Tuesday, March 08, 2016

Kudos to my daughters and one granddaughter

If you are my friend on Facebook, you may know this already. I slipped and fell this morning at 4:20 am, while trying to get out of bed.  Ever since my heart surgery, I've had trouble pushing up out of bed in the mornings. Today, my rear end slid off the mattress and then my feet slipped out from under me and I hit my left hip, shoulder and head. 


I prayed to get up off the floor, as my strength was not sufficient. It is hard enough with two arms, but when one is unusable - it is nearly impossible. Somehow I managed it eventually. I looked at my shoulder in the mirror and the large bump on top let me to believe that I had dislocated it. The arm and shoulder hurt badly, but my head was okay - thankfully. I woke Jim up and told him I thought I needed to go to the Emergency Room. He started to dress - assuming I'd drive and he'd go with me. But I knew it was going to be impossible to drive the ten miles to the hospital, so I called EMS.  (Our local daughter was out of town on business.) They arrived in about 15 minutes; two very nice people who were polite and intelligent. They asked a good many questions and then put me in the ambulance. 


Here in the neighborhood where we live, they promote something called the "Vial of Life."  I had only just filled it out yesterday and put it on the refrigerator, so it could be seen by emergency personnel. It consists of all medical and health information, including next of kin and contact info for both of us. It was a big help to hand them that, which included all my medications and dosages - and it saved a lot of time. 


The emergency room personnel took info also and sent me for x-rays, of course. After a short wait, my "nurse" daughter arrived. Jim had called her, just before she was headed out her door to go to work.  It is a necessity to have an advocate when you are in a hospital, and her presence was very helpful and calming to me. I am usually fairly accepting of medical stuff, but my BP was elevated, as often happens when I am stressed. Daughter stayed with us for hours and went out to buy lunch and get my meds filled. 


A very nice Dr.  Myles entered the cubicle and told me I had fractured my clavicle and torn a ligament. He examined me all over, and explained thoroughly what he was doing. I love a doctor who is good at communication!!


I was given pain medication and a sling, and told to keep my arm and shoulder as still as possible. I'm trying, but I forget and use it and then I remember why I ought to keep it still.  I have broken bones 4 times in my life - all small ones: elbow, little toe, big toe and now clavicle. It hurts like H*ll. I am sure glad it wasn't my hip or a large bone. The pain must be unbearable for those. 

Shortly before dinner, out of town daughter arrived; brought dinner and dessert and picked up other meds from my pharmacy.  She visited for a while and left to go and feed her husband. Meanwhile, my granddaughter who is a sophomore at UNC-G drove here and she is staying the night with us, in case I need help - as I am sure to. I have decided to sleep in my recliner tonight. I know I will not be able to rise from my bed in the near future. I know this could be worse; I could have fractured my skull or broken a hip - and I am extremely grateful that didn't happen. 

But I had big plans for this week, as warm weather has arrived and I was going to spend a good bit of time in our garage - sorting and bringing office things inside. I also had plans to have 2 high school classmates visit us here, along with one's wife, and I was planning to make apple pie. Now none of that will happen and I am so sorry to have to cancel. I have to keep reminding myself how lucky I am not to be in traction or a body cast or worse.  Now, in addition to the physical therapy I am doing for my hip, I'm sure to have to add therapy for my shoulder.  UGH.

I want to thank both my daughters and my granddaughter for their time and help for both of us today and any time we need it. You are all indispensible!!! and we are so lucky to have you.

13 comments:

Loren said...

Keep on keeping on.

Getting old is certainly not for the weak of heart.

Thumper said...

Oh man oh man oh man oh man...that sounds incredibly painful and I'm glad it wasn't worse, but...damn :(

Celia said...

I am so sorry to hear this, you've got a bundle of healing to do. What a blessing your girls are for you. Prayers you mend well!

Star said...

Sounds like the troops rallied, as they should. Do what you need to do to get better quickly. Experience tells me that the garage will still need organizing when you are ready.

Pat said...

Well Judy now we are even stevens. Both of us with four fractures (three legs and an arm.) And a pesky shoulder that pops out now and then. I am so happy for you that you have this splendid family back-up and Jim's moral support. As usual you are taking it on the chin and counting your blessings.
I salute you and send you the warmest and most gentle of hugs.xoxoxoxox

LL Cool Joe said...

Oh no, poor you. I'm so pleased your daughters and Granddaughter helped out so much. Just take it easy and look after yourself!

tiff said...

How good family is to have nearby, even in unfortunate situations. Now, just get them to sort out the garage for you and you're all set!

poopie said...

ohhh...lord honey! now i get it :) be still and keep the faith ^j^

OldLady Of The Hills said...

My Dear Judy.....I'm so sorry to read of your accident. And I'm so happy for you that it wasn't worse AND, most of all, I'm so glad that you have such a wonderful devoted family.Heal quickly, my dear....And Healing Hugs are coming your way.(((((((HUGS)))))))

Anonymous said...

As we grow older, it is just one thing after another, I swear. I am so glad it wasn't worse, but I know you are miserable and will be for a while. I hate taking those big pain killers but sometimes they are a blessing. You are fortunate to have family who will help--and so am I. I've been so grateful to them as you are to your daughters and granddaughters. All the other stuff will wait. Just grateful it wasn't worse.

Granny Annie said...

Oh dear, I am your FB friend but did not see this. Bless your heart. Falls are plaguing many of my friends right now and I had a close call last Saturday. It seems it is the most innocent of movements that catch us and throw us down. You and I both are so fortunate to have supportive family who rush to our side.

Anonymous said...

I told my mom your story. I always remind her to move slowly and try not fall down. It's so hard on our aging bodies. My 90 year old mother sends you her best wishes, as do I. I hope you are improving everyday.

Ginnie said...

Gosh, Judy, I can't imagine you went/are going through all this and still took the time to write about it. Please do what the Docs tell you to and I'm hoping for a quick recovery for you. As you say ...thank goodness it wasn't a hip...been there and it ain't fun ! All best wishes to you and your great family that is pitching in.