frostbite - return to winter climbing - advice ?

New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
 Brucemacrosson 30 Jan 2019

I suffered early stages of Category 2 frostbite on fingertips whilst climbing in the alps this winter 3 weeks ago.

I've made a rapid recovery and can now do pull ups and ice axe hangs pain free.  However there is still a fair bit of dead skin covering the finger tips and a tiny bit of discolouring remaining  right at the tips of a  couple of fingers.  Winter has now arrived properly and I'm itching to get out (albeit in mitts with hand warmers).  I have not been able to get any medical advice on when I can play in the white stuff.  If anybody had any first hand experience of starting to swing axes again after frostbite it would be hugely appreciated if they could give me some advice.

.Thanks.

 

f

 

 

 

 plyometrics 30 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

A vascular surgeon advised me to avoid exposing the toes I suffered mild frost bite on to any extreme cold going forward. 

Not easily done, but I think the message is take great care returning to operating in super cold environments, particularly so soon in your case. 

Hope your fingers heal well!

 Pay Attention 30 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

Um ... are you really sure this is what you want?

I had frost nip years ago.  It took about 8 months for the nerves to restore fully.

Since then I've been careful as there has been an increased risk of circulation problems.  I've now got numb fingertips as a result of getting chilblains from the past fortnight.   Since I got back there has been steady progress.

 

 Wildabeast 30 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

going to need some pics...

 oldie 30 Jan 2019
In reply to Pay Attention:

My experience is better. In my teens I suffered frost nip of fingers (permanently lost some fingerprint pattern through simultaneous injury to tips, and the superficial part was infected). I don't seem to suffer above average in cold eg often use fingerless gloves for snowed up rock. However it wasn't full frostbite so not entirely relevant to OP.

 Michael Gordon 31 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

If you have to, I would stick to non-technical stuff where you can just keep big clumsy mitts on. But that doesn't get round the issue of gearing up!

 Trangia 31 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

  "I have not been able to get any medical advice on when I can play in the white stuff." 

I'm not having a go at you, but I don't understand that statement. Have you seen your doctor/consultant, and actually asked them?

 

Post edited at 08:11
 Mr. Lee 31 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

I've a history of grade 4 frostbite, so our experiences don't really compare. 

Obviously expect reduced circulation to the areas affected, so just look after the fingers extra carefully. Use warmer gloves than normal and try to keep them covered up when putting crampons on, etc. Take the time to get the circulation going ASAP if you feel any numbness. It's probably going to come down to personal judgement as to whether you think the affected tissue is going to be OK with a full winter outing. Maybe just start easy and on something that you can more easily bail from if you are concerned about their wellbeing?

 Hannah V 31 Jan 2019
In reply to Brucemacrosson:

I am still recovering from a grade 2 frostbite I got on the tips of my toes about 8 weeks ago. The dead tissue has turned to small scabs now but still have some swelling, so they're not fully back to normal. The advice I have gotten from doctors who specialise in cold injury and plastic surgery was to protect the tips and keep them warm since the capillaries will still be very delicate and you don't want to do further damage while they're healing. Ibuprofen and aloe vera were also recommended on a daily basis, mainly to keep inflammation down and to aid healing of the damaged tissue. Might be worth getting professional advice/consultation if uncertain?!

This page might also be useful: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-get-expert-frostbite-advice

I'd find some alternative activities to keep you entertained while you're fingers are healing (running, biking, cross country skiing - things that don't use the fingers too much??). It'll take some weeks but in the long term will probably be worth it!

Post edited at 13:07

New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Loading Notifications...