VC Upgrade 1.12.2 (Discussions) | Veterancraft Dedicated Server | Forum

I am happy to report that my forearm has healed and my computer skills have mostly returned. I did not realize how much I use a mouse until I could no longer. I can extend my arm by 94%, the rest hopefully will return with additional PT and exercise.

I am not quite up to marathon coding or documentation sessions yet, but it is getting better. I have to take 15-minute breaks every 30-40 minutes to "loosen" up the arm, then again, that is something I should be doing regardless.

How did this happen? I was sharpening blades and calibrating my jointer (used to flatten and square boards) in the workshop. I had not realized that the access panel I removed from the stand would cause it to be become unstable. The jointer began to tip and I envisioned the 200-225 lbs cast iron in-feed and out-feed hitting the floor only to smash into pieces.

I tried stopping it with both hands, but at that point it was tipped far enough that I would have most likely pulled a tendon or ripped a muscle. I let go of it, thinking already what new jointer I would get if it broke.

Much to my surprise, the right sleeve of my denim work covers caught on one of the adjustment handles pulling my arm down with the jointer. Next thing I know is my arm pinned against the concrete floor by 100+ lbs of cast iron. Thankfully, the other side of the jointer hit the ground first, or this could have been more serious.

There was no immediate strong pain; I could wiggle my fingers; but, also felt my forearm and hands getting numb. I managed to lift the planer with my shoulder and other arm enough to free myself from the weight. That was went the real pain kicked in.

Amazingly, the skin was not broken, other than a few scraps, no bones were poking out, and, the feeling to my hand returned. A quick trip to Urgent Care showed that the radius and ulna bones each had a hairline fracture and also sported several developing bone bruises; but, my main arteries and veins appeared unaffected, just some crushed capillaries. I was sent home with the arm in a sling and instructions to rest it. By this time, my forearm was mostly blue and dark red. The image on the right is about a week after the incident.

Better living through chemistry and rest got me the rest of the way. Though I had to jump through several hoops to get something stronger than Advil or Tylenol prescribed; apparently New York State has a pain medication addiction problem. I rarely use pain meds, even when getting headaches or the occasional migraine. The response to my wife's question as to why I do not is, "how will I know when it has stopped?" :0

Anyways, things are much better. While I would not wish this upon anyone else, an incident as such has a way of making one reflect on life and put things into better focus. I realize I have been an "absentee landlord" at VC; not just because of this, but the burnout from the 1.12/1.13 conversion and other external factors. Suddenly, these do not seem as pressing problems, but exciting challenges. The logical side of my brain understands that I should have posted something sooner; however, the emotional side won considering it too embarrassing at the time; even funnier is that today I cannot help but laugh at myself.