The Unexpected Trip

Occasionally, we are forced to make room for interruptions into our daily activities. Welcomed or not, these interruptions are with us; forcing us to alter our schedule of daily events. Such was the case for me me Tuesday, July 8th.

Many times over the past few years, I have endured quite a few tumbles. Most, totally unexpected; and each time just getting back on my feet and brushing myself off. This was not the case on Tuesday!

As I got up from the couch; working my way into a standing position, the next thing I knew I was falling. As soon as my body made contact with the linoleum, I heard the 'pop'. My day, my week; and months to come have been altered in this one second.

The ambulance was here in just a matter of minutes. After replaying the past few minutes for the medics, I hear them say, 'now, we are going to have to move you to get you onto this inflatable sheet'. After what seemed like half an hour of trying to come up with a solution to moving me, I just gave in. The pain was next to excrutiating! I tried to 'zone myself out'. The medics carried out their part of the job. They had me on the guerney; and into the ambulance. The ride to the hospital was tolerable. I do want to say, the medics were very professional all the time.

My wait in the ER was not that long. I was given something for pain and IV fluids. I knew I would be having x-rays sometime before going to my room. Once again, probably within the hour, I found myself being placed on a table for x-rays. The pain was equal to what I had experienced with the medics. After the first x-ray was taken; and I was taken back to wait for my room, a technician comes and tells me we are going to have to go back to x-ray and have another one done, I begin to wonder how many times can I endure being moved before getting my problem resolved.

The doctor and the surgeon come in to see me after I am placed in a room. It is explained that surgery will be the next afternoon. They let me know what to expect; and that a lot of the recovery is dependant upon my reaction to the situation.

Surgery went well. I could hardly believe it when the nurses came in and said they would like to help me out of bed for a few minutes. Each time I got out of bed; whether to use the bedside commode or to sit in a chair; each time got easier.

Sunday afternoon, I was transferred to the Life Care Rehab Center a few blocks away. My goal, while here, would be to get back to a position where I could be at home; continue with therapy and take care of myself

Bright and early the next morning, the occupational and physical therapist were at my side; wanting to know when I wanted to do a variety of things. They did not waste any time getting me busy working with therapy. By the end of the day, I was in a routine of events.

I spent a total of nine days at Life Care; being discharged on Tuesday, July 22. I had been away from home for two weeks. For the most part, this was an experience. It opened my eyes also to a few issues ... which I will include in my next posting.