Baller LZywicki1 Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 after dealing with a major bout of IBS for the last 4 years and finally getting it under control to where I can ski regularly, even entered a couple of tournaments. and now I end up with half of my right pinky finger missing. I know I had a lot of therapy to come,, but what are the chances that I will be able to ski next year with the same intensity that I have been? Thanks Larry Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller GOODESkier Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 @onamission I have no experience with that issue, BUT human will is a strong thing. I bet you can overcome that issue and be as strong as you want to be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 Look at Clincher style gloves. The pinky isn't a huge load bearing finger IMO as I have a badly jammed one (from a few years back) that is weaker than snot, on my lead offside hand, and it didn't seem to bother me too much. Arthritis and trigger finger in the same hand is another story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MattP Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 I would contact Aiden at Mapple Skis and talk to him about some options. He has overcome a great deal with his injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skier2788 Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 @onamission my dad skis with a pariah missing pinky finger. Lost his just above first knuckle. First year he had a problem with it feeling like it was going to explode out the end when he gripped the handle. It has since gone away and hasn't effected his skiing at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 Sorry to hear about that. The pinky really is a under-rated finger as it aids in locking your grip closed but I'm confident that you can overcome it. I'm sure it'll feel weird for a while though. On the plus side I feel like the ring and middle are the strongest combo. When I rock climb and I can only use two fingers, I'll use the ring and middle fingers but if I can hook three fingers, I will use the pinky instead of the index. A study was done a while back about finger strength and how omitting the ulnar (ring and pinky) fingers affects it. Granted the study focused more on squeezing than the ability to hold on so it may be completely different. I remember they talked about how the ring and pinky comprised more than 50% of overall hand strength and the pinky finger was about 1/3 of the strength by itself. However, they did note that general hand strength was pretty constant between dominant and non-dominant hand but they noticed a pretty wild spread on strength when omitting the little finger on the non-dominant hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 I can tell you from my personal experience, using my grip strengthener, which is pretty stiff, I can easily rip,off 50+ with my right hand, but my left with screwed up pinky and arthritic ring and middle fingers, I struggle to get 20. And it hurts doing it. I have always carried one in my car and would use while driving, and was pretty consistent on either hand. I think this has been hurting my offside lean for a couple years now. I met Aiden last weekend, super nice guy. I am not sure I am that dedicated to skiing any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ lpskier Posted June 21, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted June 21, 2014 John O'Neill could run 22/55k and get some at 28, in a tournament, with one arm. He lost his other arm and really messed up one of his legs in a motorcycle accident as a youth. He held the handle in the crook of his arm and held the top of his life jacket with his hand. It seems to me he may have had a lift under his bad leg, but I could be wrong about that. I suggested one time that he could kick butt at Disabled Worlds and he was semi-insulted that I thought he was disabled. Loss of a pinky should not hold you back at all. As my wife says, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." The follow up, though, is sad. He was one of the handful of skiers that died a few years ago in a head-through-handle fall. Lpskier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 Hate to hear that. Sorry. I smashed my pinky on my left hand about 12 years ago. I was a fraction of inch from loosing it. Really don't have much of a joint there anymore. Other than blisters on the scars I really don't notice skiing. Is the remaining part of the finger still in good shape? If so I think you'll be up and going sooner than you think. What did the Doc say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MarcusBrown Posted June 21, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted June 21, 2014 @onamission You may be fine without any special help, but I would think the most you would need would be a clincher style glove that creates some mechanical advantage for your grip. I think masterline makes a glove based on the clincher. How did you lose the pinky? Had 3 fingers on my right hand re-constructed....index finger reattached, handle wrapped around my hand, at the same time the rope wrapped around my ski tip. @Horton 's dad responsible for my fingers being saved. Used a clincher glove in my right hand ever since. Every 39.5' off I've ever run has been with that clincher. Heal well and you'll be back soon enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted June 21, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 Don,t remember to much about the accident, work, smashed and cut/ripped between the first 2 knuckles. Lot of tendon work and graphting, about 4 hour surgery. Been to therapy 3 times for dressing changes and brace to emobalize all but thumb and pointer. See the surgeon on Tuesday,he even called while at therapy. I'm a rightly, right foot forward, left hand down and right up,so pinky is in the middle of the handle. Just got a new rope and handle from Brenda at In-Tow for father's day. Got to use it once, felt great, hope it feels good next year. @Marcos Brown or anyone else,did you need talk to someone about the emotional issues after an accident. My wife and I were planning to head back down to SMRR for the national, hopefully we can still make. Would love to meet more of you in person. Thanks again to all. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller XR6Hurricane Posted June 21, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2014 Agree with the clincher gloves. One of my ski partners has a considerably weakened hand that stemmed from a broken neck when she was 20 (she is now mid 50s). She was temporarily paralyzed but recovered, except the hand issue is one of the permanent results. She wears the clincher gloves specifically for that reason and I skied with her for a whole season before I even knew she had a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted June 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2014 @onamission I think the emotional issues will vary from person to person. I consider myself a very independent person but I think I would have some emotional trauma from losing body parts. Don't be afraid to get help even if you're on the fence about it. I've known quite a few people who have gotten help after a traumatic event but have never known anyone who would judge them for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
501Brandon Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 One of the guys I skied with was missing pieces of fingers on each hand... Once the clincher was discovered his skiing turned 180 and he skied great since he was able to hang on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted June 22, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2014 A lot of years ago in the mid 80's in a state far far away I knew a skier that was missing a thumb. this guy alway's wore regular ski gloves with the thumb digit cut off and sewed closed. was not a bad skier for the day he could run into 32 off at 36 mph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mwetskier Posted June 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2014 @onamission -check your message in box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted June 23, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted June 23, 2014 @mwetskier Thanks you for forwarding your friends letter, thank you both. If anything it helps to know that things will get better. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 23, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted June 23, 2014 @onamission : clincher gloves (or similar) make a world of difference in ability to accept the rope load. Totally transformed my wife's ability to get up and ski as she is also missing part of a finger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted June 23, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 23, 2014 Interestingly it seems like you ski with your hands flipped. I'm RFF but LT palm is skyward, how changing that around would impact/benefit you I am uncertain. There are a variety of finger restorations on the market, and more and more coming out every year. However I would be reluctant to recommend a patient to waterski while wearing one. Might bring it up to these guys and see if they have input. http://rcmenterprise.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted June 23, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted June 23, 2014 @BraceMaker Yes I do ski with my hands backwards, I think changing at this time or I should say changing next year would put my right pinky at the end of the handle instead of the middle. ( I hold a hockey stick backwards also) That finger extension looks like it would work great for golf, thanks. Been to the therapy 4 times already and see the surgeon on Wednesday. After the surgery he thinking about 4 months of rehab before I can even go back to light duty at work. I was also told to think about this as demoing retirement. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted June 23, 2014 Baller Share Posted June 23, 2014 Ya, it would definitely put your pinky on the outside. I suppose it comes down to how you picture the load balance between the arms. Traditionally I hear things about arm/hand orientation to balance forces - so in theory the way you do it unbalances the load onto the dominant arm. So in that read of it, flipping those hands around should slip more power onto that other arm. What area of the country are you located in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted June 23, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted June 23, 2014 @BraceMaker Michigan, Detroit suburb. I've been told I'm unbalanced a few times before. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted June 26, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted June 26, 2014 Saw the surgeon yesterday, other than changing my antibiotics and being a little on the swollen slide things are good. Looks like he may start to take out a few of the stitches in a week or two. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 2, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 2, 2014 Surgeon took out 6 of ? stitches this morning, said that things are looking better than last week and about 6 more weeks of wound therapy then occupational therapy. Can get back in the boat next week. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 2, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 2, 2014 Brace for holding everything in place. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted July 2, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 2, 2014 Stay positive, sounds like things are going well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted July 2, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted July 2, 2014 @onamission: when a friend broke a thumb (snow skiing) we made sure the cast was made to allow him to hold a ski pole...:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 5, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 5, 2014 Doctor called us yesterday, not good on a holiday, need to be back in the hospital for stronger antibiotics. Hopefully it will just be a day or two. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 6, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 6, 2014 If things go well today and they can put the PICC in today I may be able to home for the 6weeks of IV antibiotics. Was so looking forward to head back down to Texas next month to see the Nationals and celebrate our 30th anniversary but it looks like I will not be able to travel for a couple months. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Nando Posted July 6, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2014 Jody_Seal, you may be thinking of Russ Clifford, originally from North Dakota, but coached at Rollins College for a number of years. He ripped off his thumb trick skiing but could slalom into -38 at his peak. I had a year or so with a useless thumb after smashing it and was able to adapt and ski at my previous level (way below most Ballers')- onamission- you'll be surprised at how you can adapt after it finally heals- good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 7, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 7, 2014 Just cancel our travel plans for going to Texas next month to see and help at the Nationals, hopefully we can make it next year. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 11, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 11, 2014 Finely got the boat out of the water and cleaned up after sitting at the dock for 3 weeks thanks to the neighbors and ski buddies. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Skoot1123 Posted July 11, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 11, 2014 @onamission - keep up the positive attitude! You'll bounce back!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller davemac Posted July 12, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 12, 2014 @onamission An obstacle is what you see when you take your eyes off the goal...Stay Strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ToddL Posted July 14, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 14, 2014 @Gregy just called me today. He is potentially joining the "less than a full 10" club. Tip of his middle finger was pinched off today. Damn... I told him that the next time I take a bad crash and he asks me how many fingers he is holding up, I'll have to answer, 1.9. OK, that was a little underhanded... wait... Seriously, though. I wish @Gregy and @onamission a speedy recovery and many excellent passes to come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted July 14, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 14, 2014 Tips reattached, for now anyway. Nothing like @onamission but still sucks. Got to see specialist tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 14, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 14, 2014 @gregy I'm very sorry to hear about your accident, good luck with the doctor and hope you recovery is quick. Best wishes. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 15, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 15, 2014 All I can say is that the last 4 weeks have been a nightmare. See the surgeon later on today, hoping for some good news. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 15, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 15, 2014 Just got back from the doctor, things are coming along slow but good and I can get back out on the boat and movable ballast in a few days. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 17, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 17, 2014 On a good note I can move some of my fingers by themself, but may need to have another surgery to help close thing up better. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 18, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 18, 2014 Looks like I go in next week for a skin graph processor to close up the tip. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ToddL Posted July 18, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 18, 2014 @onamission you and @gregy have been in my prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 18, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 18, 2014 @ToddL Thanks. I've been taking to Greg a little, when you see him give him our best wishes. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 21, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 21, 2014 Went to watch a local tournament yesterday and then out on the boat for an hour today. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 23, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 23, 2014 Starting to work on my grip with a new handle from InTow. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 24, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 24, 2014 Well I'm back in the hospital again with another infection. I don't know how people go through things like this. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mwetskier Posted July 24, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 24, 2014 I have a friend who went through similar infection issues after routine knee surgery. he was on around the clock home delivered iv antibiotics for three or four months. he believes he got the infection at the hospital during the procedure and vows to never have surgery again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted July 24, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 24, 2014 Keep a good attitude, way too many people get resigned to the process instead of actively pursuing an outcome. Scary world full of microbes out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted July 24, 2014 Baller Share Posted July 24, 2014 I had knee surgery last time in a surgery center. I ask the doc why he used a surgery center instead of a hospital and he said he thought he had more control over cleanliness there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LZywicki1 Posted July 25, 2014 Author Baller Share Posted July 25, 2014 Surgeon just stopped in and is setting up another surgery for tomorrow. Needs to flush out the wound, put in a drain tube and shortened the finger a little to close up the tip. Larry -----<| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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