Hey guys, Matt here to check in. Most of you know I was in a big avy last year while filming with 208 productions and had serious injuries that led to 100+ day in hospitals. Just wanted to say hi and give an update. WOW! The support from fans and fellow riders has been incredible! You guys rock! The posts are right, I am doing well. Have some physical therapy for my spinal injury and range of motion on my left arm. Right now, my left arm is dead....I cant feel it or move it. Still good blood flow and everything..theres actually Nothing wrong with the arm itself. The injury is detached nerves at the spinal cord. The original nerves that operated my arm were not useable and my bicep muscle has died from no nerve activity. But, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, an 11 hr surgery took the gracilis muscle out of my leg and transplanted it to replace my bicep. Then to give it nerve activity, they took 3 nerves from my rib cage area that help me inhale and exhale, left them live, and re-routed them to operate my arm. It takes 8-9 months for those nerves to bond and actually produce function of the arm. So in June or July, I should start to get some function and 6 more months of therapy should get me 50 % arm use back. AMAZING what they can do. As of right now, my broken femur has healed perfect and the Nuerological damage affects me very little, I walk almost normal. The surgery on my broken neck went very well and its also healing nicely. Im affected very little by my head injury which the docs expected to have a lot more long lasting affects. You got the story on my arm. AND im gonna strap my sling up tight and RIDE a few times THIS YEAR! Obviously nowhere near the level I was, but I didnt ride for the camera anyway, I rode to be out there with you guys and see incredible country most people never see in a lifetime! Im excited to be where Im at today. Its so far ahead of where I should be with these injuries. I first and foremost thank God for answering hundreds, maybe even thousands of prayers. And second I thank my friends and family and ALL of you in this sport for helping me believe I could be Matt again! THANKYOU ALL! GOD BLESS. Matt
MATT POTRATZ CHECKIN IN to say hi to fans & fellow riders!
- Thread starter nothin serious
- Start date
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aktreekiller
Well-known member
hey
Its good to hear that your recovering from your injuries. Hope it gets better for you man. Tim
Its good to hear that your recovering from your injuries. Hope it gets better for you man. Tim
You have a great attitude Matt, it's very inspiring!!!
Hang in their Matt. We are all pulling for you..
M
mod03rmk800
Well-known member
Can't wait to see the footage of a chute getting pulled with one hand behind the back trick!
dude, good to hear your doing awesome...considering your injuries. very inspiring! your a wicked rider probably better than most even with one arm!!! take good care and keep on keeping on
Glad to here your doing well Matt. All of us in the snowmobiling community are pullin for ya and are pumped that you survived an ordeal like that and lived to tell about it! God Bless
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BadAftertaste
Well-known member
All such great news Matt! Here is to more of the same!
M
MNSLEDNECK56308
Well-known member
Matt, truely amazing, looks likes most of the fourms prayers have been answered as well! He can do amazing things! Keep that faith and great attitude and you will be just fine. Thanks for the update!
Take care, God Bless.
Take care, God Bless.
wy to go man i really look up to you as a rider. man its great seeing you on here thanks for the update.
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Adrenaline Revolution
Well-known member
I've been "Watching" your progress and talked with Tom a couple times about you and your fight for your quality of life.
You have made amazing strides toward your goal and you are truly inspirational.
You've already beat what was a horrifying accident by not giving up on yourself.
I'm not a religious man but even I've said a few words for you.
Keep your head up and take pride in the fact that you survived and are going to live a long and happy, fullfilled life.
Lance.
You have made amazing strides toward your goal and you are truly inspirational.
You've already beat what was a horrifying accident by not giving up on yourself.
I'm not a religious man but even I've said a few words for you.
Keep your head up and take pride in the fact that you survived and are going to live a long and happy, fullfilled life.
Lance.
great to hear, prayers as always and,
never giveup,
never backdown,
and always look forward to better days!
some words my dad always told us kids, works
never giveup,
never backdown,
and always look forward to better days!
some words my dad always told us kids, works
That's awesome Matt hope you are on the hill soon.
