A few years ago I was walking across the parking lot toward Sam's Club when I took a spill. It happened so suddenly that I didn't even know what caused it. I try not to use slippers (flip flops) when I go out anymore. I fell like a tree and my head was the first thing that connected with the asphalt. Someone passing by stopped and said they actually heard my head connect with the ground. Sam's Club called an ambulance who gave me an ice pack and wanted to take me to the hospital. I refused. The stars and bright lights that were hovering around my consciousness, not to mention the pain had subsided. I didn't want a fuss so I went home and took an aspirin and the lump soon went down.
The last time I was in Illinois about a year an a half ago I took a spill in the basement when I tripped over a rug. Down went my head on the concrete. I couldn't believe it! What happened to our protective instincts that should have brought my arms up to break my fall?
Is this what happens when we age?
My aunt apparently had a fall a week ago. Actually, she said she had several falls. There was a build up of blood between her brain and skull which caused increasing pressure until she collapsed. Luckily, my cousin found her and brought her to the hospital where they drilled a hole in her skull to release the blood. The doctors said our brains shrink as we age so there was more space for the blood in her head. They said that if this had happened to a younger person, it would have killed them. Within a matter of a few days, Auntie was almost as good as new and back home recuperating.
I guess we all have to learn from this. I will certainly take this to heart. Next time I fall on my head, I WILL check it out. I will be holding on to handrails. I'll try to be more aware of my surroundings. I've always heard that one of the biggest threats to older people are falls. I can't keep thinking I'm invincible anymore. That time is long passed. Sigh...
The last time I was in Illinois about a year an a half ago I took a spill in the basement when I tripped over a rug. Down went my head on the concrete. I couldn't believe it! What happened to our protective instincts that should have brought my arms up to break my fall?
Is this what happens when we age?
My aunt apparently had a fall a week ago. Actually, she said she had several falls. There was a build up of blood between her brain and skull which caused increasing pressure until she collapsed. Luckily, my cousin found her and brought her to the hospital where they drilled a hole in her skull to release the blood. The doctors said our brains shrink as we age so there was more space for the blood in her head. They said that if this had happened to a younger person, it would have killed them. Within a matter of a few days, Auntie was almost as good as new and back home recuperating.
I guess we all have to learn from this. I will certainly take this to heart. Next time I fall on my head, I WILL check it out. I will be holding on to handrails. I'll try to be more aware of my surroundings. I've always heard that one of the biggest threats to older people are falls. I can't keep thinking I'm invincible anymore. That time is long passed. Sigh...
It's good to hear that your aunt has made a good recovery. Shrinking brains are obviously good for some things;-)
ReplyDeleteInvincibility has departed this blogger, too. I use handrails, wear flat shoes or trainers and watch where I'm going.
Handrails are my friend! I always use them when the weather is bad and I'm not sure of my footing. Glad to hear your aunt is recovering well, having holes drilled in one's head doesn't seem to be such a small little procedure!
ReplyDeleteA while back a yoga teacher I had always emphasized being "grounded". It made sense to me; now I try to do that no matter what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your aunt is on the road to recovery.
So far my falls have just twisted ankles or skinned knees, but you are so right about the need to be more careful. Thanks for this reminder to slow down and hold on.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your auntie is better, but it sounds like she went through quite an ordeal.
a good reason to slow down...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your aunt is okay. Scary. Was it the blood build up that made her fall or was it the other way around?
ReplyDeleteOMG, falls are dangerous, no matter what age. But, the older we get it can be bone shattering. My sister a few years back fell in a parking garage and broke both her wrists and what a pickle that was, she ended up in a nursing home until she could manage. When she came back home I went to stay with her for three weeks, even then she was not all right. Thank you for the kind comments, I love all you guys, such good friends.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, actress Natasha Richardson (Liam Neeson's wife) fell on a ski slope in Canada. She refused to go to the hospital, because she felt all right. Two days later, she died due to swelling of the brain. Kay, you should have gone to the hospital after your fall.
ReplyDeletegood advice, Kay. You and your aunt have been lucky.
ReplyDeletePeople are paying more attention to head concussions nationally at least to football related incidents. The reason was that a concussion leaves you highly vulnerable to more serious damage to the brain if you bang your head before the first concussion fully heals or ever heals. Just other week the local high school quarterback here was taken off the field to recover from a quarterback sack but started convulsing a few minutes later. Fortunately, he was sitting on the bench. A second hit would have done him in. Now the rule is the player (even NFL) gets removed from the game immediately and remains off the field until medical personnel fully examines the party. And these are physically fit individuals. Tripping is bad all around. Just saying but it might put an older person out of commission for weeks if not months.
ReplyDeleteArnold had joked he was going to buy a HELMET for her to wear. Hmmm, maybe he'll buy you one too! ;) When I fell a few years ago, I didn't go to the doctor right away. I ended up with a frozen shoulder. It took months of physical therapy to get it back to normal. I learned my lesson. Nancy
ReplyDeletePS - Be careful!
Slooowww down. As we get older our brains get tired -- and shrink!
ReplyDeleteL.
Fall really do become a danger as we age. We should not just ignore them. My mom fell a few years ago and hit her head when she was out working in her roses at age 94. She crawled to the porch to drag herself to her feet. I had to really force her to get her to the doctor. Thankfully, she was fine.
ReplyDeleteI've wondered how your aunt was doing. I'm so thankful she is ok. Any idea on what caused her falls?
this is a very wise post that could save someone a lot of pain - or even life.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I slipped on my 'slippers' just yesterday. I'm gonna take this as a gracious hint to WEAR other footgear- something with tread. Otofuku's? (Big Island daze Art :-)
Thanks Kay. Oh, and now that I can cook, your recipes interest me
Warm Aloha from Honolulu;
Comfort Spiral
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Whew Kay -- your aunt was lucky. Almost all CT scans I glance at of anyone over 60 mentions the slightly "atrophied" brain. Sounds scary, but that part is "normal" as we age. Might want to check WHY she fell. It's usually because of low fluid intake and a drop in blood pressure, especially when older folks first stand up and trot off on some errand/task. If she is falling frequently, for some reason, that needs to be checked out, it's not just "age." Unfortunately, the multiple falls create some bad black eyes and brain injuries. Could have a home safety visit to make sure obstacles are out of the way.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should move slowly and hold on to railings, just in case.
Cloudia is just tripping over her slippahs 'cause she's got room to move around now, and room to fall, and gosh, could now start a fire in her big kitchen!
Aloha, DrumMajor
This is a good warning for us all. You were lucky, and your aunt is fortunate to be alive. And we're all thankful for that!
ReplyDeleteWow Kay, careful, careful, careful. In our previous house I fell twice in that stupid garage, the last time my head hit the concrete so hard that I bounced up into a sitting position, dislocating my jaw! I'm so scared of falling and very cautious...careful my friend. Carla
ReplyDelete