Josh, reformat your hard drive. That's what tech support used to suggest for anything, so it's probably good for back injuries as well.

I'd like to thank all my supporters in this thread (and those who are not in this thread). It was very nice to see the communities metal support during the beginning of my recovery stage. As of tonight I'm allowed to use both hands for typing but can only use a few fingers in my left hand due to the bandages. I was able to swap to a more advanced sling that allows me to use my right hand (it's about time). Unfortunately it doesn't fit right which at first was a big deal, however Michael Lewis (my brother) grabbed out one of my climbing slings to rig it together! I have to be careful about laughing due to my side puncture wound. I literally bled the other night from laughing. Laughter is not my best medicine right now. Mentally I'm in good spirits.

Today after seeing a advanced bone doctor I found out my collar bone was worse than I originally thought. He said "normally I don't recommend surgery, but this is quite the break". If I do get it, it may be 12 months before they remove the plates/pins. I suppose that may mean it might be 12 months before I can climb again. The good news is that I got to do tons of climbing this summer and climbed the mountain of my dreams. I have so much writing to catch up on and much SP work. Can't wait until my shattered finger heals which will speed up my ability to type.

Josh Lewis wrote:Laughter is not my best medicine right now.

Actually, laughter is funny that way ... it can still be helpful if you keep it from spilling out from the depths of your soul ....

Josh, I was really sorry to hear about your accident. Here's hoping that you'll make a full and prompt recovery.

Report back if it's true chix dig scars.

"Sing, bird of prey;
Beauty begins at the foot of you. Do you believe the manner?

Gold stainless nail,
Torn through the distance of man ...

As they regard the summit."

Get well soon bro!!

A speedy recovery man. Sounds like you've got lots of good projects to do during your down time.

Tomorrow I'll under go the clavicle surgery. I'll lose access to my right arm for tying for about 6-8 weeks. My left hand has become too hard to type with due to my cast sticking way out. My brother Michael Lewis will probably help me type for the next three weeks. At the end of this month I should get the pins removed in my left hand. I'll then have my not as good hand for typing when the time comes. I'm still staying positive. YouTube and such will be a great side kick during these times. Don't worry, TV is still black listed from using any of my time.

No access to yer right hand eh? Pity Bryan Benn isn't around at the moment. He knows people who know people.

No offence mate, but I won't be rooting for you or pulling for you.

Yikes! Best wishes, hope you're 100% ASAP!

Clavicle surgery went well. Had 8 screws placed in with a plate. Found out that my spine compression was worse than I originally thought. Went from being average height to being short. I don't mind that so much except that it might have some serious consequences on my back/neck in the future. At least the pain isn't so bad so far, pain meds are keeping me dizzy. And again, I feel quite fortunate to make it out of the ordeal alive.

I am only down to a single finger on one hand which will make typing a lot harder. Especially with the cast getting in the way with that hand. My brother should aid me on this at times.

I wouldn't be too pessimistic about the spine, Josh. A mate of mine just got out of surgery for that. According to him, it was a bit like being placed on a medieval torture rack and then they pumped resin and stuff in the gaps while they had him stretched out. (With anaesthetic, of course). Dr Pelado can prolly explain more, er, professionally.

She'll be right, mate.

Hang in there, Josh. Though it sounds like a speedy recovery isn't on the cards, I sure hope it will be a full one, eventually.