What the F#*% do we do? [Ep. 136]

I was really moved by this episode so much so that I decided to become a Patreon. I stumbled across your videos in May of 2017 when I was holed up in my house recovering from 2 back surgeries within a 30 day period. So glad Riley was ok.

I too had nerve spinal problem to overcome. After 32 years in the military this inspires me to seek new adventures to a new life. You cannot make these short setback stop you. I surely enjoy your post and hope to seek new adventures in my next journey. I am a avid boater but more lake ridden, maybe in my retirement i can get my son to take on some new adventure such as you have. Otherwise, i will live indiscriminately through you all for now. Stuart

Is this form hitting his head on the boat?

Bloody hell, Elay - it's some raw footage, right there. I really felt for you (both). My crushed vertebrae are C6 & C7 and I have been neglecting the issue for years. Really gradually over the past few years, the strength and stamina in my arms has been deteriorating and I am now definitely disabled - well, certainly "less than able". I thought I was just getting old and feeble, but realised that the problem is related to the slipped discs pressing against my spinal cord - Riley's window opening was a stark reminder to me, to get it sorted - it was exactly what I experience, when brushing my teeth, or trying to do the washing-up. I don't know what you guys are going to do (because of the existing surgery and internal hardware & any possible complications in there), but I am saving my pennies for a trip to Chiropractor Dr Gregory Johnson, at Advanced Chiropractic Relief in Houston Texas - Here's why <a href="https://youtu.be/2QbbNmiRXQQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/2QbbNmiRXQQ</a>

Now that's teamwork... imagine if that had happened 4 years ago when you were starting out, you've both come so far, sounds like Elay pretty much ran the boat, sail changes and all, Hope you got good news when you hit the Caribbean and are on the mend

Glad to see Riley is on the mend. Don't worry about lifting the windows Riles, I always thought you were a bit limp wristed. I hope your voyage is going ok and Elayna isn't over doing it. Best wishes, love y'all! xx

Hope all is well by now Riley, but definitely get seen by qualified specialists ASAP.

Dudes...I love your videos. Soooo good!!!

C6 root/push away function is stunned - ‘Stinger’ soundslike - still should get your images done - funny but always enjoy whenever you add in your art work . As I understand it the spinal hardware’s job is over once the bones/graft have fully knitted which should well be the case by now.

Man, we hope you are ok mate.

Riley, a doctor can discuss your pain issues, what happened, and try to determine the extent of the possible damage to your spine. I would certainly get in touch with your Back Doc, or a competent Orthopod and/or Neurosurgeon. I would certainly get to a competent doc ASAP. Take care. Jim and Tracie

Hi again, I suggest that you "don't move," as much as possible, Riley. Determine which port that is easiest to get to, that has a Orthopedic and Neurosurgeon. Email the hospital, and tell them Riley's condition. Give them the primary conditions, and ask them if they need any more details. They will tell you what to do. But I would email them NOW, and tell them Riley's condition. Riley should NOT move at all - if possible. Call the coast guard and ask for assistance. They may decide to send an emergency boat to you NOW, or at least one to you when you get near a port, to help Elina dock the boat, and get you to a hospital. DO NOT try to get there by walking, get an ambulance. I trusst that they may send out to you when you get near a dock. Take Care, God Bless, Jim and Tracie Moultrup

Riley and Elina, I am so sorry to hear of your spinal injury. I was run over by a van on my motor cycle at 19, and have had a life of spine pain. I now have spinal stenosis, and it is getting worse, so I still may have to have surgery.

So great to see Riley doing better and you’re starting to be able to enjoy the amazing ride on the Outremer! So glad to see the floatation and harness! Yeah! Yes, Riley you are absolutely correct. The days and nights on the ocean are amazing, but I can’t imagine cruising along at 15-18 kts in complete comfort. Unbelievable! (Hit 14 kts on a J-42 SURF with full sails and spinnaker....then we broached!! LOL!). I am so relieved by your instagram shots from Barbuda and your recovery...but I’m looking forward to the stories from Antigua and your check up! You guys are amazing!!!!

I hope everything is ok by now and keep my fingers crossed for the both of you!

12:30 in, with life lines... Glad to see you strapped in. Last time crossing the pond, without a harness, lots of folks jumped all over the safety topic. Let’s see how many folks offer compliments, this time around. Cheers.

Ditto to Mr. Black's comments above Elaina!! You are a strong woman...I'd like to meet your sister (if you have one )Ha ha ha!! The best thing is neither of you panicked and that is most important. Riley's logic and rational thought prevailed (again) and going 350 NM upwind would do you or Riley no good! Sat phone is the way to go as it get's cheaper every year and there are Dr.s "On-Call" for exactly this type of problem. Very glade Rile's if moving about carefully! Elayna...don't cry, it brings out the "protector instinct" in men like Riley and me....men of the sea! See you two soon from the Caribbean! Sail safe and send more videos! Cheers :-)

Glad Riley is ok .very scary to see and hear it must have been very unnerving for you to make that sail not knowing what was up .so glad we all knew when it was posted it was past tense. Thanks again for an awesome episode and a portal away from my daily world ..

Wishing I am lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful horizon from sea. Until then, I will continue to watch and live vicariously through your travels. Hope the neck turned out ok!

Glad to see/hear Riley is doing better! Had a similar neck injury a few years ago - though not so severe that I needed surgery. It occurs to me that particularly with Riley's history you should include a good neck brace in your emergency kit. Probably some other general splints and such too - in case you don't already have them. Without a neck brace it could have been really hard to keep his neck still on the boat if the injury had been worse and especially if you needed to turn around and beat to windward to get to the nearest Dr. Good luck with the rest of the crossing and hope to catch up with you somewhere on the east coast.

Great episode! As I was sitting watching this episode the thought crossed my mind when Riley state that "everyone has the right to have this view at least once in their lives"....How lucky we are to enjoy the small things (big things actually) in life. I've been active my entire life. Surfing, free diving, hiking, traveling, fitness, and all sorts of outdoor activities. I enjoy them so much as the activities represent a sense of freedom we so often wish to obtain. Glad you both are ok!

Well done you two.

I am so very glad ur health & wellness are improving. I did get teary-eyed again this time for the joy of ur sail! I started to watch another adventure this week to take my thoughts off u2 vagabonds...I started watching ur past vids! Just got to 10 & absolutely love again all the adventures I have been able to share with u. I do wish 1 time to see what u see on the ocean, but thanks & love to u both for showing me the world I truly love. Keep safe, well, loving & free. Luv 'ya!

I’m glad y’all OK! I’m also glad I fell behind on episodes. I wouldn’t have been able to handle the cliffhanger! It’s really great to see you both back on the open sea. I can’t wait for the next episodes. Passage videos are my favorite.

Sail on ...

Hoping things will be OK and here's to a speedy recovery.

I think you are a cat with so many lives ,pleased all is on the mend ,and a nice sail down and relaxed and no running about

Hey guys enjoyed the video as usual Riles be careful ! I had basically the same operation I have a titanium plate with six screws in my neck, every once in a while I do something stupid and I get that numb tingling feeling in my left arm also, it does make you concerned so I understand hopefully you could have just been a injured nerve that is swollen and hopefully can go down

What is the daytime and night time temperature? Is someone always on watch? That would be hard to do with only two of you. Glad to hear Riley's partial recovery.

Hey Guys, glad your ok, feel for you R’s I ruptured my C6/C7 disc in Nov 2012 and spent 5mths in pain, numbness in left hand and pain all across trapezoid and down arm... It was rough, then I met a spinal surgeon in Nottingham who gave me Cervical Arthroplasty in the form of 2 Titanium discs after removing the offending disc, I spent 6mths in recovery whilst the muscles recovered the strength to hold the implant in place and then a further 18mths to get back to full fitness and this guy together with the staff of QMC in Nott basically gave me my life back, I can understand your concern... I’m fully fit and playing my sports again (Squash) which I love and am so grateful for, you really never know what you have till it’s gone... Keep living the dream I love what you guys are doing 😉

An orthopedic surgeon gave me this advice. I can say it has worked well.

I had a problem with a neck injury more than a year ago. I drank milk and ate meat or fish. I still sustain injuries sometimes and I treat them the same way. I can still walk and use my arms. Swimming has also helped me.

Jeepers Riles. You'd be doing physio by now I guess. You both really didn't need that at the beginning of a major crossing in a new boat. Good thing the weather and sea state were good. All the best!

Great to see you both looking better than the last ep....lets hope nothing is permanently damaged.Presume the x-ray is ok..... I think the situation would have been far worse on the previous boat and you may have had to return to port, not easy for Elayna on her own ........ that cat rides so well....so that's some comfort.......take care xx

Great video peeps....so glad to see you’re both a lot better....sitting having a cold beer while cruising down waves looking at that view has just got to be the best...!!! Definitely on my must do bucket list....👍👌🍻🌊

Well ive been waiting patiently and relieved to see riley able to move a bit. Take it easy still my friend! Elayna cant imagine the stress in the beginning. You both keep strong and stay positive. Prayers for you both. Back injurys can be tricky,as you well know. Beautiful sunset on the horizon btw. I was able to experience that once. Look forward to doing it again. As soon as i find a miracle cure for extreme sea sickness. 😄😄 love ya both. Till next time. Peace

Hope everything turns out alright. Wishing you the best, seems like it could have been much worse. Nice to see you happy again at the end.

Get well

Well done gang .

What an amazing boat that catamaran is to give you such a good ride in boisterous conditions. Hope all is well and you love the rest of your sailing adventures. Raw emotion is a fine thing.

Last episode was a cliff hanger, can't wait to watch this one through to see how you both are. I know I should comment after watching, but I just couldnt wait!

Good to see that Riles is semi-Okay for now and a plan is being made to care for his injury. Don't forget to ice the area to reduce swelling. Elayna thanks for the update. Glad to see you look a little better emotionally. Had to be real scary. Looking forward to the next update.

Elay seeing you suffer over Riley was upsetting and I hope its now gone. Riley I hope the neck has settled down and life is become more routine. Love you both otake good care. of each other.

Hey R&E or ER on SLV II, I was expecting much worse episode from what we saw and heard as heads up last week. Did you retroactively edited the episode after so many concerned responses to last week's episode? I wouldn't blame you if you did. It was great to see you doing OK at the end. I think I saw Riley with a tether for the first time like ever. Haha Looks like uneventful crossing this time. No flying sandwiches, rope hand burns or boiling water burns this time? That Outrmare boat is just way too comfy for you two. So next investment is neck brace and possibly a helmet for Riley just in case? haha Any luck on spear fishing down in Carib so far? Saw the post on FB with wahoo. Bummer Riley. Next time. Where are you heading next? Or what's the timeline for meet up with patrons in the US? It would be nice to stop by to say hello and have a bruskie. Cheers!

2 weeks on and you should have a good understanding of Riley's condition, hope nothing has come unstuck from your surgery and you're all G. Best call to keep going, sailing back to the Canaries uphill in 30 knots would have been hard slog single handed for anyone. Calm heads and steady hearts prevailed.

The strain on both of your faces. Pain, yes. But also a poignant sign of the feelings each of you have for the other. Take good care.

Fair winds R&E! We are all the wind in your sails! Hurry up next week for the next video. Next Sunday we head down to our place in Florida from Canada to catch some pre-summer warmth. Do we know where you two are going to be? We are located SouthWest and we are doing a jaunt to The Keys. Cheers to the possibility that our wakes will cross! Vaga take good care of those two k?

Good to see you're recovering Riley, can't imagine how hard Elayna's had it emotionally as well. Best of luck and stay safe, no risky business!

Glad to see it seems ok. Get an X-ray as soon as you arrive! Will your travels up the east coast of the U.S. bring you near Cape Cod?

Wish you were closer and this was real time. This is what I do, and see every day. After cervical fusion the segments above and below the previous injured area have to “take up the slack” of the two segments fused. The fusion also causes a loss of the cervical lordosis (curve) which, when intact, acts like a spring absorbing energy transferred to the spine in a head/ compression-extension injury. The absence of the lordosis and the fusion then puts more forces into the adjacent segment’s disc. You likely bulged or herniated the segment above or below the previous injury and it irritated the corresponding nerve. Which, unless there is a sequestered segment, I almost always recommend natural - non invasive treatments before any consideration of further surgical intervention. If you would like specific recommendations on those treatments, referral where you are, or just want to chat, PM me and I’d be happy to help any way I can. In the future, any issue big or small with the cervical spine, ICE 20 minutes on and one hour off directly on the skin on injured spot. This will minimize swelling, nerve pressure and damage. It’s best to use bag of frozen peas or corn if you have em. Directly on the skin. Yes Seriously....Commercial ice packs not the best, but ok to use in a pinch with thin cloth between. Dr. Mark D

Good things will happen to good people doing good things. That was a nice thought you had about wishing everyone could experience that view Riley especially in the condition you were in. That says a lot about you.

If you were drinking a Corona with that view... That was perfection.

Great video, great video....I'm looking forward to the next one. The previews looked like its going to be a fun one. After last weeks... and I know it sounds silly but for me (and I'm sure all your friends out here in the video world) I/we were worried. Glad to see Alfred make an appearance (ha) lastly, I concur. You have a great view from your porch ( looking out your back door🎶)

Wow, we are emotionally spent, even after seeing your tweet that you made it safe some time ago. Happy to hear and see the laughs. all the best. Wendy and Charlie

Sending good thoughts your way! (puppies, rainbows, grandmothers, kittens, bunnies, beaches, ice cream, chocolate, tiramisu, bob's burgers, working autopilot, intact nerves, eternal youth, belly laughs, following seas, brightest stars, music, great writing, love, adoration, kindness and caprese salad). ! . ! . !

Thanks for another great one and for sharing. I know that could not have been easy to relive through the process of editing and I'm so grateful for your efforts to share the unvarnished ups and downs. Hope there is one more name drawing for the FL landing and I have a little shrine I pray to each week that my name is in that hat ;-)

I am so glad you feel better and the sargasso seaweed will produce this Dolphins you are trying to catch! Glad to see you wearing you tie backs to the boat! Open sea sails are a event everyone should experience at least once. Hope you catch some night footage of the stars! I think of those who sailed before us in wooden hulls and no power what it must have been like for them?

Great episode guys! Elayna, it's great hearing/seeing you play. I'm sure that soothed Riley a bit, and brought positive vibes on board! ✨ I'm happy that by the end of the episode you guys were smiling and enjoying the peace and solemnity of the crossing. I can't wait for the next episode! 🤙❤️⛵️

Glad to see your injury wasn't too bad...... good Luck

Love when I see the Patreon emails! So stoked ya’ll are alright so far! Safe travels and let’s hope the auto pilot stays intact... had ours loose it’s bearing in soupy fog on a crossing... luckily noticed it before we were too far off course. Cheers!

Omg I hope you guys are alright!