Was an excellent skier but maybe did some crazy stuff. Problem is I have Ankylosing Spondylitis which is an autoimmune problem where the spine slowly arthritically fuses in the neck area and lower back. The fusion makes the vertebrae non-weightbearing and so the vertebral body becomes osteoporotic. A rheumatologist told me it would be easy to fracture my neck. At the time asked if I skied and we talked about my bike riding fixation and he warned me to be careful.
Long story short, my son and I were skiing at Snowshoe ..bad icy conditions with lots of injuries that day and ultimately they closed Cupp Run on back of mountain. We skied all day with no problems and on the way in we decided he would hit the shower while I did one more run. Was a bit aggressive and fell at bottom of slope and cartwheeled. Ski patrol was right behind me closing the slopes and they thought I had a head injury and wouldn't let me get up. Strapped me to a backboard and sent me up to top of slope on the lift. Unloading me they managed to drop me face down in the snow strapped to the backboard. Took me into lodge and Doc was busy with another patient. Finally came in, pulled curtain back and yelled "Oh my God, its my dentist!" Turns out he was a PA that had practiced in my Hometown and left shortly before that winter and landed a job at the resort.
I got sent to local hospital for films, 3 vertebrae were crumbled. Helicoptered to Roanoke VA . After a couple days sent back to NC and had a halo screwed into my cranium to stabilize my neck. Fortunately it all fused back without the need for surgery and no neurologic problems. Wore the halo about 3 months. I was blessed. I actually did dental work while wearing the halo. Tough part was getting in and out of my Alfa Romeo sportscar. My Mother said it was probably the only halo I would ever have.
Couple years later had a dog chase my bike and collapse the front wheel sending me over handlebars at a high rate of speed (I was trying to outrun dog) but thats another story. I am blessed!
[Post edited by DonHo-kieHi at 06/07/2019 10:53PM]