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Eric Pollard Injury Update

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rememberscott
Posts: 1291 - Karma: 5,199
It was almost hard to read... Incredible how a simple injury can turn into a nightmare without the proper medical care. Sending vibes your way EP

http://news.lineskis.com/2013/04/25/eric-pollard-injury-update-2/
Apr 29 2013 6:59PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5206 - Karma: 20,187
Russia, not even once.
Apr 29 2013 7:24PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
Yeah I was pretty shocked reading it. Like will the lack of an upward motion on your foot affect your skiing? I'm assuming he'll be able to lean forward to pressure a boot and carve some turns, but in the air I feel like some grabs will be tough. Either way it sounds pretty tough but he's a trooper and he'll be back schralping with the best of them like he never left. Vibes EP!
Apr 29 2013 7:37PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5206 - Karma: 20,187
Yeah, mutes would probably be difficult. It's insane how badly injuries like this can escalate.
Apr 29 2013 7:44PM
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easy.steezy
Posts: 2931 - Karma: 1,056
That's absolutely ridiculous, I couldn't help from getting angry while reading that. Is there any chance for a law suit or anything? Or is it near impossible being given it was foreign care?
Apr 29 2013 8:21PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7808 - Karma: 1,414
I was thinking the same thing, that's absolutely terrible.
Apr 29 2013 8:25PM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
wow, insane and just so damn unfortunate
Apr 29 2013 9:31PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Hahahaha, it's Russia, you stupid child. If you tried to sue them for anything, they'd shove an AK-47 up your ass.
Apr 29 2013 9:35PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5206 - Karma: 20,187
It was the Doctors in Germany that fucked up
Apr 29 2013 9:52PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
OK, so if you tried to sue Germany, they'd throw your ass into an oven.
Apr 29 2013 10:10PM
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Toaster-Tony
Posts: 3531 - Karma: 5,850
Wow. I got pretty pissed of reading this, especially when he self-diagnosed himself and they still refused to test him. I'm curious to see if he'll get any settlement, not that it will even be worth it.
Apr 29 2013 10:13PM
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_Garagely_
Posts: 1938 - Karma: 3,198
Considering its EP that won't be a problem for him.
Apr 29 2013 10:25PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Doubt he will, you may be able to get a judgement in sue-happy and malpractice insured-up-the-ass America but not Germany. Doctors try to do their best, but if they listened to the patients all the time, they'd be doing countless unneeded tests and full body scans for hypochondriacs, let alone the consequences for drug addicts who walk into the ER. It sucks for Eric and Jason, especially because they did everything right, it really does, but you have to trust your doctors and can't blame them when they get it wrong - medicine is still not an exact science. I too wish they would have ditched the first hospital earlier, but hindsight is 20/20. Eric is on his way to getting back on skis, just count your blessings.
Apr 29 2013 10:29PM
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katrina
Posts: 2395 - Karma: 15,177
thats so scary, lucky hes doing as well as he is for everything he has gone through. sometimes goes to show if you know something isnt right with your medical treatment SPEAK UP! it could save your life.
Apr 29 2013 10:36PM
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Toaster-Tony
Posts: 3531 - Karma: 5,850
Thanks for the input.

I'm kinda clueless when it comes to settlement and legal issues outside the U.S. but no doubt it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. I'm excited to see him back on skis even if he never gets back to his full potential, either way, the man's a legend.
Apr 29 2013 10:37PM
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wasatch_rat
Posts: 1771 - Karma: 2,937
damn, that rough. pulling your foot up is really important for skiing pow too. hope he still kills it, but man thats awful. i'm sure he'll always have a place working with line but if he lost his career as a pro skier because of mistakes from doctors? man that would be hard to handle
Apr 29 2013 11:13PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
I certainly feel like Eric who is the sort of guy who will take his time, but won't fuck around when it comes to getting back on skis. Whatever complications this whole injury may lead to, I think he'll work around them in a T-Hall or Strenio sort of way, and will still shred beyond belief. Anyone else feeling that? And this recovery time may have come at an OK time though with his daughter growing up. A lot of valuable moments that he's "stuck" at home for, but being home will be worthwhile with her there I think. The topsheets that will come out of this to... Mind numbing stuff to think about.
Apr 29 2013 11:22PM
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
Will that loss of muscle/movement thing affect skiing? I don't know, with a solid ski boot on, if the "toe lift" really affects it. Thoughts?
Apr 29 2013 11:35PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
He himself can't bend his foot upward I think. He can bend it down from what I gather. But if you get a ski boot on, snap it in to a ski, then you could still bend your knee and lean forward to pressure the boot and the tip of the ski. So I don't think it will be the worst thing in the world, but it's still an inconvenient spot to get injured. I may be wrong on all of that though, I'm no sports doctor.
Apr 29 2013 11:40PM
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steezy.stew
Posts: 1137 - Karma: 568
that whole situation is so fucked up. i really hope he manages to makes a full recovery, it would be so tragic if pollard's legendary career was brought to an end like this.
Apr 29 2013 11:55PM
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gingaskier
Posts: 623 - Karma: 263
Vibes to EP hope to see you shredding the pow pow next season!!!!
Apr 30 2013 12:27AM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
damn. He's one of my favs.
Is it possible this is why nimbus was surprisingly weak this year?
Apr 30 2013 12:40AM
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scratchskier321
Posts: 2531 - Karma: 1,308
very sad to read, i wish him the best. i hope he can heal/ski soon.
Apr 30 2013 12:51AM
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Jibberino
Posts: 2088 - Karma: 1,333
First off, mad vibes to EP, that sucks to have such incredibly bad luck!

Secondly, I'm not an expert on the German healthcare system, but if it's in any way similar to the public healthcare system in Denmark, he might be entitled to compensation. There are government agencies to whom you can make a formal complaint, and they will then evaluate the case, and decide whether or not you have been the victim of malpractice or negligence. Again this is the Danish model, but I have a feeling it's similar to the German, anyone with real knowledge, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Lastly, I don't think it is true that you should just blindly trust your doctors. If you feel like they're wrong, you have the right to speak up and be heard. What the doctors then choose to do with that is their prerogative. But remember that doctors are just people that make mistakes like the rest of us, they're not untouchable creatures, that must be followed blindly.
Apr 30 2013 2:49AM
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BoogieWoman
Posts: 408 - Karma: 664
A friend of mine and an amazing skier and althlete broke his leg pretty badly and as a result, ended up having his ankle bone fused. He can't move his foot up or down. He put skis on one year after the accident and whilst he could ski, because of the loss of flex in his ankle, he could no longer hit any jumps. Landings were almost impossible for him. I really hope this isn't the case for EP. If he still has some flex in his ankle there's hope but the ability to flex your ankles and knees are the most important factors in skiing. Still, sending vibes to EP, I hope you heal soon!
Apr 30 2013 3:18AM
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Mainah
Posts: 728 - Karma: 1,101
Vibes to EP. Its really scary that this happened where the olympics will be, I know the surgery got messed up in germany but he left the hospital in sochi because it was a shit hole if I remember right. Hopefully everything ends up alright.
Apr 30 2013 11:13AM
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Holte
Posts: 10730 - Karma: 7,744
How devastating. Pollard's come back from some pretty gnarly injuries before, so hopefully he gets back on top after this one too. Pretty bummed reading that.
Apr 30 2013 12:02PM
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king.tubby
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 122
good thing eric doesnt do mute grabs.
zing!
but seriously, vibes to my favorite skier ever. that is some gnarly shit
Apr 30 2013 1:09PM
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NPF
Posts: 5152 - Karma: 12,116
Hope he is able to ski still. such a horrible experience he has gone through. Vibes to Pollard.
Apr 30 2013 2:07PM
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,634
Shoulda gone back to the United States. Even if some Russian doctor was telling me it would be to risky, I still would have gone home to an American hospital. I mean it couldn't have been any more risky than what actually happened... sounds like he could have died over there. Vibes to EP, hope to see you back out on snow very very soon
Apr 30 2013 6:07PM
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rememberscott
Posts: 1291 - Karma: 5,199
I only posted this because it's been almost a week since Line updated it on their website and I haven't seen it on NS.. thought NS would want the update, anyways here is the official post in News... get better EP

https://www.newschoolers.com/readnews/43046/Eric-Pollard-Injury-Update--2?c=latest&o=2
Apr 30 2013 7:33PM
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DizzyG
Posts: 698 - Karma: 296
Damn, that might be the worst injury i've heard of this year, vibes to EP
Apr 30 2013 7:45PM
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midwestpowhunter
Posts: 2198 - Karma: 189
Suing is bullshit! vibes to EP for staying strong. Hes a tough dude, Im sure he will push hard to get back. Law suits just keep you in a negative holding pattern in your life. Accept that it happened, find the best in everything, come back stronger, make your life as positive as possible. We all take risks knowing what the consequences could be. Shitty situation, but you cant dwell. Good luck EP you are one of my heroes. Get it!!
Apr 30 2013 10:29PM
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Bogs
Posts: 4296 - Karma: 1,361
That's really frustrating. Can't think of a single reason why the doctors wouldn't just test for compartmental syndrome if he was the one asking them to do it. It's one thing to suggest something to a patient and have the patient say no, it's another for the patient to suggest something and the doctor to say no
Apr 30 2013 10:47PM
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Where-am-I
Posts: 1635 - Karma: 281
10 surgeries in just a few months?! that would be unreal to go through
Apr 30 2013 10:50PM
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lukemeahan.
Posts: 1689 - Karma: 330
Crazy story vibes out to EP he's the man. I just had my ACL redone, I could never imagine myself being able to go through that.
Apr 30 2013 10:53PM
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
crocs! vibes
Apr 30 2013 10:54PM
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FigNewton
Posts: 2454 - Karma: 5,744
Damn. I really hope EP, can ski the same, one of the best skiers out there. Vibes man
Apr 30 2013 11:00PM
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rememberscott
Posts: 1291 - Karma: 5,199
this injury has me wondering what the olympics will turn out like...
May 1 2013 10:01PM
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Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
You try so hard that its not even funny.
May 1 2013 10:07PM
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Daph
Posts: 5978 - Karma: 5,005
fucking christ, I got off so easy. I really hope he comes back from this. I have some nerve damage from my injury and I can't move my toes on my right foot and have limited ankle flexion, but I can ski ok.
May 1 2013 10:34PM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
Fuck, that's some serious shit, really hope EP can heal up well and come back strong. I've been out for 2 months with an injury and felt down at times, but this very much puts it in perspective.
May 2 2013 4:23AM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,956
Wat
May 2 2013 8:54AM
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razors-chaz
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,250
I think he means in the context of if somebody gets injured are they going to have the doctors/paramedics available for them to be seen to properly and will knowing travelling into a healthcare black hole affect the athletes decision to go and compete to the highest level possible? I think that's what he meant by the statement. I' pm sure they will have some sort of protocol in place and if its take them to Germany that's what it will be.
May 2 2013 9:29AM
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HuckMadTrix
Posts: 448 - Karma: 138
I hope he had good insurance that covered all or most of that.
May 2 2013 9:31AM
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MontanaMountains
Posts: 385 - Karma: 699
Damn I am shocked learning about what happen .....

+Vibes to EP
May 2 2013 11:06AM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Yeaaaa man, I try SO hard when I post on an internet forum.
May 2 2013 3:43PM
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Breeze-J
Posts: 95 - Karma: 80
I think fortunately (it seems) EP also has a lot of other good things in his life: family, art / graphic design, editing, surf, ski design/innovation etc. So - even if this injury eventually means an end to his pro career, I strongly believe he is still going to influence the ski world (and hopefully getting even more recognition for his artistic side too).

So, I hope him and his family all good and don't even want to speculate too much here...but just a thought:

EP is already pretty good on a snowboard. Would it be easier to keep shredding on a one plank? I mean, minor restriction of movement in other foot would probably harm less on a snowboard?(when you think the forces in action and movement patterns etc.) What do you guys think?


May 4 2013 4:33AM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
https://www.newschoolers.com/readnews/43046.0/Eric-Pollard-Injury-Update--2

EP:
"I’m thankful to be moving forward with physical therapy and optimistic about getting back on my skis next season. The entire experience has been very difficult, and I feel so lucky to have had so many people thinking of me. I truly believe that it has made a big difference in my recovery. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I can’t wait to see you up on the hill!"

May 4 2013 4:47AM
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Jibberino
Posts: 2088 - Karma: 1,333
Let's not make Russia worse than it is. Sure, there are regions where medicine is 50 years behind, but Sochi is in a highly developed part of Russia which prospered after the division of the Soviet Union. And also it's the Olympics, I guarantee you there is adequate medical facilities available.

Also, it seems that a lot of the mistakes made, were made in Germany, not Russia.

I really wish people would read through things properly before making wild assumptions.
May 4 2013 7:53AM
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razors-chaz
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,250
I understand what you're saying, i was trying to propher a suggestion as to what HP123 was trying to say to begin with. Im pretty sure they will get their shit together before the olympics but currently it does seem theyre there considering what was said in the first injury update :
"He got down the mountain to the local hospital the most knowledgeable medical staff unfortunately was his friends armed with google. The Russian “doctors” immediately put his leg into a cast. Luckily Eric called his doctor at home who confirmed this was the most dangerous thing that could have been done. If the leg swelled with no where to expand he could have lost blood flow leading and long term muscle damage or even need for amputation. He immediately cut his cast off having friends frantically run laps outside for bags of snow to keep the swelling down (no ice in the hospital).

Eric’s insurance guaranteed air & rescue from anywhere in the world, but that wasn’t good enough in Russia. The amount of customs paperwork & approvals to get in & out delayed the rescue by 48 hrs with essentially no medical services in town."
So theyre either going to bring in temperary healthcare protocol for the olympics or get their shit together before it. From te sounds of it though getting choppered out doesnt seem like a viable rescue option though.
Personally i'd be more worried about them having the snow for them to even run slope and pipe properly. Its going to be properly embarrasing for FIS and the IOC if its shit.
May 4 2013 11:31AM
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