The Crushing of the Blaster.

[Frans]

physical therapy can be even more painfull than the original injury. But necessary.

[MasterBlaster]

Been there, done that.

Twice.

[Old Monkey]

I had a cute red headed Irish woman for my physical therapist. It took the edge off the pain.

[rumination]

Butch, did you injure the Achilles tendon at all, or is it just stiff from being in one position for so long?

[MasterBlaster]

It's just stiff. I'm working it out pretty good, it'll be ready for when I can finally put some weight on it.

[vharrison]

I believe it's going down, just a bit.



That is good to hear.

[olyman]

That is good to hear. and how!!!!

[rumination]

It's just stiff. I'm working it out pretty good, it'll be ready for when I can finally put some weight on it.


That's good. A bad Achilles tendon injury can take up to a year to heal. Also good to hear that you're able to start moving the foot around. Healing is happening!

[MasterBlaster]

Here's what I'm doing to stretch it back...

[pantheraba]

Quad still looks good, MB...isometrics can help keep that muscle tone.

Looks like a good way to stretch.

[Paul B]

smart MB. I broke a shin bone back in my teens, the plaster cast did me no good, I was growing like a weed back then and it was 6 weeks or so in the cast, then at least that again still on crutches trying to get mobility and weight on my healed leg. funny thing, I slept laying on my back in that time with the cast and my leg (right) would turn over to the right due to the weight of the cast, to this day (and till my end I fear) my leg keels over that way, I think it buggered my hip way back when.

[vharrison]

Here's what I'm doing to stretch it back...
Only a tree guy would have the rope resource! I am glad to see you are getting some movement in your foot. Like Rumi said, healing is happening!

[No_Bivy]

Looks like the sweelling is gone. You''ll be climbing soon.

[MasterBlaster]

No, the swelling is still there. The sock hides it.

[sotc]

thank you for the sock :D

[Al Smith]

That exercise is a good thing for the injured foot.I know in my own little life,after a severe shoulder injury that left my right arm partially paralized that things did not improve until I regained my mobility,through exercise .I also know from past experiance this is a slow and painfull process on the road to recovery.Ya just have to bite the bullet and forge ahead.

[Awsomeclimber]

Nice rope!

[tntree]

Somebody was looking at your Quad . . . . I dunnoo

[MasterBlaster]

Hey, it was there for all the world to see. I wouldn't read too much into it...

[fishhuntcutwood]

Glad you're making progress Butch. I feel for ya. I've got plantar faciitis in my right heel, and it kills. When it flares up, I have to hobble around, and that pales compared to what you're dealing with. I can't imagine. Keep at it.

[MasterBlaster]

What caused your plantar faciitis?

[fishhuntcutwood]

It's just an inflamement, and a tightening of a tendon in my heel. From what I gather, it's kinda like tennis elbow in your foot. It gets inflamed, and stays that way because you always use it.

I think it's been me hammering my calves, stretching my calves beforehand, but not my feet. Most guys go for reps on calves, I go for lower reps and higher intensity-sets of 8-10 for 500 lb donkey lifts, and 700 lb calf presses.

Now I stretch and massage my heels every morning and night. It's getting better, but still hurts like hell. With you and Gerry going through what you are, I don't complain much about it!

[JamesTX]

I had knee surgery and was in the hospital for a few days. While I was there, the nurses were very adamant that I do foot exercises - I'm assuming it was because, with the leg raised, the foot sags and shortens the Achilles.

Not sure how you do foot exercises when it's the foot itself thats injured.

[MasterBlaster]

You don't, and that's what sucks. You gotta pay the piper, later.

[Paul B]

It's just an inflamement, and a tightening of a tendon in my heel. From what I gather, it's kinda like tennis elbow in your foot. It gets inflamed, and stays that way because you always use it.


I tore my plantar fascia last April, took a fall and landed really awkward. once I could put weight on it it took months to get the stretch bach in my achillles. it still throbs some nights and every morning I have to slowly stretch it out. it is getting better, just really slowly.

[Stumper]

Jeff, Get orthodic insoles for your boots-You probably need not go to a podiatrist and get fitted for prescription ones-just go to a good boot store and plop down 40- 60 bucks for some really good ones that support the arch They are going to hurt a little at first but that was the only thing that got my PF under control. Cushion insoles for the heel can FEEL nice but don't help heal the problem.

[che]

Sorry to hear that, Jeff....I had Plantar fasciitis for many months last year. I can't wear my normal (cheap) mud boots anymore. I have inserts in my 'muck boots', and have spent ALOT of money on good tennis shoes.

It went away as fast as it appeared....I got lax and started going bare or stocking footed again, and it started back. Soon as I went back to the proper shoes, it subsided. Rolling a tennis ball with your foot is good.

[fishhuntcutwood]

Thanks for all the advice everybody. I'll check out some inserts, and the tennis ball as well.

[AROB]

MB,

Just found this thread as I'm pretty new around here. I started climbing four weeks ago after being out for 14 months with a leg injury sustained while mountain biking. I had to take a semester off of school and I eventually had it operated on in December. Now I can actually start riding my bike and climbing trees again. Hang in there. You already seem to be off to a speedy recovery from what I've read. Hope it continues. I'll think of you when I head to PT every week. I agree about the exercises. They're key. I can definitely tell a difference when I've done them to when I have not done them. If you want any good recommendations on authors or books let me know. I've spent a fair share of time with a few of the greats during the past year.

-Ashlee

[Paul B]

welcome AROB.

[rumination]

The Achilles tendon is a slow one to heal and stretch. I had a major ankle injury that put me in a cast for six months. When they finally took it off they hung weights off the end of my foot to stretch it out. They had a little sling with a sack on the bottom that they put sandbags into. They must have put about 15 pounds worth of sandbags in there before my foot budged at all.

I hope the swelling starts going down soon Butch, so that you can start stretching things out and getting back to moving around again.

[MasterBlaster]

The damn thing woke me up early, AGAIN.

[rumination]

That sucks man.:(

[MasterBlaster]

Hey, Jerry's going through way worse right about now. :(

It's not pain (thank goodness), it's the fricking tingling sensations. It won't let me sleep.

[MasterBlaster]

Sumbeech!!! I just drove my truck for the first time in nine weeks! I'm almost ambulatory again!!!

:D :D :D

[RIVERRAT]

Sumbeech!!! I just drove my truck for the first time in nine weeks! I'm almost ambulatory again!!!

:D :D :D
Getting your wheels beneath your butt has to help your spirit a lot:)

[MasterBlaster]

I just did it 5 minutes ago.

[vharrison]

Sumbeech!!! I just drove my truck for the first time in nine weeks! I'm almost ambulatory again!!!

:D :D :D

I am so excited for you! Don't overdo though!!;)

[MasterBlaster]

I kept it under sixty! :P

[Burnham]

That's some good news, Butch. Has to feel like progress.

[sotc]

walmart? :D

[MasterBlaster]

Heck yea, and the tingling is going way down. Still a lot of numbness but it's getting better every day. I'm having a heck of a time getting my achillies stretched out, though. It's gonna take some doing.

[MasterBlaster]

walmart? :D

No. I can only negotiate things with a drive thru, as I'm still on crutches.

[sotc]

are you in a splint or cast now?

[Paul B]

cool. progress is good Butch.

[MasterBlaster]

I was never in a splint or a cast. The breaks were clean and not displaced.

[sotc]

i thought since the swelling was going down they might put one on now. good thing you bought an automatic tranny huh?

[MasterBlaster]

No, it's been nine weeks, the bones are just about healed. I just want the swelling to go down so I can practice walking again. It's down maybe 50% from where it was, I want it to get all the way down.
And yea, if it had a clutch I wouldn't be driving it yet.

[pantheraba]

Y'all watch out!!!

[Raafbeard]

Hey MB, Sorry I only just read this glad you are doing well now !! progress will continue...

[Frans]

Sumbeech!!! I just drove my truck for the first time in nine weeks! I'm almost ambulatory again!!!

:D :D :D

Thats GREAT!

I keep thinking about the psychology of having an injury like that.
Think about it for a moment:
Butch (& Ger) are both folks who have spent years and years working outdoors.
Their must be alot of mental adjustment to being forced to be idle and indoors.
Much more than someone who has spent their career in an office. I am thinking a huge part of getting better is simply trying to be positive about everything.

For those of you who have a chip against Butch, now is the time to try and take him down while he is on crutches! :lol: Watch out for that back swing with the crutch tho, it is a doozy!

I told Gerry he might want to re-locate into his livingroom where there is a big window. He said it would just make him depressed seeing the sunshine out there.

[Skwerl]

I told Gerry he might want to re-locate into his livingroom where there is a big window. He said it would just make him depressed seeing the sunshine out there.

F the living room, he needs to set up the recliner out on the front porch! :D

[MasterBlaster]

No, he needs to get his ass to the biggest, coolest room he's got cuz he's gonna be there for a while. Laying in bed nearly drove me wacko.

[Frans]

Nearly wacko?:D

[MasterBlaster]

I hope Jerry isn't too choosy about the TV shows he watches.

[xtremetrees]

Whats your goal to climb again MB will you walk around a bit on spikes as you heal>?

[MasterBlaster]

My goal is to get back to normal.

[Reddog]

My goal is to get back to normal.

Sounds like a good obtainable goal to me. :thumbup:

[vharrison]

I hope Jerry isn't too choosy about the TV shows he watches.


Did you get caught up on Everyone loves Raymond? :lol: Oh by the way, a new show is coming out, Everyone loves Palmer! :D Here is the star

[vharrison]

MB, how about an updated photo of your foot. Has the swelling eased up?

[MasterBlaster]

It's gone down, but not a lot. I'm coming up on week ten. The open wounds are almost completely closed, cool. I still don't have a full ROM, but I'm working on it.

[Herbert Finch]

Such a pity

[Bodean]

Cheers,

Good to hear. :)

[TC3]

Are you doing any physical therapy yet ? I can't remember if you mentioned it. Glad to hear things are slowly getting better. Dang, what a long-ass haul.

[MasterBlaster]

Any physical therapy will be home administered. I just gotta learn to walk again, I don't need anyone to show me how to do that. Besides, I went through all of that once already, it ain't rocket science.
My treadmill will come in handy, especially the handrails.

[vharrison]

:? Any progress?

[MasterBlaster]

Hardly any at all. I'm practicing walking by using one crutch, so that's a step. The foot is still swollen and I need to get my ROM back to normal. This is taking a long damn time, I see. The open wound is nearly 100% closed, I'm hoping this will be the last time I need to bandage it.

I'm getting there. The worst part is all this good weather I'm missing. Crikey!

[squisher]

Keep at 'er good to here you're getting mobile again :thumbup:

[vharrison]

Hardly any at all. I'm practicing walking by using one crutch, so that's a step. . Crikey!

Are you putting a little pressure on it?

[che]

Don't rule out going to a physical therapist, Butch. If you can find a good one, they can evaluate you, set you on the right track...and then turn you loose to work at home. Just be upfront about how much time/$$$ you're willing to spend.

Mine gave me a 'self-help' fix for my back last year (?) and I haven't had to go back until yesterday....and that was my own fault (pulling the calf out of the mud/creek last month.)

The line between good pain and bad pain is sometimes hard to figure out on your own with injuries. It helps to get some guidelines where you can push things, and where you need to kick back. IMHO, of course.

[pantheraba]

Being on a prescribed physical therapy program could be a good idea...I broke an ankle (not tree related) about 10 years ago...when I got the cast off the orthopod said no PT was necessary, just walk it out.

My friend that was a phys. therapist said the MD was nuts. Adrian gave me about 10 different exercises to do (e.g., picking up marbles with my toes, spelling the alphabet with my toes, specific strengthening and stretching exercises for the ankle and foot, alternating hot and cold soaks to flush the injured area - to improve circulation and get good nutrients in and toxins out, etc.) It worked wonderfully...I can't tell today which ankle I broke.

That's my take on it.

[Skwerl]

I've never broken a foot but I can tell you my experience when I wrenched my knee last year that the alternating hot and cold packs works wonders for reducing swelling. My injury was a month old and still swollen when I started with the alternating ice/heat in the evenings. Within 3-4 days the swelling was almost gone. You might consider giving it a try, Butch. About 10-15 minutes ice then 10-15 minutes with the heating pad on low for about 3-4 cycles per evening.

[MasterBlaster]

I'll give her a shot when the bandages come off.

[Skwerl]

Damn, was that post really worthy of a banning? 15 seconds after posting, I was forbidden access to any part of the forum! Thanks for un-banning me after only a half hour!
:P

[MasterBlaster]

I'm just a big softie!

[tntree]

I think that a coach like that women on TC3's avatar will get you up and runnin

[MasterBlaster]

Up and hobbling, more like it.

[squisher]

Geez I don't wanna get banned, but Brian is dead on heat and ice works wonder imo for healing. It promotes circulation and the blood does the healing.

[Frans]

Butch, do you have to keep the foot elevated?

[MasterBlaster]

I keep it elevated 50% of the time, but not because it hurts. (Like it has for the past 10 weeks)

[Skwerl]

If you use ziplock bags for your icepacks (gallon size works well, crushed ice with water) and a light hand towel under the bag, it won't get your bandages wet.
:thumbup:

[chucky]

I agree, the alternating hot & cold works wonders (except the lower back--never use ice on your lower back). I use a bag of frozen peas separated from the skin by a thin layer of cloth (direct contact can cause frostbite). Instead of a heating pad I use a tub of hot water, but I guess the heating pad would work just as well.

[vharrison]

, alternating hot and cold soaks to flush the injured area - to improve circulation and get good nutrients in and toxins out, etc.) It worked wonderfully...I can't tell today which ankle I broke.

That's my take on it.


Hot and cold, GOOFBALL, Pan, Chuck, Al, and Brian, have said it. I have been telling you for a month. Goofball, if Che said it works, IT WORKS. HOT AND COLD, gets the circulation going orrrr somethin. Just DO IT, GOOFBALL!

Gary, how about a video of what you did, all the silly exercises, that left you well.

[MasterBlaster]

Yea Gary, wear Spandex for Gigi! :P

[vharrison]

Goofball. Just try the hot and cold thing.

[Al Smith]

Correction,when I screwed up my poor old shoulder,which was and is a rotator tear,the cold hurt to beat hell.On the other hand when I messed up my poor old great toe,hot epsom salts was a relief.

On the shoulder thing,which is different from these guys busted feet,it never got better until I bite the bullet and worked it.It that case,pain was gain.My poor old busted toe just had to heal on it's own,which seemed like forever.I can't imagine a whole foot forked up,ugh.:(

[GASoline71]

Yea Gary, wear Spandex for Gigi! :P

The hell you say!!!:what:











***I know it is the "other" Gary***

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Back on topic, some fresh pics of the crushing.

I still can't move my toes, but I can wiggle my big toe like a mofo! things are still swollen, and the doc says they probably always will be. I'm doing what I can on my treadmill every day, but I have a feeling things will never be completely back to normal. Oh well, things could be worse!

And who knows? In a year I might be back to doing front flips! :)

[sotc]

egads! still looks painfull!

[squisher]

Keep at er man, and don't let the doc get ya down. It's looking alot better and it hasn't been that long. I bet ya heal right up.8)

[Skwerl]

I'll bet ya $20 that alternating heat and cold will reduce that swelling. But you're too smart to try it. Heck, an hour out of your busy schedule to try it would really cramp your style, and might hurt you!
:P

[MasterBlaster]

I did it! It helped a bit, but not all that much. But I'm sure it has it's place, for sure!

[MasterBlaster]

It's looking alot better and it hasn't been that long. I bet ya heal right up.8)


The 21st will be three months. :X

[squisher]

Yah that's awhile man but I'm just saying don't let some doc or anyone else talk ya into beleiving it won't heal right up. Set your mind to it and do it to it.

Oh yah I'm a strong beleiver in the hot and cold treatments as well. If I can make it happen atleast a couple times a week it makes all the difference in the world for me and my frigging glass hands.

[MasterBlaster]

I think I'm past the hot/cold therapy stage.

[squisher]

You're never past it. Simple theory hot/cold increases circulation. Blood is what heals you. Increased blood flow= increased healing. I'm no doctor but it makes perfectly good sense to me. You are increasing the blood flow to the area without having to 'work' it hard

[Skwerl]

But you're not. 3-4 evenings of it would probably cut that swelling in half or better. But like I said, you're too smart to fall for that. :(

My knee injury was over 2 months old and still swollen when I finally gave in and tried the hot/cold trick. Within 3 days the sweeling was 90% gone. Heck, humor me and try it for 60-90 minutes per night for 3 nights just to prove me wrong. Unless you're afraid it might actually work.

[MasterBlaster]

Massage is good, too.

[squisher]

Are you getting your foot massaged? It still looks a little sore for that.

Dammit man you'd better bust out the ice packs and the microwave heat pad. :what:

[pantheraba]

I think I'm past the hot/cold therapy stage.

Squisher's right...you are PRIME for hot/cold soaks. I did it twice a day for several weeks. I used two five gallon buckets, filled up high enough with water to submerge my foot. It was a hassle but I just figured it was the price I paid for it doing its job.

One bucket with water as hot as I could stand it...the other I dumped ice cubes in for as cold as I could stand it.

5-10 min hot
5-10 min cold

I repeated cycle 3 times in the AM, 3 times in PM...I think more during the day would have been ok, too.

The biggest hassle was messing with buckets full or water.

Soak.

[MasterBlaster]

I'll give it another shot! :thumbup:

[Frans]

Damm Squirl, you are one mean dude!
Have you ever considered a career in re-hab? :) You would whip those folks into shape!
Butch, I checked out those latest pictures and I gotta say from the heart, that looks like it really really hurt.
Damm, I am glad it was not worse but it still looks bad to me.
Good job on the healing.
Gerry should be talking to you and getting ideas on how to make it through the rough patches in the early stages of healing

[MasterBlaster]

egads! still looks painfull!


Actually, all that bad looking stuff is completely numb, no feeling whatsoever.

:(

[vharrison]

I'll give it another shot! :thumbup:

:thumbup: Do like Gary says, 3 times in the morning and 3 times in the afternoon. It is the circulation of blood that this process creates that will help it heal. I wonder if adding epsom salt to the water would help heal the open wound?

I was going to ask, before I saw the picture, if you could get a shoe on, but it sure doesn't look like it.

[che]

I'll give it another shot! :thumbup:

Good attitude, Butch. I like the bucket trick...sounds like it would work. Keeping the cold cold and the hot hot is hard when the volume is smaller. Good idea. They sell them (!) at Wally World in the paint department if you don't have them laying around.

[vharrison]

An hour out of your busy schedule to try it would really cramp your style, and might hurt you!
:P

:lol:

[lumberjack]

:thumbup: Do like Gary says, 3 times in the morning and 3 times in the afternoon. It is the circulation of blood that this process creates that will help it heal. I wonder if adding epsom salt to the water would help heal the open wound?

I was going to ask, before I saw the picture, if you could get a shoe on, but it sure doesn't look like it.

We bought my dad a size 15 EEE (I think) for his feet through this, he slips his feet in, doesn't lace them of course.

[RIVERRAT]

I just seen the pic. It still looks painful. Not being able to get around would just drive me crazy. What a hemorrhoid that has to be.

[MasterBlaster]

No shoe here, I wear the orthopedic boot they gave me.

[pete mctree]

Not looking pretty Butch but alot better than before. Keep going with the hot and cold treatment, it wil serve you well in the longterm. Get that blood flowing around the foot and it will help draw the toxins and crap away in time

[vharrison]

:? Did you do the hot and cold thing today?

[MasterBlaster]

In the morning, and a few hours ago. It doesn't seem to make a difference.

[Skwerl]

It will. 3 days of 90 minutes per day and you'll see and feel the difference. Thanks for believing us enough to try it.
:thumbup:

And I found the one gallon ziplock bag icepack and heating pad were much easier to use than attempting to screw around with heavy buckets of hot and cold water splashing everywhere. I'd throw the icepack with water and ice back in the freezer during the 10-15 minute heating pad sessions.

[vharrison]

MB, you have to look at what people are saying, it takes more than once a day. Just do it, I can't see you lugging in water everyday, but I can see ice and heat packs helping (you did get a microwave). Ugh, Kiddo, hang in there. Back to the salt , salt dries things up, maybe it would help the wound. Salt water is a good thing.

[MasterBlaster]

In the morning, and a few hours ago.


Does that not say I did it twice today? :what:

[Skwerl]

How many cycles? one cycle isn't going to do anything. It's the switching back and forth that breaks up the clogged puss and dead tissue creating the swelling.

[MasterBlaster]

I do it 5 cycles each time, burning a skinny while I do it.

[squisher]

Keep it up dude, anything is better than nothing. You can't measure results on one day give it a couple of weeks.

[MasterBlaster]

Ha. On the 21st it will be 90 days.

[squisher]

yah man that's a bad injury. 90 days sh-t

[MasterBlaster]

Just a refresher...

[stehansen]

Does it still hurt?

[MasterBlaster]

Not like the first day.

[Flyer]

Damn man, thing swelled up like a bitch...glad all is well though and that you're ok.

I'm sure those trees are missin you. ;)

[MasterBlaster]

I'm missing THEM.

[Frans]

I wonder why the doc said the swelling might not go down ever?

[MasterBlaster]

It's a normal reaction from a crushing injury.

[MasterBlaster]

Does it still hurt?


Only when you poke it. :lol:

[stehansen]

Only when you poke it. :lol:

Well then.... I think I'm being set up.

It looks like it hurts.

[vharrison]

I do it 5 cycles each time, burning a skinny while I do it.


:lol: You are too much. keep it up.

[MasterBlaster]

Well, I decided to postpone my experimental climb today. I'm pretty sure I might be jumping the gun just a bit, and I didn't wanna screw up any accomplishments I've made so far. Sooooo, I'll give it one more week and consider attempting it.

Oh well.

[RIVERRAT]

That I think is a smart thing!

[Jonseredbred]

First time I have looked at the pics. WOW is my first reaction.

Hope your feeling better.

[JamesTX]

So, if you were going to rec climb, does that mean you can walk around unaided?

[stehansen]

That foot looks pretty swollen still. How's the treadmill going?

[MasterBlaster]

Yes, I can walk around unaided. I get on the treadmill at least twice a day, and do different stuff. It's not as swollen as it looks, my leg was squished down in the pillow a bit.

[Skwerl]

Hurry up and get your ass back to work! We're getting tired of supporting your lazy ass, git up that tree!
:lol:

[MasterBlaster]

Man, I hear you. I'm sick of TV and computers!

[darkstar]

I bet you are plumb stir crazy

[MasterBlaster]

It's like I'm on a spaceship to Uranus!!!

[Frans]

:lol:
You crack me up.
I dont even want to touch that last statement

[MasterBlaster]

;)

[stehansen]

I think he is getting housebound.

[MasterBlaster]

Moi? My ass is getting out more and more every day!

[stehansen]

Can you go to the store and stuff like that?

[MasterBlaster]

Hell yea! I mowed my lawn yesterday.

[stehansen]

Well, almost all healed up then.

[MasterBlaster]

Things will never be the same, I fear.

[Stumper]

Hell yea! I mowed my lawn yesterday.

Then send me my shirts already! (Just kidding):P

[vharrison]

Hell yea! I mowed my lawn yesterday.

That is great! Keep at it MB, you will get there.

[Newfie]

Man, I hear you. I'm sick of TV and computers!

NEVER thought I would hear you say that.

I beleive in good physical therapy, want to come mow my lawn? I think I need a goat by now.

Glad to hear things are moving forward.

[No_Bivy]

Good decision to hold back till your sure. You could try ascenders instead of spurs, easy on the foot probably.

[TC3]

Butch, can you mow my lawn for me, too ? :P
Way to go on the progress. I'm starting to feel the relief from "is it over yet ?" anxiety, though I know there's a ways to go for you yet.
Keep it up, my-main-man !!!

[olyman]

butch--you say by the last pic it aint swollen much... mmnnnnnn---take care of it---cause its your livelyhood---i bruised the side of my foot 8 months ago--and it still bothers on the side---dang!!!!!!!!!

[MasterBlaster]

Well that's good to hear. :(

[che]

It's ok, Butch.....once you get as old as we are EVERYTHING hurts a little, it'll just blend in. Good to hear you're doing so well.

[MasterBlaster]

It's weird, the skin on my foot is all shiny like there's a layer of Saran Wrap on it. :what:

[olyman]

didnt mean couldnt work--just a irritation--wish would go away---youll do well--cause you aint lazy---

[MasterBlaster]

I'm positive I have a few bones in my body that have "lazy" written on them, somewhere.

[olyman]

Not being a tree climber, you dont

[Jonseredbred]

It's not as swollen as it looks, my leg was squished down in the pillow a bit.

Good thing you pointed that out, It looks like ya got chicken legs.:D

[Al Smith]

Things will never be the same, I fear.

No,sorry to say but you are right about that.Still, in all you can adjust.Don't do like old Tom my little wee buddy.When he busted his leg all up,maybe 10 or twelve years ago ,he wacked the cast off below the knee and hooked a tree any way.He is paying the price now.Be smart about this now.

[vharrison]

Good advise, Al. Be smart about this now, just when you are thinking it is time to climb, think twice.

[Skwerl]

How's the swelling, Butch? When you get tired of having to wear two different shoe sizes, you might put a concerted effort into the alternating heat/ cold for a few hours per day for a few days. Keep doing it until it works.
:thumbup:

Hope it's feeling better. :)

[MasterBlaster]

I've been doing that for weeks, Brian. I think my foot is as unswollen as it's ever gonna be.

[Al Smith]

I smashed my pinkie between two engine blocks,some years ago.After it healed or so I thought it remained larger than my "power" finger for about two years.Would you believe it shrunk back to the size of a normal pinky.

My thinking is that the poor old smashed foot will in time become it's normal size again but it isn't going to happen fast.

[Skwerl]

Well in that case we'll just have to see to it that you get two pairs of boots, so you can have one boot that fits each foot. :)

Did you get your right or left foot? And how about Jerry? What size boots do you guys wear? I know it's a long shot but I figured I'd ask.

[Frans]

Hey if it's only one foot, then you can just grab the sidewalk display boot off of the shelf and run away with it! :)

[TC3]

A customer of mine has spent the last year inventing a machine that could speed your healing, Butch.
http://www.bpmtherapy.com/BPM_theory.pdf
Ed Phillips is a genius. The travel would / could be pricey, but the lodging & transport would be free ( a la TreeChick )... A genuine & heartfelt offer. Consider it.
Meals ? Well, that's different. I'll help you find a breakfast buffet or sammich, lunch izz all you, dinner we can talk about.
The swelling need not be a permanent thing, especially if it's accompanied by numbness / weakness / pain.
...Oh, yeah... and I've already been a beeyotch about PT, custom made boots, & inserts.

[MasterBlaster]

Well, here it is almost scabless. I can see now why they stuck around so long! I had to grow a lotta skin on that one part. It still hasn't recovered full ROM, I'm thinking that's gonna take awhile.

Ya'll be careful out there!

[stehansen]

Does it hurt anymore?

[flyboy]

From the looks of what happened,it could have been a whole lot worse..I broke my foot two years ago while racing,and it still gives me trouble....I now have to do all the climbing without spikes,and when I do use spikes I have to use a heavy duty steel shank boot,and I cannot even think about climbing without footplates.

[che]

Looking good, Butch.

[Al Smith]

It still looks a might bit tender but it's a lot better than what it was.

[MasterBlaster]

It's not really tender, or hurting. The top/side is still numb and I can barely move my toes. I guess the nerve/tendons are still healing cuz I still get those weird electrical tingleing feelings.
Wearing spurs doesn't seem to hurt much.

"This is not going to be over soon, and you WILL NOT enjoy it." from "300"

[vharrison]

I am so glad you are healing up. You did a great job taking care of yourself! I know Doc and a couple of your friends helped, but WOW that was a tough deal to get through. Good job MB.

[squisher]

Good to see still healing up good! :thumbup:

[fishhuntcutwood]

Good lord, take care Butch. I'm sorry it happened, but I'm glad you're on the mend as you are.

[Al Smith]

I guess the nerve/tendons are still healing cuz I still get those weird electrical tingleing feelings.


"This is not going to be over soon, and you WILL NOT enjoy it." from "300"
It is just going to take a long time before it's good as new,if ever.That was a lot of tissue/nerve damage .

[RIVERRAT]

The tingling numb feeling I had in face I was told was nerves healing. It was weird couldn't feel any thing to the right of my nose & below my eye.

Butch your foot looks a lot better. Hope it all goes smooth from here!!

[Burnham]

Happy to hear and see the major improvements, Butch. Very happy!

[MasterBlaster]

Thanks. I'll be glad when it's a year from now. By then I'll know how well everythings really healed.

[Frans]

Thanks. I'll be glad when it's a year from now. By then I'll know how well everythings really healed.

Damm, one second equals one year. What a thought!
All these injuries have sure made me more carefull.

I got this new guy who was bitching about not being able to use a saw yet. I told him to wait until he understood the stacking and chipping and clean up stuff.
About 5 mins. later he smacked the hell outta his finger chipping brush. He held on too long and the butt caught his finger against the chipper hopper floor.

That will teach him....I hope

[MasterBlaster]

Shoot, one second could mean death!

I was lucky!

[xtremetrees]

Would you say your back climbing like your old self?

[gf beranek]

Looking good Butch!

[Bodean]

Excellent Progress Butch.

Looks WAY better, I'm very happy for you. :)

[TC3]

This will be the post I delete in the morning >>>
Your foot / ankle are hopelessly masculine & leaning towards 'worky'. We will consider you for our '08 calendar, titled >>> "What The Hell Do You Have To Say About THAT ?"
Blow-outs are the friggin' worst.
Thank God & whomever else that you're going to be O.K., Butch.

[MasterBlaster]

That's why Ekkka and Jason hate me so.

I am hopelessly masculine!

[olyman]

hopelessly masculine------errrrrrr, okay??????? heal up well butch--i told you of the muscle on the right of right foot--got better about one month ago--so theres all sorts of hope for you also--get well,Butch

[Steve]

It happens to the best, and the rest.if you are smiling BONUS.you LIVE to sit on computers and other stuff Get better quicker

[squisher]

It happens to the best, and the rest.if you are smiling BONUS.you LIVE to sit on computers and other stuff Get better quicker

eh?



Any update on the foot Butch?

[MasterBlaster]

It's healing as well as expected. Complete healing will take years, but that's cool. It will never be the foot it was, but who knows? Only time will tell.

Ya'll be careful out there!

[darkstar]

It will be the Iron Foot.
Pretty sad, for those who piss off MB.

[MasterBlaster]

Iron foot? Ha, dunno 'bout THAT! I think Jerry's got it way worse that me, though.

How it going, Jerry???

[Old Monkey]

This was an important thread but it had yuckie pictures in it.

[Jonseredbred]

Theres alot of good will in this thread.

[MasterBlaster]

Man was I feeling bad when I started THIS thread.

[Chisel Tooth]

Why? We need to know when one of the clan it hurt so we can help if needs be. Butch we have a lot really good folks here, and they are genuine. This place ain't like those other places, the people here really care about each other. So you see there's nothing to be embarrassed, or to feel guilty about.
That is what makes this place special, and the best damn site on the net.
Thanks Butch without the type of folks you have brought together here this place would be just another TURD!
See Ya
Mike

[MasterBlaster]

LOL, no I meant my FOOT was feeling bad. :lol:

[Chisel Tooth]

Oh what the hell I guess I have a severe case of the DUMBASS going on, the last few days I've been, well lets just say missing the mark. That is funny though.
See Ya
Mike

[MasterBlaster]

Meh, no problemo. Your heart was in the right spot! :beer:

[MasterBlaster]

Well it's been one year today. I remember lying in the emergency room thinking "Man, I'll be glad when it's a year from now." Well it's been a year and I'm glad to report that all is fine. I still have some weird sensations and numbness down there but overall things are back to normal.

And again I'll like to thank all the Treehousers that helped me out with donations and support. That three months in bed was the worst time of my life and it was made easier because of ya'll.

Thank you, Treehouse brothers and sisters!!! Ya'll are the greatest!!! :beer:

[Mr. Sir]

I'll drink to that! :beerchug: You da man!

[vharrison]

We were all worried about you. Glad you made it through with flying colors!

[MasterBlaster]

It sure was a suprise when you called me in the horsepistol!!!

[sawinredneck]

I can't believe it's been a year!!
Glad to hear it's getting better!

[Reddog]

Glad to hear you have mended. Hopefully it keeps getting better.

[MasterBlaster]

I hope Jerry chimes in with an update. His foot was in way worse shape than me.

[Hobby Climber]

Its been a year already??? Wow, how time flies! Glad to hear things are going well for you. All the best to you for the next year!8)

HC

[MasterBlaster]

Thanks, Bob.

[squisher]

Keep on keeping on man. I can't beleive it's been a year either. Glad you've come through it well.

[MasterBlaster]

Man, it sure sucked laying in that emergency room. That part lasted 5 or 6 hours. I think they were hoping the swelling would go down some so they could suture me up. Bleagh!

[stehansen]

Glad everything is pretty much back to normal with the foot.

[OTGBOSTON]

If you were a horse they'd probably have just shot ya:P Kidding of course, glad you're back to 100%:D

[oldirty]

so what are you saying ther MB? you now walk with the pimp limp? ghetto leg perhaps? lol

(nasty foot injury by the way. good luck with the continued healing.)

[MasterBlaster]

No, no real limp to be noticed - thank goodness!

[Paul B]

wow, that year went fast! (for me anyways). Hope it continues to get better MB. :)

[Frans]

:thumbup:

[Al Smith]

2007 was not the best year in my opinion,a lot of things happened.

Deaths ,injuries,broken relationships the list goes on .With hope 2008 will bring about a much better time than the previous year.

The tramatic injuries suffered by Butch ,GB ,River, L J's dad as well as a few others just goes to show that things can happen .They were bad enough but certainly could have been worse.

Recovery from these injuries may in fact take years but hopefully will come about sooner. Hey,be carefull out there,it's a jungle .

[Frans]

Al, thats a real nice post.

As usual, I did not even make that connection.

And yes, be carefull! The world is a better place with our friends in it...

[MasterBlaster]

It's been a long time since I've seen this thread. When all this was happening I was longing for this day to come around. Ha.

[Skwerl]

And what day is that? Been almost 2 years. What's today, a year since you went back to work?

edit- nope, you were climbing again last summer. :?

[MasterBlaster]

This day = almost completely healed.

[Skwerl]

Good to hear. Although I'm sure it will still remind you when a weather front is moving in. My hip does that now, been 8 years or so since my fall.

[MasterBlaster]

Oh, it still talks to me.

[Altissimus]

I'm Lucky enough to have one of those too , my shoulder aches from a struck/by , now two years old .... can ALWAYYS tell when storms comin' .... I guess it's alot better than being kilt or something worser...

[Awsomeclimber]

Glad to hear it Boss.. Now, if only i could have that day for my left wrist.. Ouch lately\
Keep putting off the carpel tunnel opperation, it will only get worse, not any better.

[MasterBlaster]

I GUARANTEE you that power pruner ain't helping your CTS.

[Al Smith]

It just takes a long while for the old bod to recover from a serious injury .The older you are the longer it seems to take too . Sad to say sometimes you don't quite have after you heal what you had before an injury but you just learn to adapt ,as if you had a choice in the matter .

I don't know if there is any money in forecasting the weather but I'm a part of that crowd also .I think there are many members in that fraternity .

[MasterBlaster]

I figured I might as well bump this thread... whutta walk down memory lane!

[Skwerl]

Good bump. It's cool to go back and review our forum roots once in a while. :thumbup:

[sotc]

Catch all the new blood up here!
Still got the pins and needles?

Might should put the pics back in the first post

[woodworkingboy]

I was on my leave of absence from the house at the time, but have always wondered about the cause of MB's injury, and didn't know this thread existed. A much belated sorry about the trouble you encountered.

[MasterBlaster]

Thanks. And yes, I still have the electric worms.

[chris_girard]

Butch do those electric worms ever go away, or will they always be there?

[MasterBlaster]

Your guess is as good as mine, brother. I sure hope so! It's greatly diminished, that's for sure.