Our WUWT editor, Charles Rotter was seriously injured today.
He was snorkeling [swimming] in Ft. Lauderdale, and he felt himself getting into a riptide. He forcefully swam out of it but in the process/panic he didn’t pay attention to the waves. caught [a wave to assist returning to shore,] him and [but due to riptide dynamics] it lifted his legs over his head and] threw him into the beach head first. He has spinal compression and vertebrae fractures. He’s mobile (can walk) and very lucky it wasn’t worse. He’ll be in the hospital a few days, followed by therapy.
More details as I have them. – Anthony
[update. 4 pm Eastern 9/19. I am now allowed to sit upright and my laptop was just delivered. Laying 100% flat for 24 hours in a neck collar on NBO protocol (no food or drink) is quite unpleasant. Far more unpleasant than the pain. It is not yet determined whether I will need surgery to pin the break or if I can just go home and wear a neck collar for the next three months. I’m the luckiest person in the world. The fact that I’m not dead or paralyzed is winning the lottery–charles]
[update 2. No surgery. Headed home in an hour or two. 12 weeks in a neck brace.]
Wow, you are a lucky man.
Lucky there were no rocks on the beach. I was once “playing” in the waves in Hawaii and got tossed ashore like that. When I looked around the various lumps of volcanic stone poking out of the sand here and there, I decided to stop playing around.
I wish you speedy recovery. At least as speedy as such things can be.
Charles! Just saw this! SO glad you are in better shape than you could have been! We are all pulling for you! Get well soon!
Mr. Charles, when you feel there is not much relief from common pain relievers you might give Evil Bone Water a try – just spritz it on the spot. No side effects, and your joints, tissues and muscles will thank you. It is a Chinese herbal mixture being sold nationwide via chiropractors and nature herbalists. The website lets you find the closest one. Not cheap, but surely helps. Four family members use it.
Whishing you patience and competent treatment.
Cool adventure Charles. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and possibly wiser, haha. Wishing you a safe and full recovery.