UKC

I have been very busy, but not busy climbing mountains! I’ve been busy visiting the emergency department of the hospital. Looks like it’s much easier for me to climb high peaks then walk down the stairs..... I know, I can’t believe it either.

On Monday 18th of February I woke up at about 6.30. showered, ate breakfast, kissed goodbye to my husband. Walked to the train station and at 7.57 i found out that my train was running 35 minutes late. Not good, as it’s only my 3rd day at my new job. i hate giving the wrong impression, even if it’s not my fault. The train journey was about 40 minutes, all this time i was thinking ‘how can i get to work as fast as i can’ (crazy I know)... The train eventually arrived at Harrogate train station, i jumped out the carriage, ran as best I could, I was running so fast i missed one step near the top of a on a flight of stairs and flew over 8 steps down.
Next second I was lying on the floor, with a few people around me. They were asking if i was ok. Yeah, umm I mean NO i was in pain, massive pain, for the second time in my life I was thinking how many bones i have broken? I was sitting on the floor, when i reached with my left hand and touched my right shoulder. Then i said “sh**” i found a big lump between my shoulder and my neck, “omg please call the ambulance”.
I was escorted by 2 nice people in to the train station building, then the station staff looked after me till the ambulance arrived. I phoned my work, said that i am not coming in and explained why. Within 5 minutes Lou ‘’my boss’’ ran to the station and was trying to support me and keep me calm.
The ambulance arrived, 3 very cheery paramedics tried to find out what kind of damage the fall had done to me. I enjoyed their company, their support was great......as was the oxygen (it made me feel drunk  ).
At the hospital i had an x-ray done, I was in pain. I had to wait for about 2 hours to find out what was actually wrong with me. The doctor entered my cubicle, he said well ive got good news for you because it could have of been much worse. By falling onto my shoulder i had ripped all my ligaments between my collar bone and my shoulder. As a result my collar bone spring up from the normal position and was now sticking out by 2 cm, in-between my shoulder and my neck. Oh dear, not cool. I have been told that there was nothing they can do for me, that i had to go home, rest and come back to see a different doctor tomorrow. I could hardly even walk, i was in so much pain. I got home, and was very upset. I was thinking about all my near future plans: single pitch award, ice climbing trips to Scotland, climbing wall, climbing trips to the peaks.... by about 17.00 i was in so much pain i could not take it anymore. I was thinking maybe they have made the wrong judgment sending me home, maybe they didn’t wanted to help me, maybe because i wasn’t showing my pain to others, they thought i am well ....it was a very painful and restless night.
The next day i went back to the hospital and after a couple of hours wait I was told my injury was common with many rugby players and that he would see me again in 3 weeks, by when the pain would hopefully have dissipated. I came home and did some research. I have been panicking about home much movement I will keep and how the injury will affect my climbing. Sometimes I am scarred my hobby has been compromised and sometimes I am happy nothing more serious occurred. In three weeks the doctor will hopefully give me good news, fingers crossed.
Yep yep yep, crazy kat’s life as always. Mountains i miss you, I hope to be with you soon.


Anyone you know had the same injury? What to expect?

In reply to Kat4kgb:Lucky you didn't break your neck. ()

No idea about your injury, but you'll probably adapt your climbing around it if it affects your climbing, and carry on climbing and be thankfull for small mercies.

()

In reply to Kat4kgb:
I separated my collar bone many years ago in an enduro, the army doctors (I was delivered to an army hospital since I was racing on army land) wanted to screw it back together as this was their standard policy to get soldiers back in action as fast as possible. But I ended up in an NHS hospital where they don´t do this and they just leave it to grow back together. One possible treatment was strapping it down tightly, the other do nothing.
I raced again 3 weeks later, the only ill effect was the bump caught on my helmet when I turned my head.
The bump slowly recedes (think decades) and is still just noticeable. Made no difference to either my racing or climbing.

In reply to Kat4kgb: You can obviously still type...

Good luck with your recovery)))

In reply to Kat4kgb: Cool profile pic btw.

In reply to Kat4kgb:
Hi,
This is referred to as an AC ligament injury. It is divided into types by how much damge has been done, as you will know from your research on the interweb.
I had a bad type 2 as a result of crass stupidity on skis. Like you I thought my climbing might be compromised. Like you I had no initervention other than a sling to try to raise the shoulder up to meet the collar bone. I think it only gave me a sore neck and did little to help.
Once the sling was off, 6 weeks?, I was given resistance bands to try to tighten the new ligament but I still have a significant chip on my shoulder and it is slightly wider than the other.
Anyway, I am able to climb without any problems now. (A young family has more effect, smiley). Swimming is fine too, but i don't like throwing stones overarm with the lads.
Be prepared for lots more pain, periods of glumness and frustration. Then lots of aching as you work the joint slowly back to fitness and mobility.
Best wishes for your recovery,
Jase

In reply to Kat4kgb:

Yes, both my shoulders are like that. One from falling off a mountain bike and one from a climbing accident. I was told the same; it could be pinned in place but normally isn't because the consequences are minor. And it has turned out to be true. It hasn't affected my climbing. The only minor problem is that carrying a heavy rucksack can be slightly uncomfortable, but it is minor. I was told Steve Redgrave's shoulders are the same.

In reply to Kat4kgb:

You're gonna have difficulty working for the KGB now.

In reply to Kat4kgb:

But in all seriousness take it easy. I'm sure you'll be back out soon enough! Besides, I sometimes find a forced rest lends a bit of perspective . Get well soon!

In reply to Kat4kgb:
It's worrying how a simple slip can bigger up a world of plans. I fell off my bike due to a slippery road and broke my wrist. I haven't climbed properly for almost 5 months and couldn't work for a month.
Good luck with the recovery,

In reply to Kat4kgb:

Hello -) I woke up today and looked at my post and was so pleased by the replies. You all wrote a nice messages and I wanted to say thank you so much for your comments, they are appreciated and made me feel like I will be back to normal soon.
Regards
Kat