Near Death Experience

It had been a dramatic day for me yesterday as I nearly died or get paralyzed. It all started when I decided to go rock climbing with Gina since we were given free passes after completing the level one course which would have expired when I come back from Australia. It was all fun and challenging at first as I managed to conquer 2 walls. When I was about to descend from the 2nd wall, I shouted to Gina to get ready before I let go for her to lower me down slowly. Initially, it was still find as I slowly abseil down with my legs still on the wall. Then all of a sudden without any warning, I was at free fall! And it seems very high, somewhere around half the wall's height, 9m which I was told was about 3 storeys high!! And at a blink I was on the ground, cringing and moaning in extreme pain! I could not recall much as things happened too fast but i think I landed on my butt, and at the moment I thought I die le, I was so damn worried! The impact was so great that I screamed my lungs off, I think I shouted FUCK one million times! lol But the pain was unbearable, I felt my spine bend after the impact.

Moments after, a few SAC staff ran over and helped me to the bench and laid icepack at my back as I laid down. They tried to comfort me as I remained traumatized. I really didn't expect the fall, I am really quite angry with Gina, I mean how could she just let go, I could have died. I trusted her with my life, but I guess I'm at fault too, she's such a small girl, I could have climbed down slowly instead of trusting her completely. But what is done can't be undone, so no point pointing fingers. This is really a huge lesson learnt man!

I tried asking for assurance from the staff asking what will happen and all that as they did their best to comfort me. Then I was helped over to a wheel chair, initially their plan was to wheel chair me to the nearby hospital. But that was a stupid idea, as i felt very uncomfortable and and strained sitting up straight and I was worried further damage might occur. Then they called for the ambulance. What an experience being geared all over with strange back/neck protecting gears before being carried onto the ambulance with a stretcher.

Upon reaching the A&E department, I was taken to the x-ray room to check if anything serious happened. At that point, my back feels very strained and I dared not move. Aside from worrying that my upcoming trip might be affected, I felt super sian that all my plans before I fly are ruined. I can't do anything active for a long long time. :( Then there's a policeman who came to ask questions! haha so drama. My parents came soon after and they are very worried.

Later the doctor came with the results, and it was good news! He was quite surprised with the results also as nothing major happened after falling from such height and my spine remains intact. I heaved a sigh of relief then, I felt so fortunate. :) I guess training the butt and lower back kinda paid off as they managed to protect my spine and break my fall! Thereafter I have to stay in the hospital for further observation.

I was in my underwear the whole time as my pants were taken off once I reached the hospital, damn weird. And I have to pee on the bed twice! haha, at first I was hesitant. How could one pee properly when on the bed? But I can't tahan anymore and decided to try as the nurse passed me a bottle and I managed to master the skill! lol The whole bedridden experience in the hospital lasted all the way to the night around 10 something, as The docs and nurses ran occasional tests. Yishun hospital was quite a nice hospital as there aren't many people there. Hehe.

Finally I am discharged with 3 days MC and some medication. The doc says I should be good to go in about a week or 2, hope recovery is fast. If not i will feel so strange and fat leading an inactive lifestyle! Got a lecture from the doc, followed by my parents on the way home. I guess I really learnt a huge lesson and safety is not to be taken lightly!