Concussion and Climbing Back
Hi Steph,
I hope that you and your furry companions are well. When you have a free moment, would you be able to give me your thoughts? Two and a half years ago, I was struck with falling ice while belaying, and experienced a severe concussion. There’s been sensory loss ever since, affecting my left arm, left leg, and left side of my face.Though I still lead rock (not ice), I’m finding myself leading lower grades because I don’t trust that my foot won’t blow, or that I won’t drop gear if it’s in my left hand. To someone on the outside, it doesn’t appear to be a significant amount of sensory loss, but it takes a lot of mental coordination to achieve the same amount of effort as on the right side.
Do you have any connections with climbers who have worked with anything similar, who might be open to being in touch? Or any other potential resources?
Thank you so much.
Hi, and thanks for writing to me! I’m sorry about your accident. I think it’s great that you’re using climbing as a recovery tool. I asked around to see if I could get some resources for you, and I found that you are definitely not alone. Here are a few organizations that specialize in helping people working with neurological/physical challenges:
http://www.outdoormindset.org/
http://paradoxsports.org/
http://www.inlightwellness.com/
https://www.theroc.us/
If anyone has more to add, that would be great!
Steph
