Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > I was invincible !!!!!!!!!!
Date: 24 Oct 2006 10:10 am
Did a stupid stunt I knew better than to do but was in a rush. I stood on the wrong side of a log under tension to cut it with the chain saw.
I am not a rookie to chainsaws or any other danger’s farming equipment for that matter seeing as how I am pushing 60 hard and grew up on a farm. I know better than to stand on the swing side of a log/branch under tension when cutting it. I know better than to stand directly behind a chain saw, rather keep it to your right.
So ya’ll are waiting for the gore right? Just below the knee to the bone, draining the sack of fluid on the kneecap and another cut to the right of that which went to the right and peeled the leg open like an orange.
Spent all night Friday night in ER. Finally got in OR just after midnight where they cleaned all that Ash wood chips and other debris out. Removed a huge chunk of skin and flesh. Have been asked how many stitches I got? Well it is so bad that the doctor told me they did an anchor on the corners and then ran stitching like a cargo net to keep any loose parts from falling out.
Yesterday when the doctor changed the bandages and removed the packing I saw the results of the OR work. Isn’t some thing ya want people to look at and keep their lunch down.The cost so far is high very high. I am glad I have some very good insurance to pick up a bunch of the cost. One day in the hospital after a night in ER and all morning in OR. Special doctor out of my pocket cost is over $100.00 just for starters. Co pay on the meds so far is $20.00
May have to hire some one to do the last formic acid treatment to our bees, Cost not yet knowen.
Will have to buy fire wood since I can not even haul up what is already cut up this year, Need 14 more face cord to last the winter.
All this could have been avoided. Don’t think you are invincible!
Read the owners manual and understand it.
Slow down and don’t rush things!
Always stand to the right of your chain saw when cutting!
Best advice I can give right now is buying some safety equipment like Chaps, helmet and face shield! I know ya’ll wear hearing protection so that need not be spoken about.
I could have bought two pair of the cheaper chaps for what getting doctored up has cost so far. I can buy one pair of chaps for twice my med copay cost so far. I could buy the very best chaps and have money left over for what the doctor is costing me.
Safety equipment insurance is cheap compared to the pain and suffering I have endured so far. It isn’t over yet either. I am running a fever right now after a restless night and a soaking wet bet from the fever of 100.6 just before I fell asleep.
You can bet that before I ever start my chain saw again I will have a pair of chaps.
I am no longer invincible I am an old crippled guy now……….
Protective Summer Pants
These pants are constructed of six layers of Engtex™, a hi-tech protective fabric composed of polyester, Trevia™, and polypropylene fibers. Upon contact with a chain saw chain, the fine filaments of the fabric are easily pulled and drawn into the chain saw to fill the moving parts of the chain saw chain. The outer shell front of the pants is constructed of durable Ambush® material, and the back is made of Visa® polyester for superior comfort and flexibility. Features of these five-pocket style pants include ski pant style leg zippers for fast and easy removal of boots, elasticized waist, and suspender buttons already attached. Machine wash and dry. UL® Classified. Inseam length (hemmable): 33". Color: Navy blue.
Qty Item # Description Specs Ships Price
23579 Small, 30" to 32" Waist 24 hours $82.95
23580 Medium, 34" to 36" Waist 24 hours $82.95
23581 Large, 38" to 40" Waist 24 hours $82.95
23582 X-Large, 42" to 44" Waist 24 hours $82.95
Prolar is the Elvex brand name for their exclusive chain saw protective pad. Prolar is not a static product, but is going through continuous development, in order to improve the compromise between comfort and performance. The Prolar protective pads combine a unique fibre composition with special weaving to create one of the most effective chain saw protective pads on the market. The unique explosive action of Prolar works by jamming the chain against the bar and the sprocket. Prolar combines light weight and flexibility for superior user acceptance with highly effective protection.
Elvex best selling chap model has sold in hundreds of thousands. A long list of unique standard features explain teh popularity of this design:
Patented asymmetrical design provides extended protection on the left side of each leg, where most injuries occur. - Lightweight, flexible and strong 420 denier Nylon cover fabric. - Easy on, easy off apron-style design. - Quick Release buckles for waist and legs. - A zippered front pocket is a standard feature not found on other brands.
Available in bright orange fabric in 33 and 36 inch lengths. See below for 39" length. Measure from waist to bottom.
Elvex ProChaps Chainsaw Chaps JE-90$54.95Size: 33 Inch Length36 Inch Length
These are a couple I have looked up so far. Less that the cost of the first doctors visit and change left over.
:) Al Just call me the gimp
Date: 24 Oct 2006 11:05 am
Al,
Soo sorry to hear of the accident.
Thanks for sharing something that just isn't easy to share.
We all know your sharing to have someone, at least one person heed your warning on safety.
But more importantly..Best wishes in healing quickly.
-Bob
Date: 24 Oct 2006 11:13 am
OUCH!!!!! To say the least. Glad you survived it though. There are some that wouldn't have made it. We ask people when they come in to buy a saw if they have safety equipment. Many say no that they do not need it. We ask them what value they put on a leg. If they think the leg is worth more then $80 they'll buy the pants or chaps. We've had young guys come in and say they didn't protective gear, low and behold I've heard some of them have sawed across their chest.
Again glad to hear that you will survive for another day.
Sherri
Date: 24 Oct 2006 11:31 am
Wow! Here's to a speedy and full recovery.
Please, please, do NOT post any pics! :D
Date: 24 Oct 2006 12:02 pm
Godspeed on you recovery!
The fever might be due to an infection. I hope you are on the proper antibiotics. May you heal fast and well.
Now how about some pics? :D
Date: 24 Oct 2006 12:38 pm
OUCH! I hope you are feeling better soon. Sorry for your mishap, but am gratefull you shared it with us. Gives us the chance to possibly avoid the same injury.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 12:46 pm
Glad you're around to tell the story...
Yeah, you did something stupid(we all have) but in telling your story you probably helped to prevent another accident to someone else, and for that, I thank you.
I used to do plenty of stupid things, not wearing seat belts, not using eye protection when operating power tools..going out in thunderstorms holding long, metal poles..(.nah.. just kidding on that last one!! :P )
But then I had a wife & family and realized I can't afford to "be stupid" anymore. :wink:
Here's wishes for a speedy recovery.
I hope VR sees your post, as he was just asking about buying a chainsaw.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 2:26 pm
Al...
Glad you are OK ! ...sorry hearing of your accident... hoping you heal well 7 fast...
Thank you for the good safety advice...
Which side should the be on when cutting ?
Dave...
Date: 24 Oct 2006 3:11 pm
Al - while I'm sorry to hear this, I'm glad to hear its not worse. Thanks for sharing & PLEASE heal up soon!
Marty
Date: 24 Oct 2006 3:26 pm
experience is a very costly and painful teacher at times.
hope your recovery is speedy.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 4:44 pm
Sorry to hear about your accident AL,I hope the recovery will be a fast one,and that the insurence cover most of you cost.
I have been using chain saws for the past 20 years every spring and fall to saw fire wood and doing garden work.
The only protection i used have been for the ears,after reading this im gonna buy some real protection gear.
Even if hospital visit here in Sweden is very cheap compered to the US,guess my family would like to have me in one piece.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 5:06 pm
Sorry to hear about you getting cut up.
I have a solid respect for chain saws. And hearing about your accident only reinforces it.
I wish you a speedy recovery, I think you taught us all a life lesson.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 5:50 pm
Hi Al.
I'm really sorry too hear about your accident and wish you a speedy recovery.
Having worked on chainsaws for the past 15 years, it's a story I've heard far too often. :(
Get well soon. :)
Date: 24 Oct 2006 6:31 pm
Damn Al,
I am sorry to hear about your trauma! You're a tough guy though and I know you'll heal up real well. If there's anything any of us can do, please speak up, don't be shy.
Thanks for the info on the pants and the hints, might save someone from a similar happening.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 7:49 pm
HGK wrote:
Sorry to hear about your accident AL,I hope the recovery will be a fast one,and that the insurence cover most of you cost.
I have been using chain saws for the past 20 years every spring and fall to saw fire wood and doing garden work.
The only protection i used have been for the ears,after reading this im gonna buy some real protection gear.
Me too HG. I was buying a couple of chains Monday and they had chaps, gloves, and hat with built in face sheild and muffs. I just thought about the Village People when I saw the chaps. Next time I go in and see them, I hope I think about Al.
Date: 24 Oct 2006 10:12 pm
Sorry to hear about your accident as well.
A friend of the family many years ago was cutting a tree under tension...did not get it with the chain saw like you, but when he cut through it far enough, the tension was release and sent him flying. Broke his hip and leg. Unfortunately, he was doing this alone and was way out in the woods. He had to drag his busted up body through the woods back to the house for help. He was on "vacation" for quite awhile.
Hope you get on the mend and are up and around soon. At least you can close to the computer to kill the time.
Good Luck!
bbwb
Date: 25 Oct 2006 2:31 am
WOW!! It's terrible to hear of mishaps like this, but unfortunately things can go wrong. I'll certainly pray for your recovery and health during this trying time.
Date: 25 Oct 2006 8:33 pm
whitedog wrote:
experience is a very costly and painful teacher at times.
Yep, experience is the worst teacher. It gives the test first... then the lesson.
Date: 26 Oct 2006 1:22 am
mrmom wrote:
whitedog wrote:
experience is a very costly and painful teacher at times.
Yep, experience is the worst teacher. It gives the test first... then the lesson.
Good example Mr. Mom.
Date: 27 Oct 2006 6:35 pm
OldToroOwner wrote:
I hope VR sees your post, as he was just asking about buying a chainsaw.
I DID see it and have invested in safety equipement since I bought my first saw (the 021).
The first time I cut a tree, I was wearing the helmet/faceshield/hearing protection rig. I was feeling like an idiot but about 1/3 of the wat through a large branch (maybe 14") fell really strange and bounced off the helmet. That pretty much sold me on using the safety gear whenever I fire up the saw. I haven't got to try the chaps out... and hope to never have to!
Good to hear that you are OK enough Al! That is quite the scare!
Date: 28 Oct 2006 9:48 am
:) The good news first. Doctor saw me Wednesday and said I was healing very well. Renewed the scrip for more antibodies and said to keep a good eye out for red streaking up and down the leg. If I saw any go straight to the hospital then call him. :) He said at this rate he will remove the cargo net on Monday.
I went with Kare on thursday and did the last formic treatment to our bees. :shock: Yes I did climb up in the pickup and turned it around. Told Kare I wouldn't last long if I drove. :D So she took Her lower SUV and had me nearly to the point I could lean out the window to work the bees.
Thank you every one for the well wishes. I do hope my story convinced people to spend the bucks for some safty gear. :shock: This was no accdent. It was a person who knew better doing some thing stupid, because they got in a hurry. Spend the money and by the saftey equipment insurance for the day when YOU TOO disengage your brain to soon.
8) Stand on the left side of the saw when cutting. Chainsaws are made to be used right handed.
:?: I was asked how long I had been useing a chain saw. Can't say in years, but I remember thinking dads old Remington weighted 50 pounds and I only weighed 80 pounds. Dad had went thru a couple of saws before I bought my own first one a husky 162SE which I still have, and it works ecept the chain oil pump I haven't taken it to get repaired.
Again thanks for the well wishes.
NO I WILL NOT POST A PICTRE. Look at a hunk of hamburg next time your in the meat market.
:) Al
Date: 28 Oct 2006 11:48 am
Glad to hear you healing well.
I don't need pix, I have a very good idea of what it looks like after a whirling 1/3 scale wooden airplane prop sliced through the bottom side of my forearm, just above the elbow, the real meaty part. It was a huge inverted V notch taken out of my arm. Bleed like all heck.. Docs did a good job at piecing it all back together.
Funny thing, it never hurt. Not when it happened... lifted my arm in disbelieve and could see through this huge inverted V notch on the underside of my forearm, like a bad horror film, but no pain.
Not even pain when they were poking around looking for splinters, not after at any time either.
The only thing that it ever hurt was the half dozen Novocaine needles they used to give a local before pulling the skin together to stitching it all up. I felt the damn needles for what ever reason. Go figure.
Date: 28 Oct 2006 1:00 pm
I'm sorry to hear about the accident, but I'm glad you're o.k.... remember, "a spoonful of honey makes the medicine go down!"
Glad to hear you're on the mend.
Walt
Date: 29 Oct 2006 8:24 am
Mine didn't hurt till after surgery. I placed my extra glove on the wound in the woods with out looking at it. Didn't want to see and pass out back there. Held it tight with my right hand and headed for home. Had to down shift ithe tractor in the creek, doing it one handed allowed it to bare left in a deep hole where it got stuck. Walked the snow plow frame to dry ground went to the basement with out Kare seeing me and took my first look. Used some paper towels I keep down there and hot water off the wood furnace to clean it some around the edges. Folded another paper towel in quarters and used paper tape to hold it in place. Fed my dogs walked back to the woods and got my saw (don't need that tresspassing hunter stealing it.) covered the sxhust and seat on the tractor and returned home. Walked in the house told Kare to eat supper, she asked why so I told her not to argue and just do it. After she had eat I asked if she thought I needed stiches, so she saw it for the first time. I knew in the begining a vist to the hospital would take a long time, why I told Kare to eat.
It was what I couldn't see that has been the biggest problem.
Today my brother in law is coming to pull the tractor out of the creek. I'll drain the rear end before it goes in the shop or can freeze.
:) Al
Date: 29 Oct 2006 1:51 pm
I was very close to buying a MS361 Stihl Chainsaw. Most of the time it would have been used by my Sister as she has the property and the trees BUT after seeing this accident, I am starting to have visions of my Sister getting hurt, and I am having second thoughts about the purchase.
I am big on safety during the use of OPE. The finest Kevlar pants with a length down to the ankles are a must. I haven't found a pair that protects me down to the ankles as I am 6' 2". I recently bought the Bilsom Leightning L-3s for my ears.
A friend's son-in-law got quite a gash on his arm from trying to extend too
far with his saw. It was his first experience with a chainsaw.
Date: 29 Oct 2006 2:15 pm
Well Well Well, you stood the wrong way and the chainsaw got ya. Well, with all that farm training you got growing up on the farm, one would believe you would not make this mistake. But we all make mistakes, thats what makes us human. Learn from this one...
I hope you get better and I will pray for you for a fast recovery! :)
You mean, supercalafragilisticexpyalladocious :?:
Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down... :wink:
I'm a sucker for the old Disney Classics, I like the new ones too but there are few new ones I never got into.
Date: 29 Oct 2006 6:44 pm
Al,
Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you were able to keep a cool head while getting yourself back to the house.
Wish you a speedy and complete recovery.
Date: 1 Nov 2006 12:16 pm
Just thought I would update this post.
Doctor removed the cargo net Monday, Nothing fell out and nothing was loose so he said to come see him on Nov 13th.
I walked my pups yesterday both morning and evening. Of course I didn't do Our normal tour.
I worked in the shop the rest of the day and built intercovers and finished tininng the outer covers for some new nuc boxes I built.
Leg was a little sore last even and had some seepage but I walked the dogs again this morning since I felt good.
:D Al
Date: 1 Nov 2006 12:18 pm
Glad to hear it sounds like your mending well!
Date: 8 Nov 2006 2:10 am
ramit wrote:
Glad to hear it sounds like your mending well!
I agree good deal.
Date: 30 Nov 2006 3:29 pm
Al, still healing up well?
Date: 30 Nov 2006 6:16 pm
I was looking for this post earlier today and just couldn't find it even doing a search.
Yes healing nicely, doctor gave me a total release Nov 13th. He was/is a funny guy to. Asked me if I needed a note for the person of the house with higher authority, I could only run a chain saw with adult supervision.
He was/is a good doctor though as it looks like thre scar is going to be much smaller than what the wound looked like it was going to be.
Just have to take it easy for a little longer.
:lol: Thanks for asking.
:) Al
Date: 30 Nov 2006 6:25 pm
GREAT news..
When you can, start rubbing Vitamin E on it. Helps reduce the scaring and keeps the scares/new growth more flexiable, less stiff and tight.
Date: 30 Nov 2006 7:11 pm
Not sure what all is in it but Kare started rubbing stuff on it before the cargo net was removed.
Still doing it as I feel the skin stretch I think, I tell her. Anyway there is a pain when I bend it some times.
:) Al
Date: 30 Nov 2006 8:07 pm
Ouch, I feel for ya.
Hopefully in time that too goes away.
Now for the Dr's sense of humor.. you gotta figure out some good come backs.