November 28, 2008

It all started as a normal day. November 28, 2008.

Was at my friends farm helping to harvest or pick field corn -- he uses to raise steers for butcher.

I was in the field using a one row corn picker.

And it was around 5:15 PM when I stopped the tractor as I saw the wagon was getting full.

 With the tractor being stopped and the machinery running at normal operating speed.

 I proceeded around the front of the tractor and came to the snout of the corn picker there was an ear of corn on the snout.

 At that time I attempted to knock the ear of corn into the running machine.

 I was wearing and an army jacket with my left hand and a cuff being loose batted that ear at that point.

 The machine grabbed my left-hand and coat and pulled it into the snapping rollers.  

I screamed and the next moment, tried to pull my hand out with my right hand and it also got pulled into the machine.

For 30 minutes I was trapped in the machine yelling over top of the machinery running yelling for help and trying to dislodge my hand left.

  Fighting to get loose.

 I asked the lord to die three times.

 At this point, I had a warm sensation.

 When I realized that I was fighting for my life.

God kept me strong through all this and at about 5:45 PM help had arrived.

And I explained to the help as calm as possible

. Explaining where to shut the machine off in a matter of what seemed like seconds.

 The EMTs were on site, and when they arrived they knew right away to call lifeline helicopter.

 It took approximately 1/2 hour to dislodge me from the machine.

 I had never lost consciousness and was talking very normal and my wife had showed up at the scene.

She was telling me that everything will be fine and I will be safe.

For the 30 minutes I was trapped.

My life had changed forever, I realized at that point.

 I no longer had hands, and also brought my family back together for as which my wife and I are separated.

                 Finally was dislodged put into the helicopter and the eight minute flight was quick to Hershey medical facility.

 I was on the stretcher going to the trauma center when a nurse said Mr. Pollock. You are at the trauma unit and you will be treated.

It was now 6:30 PM, and I closed my eyes.

 Knowing I am now safe. Well, I was in surgery.

 I was answering questions for about 20 minutes being unconscious.

       I have a little quote, and it is Friday.

 I almost died, and on Sunday.

      I was resurrected to a new life and a whole different outlook on life.

 I have a better relationship with my twin children.

     My wife has been very helpful through all this since.

 I am covered under her health insurance.

    I felt this night was a chemical and spiritual change and to this day

I remain positive, because I live, one day at a time.

   I cannot change the past I can live for today and I cannot predict the future, because it is.

   What it is.

 It has been 9 months since my accident, and I feel I am going very well.

    With no phantom pain, only sensations.

 Every day is a great day.

                                                                            ***UPDATE***

As of Feb 5, 2010  I am no longer an amputee. I am now know as a bi lateral transplant. With hand replaced on my left arm.  And the first in the U.S to have a forearm replaced above the elbow........ It is a beautiful gift and thanks to God for this miracle..