12 weeks ago today I was belayed out of the headwaters on a toboggan (thank you big sky pro patrol) after crashing through some thatsnotpowbutrocks. It was a gorgeous day, foot of fresh, a bluebird morning. We ticked off a few incredibly fun lines and then headed up for another before lunch, either the toad or the necklace. Opting for the necklace we dropped in, a couple huge spreadys off the top feature, some hooting and hollering. Such a fun morning. I had never skied this line so we stopped at the top of the Jill Chute. Chris pointed the line out to me and then skied to the top of the Necklace and waited there. I dropped in and made one big sweeping turn through the chute to the right out of it to meet up with Chris. Mid turn I noticed I was approaching my buddy fast, with too much speed to stop, but trying, I caught a rock with my downhill (left) ski and went into the back seat. I felt my leg snap. I gave into the pain falling all the way back, high sided, and tumbled backward through 20 or 30 feet of barely exposed rock. Settling to a stop on the 45-ish degree slope, I thought my knee blew out. Like, all of it. The pain wouldnt go away though and there was no position of comfort. My skis were still on. I was 30 feet from the main chute and had to traverse into the open terrain where the sled was waiting on belay. Someone got my skis off and with the help of like 4 people we shuffled inch by inch over sharp rock before getting into the sled. Settling into that sled was an indescribable relief. After a few minutes at Doctor Ds, friends started showing up to check in. It was cold and there were like 6 doctors in the room. Hooked up to O2 and an IV the situation got real. Went into surgery that night in Bozeman, late. Maybe 11pm? I woke up at 4 or 5 am? I think the surgery lasted 5 or 6 hours. I remember the surgeon mentioning that he and his team were all tired haha. Who says that? After the surgery, time ceased to exist for the next 6 or 8 weeks. They installed two plates, cool ones about 6 inches long that are contoured to the top of my tibia, one on each side, and secured into place with 11 screws...like wood screws. Initially the surgeon said I wouldnt walk until today, TODAY. That was 12 weeks ago, which is forever when ones new perception of time is based on getting through the next hour, or the next bathroom break, the next shower. 12 weeks. 2 weeks ago at 10 weeks, I arrived early to start my new job and left the crutches in my jeep where they are still in the same spot. I didnt mean to write all this. It was just going to be a yay 12 weeks post. It feels good to remember though. I cant thank my friends and family enough for the help. I cant stop thinking about riding a bike. Anyone need some crutches?
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:42:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015