Surgery and Other News | Jaime update #6 

You can always gauge the character of a man by how he reacts through adversity. You the man.

Jaime. I had a similar accident with a skill saw. No where near what happened to you. I was down. I thought my life would change forever. It caused depression. Yet. To see what you went through. To see your positive attitude. For you to find a level of humor. You lifted my spirits. As much as I’m sorry, I’m equally thankful for you. By documenting this injury, you are inspiring others. Thank you.

I’ve been a builder for 12 years and in the trades for 20...in my time I’ve seen people injure themselves pretty bad. Yet I’ve never seen a man bounce back like this before. Your spirit is one of rarity. Cheers to you bro!!!

Much respect for still being in the field .. I am a carpenter with 38 years exp. ..Hands over that many years get smashed .. It's inevitable . I fell 30' years ago and did the Nestea Plunge and snapped every bone in my left hand .. Then in 2012 .. Aggravated on the job with all the loud music .. Thought I'd put in my MP3 and void it out the noise .. Skilsaw in hand and barely paying attention .. Trying to save that brittle end of a piece of cedar siding .. Bammm .. ran the saw right across my hand .. detached a finger and mowed off my thumbprint .. Fortunately a few year earlier , I had built a home for a hand surgeon and when the call came in that it was Me .. He did his best and fixed me up and saved a finger .. Never asked for a dime .. He said it was his way of paying me back for doing such a good job on his home .. Last year I noticed my right hand thumb nail becoming brittle and darkened .. Went to a Dr .. told it was a fungal infection .. I worked in pain for a year .. Just me and another carpenter built framed , sided and trimmed a 7,000 sq ft home .. Nobody ever saw my hand without a blood stained bandage .. I maintained .. Until one day , ready for work .Picking out my jeans ,, I dropped them and the coathanger hook ripped right through .. I tried to tough it out .. I finally called The Hand Surgeon .. I hadn't looked at my hand in 2 months .. always bandage changed in the dark with a bucket of soap and bandages laid out .. I unfurled my hand to the surgeon .. His eyes widened ! "Oh man " It looks like melanoma . Cut a couple of chunks off and sent away for biopsy .. Eventually the News !!! .. Stage III Melanoma , The thumb had to be removed and other surgeries .. Had to have a port put in my chest for chemo . I am a carpenter and this is all I have done . I also have been playing guitar semi-pro since 1979 .. My heart broke of not having use of my thumb any more ..So I went to work learning to grab a saw again .. No problem and making use of the other fingers . The Chemo makes me sick . but I know I gotta keep on keepin on .. Some days I about throw up and pass out from the sickness .. By The Grace of God .. I was asked by a helpful neighbor to design an addition for him and build it .. Pencil to paper .. I created a masterpiece . At no charge .. I said this is my swan song and I have to do this before I die .. Last night I told him " If I am at only 50% strength that day , I will give you 100% of that 50 " .. I am relying on God to walk me through this and show me the way as always .... No matter the pitfalls and things that slow you down ..Keep on .. Funny thing the other day .. When describing how accurate the form work was dimensionally.. I took my finger and "Thumb and said it was only this far off .... I was trying to describe a 1/16" when my fingers represented a 1-1/2" His wife fell down to the ground laughing and laughed straight for 2 minutes .. It was funny !!! .. The keys to any thing . Always laugh . accept the loss , do your best and my secret weapon in all my years of carpentry .. Pray!!! .. When you run into something that seems too hard to figure or unravel . That tool is prayer .. The best tool I have ever carried .. Sometimes in the past I asked " How did I figure that out " and amazed that mistakes turned out to be opportunities .. When homes are finished .. I always look at awe .. When Thanked .. I say . It came through me .. Thank God not me and I couldn't have done it with all those that worked with and for me .. Always put your heart into what you build .. Even if it took you longer to do your best .. Good work will beget food on your table and a good nights sleep being wore out . It will make you jump out of bed in the morning , Excited for the day .. Take Care .. I love young carpenters that reach and put their best work out there

Your compliance with the physical/occupational therapy is an inspiration.

You’re doing awesome, Jamie. Already operating better than a bunch of carpenters that I know. Your mental strength is amazing. Keep at it, man.

"It's not as bad as Jaime's" - 11/10 I hope that if I ever face such a life-changing injury, I take it with as much humour, positivity, and grace as Jaime

Be careful who you get the fingers from, some of them guys there is no telling were their fingers have been!!!LOL🤣🤣 Glad too see your comeing along so well, 👍

Jaime, you have a great attitude and an awesome support crew, which is the most valuable thing a person needs in life. I've been going to physical therapy for 21 years for a multitude of injuries and surgery rehabilitations. My last injury ultimately cost me my job, as I did it at home and didn't have enough sick time to cover a long recovery. After 25+ years with my department, I was suddenly done in a matter of moments. It was tough. Keep focused and do not dwell on what you can't do. Focus on what you can do! You are an inspiration and I, for one, appreciate the efforts that you make, the challenges that you endure, and your successes. Keep up the great work, and thank you for sharing your progress with us!

Great to see how good your healing... love the support from your work family as well. Prayers continued and blessings

You sir are such a inspiration to others your mental attitude to your situation is immense....respect.

Keep on that physio. As someone who never went for it and was really lax with the stretches from the dr, I can tell you a bad injury will get worse if you don't put the work in now. (10+years later and I still have limited mobility in my wrist when I should have been fully functional again after about a year)

I was listening to you and the guys laughing and joking about your hand. It reminded me of growing up listening to my dad and anyone that just happened to be at the house. My daddy lost both legs when he was 21 in a car accident. Some years later he and my mama met in front of the theater in our small town. They had us five kid's. We grew up not ever seeing him with his real legs. My daddy had the best attitude about losing his legs. He new every joke you could think of about one leg no legs or arms. I know I'm rambling on but I'd like to thank you and the guy's bringing back fond memories of just listening to you. My daddy and other men of his generation and like all of you are what set an example of how real men should be in my eyes. I love watching your video's.😊

Been following and watching all your vids. Finally got to these and didn’t realize it was so recent. I’m impressed with your teams building skills, attention to detail and good natured humor. I can say now I’m impressed with your character. It takes a strong person to bounce back like that so quickly. You’re a tough son of a ...

I was born with dwarfed fingers, not much longer than yours post-accident. I empathize with your new-found challenges. Improvise, adapt & overcome.

Your videos have helped me stay positive I just lost a thumb after a sneeze while running boards through a table saw. Just thank you.

My older brother hurt his hand pretty bad recently, and he called and said "Looks like you're next", because a few years back my younger brother hurt his hand as well in a window repair accident. I had to remind him that when I was two I fell down the stairs into the basement and damaged my finger and it never healed. So I was actually first. My hand was very different and I learned to do things (adapt) but I never really felt whole. I leaned how to play piano, work on computers and live a "normal" life. There is no Normal. It's your attitude and outlook that make life worth living. Your attitude on display is great!! In those quiet times, just know that you are helping so many people with your story. Anyone who has challenges, just know you are not alone and we can all get through this together. We have two hands for a reason, and we have each other if someone is missing something. God Bless everyone on this thread.

Have been watching your videos off and on for a year or so. Just learned today of your accident. So sorry that happened, but your attitude is inspiring for dealing with any adversary. Quite impressive. On another note, I have a vintage jointer without a guard, been using it for about six months, always in the back of my mind to make a guard. Unfortunately, your accident is making my jointer guard my top priority in my shop before I work on anything else. Thank you for sharing your story, your quite the man. 💪👍🇺🇲

Man, Lost 4 fingers and still smiling? That's really inspiring. You are very positive. If people have the same attitude there will be no more argument. I like your inspiration.

You don’t need a finger from each of your crew...only half of each one! You don’t know me, but everyday you’er in my ear telling me to learn something new, work smarter not harder, and keep my head in the game and work safe. Thank you my friend!

Your positive attitude is inspiring

You are a rockstar Jaime and I love that you hang out with your kids while doing your rehab. Keep on Keeping on!

As a hobbyist woodworker I had a table saw accident. Cutting the tip of my index finger badly. I have a ptsd type issue with my table saw now. Watching you go back to working with your jointer give me the gumption to get back at it in my shop. Thank you for your inspiration. I greatly enjoy your guys videos keep up the great work.

What an amazing attitude you have. You are a blessing to all who enter your life and share your life.

God bless you all

Great positive attitude, brotha!

So glad to see Jaime doing better. Also happy to see the sense of humor too.

Man the way that you talk and see how was the accident, I can tell you that you did it pretty well with the recovery, mentally and emotionally, congratulations man

Since my spinal injury I really miss golf, glad you managed to get back to it. Good luck with the rest of the medical interventions and rehab.

I love your positive attitude!!! Keep it going. You inspire me!!

wow you are one tough guy! my heart goes out to you man, stay strong

You'd still kick my butt golfing. Great attitude and best wishes.

Thank you for sharing your traumatic experience! I am about to start an carpentry apprenticeship and needed this reminder to always respect the tools. Praying for you

Since I saw you in the hospital, You have come a long way. Attitude is totally amazing, And your hand looks pretty damn good. All these guys you sit in with Is this called, The bad hands group. You're doing really well. See you later.

Your co-workers know how easily and sudden an accident can happen....They will be quick to poke some shit at you, but they love and respect you and what you have been through. Keep the faith!...

Man I'm sorry this happend to you my man. You guys really do great work and I look up to you guys.. God bless

A wonderful attitude and dedication to your therapies will get you the farthest from your accident. You can still do just about anything, you'll just have to learn how to go about it now. Just a quick thought. They have "Steering wheel spinner knobs" that allow you to attach a ball to your steering wheel for easier steering wheel movement and control. You can use you right hand or your left, whichever feels best for you.

Good to see you making forward progress. Stick with your physical therapy and I hope your surgry goes well.

Glad to see you’re getting better good luck with your surgery!

First i want to say, "i love this channel..!! Ive been carpenter for 18yrs and enjoy comparing our methods.. But i just want u to know my father lost his leg in an accident and things r hard at first but everything will get easier with time.. Just believe in yourself and never take no for an answer..

The mentality and positive character this guy has attained is amazing. It's also makes me grateful for things I barely notice...

Jamie, you are a very brave person. I can’t image the trauma, physical and emotional, you’ve been through. Props to you!

Glad to see you sticking to your home exercises program 👍 I bet your PT/PTA is happy.

For some reason it just seems wrong to give this a video a "thumbs up" but I'm glad to see you making great progress. Carry on my friend....

If everybody in the world had your fantastic attitude, the world would be a far, far better place. I'm glad you're doing well. Please keep your followers posted.

Jamie - It’s great to see the progress that you’ve made. Prayers that this next surgery goes well. God bless bro.

Oh snap! Jamie you're the man.

so graphic and honest... answering what people are always to scared to ask... tks

Chicago native here been framing in Az for 3 years and been a construction worker since 17, 37 now and Man I admire your gumption.

This guy golfs better with 1 and a half hands than I can with two fully intact hands.

Impressive, your attitude and general outlook are amazing. Trust me everyone of us is very impressed with your resilience and ability to adapt, stay strong like we know you will. You are the example I will use to inspire others that I encounter who are struggling.

I started watching you a few months ago and went back to see what happened to your hand and this is funny and heartwarming at the same time

Give you great respect for stilling working, Great outlook it will get you far.

Glad you survived, looks like you’re keeping the best attitude with great positivity. 🙏🏻✝️

Your Awesome!! Great sense of humor... I Pray you overcome as many issues as you can from not having your full use of your hand.. Take care and be safe...

Those physical therapy exercises make my hands hurt just thinking about it. Jamie is strong mentally and physically. Keep it up brother! 👍

Thanks for the update Jaime! Yes in this day and age transplant therapy should be an option. I love your positive approach! Mike from Bruce County, Ontario. BTW I am building an addition to a 60 year old cottage on Lake Huron. It had no footings but was built on Stoney ground close to the limestone bedrock. It has held out surprisingly well. I have just framed the footings with rebar.... Lol. Love videos - keep on Rockin’! 💕💕🎸🇨🇦

Glad to see that you're doing well.

I don't know why watching the video gives me the shivers, it's just a video.

Seeing that putty exercise reminded me of Charles Bronson in the Mechanic, where when he was waiting for his target he would use a ball of wax and squeezed that while waiting, which made his finger strength stronger, I think at one point he showed someone where he put his pinky and ring finger into a wine glass and spread his fingers apart and broke the glass. keep up the exercises from your recent videos you show your ability to adapt to a very high level, kudos to you!

Your attitude is what will make you very successful. When I fell three stories I broke almost 80 bones 5 vertebrae in my neck, five in my back, seven ribs a couple of toes on each hand it was real bad wasn't suppose to make it through the night here I am 32 years late it's not about what happened to us its about what we do with our lives after the accident. Your going to do very well Jaime I pray for you bro.

you are one tough MAN # RESPECT God bless you guys at work

Humble guy much respect

You are an amazing spirit. Much respect for your positive attitude and the joy you spread. I also learn a lot from your videos.

Thanks for the update Jamie! You have such a great attitude I started doing my physical therapy after watching this video.

I feel your pain. I have a middle finger with the same problem. About 2 months after I lost it, I reached down to shift my truck, rammed the stub straight into the shifter, and felt the buzz all the way to my toes. Don't worry, 30 years later, now it doesn't affect me the same. Switched from standard to automatic! 🤣

I am so sorry you lost your fingers, I pray the Phantom pains are not bad for you. my father had cut the fingers on his hand after seven years of using

Best buddies! You're a tough guy, Jaime! Stay well!

Great humor Jaime. Excellent attitude you had me laughing good I. The first 15 seconds. Makes me real happy that you have that outlook.

Stay strong Jamie I love your videos and that of your team. I have an immense admiration for you. For all the inspiration you've ever given me, I'm grateful. Keep your spirit high. God is always with you

awwww man what a great video ... Jaime! you guys have a great sense of humor.... may the outcome be favorable always Perkins Brothers!!!!

We are glad to see that your doing a lot better. My family and I love watching your videos. From NH

That's a hell of a sense of humor you have their Jamie keep it cuz you can go far in life with it

Love your positive attitude. Keep up the great work.

It´s good to know you recovered quite well Jaime. Stay safe dude and keep on Golfing!!

PT, hard work, takes comments, "stay strong"! Hope surgery goes well and the results are good for your recovery 🙏 🙂 👍 😊

Inspirational, I hope God has beautiful things for you in the future, best wishes for your surgery

Nothing will get you back in action faster than a great attitude. Hands down---middle fingers included. Also the great attitude of your buddies makes a difference. As far as donations go, I like the offer of the middle toe.Gimme his info quick. I am a mani/pedi lady and have been for years. I lost the big toe, second toe and most of my arch after a Brown recluse bit me 6 or 8 times because I disturbed it in my snowmobile boot. It was really pissed. So I haven't been putting pretty colored polish on my toe nails and I miss the flash and sparkle. So I think I could get 3 middle toes from several male volunteers and train those toes to accept nail polish. What do ya' think??? If you're not going to use them as finger transplants maybe we could work out a deal. Best of luck all you guys.

Glad you are doing well, best of luck with the surgery!

Im glad youre better. This healed quickly.

Flicking water off of your 'fingers' literally made me laugh out loud! The things we all take for granted!

Glad to see you doing so much... keep it up and I hope the surgeries help.

You are a champ bouncing back like this.

Dang buddy, you bounced back good. I lost the tip of my middle finger when I was 10. The pain was never the problem, it was the phantom itching. I can’t imagine 4 at the same time.

I'm loving the hand updates!

Keep up the positivity Jamie, you’re doing well

Wish you the best! Stay safe and well!

Nice too see Jaime is doing well

I got so lucky with my jointer accident, pinky only, clean cut with extra skin left to cover the wound. Just stitches and recovery. Very weird to balance the feelings of I’m an idiot I still can’t believe i did this and I’m so lucky, this isn’t even bad. Good luck dude. The body is amazing, you will adapt and recover.

Ouchy. So sad. New subscriber. Now I worry even more while my 3 sons are builder carpeters. One was already impaled that cost him $3.4 hospital and helicopter bills.

Your spirit is great, man. My dad lost his entire right arm past the elbow in an accident when he was 14. He was electrocuted in a farm accident and they had to amputate. They told him he would never have kids and would never really "recover". He kept the same attitude as you and went on to ride motor cycles (with his prosthetic arm), fly planes and drive stick shifts. I'm the oldest of 5 kids, and it has never been a handicap to him or us. The one thing he got tired of is always being asked by strangers what happened to his arm so he started making up stories. I was like 14 before he finally told us what happened. LOL It became a thing, he would always have to make up a new wild story on the spot when asked by a stranger, and we had to try and keep a straight face. He's a really good story teller so his stories would get wilder and more animated every time. IT. WAS. HYSTERICAL.

wishing u the BEST!!! Very positive.

From a golfer’s point of view- your swing still looks very good, but your outlook is even more impressive. It reminds me how I should act towards my daily small problems. Couple that with Proverbs this month, and I wonder what I should ever be upset about.

Really good to see you doing so well! Thanks for the update, and keep up the great work!

Hello friend...you still have a nice hair line! Seriously, I'm 33 and I'm forming a strong culdesac. Kudos to you brother and your good attitude! You know you have a good team around you when you can laugh at each other. Two thumbs up!!!

Your amazing keep going living life 👏👏

I love your positive attitude and humour! Never change =)

Sorry to hear about that after just watching your stair stringer video. I had a scaffold break and I fell 20' landing on my feet and blowing up my left heal. Hurt like hell for a couple decades. Now I hardly notice it. Shit sure happens.

Great attitude! God bless you! You will be pretty successful

Ya doing pretty good young-in. Keep up the positive attitude, don't rush it to fast, you'll get there.