The Way Up: My Recovery Story
Last February, one of my greatest fears became a reality: I was caught in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry. It’s been an interesting road to recovery, but I am lucky to be alive, back on my feet, and still have the ability to enjoy the outdoors and activities I love.
Everything seemed ideal for a great day in the backcountry. I was with one of my favorite adventure buddies and ski partners, my cousin. A blanket of fresh snow coated the ground and visibility was good. We started out slow and tested the slope. It was stable and gave us no signs of instability or danger.
On my third lap it all changed. The hillside gave way and snow started moving fast all around me. My planned exit was impossible due to the massive amount of sliding snow, so I turned right, and ended up going off a cliff in the ballpark of 100 feet. I was knocked out on impact and buried by the avalanching snow. After five to seven minutes of being buried, my cousin, Josh, was able to find and dig me out. He cleared my airway, got me breathing, and called for a helicopter.
I was flown to Renown Hospital in Reno, a Level II Trauma Center, where I spent 11 days. When I awoke in the intensive care unit, I learned I had a punctured right lung and bruising on both, a concussion, several broken spinal segments, four broken ribs, and a small brain bleed. After several procedures and a couple of surgeries, I was released.
Then my real recovery began. My care team included Barton orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist Dr. Zachary Child along with good friend and Barton physical therapist Alan Barichievich. It was truly awesome to have my PT (Alan) in the room with my doctor (Dr. Child), then be able to head downstairs and start a custom, tailored program for my injuries. It was great to have communication among everyone on the team; it felt like being part of a family. The Barton team literally walked me through every step of rehabilitation. They knew how important skiing was to me and promised to help me get back to doing what I love.
I was never good at rest, so being able to do cardiovascular and aerobic exercises under the supervision of Barton Rehabilitation & Performance at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness so early in my recovery helped me both physically and mentally. Once my bones healed, I was able to work on range of motion and general strengthening. I also worked on cognitive exercise and breathing. Over time, I progressed with endurance, postural, and coordination exercises, utilizing specialized equipment that allowed me to regain strength and rebuild muscle. I was still weak, but my eye was on the prize.
Fast forward to today, and not only can I walk, but run, surf, water ski, and bike, and I’m ready to ski again. I appreciate the encouragement and support from my care team, family, girlfriend, and community.
Despite the many challenges we face with injury, they can be overcome with the right support system and determination. The Barton team was the care force nurturing me back to health during this time. They provided me not only with great care, but most importantly hope and encouragement during a challenging time.
Kyle Johnston is an elite backcountry skier, former free ski competitor, and longtime Tahoe local. He owns and solely operates his water ski school, KJ’s Watersports, in the summer. Learn more about Barton Rehabilitation at BartonHealth.org/Rehab or call 530.543.5720.
