[South Florida DX Association] R U OK???

[Peter Rimmel(1)]

Kevin,

What a pain...  I can't believe that the rope broke like that.  WOW !

Get well soon.   If you need anything, let me know...  I can climb and have
a GOOD belt.

73,  PeteR  N8PR

-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Bunin [mailto:k4pg at att.net]


June 11th I went up the tower to the nested section (22 ft)  to attach a 2
foot stand-off with a pulley for my dipoles.  I borrowed W2GGI's safety
belt.  I checked it out at the bottom of the tower and it seemed okay, but
when I attached at the top and leaned back the dead weight snapped the rope
and I went down faster than I went up.  I was conscious the entire time;
never lost consciousness.  Fell on my feet, relaxed, compressed and popped
out on my back, alert.  Susan was screaming and I told her to please stop
have the neighbor call 911 (he heard her).  Bottom line:  Broke my back at
L3; the ER told me I would need surgery.  Broke my left ankle in five places
across two bones; ER said I would need surgery on that also.  ER put me in
their trauma unit when they discovered my back was broken.  After
stabilization and tests, I was put into Trauma Step Down (their version of
ICU)  First, the Orthopedic Surgeon came in the next day.  He said I was a
very lucky man because the fractures were clean and close together so no
surgery would be necessary; just a cast and no pressure on the foot for
twelve weeks (dodged a bullet).  Later the spine surgeon came in and said I
was a lucky man; the fracture at L3 radiated out away from the spinal cord
and that at L3 there not as many nerves as the rest of the vertebrae.  No
surgery, just  back brace and it will heal by itself (dodged the second
bullet).  Inside I was elated, outwardly i was in real pain.  I dislocated
ribs 9 and 10, nothing to do but let time take its course.  My right ankle I
rupture the tendons, but no broken bones; again time will heal.  I was net
to rehab for two weeks on June 14th, came home two weeks later.  Using a
walker and a wheel chair, a 3 in 1 potty, a grabber, and shoe trick thingy
to put on socks, hi hi.

I saw the orthopedic surgeon last Weds. and all is going well with the
broken ankle.  I see the spine surgeon today.  Do not know what he is going
to do, but I have a lot of questions.

Sue is off for our vacation which was cancelled (had insurance, thank
goodness).

I will have some radio time!  When I feel up to it.

Tim Cotton N4UM is sending me his climbing belt, hi hi.  Bob, N4BP, is
bringing it back since he and Tim did FD together this year.

I was not able to let people know right away as I spent three weeks in
hospitals and rehab......only family came to visit, except for Art, WA8VSJ,
who live a half mile away.

Everyday is better than the one before, most of the time.

Thanks for the offer of completing the project, Pete.  When I am a little
better I may take you up on the offer.

73 and thanks for the email........you are a real friend.

de Kevin K4PG


On Jun 29, 2011, at 11:27 PM, Peter Rimmel(1) wrote:

> Kevin,
>
> I heard that you fell off a tower !  What happened?  Are you OK ?
>
> DO you need any help with whatever you were working on?
>
> Let me know -  Please   I hope you are not badly hurt. All I was told that
> you broke an ankle?
>
> 73,  PeteR  N8PR
>
> 954-632-9399
>
>
>
> Please Pray For Peace Every Day
> www.prayforpeace.info
>
>