Brother Colin Update.

Brother Colin · 1st February 2007, 11:27 PM

G'day ...

Ok ekka, you got me with the pecan pie......mmmmm ......

A quick brief.

In Sept I fell off a cliff and broke 3 ribs, cracked three vertebra and just about severed my right foot. I had my helmet on so am alive.

12 weeks in hospital and 12 trips to theatre. Got out in Dec.

I can get around quite well with two crutches. I can put pressure on the heel but not at the toes. I can not walk freely but can ride my bicycle.

I am visiting physio twice a week and going to the pool and gym other days. The ankle has very little movement but is improving all the time. (slowly) It is also getting stronger (again slowly).

Sent an email off to the aussie importer of the helmet I used saying 'it works' and thanks. They wanted some pictures and sent me a new one for free. Can wait to get back climbing (rock and trees).

I hope everyone is well.

Drouin Tree Service · 1st February 2007, 11:31 PM

Recovery can be a slow process Colin,take your time and dont try rushing it too much although that can be hard!

All the best,i think pool work will be a big helper.

jason

Eric Frei · 1st February 2007, 11:32 PM

Bugger.

Hey, put up the pics of your stack hat.

Are you surviving mate?

Brother Colin · 1st February 2007, 11:50 PM

Here is some photos of my OLD helmet.

photo 1: one of the straps pulled through the mounting point.

photo 2: check out the 'not so' oval shape of the rim. The broken mount is the front top. The back top then took all the forces and warped the rim. There is white stress marks in the red plastic from the 3 crease points.

photo 3: the outside of the helmet. It looks (and feels) as though someone used a rasp type file on it. There was curly bits of plastic originally (before all the hands got to it).

Yeah, the pool is doing wonders. I am taking it slowly and really trying to be patient.

As for surviving.......mmmm...yeah. Lots of friends still help me out when they can. Does make life easier. Bills are hard on centerlink payments.

Otherwise, I am still smiling and still enjoying a beer or two.

Eric Frei · 2nd February 2007, 12:03 AM

Plenty beer here. lol

Saved your life that helmet mate.

Hey, is rangitata still working for Aussie?

Brother Colin · 2nd February 2007, 12:05 AM

Have to come over and help you drink some of that beer.

YES .

and

YES.

Drouin Tree Service · 2nd February 2007, 12:08 AM

Lucky you had it on Colin!no way would you be able to talk about it!

Brother Colin · 2nd February 2007, 12:17 AM

That is a fact for sure. I am very happy to still be here.

Got a few good scars to show for it as well.

I have been out an done a little abseiling just to see how I would go hanging from a rope again. ( I fell when the rope severed ) I was over the edge before I realised I was supposed to feel apprehensive about doing it again. No mental hangups there I guess.

Eric Frei · 2nd February 2007, 08:16 AM

Hey Colin

You want to come over Saturday and stay the night. I'll pick you up.

Mrs will put on a spread and pecan pie, we got 3 pc's online if you want to surf and put pics up etc, or we can check out some DVD's.

Got beer, plenty of it .... that'll get you out and some new scenery.

PS: The kids would like to see you too.

TreeCo · 2nd February 2007, 08:54 AM

Best of luck on your recoverly Collin. I've been lucky and never had a serious injury......unless you count the 35 stitches from that Stihl 064 twenty years ago!

Eric Frei · 2nd February 2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeCo

Best of luck on your recoverly Collin. I've been lucky and never had a serious injury......unless you count the 35 stitches from that Stihl 064 twenty years ago!

Wow, what happened on that one?

I near chainsawed my thumb off back in 1999 cleaning crappy palms ... one handing that Shindaiwa heavy bugger that gave me tennis elbow.

I got a lighter saw and hang on harder now.

Brother Colin · 2nd February 2007, 10:29 AM

Sorry Ekka, can not make it sat night.

Maybe another night for sure.

MrsEkka · 2nd February 2007, 10:53 AM

That's ok Colin, we'll eat the pecan pie for you,lol

Brother Colin · 2nd February 2007, 11:02 AM

TreeCo · 2nd February 2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Wow, what happened on that one?

I was low cutting a 5ft. diameter hollow stump and the saw kicked back and hit my right leg above my knee. No permanet damage luckily. I was cutting down on my knees.

Eric Frei · 2nd February 2007, 01:25 PM

Yeah, that's always the one you gotta watch, that last close to the ground cut.

One dude I know was standing bent over cutting a gum stump close to the ground. The saw hit something and kicked back, spun in his hand and got him in the ankle!

Sometimes the larger saws just shoot out of the cut straight at you too.

Brother Colin · 2nd February 2007, 05:47 PM

I watched a guy do exactly that. The last cut of a stump with a 66. He was down on his knees and about 10cm in when the saw jumped out and got him across the thigh.

Those chainsaw pants paid for themselves that day. He was a little shocked and ended up with a nice bruise across his thigh.

Eric Frei · 2nd February 2007, 05:50 PM

Chainsaw pants are very important, I keep mine safely in the cupboard.

Brother Colin · 9th March 2007, 05:03 PM

It is now 6 months , to the day, that I had my rock climbing accident. Time for an update.

I still have my crutches

, but can get around without them, for very short distances. (the doc has given the ok).

I can ride my bicycle and drive the car. ( the handicapped sticker is in the mail)

My ankle is slowly getting stronger and the flexibility is slowly improving.

Sadly, I still have a small infection that comes back everytime I go off the antibiotics.

I am booked for surgery sometime in april.

Other than that, everying is slowly improving.

Drouin Tree Service · 10th March 2007, 04:13 PM

Good to hear your getting about.

Eric Frei · 10th March 2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Colin

I am booked for surgery sometime in april.

What's that one going to be for?

Well, you'll be dragging brush before you know it. lol

Maybe you'll be able to get about and do some camera man stuff, you might not need the tripod with those crutches.

I'll have to get a job lined up where you can video a bit.

Brother Colin · 10th March 2007, 06:52 PM

The surgery is to clean out the infection site and take out some of my metal work. The infection seems to be coming from there. ie. from the bone.

Jeff Darby · 13th March 2007, 02:39 PM

Hi Ya Brother Colin,
Hope you dont mind me saying a few things,mate,as 20 years back I had to slowly get strenght back into my body after had a car accident,It took me 3 years working with weights to a system I devised myself as at the time past your physio there wasn't much help,but slowly the strenght returned..and to this day I still manage it,pain killers,rest..and a heap of determination,listen to your body,don't give up even when the path forward is backwards..and just because you can't do it today dosen't mean you can't do it tomorrow.
All The Best
JayD

Brother Colin · 13th March 2007, 04:30 PM

Thanks JayD.

I am looking forward.

On the week-end I abseiled over the climb that I fell off. Checking out where my rope got cut, landing site etc. Trying to work out if the memories I have of the day and the climb are correct. As it turned out most things I remembered were close to correct or spot on, but there was a lot I do not remember. My girlfriend cleared up a few of those questions when I got home. My friends were always asking if I need a hand getting around the base of the cliff over/around the rocks. My respose was "I'll call when I can not do it, won't know till I try it first."

Iceman · 18th March 2007, 12:53 PM

Just wondering how did your rope cut.

Eric Frei · 18th March 2007, 08:49 PM

Yeah, and why haven't the cops given it back to you yet so you can post pictures of it ... have they paid for it?

I have always thought that rock and rope dont mix... especially when a rock climber take falls unlike tree guys who should have no slack in the system. One sharp protrusion and BAM!

Brother Colin · 19th March 2007, 05:16 PM

I got my rope back a week or so after the accident. The cops gave it back when it was obvious I was not going to die.

As for photo's. I shall put some up of the rope and my helmet.

1st February 2007, 11:27 PM	#1
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Brother Colin Update. G'day ... Ok ekka, you got me with the pecan pie......mmmmm ...... A quick brief. In Sept I fell off a cliff and broke 3 ribs, cracked three vertebra and just about severed my right foot. I had my helmet on so am alive. 12 weeks in hospital and 12 trips to theatre. Got out in Dec. I can get around quite well with two crutches. I can put pressure on the heel but not at the toes. I can not walk freely but can ride my bicycle. I am visiting physio twice a week and going to the pool and gym other days. The ankle has very little movement but is improving all the time. (slowly) It is also getting stronger (again slowly). Sent an email off to the aussie importer of the helmet I used saying 'it works' and thanks. They wanted some pictures and sent me a new one for free. Can wait to get back climbing (rock and trees). I hope everyone is well.

1st February 2007, 11:31 PM	#2
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,697	Recovery can be a slow process Colin,take your time and dont try rushing it too much although that can be hard! All the best,i think pool work will be a big helper. jason __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

1st February 2007, 11:32 PM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Bugger. Hey, put up the pics of your stack hat. Are you surviving mate? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st February 2007, 11:50 PM	#4
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Here is some photos of my OLD helmet. photo 1: one of the straps pulled through the mounting point. photo 2: check out the 'not so' oval shape of the rim. The broken mount is the front top. The back top then took all the forces and warped the rim. There is white stress marks in the red plastic from the 3 crease points. photo 3: the outside of the helmet. It looks (and feels) as though someone used a rasp type file on it. There was curly bits of plastic originally (before all the hands got to it). Yeah, the pool is doing wonders. I am taking it slowly and really trying to be patient. As for surviving.......mmmm...yeah. Lots of friends still help me out when they can. Does make life easier. Bills are hard on centerlink payments. Otherwise, I am still smiling and still enjoying a beer or two. Attached Thumbnails

2nd February 2007, 12:03 AM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Plenty beer here. lol Saved your life that helmet mate. Hey, is rangitata still working for Aussie? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

2nd February 2007, 12:05 AM	#6
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Have to come over and help you drink some of that beer. YES . and YES.

2nd February 2007, 12:08 AM	#7
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,697	Lucky you had it on Colin!no way would you be able to talk about it! __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

2nd February 2007, 12:17 AM	#8
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	That is a fact for sure. I am very happy to still be here. Got a few good scars to show for it as well. I have been out an done a little abseiling just to see how I would go hanging from a rope again. ( I fell when the rope severed ) I was over the edge before I realised I was supposed to feel apprehensive about doing it again. No mental hangups there I guess.

2nd February 2007, 08:16 AM	#9
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Hey Colin You want to come over Saturday and stay the night. I'll pick you up. Mrs will put on a spread and pecan pie, we got 3 pc's online if you want to surf and put pics up etc, or we can check out some DVD's. Got beer, plenty of it .... that'll get you out and some new scenery. PS: The kids would like to see you too. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

2nd February 2007, 08:54 AM	#10
TreeCo Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 307	Best of luck on your recoverly Collin. I've been lucky and never had a serious injury......unless you count the 35 stitches from that Stihl 064 twenty years ago!

2nd February 2007, 10:29 AM	#12
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Sorry Ekka, can not make it sat night. Maybe another night for sure.

2nd February 2007, 10:53 AM	#13
MrsEkka Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14	That's ok Colin, we'll eat the pecan pie for you,lol

2nd February 2007, 11:02 AM	#14
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40

2nd February 2007, 01:25 PM	#16
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Yeah, that's always the one you gotta watch, that last close to the ground cut. One dude I know was standing bent over cutting a gum stump close to the ground. The saw hit something and kicked back, spun in his hand and got him in the ankle! Sometimes the larger saws just shoot out of the cut straight at you too. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

2nd February 2007, 05:47 PM	#17
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	I watched a guy do exactly that. The last cut of a stump with a 66. He was down on his knees and about 10cm in when the saw jumped out and got him across the thigh. Those chainsaw pants paid for themselves that day. He was a little shocked and ended up with a nice bruise across his thigh.

2nd February 2007, 05:50 PM	#18
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Chainsaw pants are very important, I keep mine safely in the cupboard. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

9th March 2007, 05:03 PM	#19
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Update It is now 6 months , to the day, that I had my rock climbing accident. Time for an update. I still have my crutches , but can get around without them, for very short distances. (the doc has given the ok). I can ride my bicycle and drive the car. ( the handicapped sticker is in the mail) My ankle is slowly getting stronger and the flexibility is slowly improving. Sadly, I still have a small infection that comes back everytime I go off the antibiotics. I am booked for surgery sometime in april. Other than that, everying is slowly improving. __________________ A new site for digital madia storage goto : http://brothercolin.pictureyourbusiness.com/

10th March 2007, 04:13 PM	#20
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,697	Good to hear your getting about. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

10th March 2007, 06:52 PM	#22
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	The surgery is to clean out the infection site and take out some of my metal work. The infection seems to be coming from there. ie. from the bone. __________________ A new site for digital madia storage goto : http://brothercolin.pictureyourbusiness.com/

13th March 2007, 02:39 PM	#23
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,031	Recovery Hi Ya Brother Colin, Hope you dont mind me saying a few things,mate,as 20 years back I had to slowly get strenght back into my body after had a car accident,It took me 3 years working with weights to a system I devised myself as at the time past your physio there wasn't much help,but slowly the strenght returned..and to this day I still manage it,pain killers,rest..and a heap of determination,listen to your body,don't give up even when the path forward is backwards..and just because you can't do it today dosen't mean you can't do it tomorrow. All The Best JayD __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

13th March 2007, 04:30 PM	#24
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	Thanks JayD. I am looking forward. On the week-end I abseiled over the climb that I fell off. Checking out where my rope got cut, landing site etc. Trying to work out if the memories I have of the day and the climb are correct. As it turned out most things I remembered were close to correct or spot on, but there was a lot I do not remember. My girlfriend cleared up a few of those questions when I got home. My friends were always asking if I need a hand getting around the base of the cliff over/around the rocks. My respose was "I'll call when I can not do it, won't know till I try it first." __________________ A new site for digital madia storage goto : http://brothercolin.pictureyourbusiness.com/

18th March 2007, 12:53 PM	#25
Iceman I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1	Just wondering how did your rope cut.

18th March 2007, 08:49 PM	#26
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Yeah, and why haven't the cops given it back to you yet so you can post pictures of it ... have they paid for it? I have always thought that rock and rope dont mix... especially when a rock climber take falls unlike tree guys who should have no slack in the system. One sharp protrusion and BAM! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

19th March 2007, 05:16 PM	#27
Brother Colin Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 40	I got my rope back a week or so after the accident. The cops gave it back when it was obvious I was not going to die. As for photo's. I shall put some up of the rope and my helmet. __________________ A new site for digital madia storage goto : http://brothercolin.pictureyourbusiness.com/

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