Baller ral Posted November 4, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2011 4tn pass of my set today, was running an uneventful 28 off. Looks like I did something stupid @ 4, and had an OTF at the wake. But instead of rolling over my back, my head dove into the water and my feet and ski went over it. Heard a crack in my neck amd then my right arm was numb and lifeless. Was pulled out of e water and put a neck stabilizer, then to the dock. Movement and feeling returned to my arm, but something was for sure not right. ER, X rays did not show any fracture, but MRI did. Damage to ligaments and disc between c6 and c7, so right now at the hospital waitng 48 hours to get a plate in my neck... Doctor said that I should be OK and should be able to ski again soon. Hope it is true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jipster43 Posted November 4, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2011 That's terrible Ral. I'm glad it wasn't more serious. Good luck with a speedy recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jipster43 Posted November 4, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 4, 2011 That's terrible Ral. I'm glad it wasn't more serious. Good luck with a speedy recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted November 5, 2011 Administrators Share Posted November 5, 2011 Very sorry to hear it. Get well Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted November 5, 2011 Administrators Share Posted November 5, 2011 Very sorry to hear it. Get well Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Sorry to hear of your injury. Pursue all options (including non-surgical if viable!), multiple opinions, if I recall you have an ortho doc in the family to tap for detailed insight. Keep in mind clinical studies have reported increased rates of disc degeneration in levels adjacent to fusion. It is believed that eliminating motion through fusion shifts the load to the adjacent levels thus causing earlier disc degeneration. It’s been shown cervical spine fusion causes intradiscal pressures to significantly increase during normal flexion motion, less during extension as adjacent level intradiscal pressures is reduced since the facet joints play a more active role, thus relieving some of the force transferred to the discs in extension. Overall though, increased intradiscal pressures may partially explain the accelerated breakdown of adjacent level discs following fusion. If you run the risk of permanent neuropathy without stabilization/fusion, obviously options are limited. Either way it can only lead to better practice, improved technique and running the 12m line…next season! Godspeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Sorry to hear of your injury. Pursue all options (including non-surgical if viable!), multiple opinions, if I recall you have an ortho doc in the family to tap for detailed insight. Keep in mind clinical studies have reported increased rates of disc degeneration in levels adjacent to fusion. It is believed that eliminating motion through fusion shifts the load to the adjacent levels thus causing earlier disc degeneration. It’s been shown cervical spine fusion causes intradiscal pressures to significantly increase during normal flexion motion, less during extension as adjacent level intradiscal pressures is reduced since the facet joints play a more active role, thus relieving some of the force transferred to the discs in extension. Overall though, increased intradiscal pressures may partially explain the accelerated breakdown of adjacent level discs following fusion. If you run the risk of permanent neuropathy without stabilization/fusion, obviously options are limited. Either way it can only lead to better practice, improved technique and running the 12m line…next season! Godspeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted November 5, 2011 Author Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thanks guys. My brother is in the evaluation team, with spinal surgeons and expert neurologists. Will have a stability exam on Monday, and surgery on Tue if unstability is confirmed. Doc told that, if I have the surgery, I should be skiing with no physical limitatilns in 3 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted November 5, 2011 Author Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Thanks guys. My brother is in the evaluation team, with spinal surgeons and expert neurologists. Will have a stability exam on Monday, and surgery on Tue if unstability is confirmed. Doc told that, if I have the surgery, I should be skiing with no physical limitatilns in 3 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted November 5, 2011 Administrators Share Posted November 5, 2011 I hate to say this but long term health is more important than skiing. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted November 5, 2011 Administrators Share Posted November 5, 2011 I hate to say this but long term health is more important than skiing. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Become a Supporting Member or make a One-time Donation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller danbirch Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Sorry to hear about this. That sucks. Did the bindings release? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller danbirch Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Sorry to hear about this. That sucks. Did the bindings release? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Boody Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Keep us posted Ral, so sorry to hear. Hoping you a fast recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Boody Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 Keep us posted Ral, so sorry to hear. Hoping you a fast recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 If it's unstable c-spine, you gotta do what you gotta do despite the increased stress that a fusion would place above/below. Would love to hear you get away w/no surgery. Good luck, Ral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted November 5, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 5, 2011 If it's unstable c-spine, you gotta do what you gotta do despite the increased stress that a fusion would place above/below. Would love to hear you get away w/no surgery. Good luck, Ral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 ral take care of yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 ral take care of yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SM Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 Sorry to hear it Rod, I hope surgery isn't necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SM Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 Sorry to hear it Rod, I hope surgery isn't necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dirt Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 ral thoughts and prayers are with you. A lot of people ski with a neck brace so surgery or not you should have no problem stabilizing it and skiing once it heals. Please keep us posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dirt Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 ral thoughts and prayers are with you. A lot of people ski with a neck brace so surgery or not you should have no problem stabilizing it and skiing once it heals. Please keep us posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EricKelley Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 Had a similar incident @39 two years ago. Traumatic herniation of C5, hands went numb, shoulder weakness, mild cord compression. 2 opinions with multiple MRI follow ups at 2, 4, 6 month intervals. My disk resorbed instead of calcifying.. was lucky. No surgery necessary. Get a couple opinions like you are planning. Be thankful your not a quad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EricKelley Posted November 6, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 6, 2011 Had a similar incident @39 two years ago. Traumatic herniation of C5, hands went numb, shoulder weakness, mild cord compression. 2 opinions with multiple MRI follow ups at 2, 4, 6 month intervals. My disk resorbed instead of calcifying.. was lucky. No surgery necessary. Get a couple opinions like you are planning. Be thankful your not a quad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skidawg Posted November 7, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 7, 2011 You will definately be able to overcome this, Example: My wife ruptured a disc in her lower back last may (racing mountain bikes), (foot drop, numbness, etc---very bad) She couldn't walk for a day or two. Dr. said surgery is a must. She decided to do some conservative treatment and forgo the surgery. She took her time getting back into shape and she just won the south central cross country mtb championship two weeks ago and will win the Lousiana state series two weeks from now. You will be able to ski again it that is what you want to do. You are in my family's prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skidawg Posted November 7, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 7, 2011 You will definately be able to overcome this, Example: My wife ruptured a disc in her lower back last may (racing mountain bikes), (foot drop, numbness, etc---very bad) She couldn't walk for a day or two. Dr. said surgery is a must. She decided to do some conservative treatment and forgo the surgery. She took her time getting back into shape and she just won the south central cross country mtb championship two weeks ago and will win the Lousiana state series two weeks from now. You will be able to ski again it that is what you want to do. You are in my family's prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted November 7, 2011 Author Baller Share Posted November 7, 2011 Thanks guys for your nice words and prayers. They mean and help a lot. Surgery tomorrow, the main issue is the front ligament, not the disc. As it is ruptured, my neck is unstable, so it is actually dangerous even for sedentary life. I have full confidence in the medical team, and hope everything goes well and to be starting rehab in 2 weeks and be back in the water around the end of the season. Is it my idea, or Jon Travers skis with something that looks intended to prevent this kind of injury? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted November 7, 2011 Author Baller Share Posted November 7, 2011 Thanks guys for your nice words and prayers. They mean and help a lot. Surgery tomorrow, the main issue is the front ligament, not the disc. As it is ruptured, my neck is unstable, so it is actually dangerous even for sedentary life. I have full confidence in the medical team, and hope everything goes well and to be starting rehab in 2 weeks and be back in the water around the end of the season. Is it my idea, or Jon Travers skis with something that looks intended to prevent this kind of injury? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted November 7, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 7, 2011 Some of the best advice I've ever received regarding slalom: "ski in the moment"; such applies to life in general. Live in the moment amigo and focus on the task at hand; skiing will come when it does. Skål! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted November 7, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 7, 2011 Some of the best advice I've ever received regarding slalom: "ski in the moment"; such applies to life in general. Live in the moment amigo and focus on the task at hand; skiing will come when it does. Skål! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Razorskier1 Posted November 8, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2011 Good luck RAL. Glad that it can be repaired and you can get back to the water. As much as we all try to avoid injury, the nature of our sport is you go until you fail, which means we are frequently pushing our limits. Spines, shoulders, knees and ankles all seem to be common injuries. All spine injuries are a little different. In my experience I ruptured a disc in the low back (c4-5) in August about 5 years ago. It was an odd injury. Came around 4 ball at 28 off in practice in good shape, hooked up to the handle and felt a little pinch. Skied the pass and then threw the handle. Told my wife it was just a precaution. A few days later the pain in my back and right leg got so bad it dropped me to the ground mid-stride several times. Then I started to get numb in the foot and lost about 75% of the strength in my right quad. Now I'm freaking. My regular physical therapist works at it, but it seems not to get better. See neurosurgeon. MRI with contrast plus an EMG. He basically told me that my entire spine was a mess, that I needed decompression surgery, and that I should never ski again. By this time 8 weeks had passed and I noticed my leg feeling slightly better. Talked to my physical therapist. He said (a) if you have this particular surgery, you will never ski again because it will create instability, and (b) if it is starting to feel better, it is extremely likely that it continues to feel better. He was right. End of the day, I have about 90% of the strength back in my right leg, some remaining numbness that probably never goes away, but I am still skiing, and better than ever before. I got lucky! Having some neck issues now for the 4th time -- twice on the right, twice on the left. Right arm/shoulder are weak and my right thumb is numb. Can't lay flat without pinching the nerve hard. MRI shot last week. Waiting for results and recommendations. With the repeated problems, at some point it will need fixing. Question is when, what type of fix, and what does it mean for activities. I'm not worried about not being able to ski -- just trying to get the process moving so that if it needs fixing I can get it done now and be ready for spring. I guess the message is evaluate each injury on its own merits -- no two are alike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Razorskier1 Posted November 8, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2011 Good luck RAL. Glad that it can be repaired and you can get back to the water. As much as we all try to avoid injury, the nature of our sport is you go until you fail, which means we are frequently pushing our limits. Spines, shoulders, knees and ankles all seem to be common injuries. All spine injuries are a little different. In my experience I ruptured a disc in the low back (c4-5) in August about 5 years ago. It was an odd injury. Came around 4 ball at 28 off in practice in good shape, hooked up to the handle and felt a little pinch. Skied the pass and then threw the handle. Told my wife it was just a precaution. A few days later the pain in my back and right leg got so bad it dropped me to the ground mid-stride several times. Then I started to get numb in the foot and lost about 75% of the strength in my right quad. Now I'm freaking. My regular physical therapist works at it, but it seems not to get better. See neurosurgeon. MRI with contrast plus an EMG. He basically told me that my entire spine was a mess, that I needed decompression surgery, and that I should never ski again. By this time 8 weeks had passed and I noticed my leg feeling slightly better. Talked to my physical therapist. He said (a) if you have this particular surgery, you will never ski again because it will create instability, and (b) if it is starting to feel better, it is extremely likely that it continues to feel better. He was right. End of the day, I have about 90% of the strength back in my right leg, some remaining numbness that probably never goes away, but I am still skiing, and better than ever before. I got lucky! Having some neck issues now for the 4th time -- twice on the right, twice on the left. Right arm/shoulder are weak and my right thumb is numb. Can't lay flat without pinching the nerve hard. MRI shot last week. Waiting for results and recommendations. With the repeated problems, at some point it will need fixing. Question is when, what type of fix, and what does it mean for activities. I'm not worried about not being able to ski -- just trying to get the process moving so that if it needs fixing I can get it done now and be ready for spring. I guess the message is evaluate each injury on its own merits -- no two are alike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Good Luck RAL! Hang in there. Don't start jumping. My neck is still burning and tingling from an OTB this past summer. Neck massages are cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Good Luck RAL! Hang in there. Don't start jumping. My neck is still burning and tingling from an OTB this past summer. Neck massages are cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dvskiing Posted November 8, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2011 Good Luck Ral! I had neck surgery C7-T1 a year ago last month, the first couple weeks were the worst only because you are afraid that moving your head is going to mess up the work the docs have done. Don't push too hard too soon with your therapy, take care of yourself and you will be feeling good enough to put up the tree at Christmas and ready to ski come spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller dvskiing Posted November 8, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2011 Good Luck Ral! I had neck surgery C7-T1 a year ago last month, the first couple weeks were the worst only because you are afraid that moving your head is going to mess up the work the docs have done. Don't push too hard too soon with your therapy, take care of yourself and you will be feeling good enough to put up the tree at Christmas and ready to ski come spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jimbrake Posted November 8, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2011 good luck, Rodrigo! Come back stronger. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jimbrake Posted November 8, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 8, 2011 good luck, Rodrigo! Come back stronger. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted November 9, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2011 I had a c6-7 done at age 26 w/very little issue since now age 39. Probably haunt me again someday, but for now it's ok. Good luck Ral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted November 9, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2011 I had a c6-7 done at age 26 w/very little issue since now age 39. Probably haunt me again someday, but for now it's ok. Good luck Ral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted November 9, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2011 Glad to rear Rodrigo came through the surgery okay. I had a microdiscectomy done about a month ago in the L5 area and while a relatively minor procedure for back surgery I felt like I got run over by a bus for a couple of days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted November 9, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 9, 2011 Glad to rear Rodrigo came through the surgery okay. I had a microdiscectomy done about a month ago in the L5 area and while a relatively minor procedure for back surgery I felt like I got run over by a bus for a couple of days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted November 9, 2011 Author Baller Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thanks to all for your support and for taking the time to write. It means a lot. Surgeon is very happy with the results, and he said everything went as planned. I am feeling better now, much improvement 24 hours after the surgery. Probably it will be a while before hitting the water again, but I have the firm commitment to be in my best possible shape when back to get to that blue line soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted November 9, 2011 Author Baller Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thanks to all for your support and for taking the time to write. It means a lot. Surgeon is very happy with the results, and he said everything went as planned. I am feeling better now, much improvement 24 hours after the surgery. Probably it will be a while before hitting the water again, but I have the firm commitment to be in my best possible shape when back to get to that blue line soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted November 10, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 10, 2011 Rodrigo, Just read about your accident, I am glad all went well and hope you recover soon. I will see you in Chile in January, hopefully back skiing. Best regards, Alberto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted November 10, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 10, 2011 Rodrigo, Just read about your accident, I am glad all went well and hope you recover soon. I will see you in Chile in January, hopefully back skiing. Best regards, Alberto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted November 10, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 10, 2011 Excellent screw & plate placement, good spinal fixation system, looks like Zimmer. Nice work! Also looks like your C-spine has plenty of wear & tear remaining in it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Gloersen Posted November 10, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 10, 2011 Excellent screw & plate placement, good spinal fixation system, looks like Zimmer. Nice work! Also looks like your C-spine has plenty of wear & tear remaining in it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ForrestGump Posted November 11, 2011 Baller Share Posted November 11, 2011 Glad to hear that everything went well, Rodrigo. Best wishes on your recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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