Ski accident

April 2, 2024: somebody pointed out that I posted this on April 1. As much as I wished that it was just an April Fools prank, unfortunately, this is real 😢.

April 1, 2024: I'm typing this 1 handed and under painkillers so forgive me for typos and or mistakes. I typically ski on the green slopes but I've been trying to learn on the easy blues lately. On the last day of our vacation, my son took me to this blue run. Apparently this blue run we was quite icy and very narrow and after failing to negotiate the turns and slowing down, I slipped and went down at about 20-25MPH. The skis popped out, and I started tumbling down and eventually stopped on my back. That's when I realized that my right shoulder dislocated in a very awkward position, and I couldn't move it at all (although, I still had finger sensations, which was a good sign). My son called in for help and 2 ski patrols put me on the sled and went down to the slopes. The ambulance brought me to the Truckee Hospital (20 min away), and after few failed attempts of "shoulder reduction" procedure, the surgeon decided to put me to sleep so that my muscle spasms would not interfere with the procedures. When I woke up the surgeon explained to me that the X-rays showed fractures and that I needed a follow up at my local hospital. I went home, painless, thinking I was going to be just fine. Later on, as the pain-killer wore off, I felt awful and was literally crying for pain killers! Below is a composite CT (they stitched CTs to make a 3D render) taken a few days after the accident:

Below is an X-ray which shows an old staple on my arm -- the staple was from a childhood sports injury many decades ago. The arrow is what the surgeon thinks is a fracture on the scapula (shoulder blade).

Lastly, the MRI scan (showing swollen soft tissues/liquids/etc)

As long as I'm on an arm immobilizer I am ok, but obviously I can't (and shouldn't) move my right arm up and to the side. The earliest surgery date is May, and the surgeon says I need to take off AT MINIMUM 3 weeks, and possibly up to 6 weeks, for me to resume normal activities. For sports, he recommends waiting at least 6-9 months + consistent PT time before I start doing anything more strenuous.

I'm mentally ready for all the challenges ahead but my body is not. Or at least, not yet. I shall be back!