbers here, who will
'go along trail' here and offer help, or coaching, or
encouragement, so--
KEEP ON coming back!
and god bless...
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Best wishes for your recovery. Keep positive.
John
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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My wish for you is a complete recovery, Alina. It takes time.
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Very inspirational of you Alina to share your situation so candidly . . . a sure sign of your exceptional outlook and tenacious attitude! Thank you! Most positive thoughts and vibrations to you.
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johnboy
Trad climber
Can't get here from there
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Alina, I'm familier with your battle to overcome this ordeal.
It's a hard row to hoe, and it's all on you. I feel your strugggle and from reading your posts I see your doing pretty good. You never surrender to its grasp, eyes on the future to recovery.
I have a lot of faith in your commitment, you should to, after all it's your faith that will drive you to where you need to be.
Here's to each battle you've won to date, keep on winning,
Cheers
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jstan
climber
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We have only words.
You have determination.
Best
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Matt's
climber
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I'm a grad student and the medical expenses have been a huge financial burden. I'm currently struggling to afford by rehab. If you're interested in reading about my recovery or want to help by donating to my rehab, please go to my blog: http://smallrestlesshuman.com
Alina buried this in the middle of her story, so I thought I would re-emphasize this. She's always been a very independent person, who finds it very hard to ask for help. She would be incredibly appreciative of any support people can afford.
I've known Alina for many years now. Climbing was among the many things she taught me, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. She has an incredible spirit and tenacity.
Some photos:
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SalNichols
Big Wall climber
Richmond, CA
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I fractured L1 in a cycling crash. I knew I had broken my back as soon as I hit the ground...it hurt like an m-fer and my toes were tingling, but I had full sensation (like PAIN), and like you I sure as hell need a narcotic. I lucked out and was riding 12 weeks later. I still have an area of periodic numbness on the surface of my left quad. It seems like it comes and goes, though I suspect that it's permanent and I just don't notice it anymore. It doesn't affect my walking or riding. Best wishes for a full recovery.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Wow, Alina, that's quite a story, and we're pulling for you. Your story could be ANY of us, and clearly, a few here have had back injuries, too. Since you're cycling, it seems like the prognosis is pretty good? For what it's worth, I've never broken my back, and I LOVE recumbent trikes. My wife and I have toured the length of the Rockies, from Jasper to Mexico, on a pair of recumbent trikes with our faithful hound, Django. If you can't climb, you can still have incredible human-powered journeys and adventures.
For the rest of us: Place gear as soon as possible above the belay! Even the easiest climbs demand total respect.
Heal well, Alina.
BAd
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 5, 2016 - 11:19am PT
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Have you read Paul Pritchard's book "The Totem Pole" ? Amazing story of accident and recovery.
Thanks for the recommendation, Tami and Mike. I'll look into it!
Curious, and not that it's germaine but it would be nice for the historical record to know your harness brand and model
Couchmaster, the harness is Arcteryx R280 Woman's.
I'm not sure you remember any of that night in Merced, but there were a lot of people who loved you there.
Thanks, Mike... I just remember being uncomfortable lying on my back and being pissed off that they put a cervical collar on me because I was convinced I could clear my own c-spine because I took a Wilderness First Responder course in college...
The fracture suggests an impact, though. A dent in the helmet and no associated neck pain (?) doesn't suggest a knock-out from impact to the head. If you were awake for the fracture of your lower back, I'm guessing it would have been pain greater than any you've ever felt, more than enough for your brain to turn out the lights for a bit to cope. Just my read of things based on the information.
Fair enough, JPL. I appreciate hearing another perspective on this.
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HighDesertDJ
Trad climber
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An absolutely terrifying story. Glad you're on the mend and thank you for sharing.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Hi Alina,
I've been through a similar situation just over three years ago. I fractured my spine at L2 and dislocated L1 in a high speed snowboard crash.
I landed on my butt going 75 miles an hour and my lower spine compressed bursting l2. I bent in two at the fracture, pinching my spinal cord in the process and slithered onto my face like a snake on the icy run. I continued sliding for a good fifty feet before I exhausted my momentum.
I never lost consciousness during the whole affair. The impact was the worst pain i've ever felt in my life. The world went black for just a brief moment when I hit and then I was seeing stars for a while afterward.
I tried to get up, but I was unable to move my legs. Then I realized that I also had no feeling below my waist.
When ski patrol got my board off, I realized that I could still wiggle my toes, so I knew I had something to work with. That very moment, I decided that this thing wasn't going to beat me. I would keep fighting until i could walk again.
They loaded me in the back of an A-star and flew me down to Whistler Health Care Centre where I was assessed and x-rayed. Then they transferred me to Vancouver General Hospital by ambulance.
I was out like a light for the bus ride and I came to as they were wheeling me into the front door of VGH. The doctors asked me if I wanted corrective surgery and I replied "well what are my options here?"
They explained that the vertebra was pinching my spinal cord and the longer that was the case, the worse my prognosis would be. I signed my life away and begged them to begin as soon as possible.
They fused me from t-12 to l-4. Immediately after the surgery I started to feel and use my right leg again, but my left felt like a buzzing log strapped to my hip.
I spent ten days at VGH, recovering and then i was whisked off to GF Strong rehabilitation centre to begin learning to use my body again.
This is where my story differs from yours, thanks to the fact that I live in the great white north. I spent three months at GF learning how to walk again. It was 8 weeks before I was allowed to return home and sleep in my own bed.
If it were not for GF strong I am certain that i would not have made the progress that I have today. Do not despair however Alina, you too can can reach your goal of walking again if you are willing to work hard enough for it.
After 12 weeks I was discharged from rehab and walked out under my own power. (I was still using forearm crutches to correct my posture and form)
It is now just over three years from that fateful February day. I am much more able these days. I am back to climbing, snowboarding and all the things i love. I don't do them quite at the same level that i used to, but i am working on that and I feel like I will begin progressing again sooner than i can imagine.
I still have a loss of sensation in my left foot, I would say it is at maybe 80%, and my glutes haven't quite caught up yet, which is causing me to overcompensate with other muscles.
I look at these as just another challenge to overcome. I have jumped a lot of hurdles so far and this one seems pretty small compared to the early days.
I still have back pain, but it's manageable most days, and sometimes I even forget about it for a brief moment in time.
I think one of the best pieces of advice i could give you is, make sure you manage the pain. Take the drugs but find ones that work with you and allow you to focus on your physio, rather than the pain killers that make you all spacey.
Another thing I was taught was to be selfish with my time, because I needed it to recover and I had to help myself before I could help anyone else.
Please shoot me a PM if you would like to talk and I will gladly give you my email. The only people who can truly relate are those who have suffered a spinal cord injury.
KEEP FIGHTING ALINA!! YOU CAN DO THIS, BUT YOU MUST FOCUS ON THE TASK AT HAND AND FORGET ALL DOUBT!!
You must know that you can do it in your heart and celebrate each little victory and stepping stone along the way.
The end goal is to get as much back as you can and with the progress you've made so far I can see you will be just fine.
Good luck with your quest Alina and please feel free to contact me whenever you need to. Incompletes need to stick together!! :)
Mike Cowper.
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FRUMY
Trad climber
Bishop,CA
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Thanks for posting this. My best to you.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 7, 2016 - 12:07pm PT
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Alexy, thanks so much for the kind words. I miss those early morning sessions. I admire your climbing as well -- you're too strong =)
Matt: thanks for posting up those pictures. Yeah, I'm sh#t at asking for help.
Mike: I'd love to talk. Will PM you! Thanks so much for sharing your story. A "buzzing log" is probably the most accurate description of what my legs felt like after the injury. I am so excited to hear that you're back to climbing and doing the things you love to do. Hugely inspiring.
I spent three weeks in a rehab hospital. The whole experience was pretty frustrating: they focused exclusively on how to manage my current condition. I learned how to get in and out of bed and how to use the wheelchair. And lots of the techniques were for people with c-spine injuries or complete lesions. No one was teaching me how to use the strength I had left. Or focusing on gaining more back. I think this was mandatory because they had so little time with me. Our healthcare system is broken.
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CCT
Trad climber
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Respect. 12 feet above my belayer, on a climb well within my abilities, at a small stance where I felt comfortable enough to maneuver my backpack, is not the type of place I would expect to receive such a severe injury.
It's a good lesson in never becoming complacent. Thank you for sharing.
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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I am pulling for you Alina, your attitude is inspiring .
Keep up your hard work, you're in my thoughts.
Best
Ezra
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Alina,
I read of great strides being made in this area of medicine, so I am hoping that you will be able to come back like Big Mike.
I have noticed over the years that people I know who are climbers, who have had severe injuries or illnesses, seem to come back in a way that often astounds doctors. I expect this has something to do with the fact that climbers are used to training hard and pushing their bodies beyond normal limits. So determine to use those traits in rehab and who knows what may happen.
Whole bunch of folks pulling for you here on ST.
Rick
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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I have noticed over the years that people I know who are climbers, who have had severe injuries or illnesses, seem to come back in a way that often astounds doctors. I expect this has something to do with the fact that climbers are used to training hard and pushing their bodies beyond normal limits.
I'd like to add that climbers push their minds.
Jeff Long wrote in "Angels of Light" that "climbers stick". I think it is true. After dangling your ass over huge exposure you develop a certain mind set that no one can take away.
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spectreman
Trad climber
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You are incredibly inspiring Alina! I wish you the best. Your spirit will carry you far.
I've been a physical therapist for 28 years and I've seen people do the "impossible".
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Bushman
climber
The state of quantum flux
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I had a bad tree trimming accident in 1990 when the top broke out of the tree I was in with me attached, flinging me over 20 feet to the ground where I landed on my back. I broke my clavicle and compression fractured L1 and L2, pulled the muscles in my lower abdomen, and had a contusion the size of a baseball on my left hip that left an area of nerve damage I still have to this day. I had no idea of the extent of my injuries at that moment, but I had never been in so much pain from what I considered at the time to be a short fall. I was stubborn and prideful, and decided I could walk it off as usual or at least get myself to the hospital as I had done after all my previous injuries.
After much moaning, at my request my crew removed my harness and spikes, and although I had been an EMT and knew better, I attempted to get to my feet. Crawling on my hands and knees was as far as I got, the pain was so excruciating that I could go no further and froze in that position. The customer put a blanket over me and asked if she could pray for me. Although I was an avowed agnostic, I had no objections whatsoever. The paramedics came and put me on a backboard and loaded me into the ambulance.
I was extremely lucky to not sustain a severe spinal injury or worse that day. My rehab was quick and I was back to climbing within a few months. But time has a way of catching up with us. Some years later I quit climbing after recovering from an ankle injury and a wrist injury and deciding to focus more on work and family. The bad part was I started to let my core strength go and gained weight. About 10 years ago I began having sciatica because when L1 and L2 had healed, I had a crooked spot in my spine where those vertebrae were partially crushed. The side effect was that L5 and my sacroiliac were badly out of alignment so I began to have bulging disc problems and sciatic pain down my right hip.
That has been treated to some effect by working to build up my core again with PT, Chiro, and stretching, but I have not lost enough of those added pounds yet. Consequently after unrelated knee surgery, combined with my weight, and limping for several months, I began having sciatica down my left hip to my knee. I've been treating it for two months now with more vigorous core building PT, stretching, loads of bike riding, Chiro, and battling that bulge. Life goes on and my goal is to get on some easy routes again and teach my younger grandkids some climbing.
Perseverance and motion, I think is the key, and listening to your body, but also teaching the brain about pain management in lieu of medication. I know just a little bit about pain and recuperation, I'm sending good thoughts your way and pulling for you, Alina. Keep up the great work with your recovery.
-Tim
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msiddens
Trad climber
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Thanks for sharing. I'm really hoping for a strong recovery for you
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 8, 2016 - 12:41pm PT
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Respect. 12 feet above my belayer, on a climb well within my abilities, at a small stance where I felt comfortable enough to maneuver my backpack, is not the type of place I would expect to receive such a severe injury.
Yes, this kind of injury was not even on my radar. I hope that sharing my story is a useful PSA. Stay safe, everyone...
Bushman, that is quite a story!
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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The customer put a blanket over me and asked if she could pray for me. Although I was an avowed agnostic, I had no objections whatsoever.
You know the old saying, "there are no atheists in foxholes", goes for Agnostics to I suspect.
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bradL
Trad climber
Lake Tahoe, NV
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May 10, 2016 - 08:34am PT
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I'm sending you wishes for a speedy recovery, Alina!
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HeldUp
climber
Former YNP VIP Ranger
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May 10, 2016 - 09:43am PT
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Wishing you health and happiness, Alina. I didn't see anything mentioned about Mark Wellman, a friend and former roommate while we worked in Yosemite. He is arguably the most widely-recognized climber who was disabled by a similar fall. I enjoyed his book "Climbing Back." Quite the motivational speaker, as well. Unfortunately, he and I lost contact and haven't spoken in years.
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David Nelson
climber
San Francisco
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May 10, 2016 - 10:48am PT
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I agree with Micronut: attitude counts. I am an orthopedic hand surgeon. In some ways, my patients recovering from surgery are similar to your recovery from spinal cord injury. My patients with a positive attitude routinely do better than the ones that have a negative relationship with the world.
No matter what the final outcome, your positive attitude will help you with all of your life. Thanks for posting, it helps all the rest of us as we also cope with our personal experience with life. Best of luck to you.
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cornel
climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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May 10, 2016 - 06:00pm PT
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Very sorry to hear about your accident Alina.. I have been down a similar road over 30 yrs ago.. The sordid details aren't important. The thing that got me completely back in the game was discovering ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. Supremely positive focus. You are going to make a fantastic recovery.. It's clear in your attitude. As many have posted here, if the mind can conceive and believe it the body will achieve it... Visualize and affirm total and complete recovery everyday. See yourself fully recovered and doing EVERYTHING YOU LOVE TO DO. What you want wants you.. Make each daily visualization as REAL as possible. Fill in all the intimate details of how wonderful being completely back in the game feels. Standing on top of El Cap.. Yes mam, you just topped out! You are coming back big time.. We are all behind you! Stick it!
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cornel
climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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May 10, 2016 - 07:48pm PT
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One more thing Alina, be aware of accepting limiting comments from anyone involved with your recovery. BS comments such as ' you may never walk again or your best hope is maybe a cane'. You won't be able climb again... Anytime you hear that TOTAL BULLSH#T, one need not even give a verbal response... Just silently say to yourself say (I give thanks that I am already 100% healed or something better..now..) this is the mantra - What you Want wants you.....! write it down a hundred times, then write it in various other ways always pointing to a Total and complete recovery...you have the right to fire your DR or anyone else who you deem not facilitating your Total recovery... Miracles happen everyday all the time.. Make it happen... Stick it!
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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May 10, 2016 - 11:50pm PT
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Stick it!
comment reserved due to Mom's Maxim
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Bushman
climber
The state of quantum flux
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May 11, 2016 - 05:52am PT
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What Cornel said
One more thing Alina, be aware of accepting limiting comments from anyone involved with your recovery. BS comments such as ' you may never walk again or your best hope is maybe a cane'. You won't be able climb again... Anytime you hear that TOTAL BULLSH#T, one need not even give a verbal response... Just silently say to yourself say (I give thanks that I am already 100% healed or something better..now..) this is the mantra - What you Want wants you.....!
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 11, 2016 - 10:50am PT
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cornel: Yes, that's what I'm trying for. I'm a pretty happy and optimistic person by nature. And this incident hasn't managed to dampen that. I've had all sorts of limitations put on me by doctors... but when I hear that, there is a little stubborn voice in my head that just wants to talk back. I say (silently, to myself) "well, I'm going to prove you wrong..."
I'm still working on having that confidence in my recovery all the time, though.
Also, big thanks to everyone who has made a donation. You're helping me do so much more.
Lastly, put this on your calendar: A non-profit whose mission is to help SCI patients is putting on a swim in Donner Lake on September 10th. I'll be swimming three miles! There is also an option to swim less or more (or just cheer and go to the bbq). If any of you are interested, please register and participate! It's good people and all the proceedings go towards the non-profit and helping SCI patients get access to therapy and exercise.
Event information and registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/donner-party-swim-registration-24574153956
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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May 11, 2016 - 11:28am PT
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Nowhere near the same scale but..
After a serious knee injury when I was 26, a surgeon told me "your riding days are over. you will likely need a cane to walk by the time you are in your mid thirties."
Three years later I placed 1st in District #37 open class Hare and Hound desert racing. I'm 55 now and still race. No canes, ever.
Listen to your heart!
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schwortz
Social climber
"close to everything = not at anything", ca
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May 11, 2016 - 11:39am PT
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Good luck and heal fast!
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cat t.
climber
california
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May 11, 2016 - 12:44pm PT
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They focused exclusively on how to manage my current condition. Alina, this is a really interesting/frustrating/telling comment. From my (surely biased, especially as a grumbly scientist) perspective, it has always seemed to me that medical professionals focus far more on managing symptoms than examining/solving root causes. That reality isn't particularly limiting when it comes to minor issues like achey hips and bad stomachs, but when dealing with an extremely severe injury like yours, I can only imagine this is ultimately frustrating--it seems almost like the potential for recovery is written off by doctors simply because it is hard!? It requires a lot of work for the patient--and for them--and perhaps they (1) have little faith in their patients' perseverance and (2) don't feel like putting in the effort themselves. It sounds like the attitude from doctors is, "If you can't be 100%, why even try?" I think that's a damn shame, and it almost guarantees a poor outcome for people who aren't willing to move the earth (like you will) to promote their own recovery.
I'm very glad you have been able to find the pilates, adaptive cycling, etc, and I can't wait to hear about the rehab you're headed to next week. I hope it's great, and that you get the chance to repeat that experience as your recovery progresses. You are a strong, focused woman...I bet you're already swimming stronger than the rest of us land-lubbers who can't get two laps across the pool without gasping like our lives are ending :P
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John M
climber
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May 11, 2016 - 02:33pm PT
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cat.. Its likely a money thing. Its what insurance will pay for. You have to fight for rehab.. the doctors first focus is to get you to be able to deal with where you are now. The later stuff is for rehab. Its a shame that we don't focus more on rehab, but insurances primary focus is to get you home. They don't care about quality of life after. Once you are home then their attitude is its not their problem.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 11, 2016 - 03:00pm PT
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Its likely a money thing. Its what insurance will pay for. Yes, exactly. I had an interesting talk with my therapist about this.
He explained how reporting outcomes to insurance works. The therapists have to prove that they are doing useful work by reporting progress. What insurance cares about are updates like "patient can now be independent with transferring from bed to wheelchair" and "patient is now comfortable negotiating a 2in barrier in wheelchair" and "patient can now use ramp by herself to get in and out of house." These were the progress reports sent out about me.
I asked if insurance cared about me regaining strength in my legs. They do not. That is not a "quantifiable" outcome, or something. There is no reporting "patient increased quad strength by 20%." I think things like regaining function are seen as being highly variable and not predictable. So the PT can't make it happen and is not given credit, either way, for how my legs progress.
It all makes sense in a weird and twisted way that is completely removed from what is actually important.
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John M
climber
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May 11, 2016 - 03:08pm PT
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Maybe big Mike will chime in and give some idea of how they deal with it in Canada. Because he certainly seemed to have gotten a lot of help.
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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May 11, 2016 - 04:45pm PT
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The therapists have to prove that they are doing useful work by reporting progress
I find this revealing. In my case (age 79, scoliosis, multiple stenosis, herniated disc, etc . . . too many leaps off boulders!) after three sessions the PT said we should suspend our sessions. There wasn't the sort of improvement you mention, although simple walking helped considerably. I found PT to be worthless in my situation.
For the last month I have been able to hike the steep trails up local buttes like I used to, entirely because of my own initiative. It may not last, but I'm pleased at present.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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May 11, 2016 - 05:35pm PT
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Right, it's a "cost effective" insurance check.
So they show you some techniques, and they are done.
It doesn't mean the improvement stops;
it's just that you don't need their help to do the leg raises, etc.
The strength improvement takes your time and effort.
It might be nice if there was a way to call in occasionally if you have questions.
But lots of such questions can be handled by looking on the web, since you're already intelligent.
With my injury, the one Physical Therapy thing which really helped was stretching out my Achilles tendon (I had a tib-fib fracture along with my SCI).
It took several molded splints with more acute foot/calf angles that I strapped my foot/leg into.
Finally broke through the scar tissue with massage and that tendon pop of freedom felt so great!
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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May 11, 2016 - 06:50pm PT
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jgill,
I had a similar response from my PT when I did my knee.
They said they thought I wasn't progressing after just a few visits and that I should get use to it!
My girl at the time was a yoga instructor and helped keep me limber but the saving grace was bicycling. Swimming was helpful too but, biking everyday gave me back 100% strength and 90% range of motion.
Being an athlete with young muscles such as Alina's will make a huge difference in recovery.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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May 11, 2016 - 07:40pm PT
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Hi. I didn't have a spinal cord injury but mine almost cost me my leg, I was in the hospital for almost 60 days (five operations), in a wheel chair for 8 months after and I had to keep my leg elevated for nearly 18 months or it would get beat red and swell up like a log.
Long story short, after two years I still wasn't walking well and I had pain when I did. I finally got some advice from a great ortho guy over at UCLA who said that no matter what the injury, the final phase of healing, where you get as close to "normal" as you can - is almost always the outcome of circulation. And mine was bad because I had half the tissue removed from my high ankle to mid calf, and it was replaced with a muscle graft they harvested off my left thigh. Plus when my leg blew up on impact, the plumbing got all fouled up and the blood simply couldn't pump. So he said to stop driving and start riding my bike EVERYWHERE. The constant activity would force the blood in and out of my bad ankle/lower leg and healing would happen.
It didn't seem hopeful, but after a few months everything changed. Now on good days I can walk with no limp. Even hiked up to Yosemite Falls a few months ago.
So whatever you can do exercise wise to get the blood moving, and keep it moving, you will greatly amplify your healing because it can't really happen till the circulation gets better. That's been my experience. And good luck with yours. That's a tough row to hoe.
JL
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
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May 11, 2016 - 10:43pm PT
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"Long story short" - a good title for a book?
Alina, about the 3 mile swim - I'm impressed. Sounds like you're strong and in shape! Keep going with the positive attitude, I'm sure you will continue to improve.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 12, 2016 - 02:20pm PT
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For rehab, I think the United States used to be a lot more like Canada. But hospital stay has been dramatically shortened in the last 20 years. Here is the info I found:
"The last 20 years have seen a marked decrease in the hospital stay for neurological injuries. An individual with a spinal cord injury (or other neurological injury) who used to spend 4 - 6 months receiving in-hospital therapy is now discharged in as little as 4 - 6 weeks. The burden of rehabilitation has shifted to the outpatient setting. Unfortunately, outpatient insurance benefits remain restricted and do not discriminate by severity of injury."
In my experience there are good PTs and there are pretty terrible ones. It can be really hit or miss. The hard and frustrating thing about SCI (and this is worse for people with injuries high in the spinal cord) is how difficult it is to work out by yourself. My right leg is still too weak to do much without somebody helping me to manipulate it. I have to rely on a trainer/PT unless I'm swimming or biking. And those activities don't cover all the training/rehab my legs need.
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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May 12, 2016 - 02:57pm PT
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in regards to the hit or miss nature of therapy and doctors as well I think that is one of the benefits of posting on a forum like this were there are a lot of smart, experienced people.
A reliable referral can save a lot of time money and trouble
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cornel
climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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May 13, 2016 - 06:47am PT
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Alina, I am sure you are aware of stem cell therapy but have you checked out StemCells.inc? Exciting results from their latest creation for healing spinal cord injuries. I would be trying to enroll in their clinical trial if possible. This could be the silver bullet...? There are some incredible things going on in medical research regarding the regeneration of spinal cord tissues.. Good things are happening...
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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May 13, 2016 - 07:17am PT
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is almost always the outcome of circulation. This is more true for muscle and tissue injuries. Nerves are another realm.
OP - dumping lots of money into therapy sessions and whatever they do for you - it's small compared to what you will need to do for yourself - on your own - with whatever you have on hand. I see you have a bike - good. It's the daily things that go on for months that count. Maybe you need some exercise contraptions built around the house, join a gym that happens to have some special equipment, etc. There's a reason the PT's get cut off at some point by insurance - reality is it's all on you - there's no magic to it, soon you'll know more than anyone anywhere about your particular injury. I like PTs myself, and have been to a few very good ones through many injuries - I get it - but I see it as consulting. I ask questions, check in with how things are going, get some dry needle with electrostim (big fan, look into it) - then it's back to some seemingly boring routines that go on for months and often don't seem like they are doing anything - until one day I realize they did.
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Jeremy B.
climber
Northern California
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May 13, 2016 - 09:33am PT
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There are some incredible things going on in medical research regarding the regeneration of spinal cord tissues.
This is more true for muscle and tissue injuries. Nerves are another realm.
Inflammation is generally a bad thing for the brain and spinal cord, so the normal response to injuries is suppressed. Stem cell therapy for spinal injuries is still a pretty new thing; current studies would be largely focused on safety. There's a brief overview of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries at https://www.tempobioscience.com/blog/?p=192, which also mentions some of the ongoing studies. (clinicaltrials.gov would have more detailed info on studies.)
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - May 13, 2016 - 09:55am PT
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Alina, I am sure you are aware of stem cell therapy but have you checked out StemCells.inc? Exciting results from their latest creation for healing spinal cord injuries. I would be trying to enroll in their clinical trial if possible. This could be the silver bullet...? There are some incredible things going on in medical research regarding the regeneration of spinal cord tissues.. Good things are happening...
Yeah, I've looked into their trials. It all seems promising, but not quite a match for my injury. They are taking patients with cervical or thoracic levels of injury -- higher than what I have. The goal of the phase II trial is to restore arm function to people with complete c-spine -- meaning these patients have no function below the neck/shoulder level of injury. This is very different from being an incomplete at L1. I don't think anyone will want me in an early clinical trial because I got so much function back that I can lose, if anything goes wrong. And also because I'm still early in my injury, so function is still coming back on its own. But hopefully clinical trials like this will lead to therapies that all SCI patients can benefit from.
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Alexey
climber
San Jose, CA
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Jul 17, 2016 - 03:48pm PT
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How you are doing Alina?
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aspendougy
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Jul 17, 2016 - 06:42pm PT
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Alina,
Since you can swim, I suggest you experiment with a few things in the water. One, try using fins, as kicking with them involves the muscle groups more. Also, experiment with a flotation vest coupled with ankle weights. This works the hip flexors.
I think Largo hit it on the head when he mentioned about the UCLA ortho guy who said increase the circulation. the idea is try to experiment so that you get lots of circulation involving a variety of muscle groups.
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mtnyoung
Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
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Jul 17, 2016 - 07:48pm PT
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I am so glad she's made that kind of progress!
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jul 17, 2016 - 11:03pm PT
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Increasing circulation helps tremendously per tissue and bones, but nerves respond to certain training (a little) and acupuncture (some times a lot). My injury left me with only about 20% of the regular feeling in my left leg from the shin down and little of it has returned. But the bone and muscle injuries are MUCH better but it took 3 years.
Best luck with your recovery.
JL
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overwatch
climber
Arizona
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Jul 18, 2016 - 12:10am PT
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pretty cool, Mr. Cummins. I am happy for her. She seems to have a great outlook
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thedogfather
Trad climber
Somewhere near Red Rocks
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Jul 18, 2016 - 06:40am PT
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I’ve had doctors tell me so many difficult things. Statements like: healing is done after the first year; all the function you get back after one year is all that you’re ever going to get. I took a 30 foot free fall to my back in a gym because I failed to attach to the auto-belay and sustained a spinal cord injury (central cord syndrome). I have a plate fusing my c4-c6. I was also told all function would be back in a year or so. It has been 19 months and I continue to see some significant nerve improvement. I am far from "normal" and see some things that haven't changed but don't believe them. I have some chronic pain but it continues to slowly improve month to month and super sensitive spots on some parts of my right side. In the last year I have gone from just barely being able to hang from a bar to being able to do 6 pull-ups. I went from having to walk with a walker and not being able to even do one curl with my right arm with no weight to being able to consistently climb 5.10 in the gym. One thing I have done is to be obsessive about hitting my own personal type of PT hard. I don't do normal stuff, I concentrate on things that will allow me to climb again. btw, I am 66 and was told people over 40 have very poor outlook for strong recovery from central cord syndrome.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 19, 2016 - 04:45pm PT
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Hey Alexey and Super-Topo folks!
I'm still hanging in there. Summer has been hard. I get all the same urges: days are long, time to get outside and be outside until you're too tired to stand up.
I miss the East Side and Tuolumne like crazy. The beauty of those places and the happiness I feel whenever I'm there are great motivation, though.
Clint did a great job of covering the big updates. I'm proud of swimming and biking in a triathlon and of the walks I've been taking with my braces and walker.
But I have a long way to go...
Since you can swim, I suggest you experiment with a few things in the water. One, try using fins, as kicking with them involves the muscle groups more. Also, experiment with a flotation vest coupled with ankle weights. This works the hip flexors.
aspendougy, thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm still too weak to move my legs with fins on, but I'm going to try the ankle weights idea. I'm always looking for new exercises to do in the pool.
with regard to circulation: yeah, I understand how important it is. For nerves, we know so little about how the healing process works and what helps and what does not. For my muscles, I have found a really, really warm pool. Swimming at 90deg vs. 75deg makes a huge difference. My weak muscles can barely contract in cold water. But as I warm up in the warm pool, I start feeling stronger and stronger. I hope this translates to long-term improvements.
thedogfather, you are so inspirational. Thanks for sharing your story!
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jose gutierrez
Trad climber
sacramento,ca
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Aug 11, 2016 - 10:33pm PT
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Bump!!
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Aug 12, 2016 - 12:58pm PT
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Highlights from Alina's August 2 post to her blog:
Two small victories today. First, this morning, I found my balance at the standing frame. ... Before, when the hands came off, my right hip would rotate and I would twist out of upright. I think I’m finally getting the strength in my right glute and hamstring to balance out the left....
Second, I finally went to the Stanford gym. A basement maze of free weights, rows of elliptical girls, and machine angles. I have been putting this off for months. Partially because the Stanford student show of youthful exuberance would probably make me sad. Partially because I was waiting on my right leg to learn how to track. ... http://smallrestlesshuman.com/
It takes time to build up strength in alternative muscles to compensate for the ones that aren't working.
But it has to feel so good to make helpful progress!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 12, 2016 - 01:09pm PT
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hey there say, ... great to hear this update... thanks for finding and sharing it... :)
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 7, 2016 - 09:33am PT
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Hey Taco,
I was interviewed about my accident for The Sharp End, a podcast produced by Accidents in North American Climbing.
Take a listen. And if you're sick of hearing my story you should check out some of the other interviews. There is a new podcast every month.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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I like good news on recovery efforts. tfpu
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Keep us updated... this is your thread anyway. If someone is tired of hearing of your recovery they can go browse the Kaepernick thread or something. Keep yer head up big things are coming.
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hamersorethumb
Trad climber
Menlo Park, CA
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Thanks for sharing your story on The Sharp End.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Alina... No way ever tired of hearing of yours (or anyone's) recovery!
When I was in an hurt more (nothing as extreme as yours) it's these kinds of posts that gave me inspiration to keep on keep in' on. Thank You!
Susan
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Oct 24, 2016 - 06:16pm PT
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Hope you are doing & healing well.
Bump & Prayers
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Tapir
Sport climber
Malaysia
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Hey Guys,
I'm new here and am super frustrated with my back pain. It has been about 8months since I last climbed, and since then, my back starts having weird pains and all. Never had any pain when I was active in climbing. I stopped for awhile because was getting married and thought of starting again sometime soon. However with this back pain, I'm not sure if its a good idea.
I used to boulder much back then. I had a few falls that was seriously wrong falls, but it didnt hurt back then. My pain started in my lower back left side down to my buttocks and back of my left thigh. And now it moves around. Currently it hurts on the spine just below my neck.
I had shoulder dislocation once on my left shoulder and since then my neck kinda hurts all the way too. I'm just hopeless here huaaaa!
Tapir
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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Tapir, see a spinal surgeon, have MRIs taken. I've had a lot of recent experience with this sort of thing. I don't recommend a chiropractor or a physical therapist. The latter did more harm than good for me.
Stop jumping off boulders, even with pads! I am now paying the consequences in my old age.
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Ken M
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
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Alina, I am another physician, Family Practice, but who shared my office with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doc for many years.
I am going through my own major physical rehab situation right now, and spend time every day in a pool, which has been a salvation. I'm not going to discuss my journey, other than how it relates to you.
You have a great attitude, and I agree with the other physicians that will, and has, paid huge dividends. I also agree that climbers are different in outlook. Try to find a way to push every day. Try to focus on your improvements, and talk about them. It is self-reinforcing. Be aware of your lagging problems, and work on how to make them better--but don't let that become the focus of your being, let that be the positives.
You don't appear to have a significant psychological problem, which is often the case, and gets in the way of working to get better. Make sure you are talking about what is happening---it is very therapeutic!
Pain is your FRIEND! It tells you where you need to focus. It tells you the limits of what you should do. Do not let pain hold you back from what you need to do, though. I was surprised that my PT's and OT's wanted me to take pain meds before sessions, so that I could perform harder. It really helped. I think it is a mistake to "tough it out". Pain can wear you down, as you know. Don't be afraid to explore alternative pain techniques---I have found Turmeric useful, recommended to me by my pharmacist.
A couple of tricks I'll share---in the pool, I often use a "noodle" for flotation. I'm sure you are familiar with the various "tools" available.
I float with the noodle UNDER my bad foot, the leg of which had lost 50% or more of strength, and which also stretches my somewhat locked-up ankle. I just started using this to do leg raises by relaxing my leg->up, and pushing my foot down. Seems to be an easy, relatively painless way to increase the strength in that leg.
A more advanced trick is to balance on TWO noodles, one under each foot, which is quite hard to coordinate the balance, just standing there.
Finally, I go to the shallow end, and WALK on the noodle, which stretches out the foot. I'll do a lap on the heel, middle, then front---by far the most challenging and painful, but which also maximizes Achilles stretch. I could do NONE of that 2 months ago.
Please keep writing, it is great and inspiring to hear of your progress!
Ken Murray, MD
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Tapir
Sport climber
Malaysia
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Hey Tami,
Yeah I did went to a chiropractor once, and I kinda thought that they did something to my spine that made it worst (just an assumption). They did the one snap pull by asking me to lie down and snapped my whole body (spine to be exact). It was my first visit there and I was just asking them to look at my injured ankle. Anyways, I do think that a person should really see through their bodies first (CTs and MRIs) before they go to chiropractor. Some things they can really get it fixed right. Thank you so much for suggesting!
Hi jgill,
I am working on getting MRI for checking my back because my previous visits to the doctors only lead me to the physiotherapist. And since my back is getting worse, I figured I should really do something about it. Now my back pain radiates either to my upper back (shoulder & neck) or, it can go down to my lower back left side (buttocks & thighs) :(
I am working from home which means I do even less exercise to break the sweat. My sister was just diagnosed with dehydrated discs and she for all i know, drinks water so much more than I do! I'm super scared to know what MRI result will be for me :( I've read so much about spine problems and it scares me so much.
I also think that most of my back pain today was the result of the wrong falls I took whenever I do long and high routes on the boulder wall.
So frustrating :/
Tapir
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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Don't give up, Tapir. I thought my goose was cooked when over a year ago I was in a lot of pain similar to yours and was told never do upper body exercises again. Then in May another more experienced surgeon said, why not? I still have the problem but since I returned to pull-ups and the like the problem has abated quite a bit. By the way, I'm going on 80. Never too late, my friend.
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darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
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Baby Boomers never recommend Chiropractic, they prefer what they consider to be "mainstream" healthcare providers. Of course, they don't realize that nowadays, Chiropractic is pretty darn mainstream.
Most professional athletes are under the care of a Chiropractor.
Always seek advice and care from the health care provider of your choice, not an internet message board.
Sending healing vibes to everyone in this thread! Thanks for sharing your stories.
EDIT: You can't order up an MRI like you can a cheeseburger. You need to go through the proper channels and let a qualified physician determine if imaging is necessary. Many times there is an algorithm that is being followed. They went to school, you didn't. More than likely you, the patient, are a layperson. Could you read the MRI if someone put it in front of you? Prolly not.
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pell
Trad climber
Sunnyvale
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Alina, I am shocked by discovering the thread. Those morning sessions in PG SV is among my the very best memories and you and your climbing had been being a bright highlihgt of those (sometimes brrrrrrrrr... cold) mornings. Remember I was wondering where had you disappeared. Now it is clear.
So sorry to hear about your accident and so inspired by reading your blog. Keep going for full recovery, I know you can. Wish you the best.
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Ken M
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
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Baby Boomers never recommend Chiropractic, they prefer what they consider to be "mainstream" healthcare providers. Of course, they don't realize that nowadays, Chiropractic is pretty darn mainstream.
Most professional athletes are under the care of a Chiropractor.
Always seek advice and care from the health care provider of your choice, not an internet message board.
Sending healing vibes to everyone in this thread! Thanks for sharing your stories.
EDIT: You can't order up an MRI like you can a cheeseburger. You need to go through the proper channels and let a qualified physician determine if imaging is necessary. Many times there is an algorithm that is being followed. They went to school, you didn't. More than likely you, the patient, are a layperson. Could you read the MRI if someone put it in front of you? Prolly not.
Could not agree MORE. Words of a professional Chiropractor! *I've* looked at thousands of MRI's and I hardly know what I'm looking at. It is easy to spend thousands and thousands on useless technology. Even when imaging is needed, sometimes a plain x-ray is better. Sometimes ultrasound.
I recently had a kidney stone issue that required imaging. The "state of the art" is Spiral CT scan, but I chose to go the ultrasound route, because: 1. for my situation, ultrasound was just as good. 2. I didn't want the radiation exposure (roughly equivalent to 40 chest x-rays). I already glow in the dark. Let professionals make these decisions.
I get care under an excellent Chiropractor.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2017 - 05:09pm PT
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So sorry to hear about your accident and so inspired by reading your blog. Keep going for full recovery, I know you can. Wish you the best.
Thanks for the kind words, my friend.
Recovery continues.
I have to say... if there is one message I can spread, it would be this:
Appreciate what you have, every day. Don't waste it. But also don't hold it too close to your chest. After taking the Big Fall.. I know humans are surprisingly resilient. Take risks, be bold, live bravely and roll with the punches.
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jstan
climber
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After my last boulder problem I spent four days in traction. I found the key is to do boulder problems you never have to jump off. Just not bouldering is equally effective.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I find my Chiro to be quite helpful when i put my back out. It's like Tami says, it's all about finding the right practitioner. The best thing about my chiro is the thumper! I love that thing!! It looks like a six pack egg carton and it vibrates like he double hockey sticks!!
People dis acupuncture too, but i found it to be amazing in my recovery. It's more of a participatory practice though, you have to work with them and let them know what works for you and what doesn't. I find the needles give me targets to help me let go of the tension with my mind. I've seen other acu's and they just do their program and i don't get nearly as much out of the treatment.
It's all about WHO you see!
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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My 26 year old daughter has been mostly bed ridden for over a year with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Her entire left leg and part of her lower back are always in extreme pain.
It started from a knee injury then got worse. Unfortunately many doctors are not aware of this.
Medicine does not know why this happens or have any good ideas on how to treat it.
Some people can have very little physically wrong yet still be in constant pain.
I think those of us who have only minor pains are lucky.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mine is Dingus! I go see him when I'm super hurting and then it's usually six months to a year or more between visits!
Not all clothes are made from the same cloth..
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I would agree with that Ding. It is definitely not a cure all, but it sure helps me loosen up when my back is super tight!
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Al Barkamps
Social climber
Red Stick
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Chiropractors are pretty much all full of shiht. I've had several dozen "adjustments" and frankly, none of it compares to having my ol' lady's 112 lbs walking all over my back.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 20, 2017 - 06:07pm PT
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hey there say... just a bump...
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Feb 20, 2017 - 07:26pm PT
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Agree with DMT. If cracking your back fixed something, you didn't have much of a problem. And if you do have a for-real problem, cracking it is quite likely to make it worse - ie, herniated disks, pinched nerves, etc.
That chart is wrong, too...
It's basically a massage, little more.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Feb 21, 2017 - 06:27am PT
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I've received A LOT of help from chiro's. It's a bummer that some of them claim to be able to cure everything.
BAd
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Feb 21, 2017 - 06:41am PT
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Alina, for your information, The Braille Book has been host to a number of falls through the years. It is a real 5.8, is kind of tricky, and not always totally protectable. Great climb.
The longest fall up there I am aware of was Jim Stanton's gigantic zippering, about 200-240 ft in 1970 approximately. He did not get very injured--hard to imagine-- and went right on for more years. I think he walked out too.
I brought this up on:
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=52865&tn=60
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Barbarian
climber
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Feb 21, 2017 - 09:01am PT
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My thoughts and experience on chiropractic:
I have good friends that are chiropractors. I trust them completely. For years I suffered from debilitating migraines. My best buddy suggested I come see him. X-rays were taken showing misalignment of my spine. Further physical examination (no back cracking yet)revealed I had one leg shorter than the other. He suggested a heel lift to even my gait. He also suggested I quit sitting on my wallet and move to a front pocket. Once those things were addressed, he adjusted my spine to bring everything back into alignment. Bottom line - I haven't a migraine in over 15 years.
Five and half years ago I took a small spill in the mountains, tweaked my back...and walked 14 miles out. A little ice, a little rest, good to go again.
About 5 weeks after that, my back started hurting...bad. With my trusted friend 600 miles away, I sought out another chiropractor. I received a recommendation from my boss. This new doctor looked at my x-rays, asked a bunch of questions, an adjusted my back. I had some immediate relief. When the relief was not long lasting after a few visits over a span of weeks, he stated, if this was a simple chiropractic issue it would be greatly improved after those few visits. He suggested additional x-rays, when he looked at them, recommended that I get an MRI and ortho consult. He said that there appeared to be a serious problem.
I got my MRI which revealed a massive infection in the area of my spine that was injured in the mountains. I had urgent surgery to remove a necrotic disc, remove all the infected tissue, and fuse my spine. And 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. My ortho says my chiro probably saved my life...because he knew what chiropractic could do and when it was not warranted.
I still see my chiro, with my ortho's blessing. Every couple of months I have my spine gently stretched. It keeps me upright.
I would avoid any chiro who claims they can cure anything and everything. I would also avoid one that wants to schedule a prepaid series of sessions 3x a week for 10 weeks...that guy is interested in making his boat payment, not your health an well being.
of course, your mileage may vary.
A couple of additions: The root cause of the infection (e-coli)appears to have been a perforation of the bowel during a routine colonoscopy. That took up residence in the injured portion of the back and mad itself a happy little home. I had no fever or other symptoms that indicated infection. Just pain.
Most important part of this post:
Best wishes to you Alina on your continued recovery!
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 19, 2017 - 01:10pm PT
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Hey guys,
I posted on Quinn's thread to reach out and share my experience. I was asked for an update, so here it is...
I'm not on Supertopo much these days as it still hurts a lot to be reminded of climbing outdoors... I'm still far from being able to do it. But I've been going to the Stanford gym about twice a month where I helped start an adaptive climbing program. We partnered with the Palo Alto VA and Mark Wellman to purchase a bunch of adaptive climbing equipment and got him to come and teach wall staff members on how to use it. I've really enjoyed meeting all the Stanford students who have come out to give it a shot -- wheelchair users, amputees, and others with movement disorders.
I've spent a year working with a Pilates trainer who specializes in Pilates for Neuro rehab. It's been amazing a helped me a lot -- but costs $$$$ and isn't covered by insurance. Overall, it takes a huge amount of money to recover from something like this. Insurance covers just a fraction of so many new costs.
Here's a video of some me doing Pilates:
[Click to View YouTube Video]
I've been slowly re-learning how to walk with braces and a walker. In the past couple of months I've gotten much better at crutches. And last week I got a new brace for my right (weak) leg, so I'm back to walker for now but the ergonomics of the walking is improved.
Here's a video of me walking in my new brace for the first time compared to old brace (white):
[Click to View YouTube Video]
I've been lucky and got some financial support from High Fives Foundation. I've been on a quest to try new things and through them I discovered surfing. I use a board somewhere between a tiny kayak and a large surfboard to catch waves seated with a paddle. It's really fun and my favorite thing right now.
Here's a video of me learning both how to surf (and how to use a GoPro):
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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John M
climber
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Dec 19, 2017 - 02:07pm PT
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Hey Alina. I'm glad that you checked back in. I notice a lot of improvement in how you move. Looks great. I'm so glad that you found surfing. I love the ocean and catching waves is a blast. I never really had the climbing bug, for me it was skiing, body surfing, backpacking and trail running. Those were the things I missed when my health went south. That and being super fit.
It is hard to shift into a new way of being, but there are cool and challenging things out there to find. Like surfing! :-) Your video put a big smile on my face.
I would talk about the financial side of recovery, or health problems, but that has been a sore point for me. We do so many great things in this country, but we really let certain groups of people down. I will leave my thoughts on that subject for another time. I mostly wanted to cheer you on and say that I am glad that you continue to improve.
I pray that your spirit continues to be strong and you find all of the joy and fulfillment that you seek.
John
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Dec 19, 2017 - 02:24pm PT
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Great to see you are moving and recovery is under way.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 19, 2017 - 02:47pm PT
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Thanks so much for the encouragement, John. It's easy to take progress for granted so getting some positive feedback really helps me to stay grateful and optimistic.
And Yes! Catching a wave is an amazing feeling. I just grin like an idiot after every ride.
I feel really stuck in the medical system right now. It seems it only works well if you are healthy and never have to use it. Once you are reliant on it, you notice in how many ways it lets you down and compromises care.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Dec 19, 2017 - 05:48pm PT
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Fantastic, Alina! So good to see you gettin' after it. That's a great rig for surfing. For travel, it's obvious sea kayaking would work super well and provide a chance to self-power to remote and beautiful places. Thanks for the update.
BAd
PS: Yer lookin' kinda ripped. :)
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Bruce Morris
Trad climber
Soulsbyville, California
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Dec 19, 2017 - 11:38pm PT
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As far as chiros are concerned, see Stephen Barrett's Quackwatch blog. He's always getting them busted and fined. What's a subluxation anyway? No one's ever been able to find one even though chiros will swear you have them. Chiros have conned the insurance companies to let them into the medical mainstream. That doesn't mean that anything they do is valid. If you like your chiro, the treatment will work. But this is one of the preconditions for the placebo effect to occur: strong sense of belief, like faith. All of which leads to the conclusion that what chiros are curing are mind-body conditions very much akin to Freud's hysterical neuroses. That's another characteristic of psychosomatic symptoms: they change from era to era. Back cracking might feel good, but that doesn't mean it's not mumbo jumbo.
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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Dec 20, 2017 - 08:55am PT
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Hey Alina,
I missed this thread 1st time around. I'm recovering from Surgery in the L4-5
area, which was my decision, since my left leg was going numb, with much pain from my hip to the big toe.
It looks like a long recovery for me with an unknown outcome, since unfortunately the surgeon damaged a few nerves in the process, ( it was a very difficult procedure). This surgeon is top notch, and he operated on me 10 years ago for a herniated disc.
I wish you all the best in your continued recovery!
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Dec 20, 2017 - 10:57am PT
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As many know I took a 25 foot groundfall in the gym and my tib blew out the front of my shin and I destroyed the ankle joint as well. Nerve damage left me with a largely numb foot. The miracle is that I landed straight on my feet and didn't get a major compression fracture. Nobody knows why not. I could and probably should be right there with you.
My recovery took about 3 years. Crazy pain. It was torture to even walk ten feet, this after a year on crutches and in a wheelchair. Things slowly started getting better when I started riding a bike. A lot. It didn't hurt too bad because my ankle didn't have to flex when I peddled.
Bottom line is I think that movement helps the nerves and gets the blood flowing and both seem crucial to improved functioning. Just guessing here but if there is any way you can get access to a recumbent bike and start peddling around you might be surprised by the improvements. Maybe not but it's worth a shot. Just the feeling of moving around again under my own power was very freeing. Like being reborn.
Bad as it is I count my lucky stars that I didn't get a traumatic brain injury. That's can be an even worse nightmare, believe it or not.
I wish you continued success on your recovery and know all of us in the fellowship of the rope and rooting for you and happy holidays as well. There's always a way.
You have a wonderful smile and that's a great thing because I know what you are going through, Alina, and it ain't easy.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Dec 20, 2017 - 01:42pm PT
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Thanks for sharing your update and new vids, Alina!
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Dec 20, 2017 - 02:22pm PT
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Alina,
So glad to see you getting better. The surfing video is wonderful, what a joy it must be to get the adrenaline going again outdoors.
I came late to surfing, starting in my 40s, and the feelings it can generate are, dare I say it, almost as good as climbing.
Don't know where you live, but there is a great spot for kayak surfing at
San Onofre State Beach. It has a nice reef break, you can drive right onto the sand making launching easier, and there is a dedicated area for kayaks and SUPs.
Rick
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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Dec 20, 2017 - 04:19pm PT
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Alina,
I recently suffered a compression fracture of my L2 vertebrae, among other less serious fractures while motocrossing with my sons.
As I lay in the ER I remember thinking about you and your story through the morphine fog.
I thought about your attitude and strength and have held onto those thoughts throughout my recovery.
They didn't tell me for 3 days whether or not I would regain use of my legs but the simple fact that I could feel and move them (slightly) brought hope.
Watching the video of you walking with braces is such a gift. I knew you would recover and nothing could hold your spirit down for long.
Stay strong Alina and know your recovery has positives effects on complete strangers. Your spirit is an inspiration.
-wayne
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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Dec 20, 2017 - 10:54pm PT
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That doesn't mean that anything they do is valid. If you like your chiro, the treatment will work. But this is one of the preconditions for the placebo effect to occur: strong sense of belief, like faith. All of which leads to the conclusion that what chiros are curing are mind-body conditions very much akin to Freud's hysterical neuroses. That's another characteristic of psychosomatic symptoms: they change from era to era. Back cracking might feel good, but that doesn't mean it's not mumbo jumbo.
So good to hear of your progress Alina! You are such a strong individual.
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Melissa
Gym climber
berkeley, ca
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Dec 21, 2017 - 07:57am PT
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Welcome to the crew of ex-climbers who now paddle surf! It would be fun to have you join us on a downwind run surfing the summer windswell on the SF Bay in an outrigger canoe! (Video linked is not of us or even the Bay...but shows some fun downwind OC1 surfing.)
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 21, 2017 - 10:13am PT
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Thanks so much, everyone.
John: I'm also a big believer in biking. I got a recumbent bike soon after my injury and have been biking all over CA on it. I absolutely love it -- it gets me outdoors and able to explore again. I'm a better biker than walker.
Since about 6 mo ago I've been able to use an upright stationary bike. So I do about an hour on the spin bike every day. It helps a lot with how my legs feel after sitting all day at work in the wheelchair. Just 30 minutes of spinning gets rid of all the tightness and the cramping. I'm really happy I have that figured out.
And thanks for the kind words.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 21, 2017 - 10:27am PT
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Rick, I've been to San Onofre -- great spot!
I live in the Bay Area but I've been down to Ventura and Carlsbad for surf trips -- water is so much warmer down there and there is a community of adaptive surfers in the San Diego area.
Wayne, so happy to hear that my story helped you out and really happy that you're recovering. Paralysis is pretty terrifying, so much different than any other kind of injury. It takes a lot of work to keep pushing through. But I think climbers are pretty good at that.
Melissa, I'd love to join you guys!
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Dec 21, 2017 - 12:30pm PT
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Alina, that's great that you are biking. I too am a MUCH better biker than walker and the best part of it all is to be able to move around under my own power, whereas I am limited on foot.
If you're on a regular bike these days that's a big step. When I took my first few peddles right off of crutches I was terrified of something happening where I might have to stop suddenly and plant my bad foot. After a while I got used to it. Now I hardly drive at all and pedal everywhere.
I hope to meet you some day --- maybe on the bike path.
Cheers!
John
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Dec 21, 2017 - 01:18pm PT
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This is the first I've seen this thread. It was scary to hear how you couldn't feel your legs at all but then it was great to see how much you've recovered so far. It wouldn't happen without all your hard work and positive attitude, so great job!!
The surfing looks super fun. What a great activity.
In regards to the comments above about Chiropractic, unfortunately it wasn't established scientifically and there a lot of ridiculous claims and unscrupulous practitioners but it provides a lot of help for a lot of people. I don't think it your situation it would likely do much good, and is potentially dangerous if you went to the wrong one. I've been to a few really good chiros, and a few mediocre ones. The most scientifically based chiro I used explained things to me in a way I think makes sense and is realistic: You injure the connective tissues around your spine (e.g. through hyper-extension) and that forms scar tissue. The scar tissue isn't as soft and flexible as uninjured tendons/ligaments/discs so your vertebrae don't move as easily. The vertebrae get stuck out of alignment and that can sometimes pinch the nerves that exit via the space between two vertebrae. I would be in serious pain everyday but I have figured out how to "crack" my back around the T3/T4 joint, and I wouldn't have known where/how to do that if a Chiro hadn't done it for me first. I also do a stretch daily that "cracks" and frees up my sacral lumbar joint. Same thing I wouldn't know how to do that if a Chiro hadn't first done it for me. So with an injury with broken bones, there would probably also likely be soft tissue damage, but with a fused spine I don't know if a Chiro could do any good. They may be able to help with freeing up surrounding vertebrae with soft tissue damage, but I don't know if that's worth the risk to where the bones were broken and perhaps weaker and susceptible to damage by Chiropractic manipulations.
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L
climber
Just livin' the dream on the California coast
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May 19, 2018 - 12:15pm PT
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What an inspiring thread.
Congratulations, Alina, on refusing to accept any limitations where the adventure of your life is concerned. Portugal looked amazing!
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cavemonkey
Ice climber
ak
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May 19, 2018 - 12:36pm PT
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you are an incredible human being and a inspiration
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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May 19, 2018 - 10:09pm PT
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We’re all rooting for you still, Alina.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there, say, alina... is there any hopeful update?
just ran into this thread, looking for a similar subject...
hope things have improved...
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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May 21, 2019 - 06:13am PT
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hey there, say, bump...
as this might be of interest to radical rebirth riley...
as to his recent posts on climbers and injury, severe...
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SuperTopo on the Web
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driving by herself
Let us know!