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Rcpilot had an accident
By RCpilot, Section Diaries Posted on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 01:27:50 AM MST
He broke his right arm in a tree trimming accident.

This is his wife and he wants all to keep him in prayers. He won't be able to do anything very soon. Lots of damage to ligaments, muscle and nerves. Surgery was performed and it will be long time before he is able to use right arm as he has normally. While operating a bucket truck the up lever was hung on branch and his right arm crushed between bucket and branch. Thank you.

Rcpilot had an accident | 20 comments (20 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by chadking (chad at honestnetworks.com) on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 at 07:46:53 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.kingspd.com

Oh my! That's a bad deal all around. Tell him to hang in there, and we will keep him in thoughts and prayers.

The biggest thing is to just focus on getting better, any exercises or therapy doctors can recommend is crucial. It's horrible that anyone has to go through these things, but we expect to see him back around when he's able.
KingsPD - RealWorldStorage.com

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by ghurd on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 at 07:51:27 PM MST
(User Info)

Hi Mrs. Kelly,
Sorry to hear that. I hope the recovery goes well.
G-

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by Volvo farmer on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 at 07:59:29 PM MST
(User Info)

Oooh what a shame. I have a feeling he will have a speedy recovery, due to the nature of his posts here. I enjoyed his sharing of his electric system and trials and tribulations. I also look forward to hearing from him here again soon!

Volvo Farmer

May you always have success in your quest to irritate those who you despise. -Ben Goode

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by etownlax on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 at 08:15:56 PM MST
(User Info)

Sad to hear; We'll pray he has a speedy recovery.

-Randy

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Bruce S (bruce(dot)stahl <at>gmail (dot)(com)) on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 07:28:13 AM MST
(User Info)

Hello Mrs. Kelly;
This is Bruce S, I am up in St. Louis; so I'm fairly close. If there' anything I can do to hlep out. Let me know. We're only 80miles away.
Plus I have a son living in Mexico , MO .
Don't hesitante to ask.

Our prayer are with y'all'
Bruce S

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by DanG on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 08:39:46 AM MST
(User Info)

I've deleted more in the last 24 hours than I've deleted in the last year while trying to reply to this bad news with at least token bit of mirth, but I keep coming up well short of cute. And I will not give in to borrowing any schtick badda-boom truck to reach cuteness, I promise... (Ouch! hey, what did I sa... ohhh... sorry.. : )

Diet is extremely important about now - three cans of tuna a day washed down with soy-protein enhanced milkshakes in addition to usual favorite meals for the next few weeks will go a long way in helping cover the protein energy required to heal; or support the unwounded parts over their shock to better their focus on knitting you back to optimum...

Well Sir - that's about as much help as I can be from 700 miles away. I tried to email you at the rolla.net address with an offer of cheap seconds-of-seconds solar cells before this happened... Hope you're back for comments activity even if you're not posting state-of-the-art systems, and Ms Kelly - may Gods' good gifts surround you!!!

Dan G.

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 06:00:39 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

Thank you so much. You all sound like a great bunch of people. He is home but in lots of pain still. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Gives one renewed hope in mankind..God bless you. Mrs.Kelly
Pray every day!
[ Parent ]

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 06:09:41 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

I was trying to reply to all but hit it for only one. I think I have it now. I just wanted to thank EACH AND EVERY ONE of you who have offered your prayers, good advice and support. God bless you all. You all sound like great people and I have renewed hope and special feelings for mankind. I work pretty hard at my job and there are days it seems no one is nice to each other or has a kind word and then this happens and I see all these nice posts and it warms my heart. Thanks again and God bless you all. "Mrs.Kelly"
Pray every day!

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by richhagen (richhagen (a t) Juno.com) on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 06:28:44 PM MST
(User Info)

Wow, just read this. Sorry to hear about this. I will hope for a speedy recovery for him. I guess I will miss reading about his projects, and whether he was able to keep that 3rd Prosine working for a little bit. Best wishes, Rich Hagen
'A Joule saved is a Joule made'

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by kurt on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 07:06:42 PM MST
(User Info)

bummer, hope you make a full and speedy recovery.

http://www.reresource.org/

IRC

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by howlet (howlet1 at msn dot com) on Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 at 07:47:02 PM MST
(User Info)

Hello Mrs. Kelly,
Sorry to hear about Rcpilots accident.
I have been following his postings for a while now and I admire his commitment to The Lord and renewable energy.
I pray that he remains strong in both commitments.

Jeff
RE is the best therapy for an idle mind.

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#12)
by BigBreaker on Tue Oct 23rd, 2007 at 07:14:31 AM MST
(User Info)

I am very sorry to hear about this accident. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

I hope everyone reading about RCPilot's injury gives their own safety an extra thought while they work. The equipment people on this forum operate and things we build can be VERY dangerous. Magnetic rotors, pressure vessels, explosive fuels, steam, power electronics, power tools, machining equipment, acids and other chemicals, heights, falling towers, etc can all be deadly. Mind yourselves and all your fingers!

It is worth checking out some of the machining forums on the web, such as CNCZone, for their safety sub-forums. There are some cringe inducing stories there and some great advice on staying safe.

My number one safety rule? SLOW DOWN.

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#13)
by elvin1949 (elvin1949@yahoo.com) on Fri Oct 26th, 2007 at 05:57:14 PM MST
(User Info)

Praying for a fast recovery.
later
Elvin

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#14)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 09:14:58 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

Guys, thanks so much for all the prayers and comments. The night after the accident I asked my wife Doris "Mrs. Kelly" to post what she did for me because I feel like some of you are my good friends now and wanted to let everyone know. My arm is getting better each day and I am hoping when I see the surgeon Wed, he will let me take the cast off. I can move all my fingers and there is no loss of feeling anywhere, The pain reminds me of that! I can only use my left arm right now and typing is not natural. The lord had to have been watching out for me as the lift probably would have taken my arm off had the branch that held the UP control not have broken. When It broke, I was able to lower myself to the ground and get help. It's pretty traumatic looking at your own bones in your arm exposed. I had nightmares several nights after the accident. Of course they are always worse than the real thing. When I am able, I plan to take pictures of the bucket lift and show you how dangerous it is. I just didn't think about it being so dangerous at the time and have learned a painful lesson about being careful. The bucket controls are exposed and easily catch on things. As I look at the lift, I really think It's missing a guard. I have re-lived the accident over and over and think I know what happened. As I was raising up, was watching overhead and not where my arm was going. As soon as the bucket pinched my arm under the large limb, the smaller branch held the up control down and allowed the bucket arm to crush my arm. The smaller branch finally broke, freeing the UP control. It is such a helpless feeling watching your arm being crushed flat and break right in front of your eyes, It all seems like it was in slow motion. I would like to tell everyone to be careful, I see these large windmills being raised and 10" pipe, the weight, lots to get hurt on or killed. Nothing is worth getting hurt over. I have pics of the injury but you tell me if I should post them. They could be a good reminder to be careful?? Anyway, I'm feeling better but it's going to be a few months before I will start being normal again.

Kelly
Pray every day!

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#15)
by BigBreaker on Tue Oct 30th, 2007 at 08:17:51 AM MST
(User Info)

I'm glad to hear that the nerves are working properly. Nerves are one of the toughest things for the surgeons to fix and something the body is not very aggressive about mending. Despite the damage and pain, you are truely blessed to still have your arm and be in a position for a full recovery. Good luck with physical therapy. It is REALLY important to get that arm functioning up to its potential ASAP. The nature tendency is to favor the other arm and never really force the weakened one to reach its full potential.

I'll vote for posting some pics, especially if you can put a warning on them for the squeemish. CNCZone has a section devoted to safety and it includes some real horror stories and close calls. The idea is to remind everyone of the dangers involved in heavy machinery and other elements of these hobbies. I have had some close calls myself with mowers, bandsaws, fire, heights, chain drives, electrocution. Before I approach any dangerous job or powerful machine I mentally picture some of my close calls. It help me be mindful.

One of my favorite close calls was when I pinched the two prongs of a free standing high voltage tack welder between my index finger and thumb. I thought the two prongs came together to apply force, not voltage. I pushed down on the foot peddle thinking the prongs would come together - they did but not with any force. Then I smelled burnt flesh. Luckily the current just charred a little channel through the surface of my skin and didn't vaporize the finger tips.

Your story may save someone's life or just a finger, but either way it is worth it.

[ Parent ]

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#16)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 at 11:09:05 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

I only had one vote for the injury pics. So, what I will do is put them in my "photo uploads" with a link here if anyone wants to look. That way, for the squeamish, you can't see them unless you try as opposed to posting them here. Looks like the Doc isn't going to release me for work until Dec 3. Making good progress, arm still in a backboard type cast with stretch wrap to hold it on. Lots of itching, pain is getting much less. I'm going crazy not being able to do much but feeling good enough to want to. Doc says to not even move the fingers under their own power yet to allow the tendons and muscle tissue to heal.
Took my little buddy Batman for a mile long walk today, felt good! I posted a pic of him below. He's pretty good company during the day while Doris is at work! As for the solar system and the prosine, everything is running good. Started saving up for some commercial panels to add to what I am running now. A good friend of mine is just starting to build an 8' turbine, was over at his house today looking it over. Getting real inspired as I plan to build one after I get enough solar power to charge my battery properly. Remember, the injury pics are only posted so that they make someone think twice before doing anything dangerous. It only took four seconds to set me back about two months! Stay safe everyone!
Kelly

My Buddy, Batman:

Injury pics:
http://www.fieldlines.com/user/RCpilot/files
Pray every day!

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#17)
by TomW on Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 at 11:32:03 PM MST
(User Info)

Kelly;

Oh, yuck. Glad the arm is still there, man.

I denied photo taking of my injuries from the motorcycle accident I had in '90. some parts looked like raw hamburger. They all healed but I feel your pain, bud. I rebroke my shattered ankle trying to get stuff done when the doctors said "stay off your ankle". I suggest you let it get well before you get too carried away.

Good healing.

Cheers.

Doctor Tom

"Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned."--Mark Twain
[ Parent ]

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#18)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 at 11:37:23 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

Thanks Tom, believe me, I am doing everything the doc said to the letter. Right now, as far as I'm concerned, my right arm don't exist. I want it to heal the best it possibly can and am taking no chances with it. Getting faster at one handed, left handed typing too!

Kelly
Pray every day!
[ Parent ]

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#19)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Sun Dec 16th, 2007 at 10:37:07 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

Guys, I thought I might add an update to this story and let everyone know how I am doing. Got my arm out of the cast on Dec 6 and am going to physical therapy three times a week now for about a month. I can almost make a full fist, and can almost straighten my hand out completely. The wrist movement is pretty painful right now and I only have about 50% movement in it. But, It's getting better every day and I think in a couple of months I might have most of my movement back 100% The wounds are all healed and only a long jagged scar on the forearm and a nice straight scar in my palm. I feel very fortunate that no more damage was done and the surgeon did a wonderful job of re-attaching the tendons, muscles, vessels, etc. So, very soon I am going to resume my Solar panel building and try to get a few more amps dumping into my system. I have been reading the board, just haven't felt like posting. I'm back to work and slowly getting my life back together. Cheers!

Kelly
Pray every day!

Re: Rcpilot had an accident (3.00 / 0) (#20)
by RP (russp located-at fidnet (dot) com) on Sun Dec 16th, 2007 at 11:05:02 PM MST
(User Info)

Kelly,

Glad to hear you're on the mend.

Be sure to follow through with the physical therapy and excercises they give you. Any discomfort now will be offset by a lifetime of improved functionality.

[ Parent ]

Rcpilot had an accident | 20 comments (20 topical, 0 editorial)

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