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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.
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