Costa Ballena Lifeguards Need Your Support
Petty Crime in Costa Rica – Pt 3
When you are 51 years old, you are not supposed to be jumping off a jetski right on to a wave. It does not help if the wave is 2 feet over your head and the wind is blowing in your face 15-20 mph. But after three days of great surf and catching clean waves, I took the plunge.. and paid for it. Somehow the board came back toward my head with such force that I broke my clavicle and forearm trying to stop it. Luckily my head just had a small bruise. I was embarrassed, in shock, and in a lot of pain, especially on the long jet ski ride home and while driving one armed to the ‘doc in a box’ clinic for x-rays.
A Surfing Injury to Remember
I got depressed quickly. The doctor said I would not be able to surf for at least 8 to 10 weeks. I had to keep my left arm, my writing and throwing arm, in a sling. I could not type, put on a t-shirt, or do any of the daily tasks that involved my dominant arm. I could eat though, and I did plenty of it. Sitting and lying down for long periods without exercised caused me to balloon 20 pounds.
My surfing injury started healing, but slowly and with some setbacks. By week three I thought I could remove the sling but x-rays showed the break in my collarbone actually got worse. Luckily (?) the bones were not separated enough to require surgery but it would take a lot more time than I had hoped for bone growth around the split to eventually fuse it back together. So I put the sling back on and sank even deeper into self pity. I only blamed myself for my stupidity.
Doctor’s orders were followed, no major movements for another three weeks and finally I could take the sling off and start working on my flexibility. I still could not lift my arm over my shoulder nor carry anything over five pounds. I began walking the dogs daily, one at a time since I could only hold one leash, but that doubled my exercise. I started taking Calcium and Vitamin D pills, and cut back on my sugar intake. Ok, not true, my sugar intake stayed above average.
By week eight my doctor said I could resume all exercises, but my energy levels were depleted. I bought an exercise bike, but just looking at it sitting by the wall had not improved my physical condition. As the evenings grew cooler, my exercises included carrying in firewood and putting on more layers of clothes. I did get one good day at the beach, shooting photos of surfers enjoying some clean chest high waves just off the pier. Holding up the camera lens hurt, but feeling the sun and salty air on my face made it worth it.
Keeping Things in Perspective
By now you know this story is not a how-to lesson, but I can share one kernel of advice. Think about others who have it worse. What got me through was my friend David, who I’ve known since I was nine. Due to a blood circulation issue he was forced to have one of his legs amputated. I saw what he went through as he posted his recovery successes on Facebook and I visited him a couple of times to offer him encouragement when he was feeling depressed. By contrast, my surfing injury was nothing. If he could bounce back from his challenge, then a broken clavicle was easy.
Now the next big swell is a week away. I don’t even know if my wetsuit will fit, and my next test of flexibility will be putting it on. I am determined to catch a wave before the end of the year. And when I am out surfing in Costa Rica, paddling out to some tropical perfection, I will make sure to not take a second of it for granted.
