Yep, last Thursday, I was just merrily sailing along perfectly on the sea of Christmas plans when an unexpected fall totally derailed my life. I was on the top of the ladder, stringing around a red-beaded garland on the very top of the Tree when I fell backwards! Falling hard, my back at the waist level on the right side struck the edge of a heavy, unmoveable decorative wooden storage cube. After sliding to the floor, it took fully 15 minutes for me to "catch my breath!"
At last, my brain partially engaged and I asked myself several questions, after determining that I was, in fact, still alive (yes, the fall really was that hard!). Should I go to the emergency room? Should I go to the doctor? Should I call '911?'
With a painful effort to sit up, I decided that, although I had probably broken half my ribs, I could still breathe and didn't need to call an ambulance. I called my Angel Daughter, Carole, who promptly came over and took me to my doctor's office. Getting into and out of the car was an excruciatingly painful process. Yet, once upright, I could walk fairly well.
The doctor's office whisked me right into the exam room. I told him and his staff "I have to stand. I can't get on that (exam) table." No problem. After gently and quickly probing my sides, Mr. Dr. declared, "You might have broken ribs. You need an x-ray. Would you go?"
Knowing full well I would have to climb on the cold, rock-hard exam table, I whined, "Sure. I know I have to." Surprise!: there was an x-ray machine in front of which I could stand!! The technician helped and arranged me gently and got it over with quickly.
Long story, short: results: no broken ribs! So I just have a muscle sprain, tear, or strain, treatment for all of which is the same: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. After Angel Daughter drove through the pharmacy for me, getting a blessed painkiller prescription, she took me home.
Day by day, I'm improving, learning how to move to decrease pain, what few things I can do and those I have given up doing, temporarily. I can gather my own simple meals. I can work the TV remote. I can only sleep in my recliner at this point. I can take care of hygiene issues. My laptop is beside the recliner, as is my knitting.
At this point, I'm doing my part, being a good patient. All I need is time and I should fully recover. (One thing in my favor: I was in excellent health before this accident.)
Today, Angel Daughter, Marie, came over, brought lunch, cleaned up my dishes and dishwasher plus a few other things which required bending. Later, Angel Friend, Missy, also came over and brought dinner for several nights plus Holy Communion. I couldn't attend Mass yesterday, Sunday, or today, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Jesus' Mother. This ALL was very, very much appreciated.
My apologies to my readers for missing several days of this blog. The medicine makes me very sleepy and the lack of schedule has me disoriented as to what day it is, sometimes. I'll try to get a bit organized from here on out.
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| Keep a tool like this handy 'grabber' for emergencies. It reaches where you can't and will pick up even tiny objects you need. |
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| Here, you can see how the 'grabber' part works. Amazing! |
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| This afternoon I was staring out the window, happened to notice this giant hawk-bird sitting on my back yard fence. And I happened to have to camera nearby! He sat there for quite some time, hopped down on the dried-up lawn, then flew off. Funny how much ordinary beauty you can find if you have to slow down!! |
Dear Lord, why should I ever even think of planning! You have my life planned. I'm just going to show up and live it, with gusto! Thank you for my life!
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