KEY POINTS:
Injured caver Michael Brewer might have to rely on crutches to get around for the next six weeks, but at least he is at home.
Dr Brewer, who has a broken pelvis, was sent home to Riwaka from Nelson Hospital in time for the weekend, just days after his dramatic rescue from the Middle Earth cave system under Takaka Hill.
The painstaking rescue mission saw 68 people venture up to 400m underground to help carry Dr Brewer through narrow crevices and dangerous rockfalls.
He told the Nelson Mail he was still very sore, but able to walk "very slowly" on his crutches - providing he put very little weight on his left leg.
Before leaving hospital, Dr Brewer was made to pass a "step test", after describing the entrance to his house to occupational therapists.
He was "overwhelmed" by the number of wellwishers who had contacted him from as far away as America and Britain.
The next few days would be spent responding to them with his thanks, Dr Brewer said.
- NZPA
