Big Robo Leg thanks to SoCal Divers

[Mo2vation]

Today was the 7th week following the unfortunate incident.

I've been dry for 8 weeks... man. So after much anticipation, prayer and (needless) stress I made my return to the water today.

I picked up a pair of Chucks (10.5 size...) so I could get one over my fat foot. After a small mod in the toe section, it was all good.

Got to Casino point, made three dives today - no worries. I am so back in the water again. My kick is a little weak (like going from a V8 to a 4-banger), and because of the limited mobility of the right ankle most of my kicking is mod-flutter. Mod frog was OK, and full Frog was just not going to happen yet. My right-hand helicopter turn is still pretty good - left-hand not so much, and I was a little rusty on some of the skills - but by dive three with the rented 72 I was back in the groove.

HUGE props to the Daves, Ice, the Jims, Jen, Ana, my man DrB, my sweet wife, Jaye (and the other SoCal divers who we hung with this beautiful, perfect Saturday) for your patience (I was walking and getting rigged up pretty slow today) and encouragement. Seriously. This was a big, big day for me. I wanted to do this, and to be able to do this with you guys made it so much sweeter.

With tears in my eyes I type this tonight. I remain in grateful awe of how my body is healing and what a gift God has given me with this amazing recovery. I can't believe I was walking off the boat stronger and more confidently (after three dives and a walk from the Point back into town, etc.) than when I arrived this morning. Just mind blowing. Thanks to everyone of you for today. I'll never forget today.

We'll be doing this again real soon for sure.

K

 

[Warren_L]

Ken! Glad to hear the the leg is on the mend. Sounds like you'll be back to your normal self in no time.

See you in SoCal in a couple of months.....

 

[dazedone]

Ken,

It was a pleasure hanging out with you and the rest of the crew yesterday. Great dive buddies and wonderful vis. We have to do it again sometime!

-David

 

[sapphire]

Ken,

We had a blast with you and Jaye yesterday! You did so well, I guess I can stop being so worried now... Your fitness level before the accident is key to your recovery. Well, that and your single-minded powerful will to recover in record-breaking time!! AND the support of your lovely wife! Keep on being careful with the Robo-Leg and you will be back to normal in NO time at all...

Jennifer

PS, it was a great day at Casino Point... thanks to the companionship of Jim, Ana, Ken, Jaye, Ice, David, Jim, Todd, Dave, Greg, Dr Bill, etc etc. Beautiful day at Casino Point, fun dive buddies, doing the Wave on the ferry on the way back while watching the Series, nice dinner in Long Beach afterwards... watching the Sox beat the Cards! NICE Saturday :biggrin:!

 

[jetfixer]

Ken,

Your strength is inspiring! Amazing job after only 7 weeks..and the Chuck Taylor, VERY stylish. I think I'm gonna mod a pair for myself.

Ana, Jennifer, Jaye, Jims, Daves, Ice, Greg, Dr Bill thanks for an awesome day at Casino Point. Couldn't have been better or with better company.

Did I mention the kelp dance? mmmmmmmmmm!!! GIANT kelp dance....also, someone needs to catch the underwater phantom fin bandit!

 

[So Cal Divin]

Glad to hear you did it. 3 times too. I was worried.

I take it you didn't have any bouyancy issues. You didn't post that you were swimming in circles. Did you get to drop any weight with that hunk of stainless steel or was it titanium in your leg ?
Titanium won't rust, will it ?
Hope to one day dive with yall soon.
I should be able to make it to a Oly meeting to see everybodys pics.
Look forward to your posts.

Jeff

 

[JDog]

I was so,so tired last night but it was worth it. I figured it was going to be a good day when the Catalina Express started doing doughnuts in the harbor. We arrived a little late but that was OK.

It was great meeting all the other Scuba Board folks at the Point. Ken, I will remember your determination to get back in the water, in the next few weeks.
I only hope that you will have a full recovery in the weeks and months to come, I remember seeing some swelling in that leg. Hope it is feeling OK today.

It was a great day to dive yesterday, good visability, a tiny bit of current, We even had sunshine most of the day.

Hope to see you all next week at the Wrinkles dive. Until then take it easy.

 

[kelpmermaid]

I'm so glad to hear it went well for you, Ken. I was thinking of you Saturday at the other end of the Island...phenomenal viz and conditions just for your return.

 

[wxyz]

Awesome!

:luxhello:

 

[ICY ICE]

Ken, I'll get the Catalina pictures posted tonight.....

Send me your e-mail, I'll send you the 2mb file.....they look great.