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mecalekahi-mekahidyho
Jun 30, 2008, 12:59 AM
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Registered: Jan 23, 2008
Posts: 306
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For the past 3 months I have not been climbing due to a ruptured pulley in my right hand (ring finger area). When it initially occurred, I felt a sharp twinge in the injured area but shrugged it off and kept climbing for about 5 minutes until a sharp pain shot from near my elbow all the way to my dam finger.
My outlook was optimistic to begin with, thinking I would only be out for 4-5 days, maybe a few weeks max. Turns out 3 months have gone by and I wasnt able to even touch the rock til yesterday!!
Yesterday was D-day for me, the first day of the rest of my life. Even after 3 months I could still feel the injured area, although it didnt hurt much if at all. I said "fuck it". I pondered a "what if question". What if I found that my finger was still useless, or that it hadnt healed for shit? A brief wave of depression hit me along with a hot flash and a nauseating feeling.
Now I have only been climbing seriously for a year, and for something to hit me that hard was devastating. I have fallen head over healhook in love with climbing and it doesnt seem to be diminishing. Well, I got out there and decided to do some yoga/meditation for about 30 minutes to make sure nothing would hinder me and I could truly deduce the severity of the injury. I warmed up on some V0's which went well. So I finally got to business and hopped on a burly V4 that I had flashed prior. Started out, matched, locked the knee bar and shot for the top of the inverted flake...
Nothing....nothing but pure satisfaction, as I felt no pain or hindrance stemming from my injury. I climbed all day long, flashed a couple v5s and freesoloed two 5.7s only 25-30 feet off the ground. I cant explain to you the feeling that came with the realization that I could continue climbing at my previous or even higher difficulty. The only way I could even come close to conveying the feeling is if you too have experienced a debilitating injury and recovered to find yourself climbing at your previous level or greater. Pure elation, exuberance, euphoria, whatever you wanna call it. I was stoked.
Thanks for all the support that I have received from this site. I did a lot of research on similar injuries through forums here, and have retained a good deal of knowledge regarding rehabilitation and injury assessment. You guys sure are full of pertinent knowledge and most have no qualms about sharing this. Thanks again, I now can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
My condolences to all who are currently injured and cant climb, I feel your pain (mentally, not physically), keep your hopes up and dont quit. If anything, I have learned how important climbing is to me. Not that I ever did, but I will make sure never to take it for granted.
UNTIL NEXT CLIMB.......
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onceahardman
Jun 30, 2008, 2:57 AM
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Registered: Aug 3, 2007
Posts: 2493
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I'm glad you are doing well.
A couple questions:
Were you getting professional guidance/PT/hand therapist?
If not, how did you decide this was d-day? Did you just go for it, or had you reached some personal benchmark?
Again, congrats.
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mecalekahi-mekahidyho
Jun 30, 2008, 10:54 PM
Post #3 of 5
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Registered: Jan 23, 2008
Posts: 306
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A friend of mine is a physical therapist, she said surgery could take a while to heal and recommended that I just do light physical rehab, I just used a squishy ball (dont know tech. term)
Yea, I just decided saturday was the day as a group of my friends were going to Enchanted rock for some kick-ass bouldering, I couldnt resist.
Thanks for the concern.
UNTIL NEXT CLIMB......
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mrswix
Jul 3, 2008, 1:36 AM
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Registered: Apr 29, 2008
Posts: 48
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Here here!
I was just injured 2 weeks ago and I can't wait to be in your place. I have the same feelings with climbing and I'm literally forcing myself to stay off the rock.
Although I do occasionally grab the top of my door frames walking around my house daydreaming of the day I return... :)
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