Back in the UK
Friday, December 12, 2008 at 03:51AM The plane managed finally to land on the ice runway in about 30mph headwinds. We boarded at once and 7 hours later we reached the shores of Cape Town. From there we were escorted to another flight straight then back to the UK.
I arrived at 7pm last night and went then directly to one of the UK’s top shoulder surgeons in London. After x-ray they diagnosed the injury as a grade 3 (i.e. acute!) acromion clavicular dislocation. It was clear from the x-ray (below) that the bone had been forced apart pretty violently – hence not a real surprise why it has been so painful!
After initially planning to operate for reconstructive surgery as soon as possible, the surgeon’s team finally reckoned it would be best to wait a few weeks to see how it settles first. Ultimately though I was told that the recovery is likely to be a minimum of 10 weeks. That feels a lifetime for me. I know that I have survived worse when I broke my back in three places some years ago, but I had forgotten that feeling of being so vulnerable. But it is in the hard times that we grow, and I am really trying to focus on making the recovery strong and full.
I am reminded of my favourite quote:
Remember that life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, covered in scars, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘yahoo!’ what a ride!’
In the meantime, I have now made it home from hospital and it is heaven to see my family again. They are always the light through difficult tunnels for me. Thank you Shara so much. x
I am so proud of my team in Antarctica, from the guys with me on the ice: Mick, Dave, Gilo, to our support and logistics team of Patrick, Paul, Robyn, Jenna and Stefan. Our sponsors Ethanol Ventures, especially their CEO, Tim Levy, and his team who helped me so much including Tatiana, Helga and Bell Pottinger. Also BA and of course the rescue team of the BMC, MF Management, Fortis and Assistance International, and ALCI.
As I believed from the outset, this is not so much about what we achieve as a team together in Antarctica but rather is about hoping to encourage change in how we view the powering of our planet’s future. I hope to see alternative energies, including the likes of bio-fuels such as bio-ethanol, play a huge part in that future. If I have learnt anything over the years it is that we have a world worth fighting for and a world worth protecting. Beyond all of our own inadequacies and the politics of world energy, the only way to bring about change is to make yourself part of it. This is why I am very proud of our association with Ethanol Ventures – so thank you for backing us and making us part of your vision for the future.
Finally, thank you all who supported us with so many messages of support. It has meant a lot.
Bear x
P.S. the top bone in the x-ray is meant to be level – that’s where the challenge of recovery over the next couple of months lies!
Reader Comments (33)
Bear What a trip ! Like the quote. Pleased to hear that you have arrived back safely and getting the best medical treatment. Things people do to be with family at a special time of the year! (doubly in your case ;- ). Our very best wishes for a speedy recovery , Penrallt (well wishers from Pen Llyn )
Great to hear that you're safely back in the UK with your family! Nasty photo of your schoulder, I hope you will recover soon, and that the pain become less. (I don't know how I must say that in English, but I think you'll understand what I mean). I hope that you've had a great time in Antarctica, until you broke your schoulder ofcourse, and apart from your schoulder that you look back at it with a smile.
Best wishes to you and your family!
-x- Kirsten.
Bear, so very happy to hear that you are back safely in the UK and with your dear family! The broken shoulder bone looks truly painful and crazy, but just remember that the human body itself is a miracle and this too will heal! And 10 weeks of waiting is just a wink - you can use the resting time to think of more remote places to visit (many of my country's 7,107 islands are still totally wild!). Always also remember that you continue to be an inspiration to so many people because of how you deal with everything you've been through. Stay positive and cheerful and strong, and always go back to that well of happiness in your heart. Much love to you, Shara and the babies! - from the other side of the world, Eve
Bear, I'm glad you're ok buddy. Everything will be fine and lets hope there's no need for surgery. Your family is there with you and hold them tight, thank God you're there with them again.
Hope to see you again soon being crazy cool as usual hehe, cheers mate.
So happy to hear that you've all made it home safely and that you're now on the road to recovery Bear. I think sometimes life gives us these physical challenges to remind us to slow down for a moment and to help us catch our breath. I am sure that being home with your family will help you make a full recovery in no time. We are all just so proud that your expedition was a success and I hope that you can find a silver lining in this injury and enjoy the downtime with Shara and the boys.
Bear, me alegro mucho que ya estes con tu familia, y que pronto estes mejor.
son los deseos desde Chile. Arriba el ánimo "ya viene tu nuevo hijo"
Gracias por todo....
Ouch!! I hope you get well soon, Bear, so we can go back to living vicariously through your wild adventures. In the meantime, merry Christmas.
So glad that you're back home with family. Sending lots of prayers your way. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!!!
I dig the quote. That looks like a pretty nasty dislocation, but nothing a couple days off can't fix. Ha. Did the doctors say anything about damage being permanant, loss of movement, etc. I shall keep you in my prayers.
Bear,
so glad your home safely in the UK,must of been very painful .It must of been quite hard to see the the rest of the team going up the mountain and you having to stay there in pain.Well Done
bear when the new bear grylls born survivor series coming out in The UK because i love them.
hope you shoulder recovers and and a have a relaxing time with your family.
Bear: so glad you are home safely. We are fans from North Carolina, we do love your shows, my boys (Luke and Taylor, 10 and 11) are amazed by your adventures. We hope for a full and speedy recovery and that you can enjoy your family time and a much deserved R&R. God's speed to you always.
Leigh Ann
Wow Bear, what a nasty looking x-ray! But don't worry about being vulnerale, even with a severe injury, your spirit is untouchable and that's what makes us who we are, not our physical abilities.
I am so glad you are home and safe! Hopefully your shoulder will be better in time for the baby's arrival so you can hug it all you want.
And just so you know, this morning it was snowing and freezing here in Utah but we had a football game to play over at the park. It was going to be easier not to go, stay in my warm bed and stay dry.... but I think of you in times like these and that quote of yours that I believe in so much, so my husband and I went and played. I did get soaked to the bone, I took a bad hit to the mouth, and my leg got hit pretty hard so I had to take some time out of the game, but it was so worth it!! There's nothing better than being outdoors with great friends soaking in what blessings the Lord has given us! With the snow coming down so hard that I couldn't see, with the snowflakes resting on my eyelashes, I looked up and was so greatful I had come! Thanks Bear, you mean more than you know! Take care of that shoulder and that cute family of yours!!
I`m glad that you are safe at home,with your familly.
Thank you for being the part of your journey.
You are bringing us the world into our homes but for your children you are the whole world.
All the honours to your wife!
To you and your family I wish Merry christmas and a happy new year!
Hi Bear....hope the shoulder pain is easing. I too did the same thing 10 years ago and still remember the feeling - I'd never felt pain like it. Having had it operated it's been as good as the old shoulder was (with the nice 8" scar). Look at it positively - your well on the way to fulfilling your quote!
Have a good Christmas and best wishes to you and your family.
Kev B.
Best wishes Bear, hope you're back to 100% soon.
St. Mary's College of Maryland LOVES BEAR GRYLLS! We are three college girls who were very concerned when we heard about your injury since we love you and the show. So glad to hear you are recovering.... Merry Christmas!
I hope that you make a full recovery from your injury. That must really hurt!!!!!!!!
I love your show Man vs Wild!!!!!!! :)) Keep up the good work!!
I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your family. :)
Summer
Bear,
I am glad to see you made it back home safely and getting some help for your shoulder. I wish you a very speedy recovery, I know how hard it is trying to recover from a nasty injury, but you are in great health and that should help a great deal. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
God speed buddy,
Chris
Dear Bear,
How did you hurt your shoulder? That must really HURT!!!!!
I love your show Man vs Wild!!!! :))
I hope that you make a full recovery from your injury.
Your big fan,
Summer D.
nae luck big fraud boy,at least you can hole up in a hotel at night to escape the chill.
Bear you are a homo.
I know that you will be back soon mate.
i eat my nasal discharge all the time
Could be worse mate, at least somebody hasn' t just shot your horse and your bird isn't off on holiday for a week.
P.s, what did you think of P.L.G
Well you think you have problems, half my rotten team are revolting and refusing to play ball wish I had the time to gallivant about the arctic spending nights in hotels pretending to be out in the wild in minus 30 aye right jog on (mcgeady one more lap ya lazy halfwit..........
anyway take care next time your out killing the planet................
Gordon strachan soo to be ex manager for cfc rotten.........