End of technical climbing?

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Scott P
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End of technical climbing?

Post by Scott P »

I think I'm at the end of doing anything technical (unless it's easy?).

I have a large tumor under my right arm which has made using my right arm difficult at best.

I have/had a surgery planned for June 3 to remove the tumor, but today it "exploded". I don't know how else to describe it. I went to lie down because I didn't feel well and the tumor began to audibly hiss (seriously) and started squirting stuff out. It feels a little better now, but my arm doesn't seem to work well anymore for whatever reason. I'll be going to the hospital tomorrow.

Anyway, this might be the end for me as far as doing anything technical goes. I never was a good technical climber, but I have been getting worse in recent years and this may be the nail in the coffin.

This past year has been a tough one.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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highpilgrim
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by highpilgrim »

I’m sorry, Scott.

If it’s any consolation, as one window closes, another opens to an unexpected view, with new things to see and learn!

Hoping for a good prognosis tomorrow.
Call on God, but row away from the rocks.
Hunter S Thompson

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RhodoRose
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by RhodoRose »

It's disheartening, I know. May it raise your spirits to know you have friends on the forum pulling for you. I hope they have a good treatment plan that'll enable you to recover arm functionality. All the best to you, Scott. O:)
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3: 13-14
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greenonion
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by greenonion »

Scott,
I wish you the best outcome. It has been a tough year. Try to focus on pilgrim’s wise perspective as well as RhodoRose’s comment that you undoubtedly have many many friends here cheering for you. All the best and expecting a quick recovery.

Stu
docinco
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by docinco »

please give us an update scott. good luck.
TomPierce
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by TomPierce »

Or...get patched up, heal well, then take it as a clarion call to get back into great shape, Scott. You may or may not have ever truly been enthralled with technical climbing, which is 100% understandable and cool. It's not for everyone. If you just don't really want to tech climb anymore, cool. But to use advancing age as the reason? Eh...you're too young! Do not go gentle into that good night...you know the rest.

I mean my comments in a collegial way, Scott. I hope you heal quickly and well.

Signed,

-An over the hill rage climber.
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Scott P
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by Scott P »

TomPierce wrote: Fri May 21, 2021 9:01 am If you just don't really want to tech climb anymore, cool. But to use advancing age as the reason?
It's not age, it's this (actual photo):
cyst.jpg
cyst.jpg (125.1 KiB) Viewed 2540 times
It's killing the mobility of my right arm. I have had it for a few years, but it's getting worse. Maybe it will heal after being removed? I don't know, but my it makes it hard to move my arm. I was able to still still use an ice axe last weekend, but it's hard to flex my arm. I do hope it heals completely.

Anyway, I ask this morning when I was at the hospital and they said they didn't know how much mobility would be affected after it is removed and healed.

Since it doesn't hurt as much now, maybe I'll try and climb something roadside this weekend and see how it goes. I don't think climbing is going to hurt it, but it hurts to move my arm.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by docinco »

got any close friends who happen to be rodents?
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ekalina
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by ekalina »

Scott, sorry you're dealing with this, and I wish you a full and rapid recovery. I would say try not to jump to conclusions about what you will and won't be able to do once it's removed, especially if the doctors aren't willing to make any statements of that nature either. It is easy to feel like the outlook is grim when in the midst of some illness/injury/condition, but given time and modern medicine the body can heal many things.
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12ersRule
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by 12ersRule »

Hope you heal soon, Scott. Although, maybe you need a priest (exorcism) and not a doctor.
ker0uac
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by ker0uac »

I am sorry you are going through this, but it doesn't have to be the nail in the coffin. Maybe it's just another challenge for you to overcome? You are a climber and that's what climbers do, we look for challenges, we set out to prevail, and then we brag about it. Maybe after surgery and PT, your arm will actually be better than it was before, making tech climbing more enjoyable?

I just learned I have a chronic labral tear and a biceps tendon tear in my left shoulder. The pain has been bothering me for 2 years. I have to take Advil before every class 3+ climb to make it. I am having surgery in a month. The summer is over for me. Rehab will take at least 6 months. My family thinks having this surgery is stupid and that I should learn to live with it and make adjustments to my lifestyle. But I don't accept that.
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Stratosfearsome
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Re: End of technical climbing?

Post by Stratosfearsome »

Good luck, Scott! I always enjoy reading about your adventures. :bicep: :bicep: :bicep:
Nobody climbs 14ers anymore, they’re too crowded.
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