Saturday Calamity

Sometimes life manages to throw calamities at you one after another when you least expect it. We had just returned from Japan the night before on Friday and were busy on Saturday doing a ton of errands.

As I was climbing up the steps with my hands full in the afternoon, I didn't raise my foot high enough on the last step and fell forward.

I thought I'd be able to catch myself, but no. That didn't happen. I was dazed for a moment not knowing if I'd bruised myself somewhere.

Art came up the stairs, saw me on the floor, but when he offered a hand to help me stand, I realized something was wrong.

So off we went to Tripler Army Medical Hospital.

Art joked that they'd just have to pop my shoulder back into place like they do in the movies and I'd be back to normal.

When the nurse asked what my pain level was I could  say, "10" for the first time in my life.

I was sent to get my arm X-rayed which was a painful process.

The doctor arrived and said there were multiple fractures. He wanted more X-rays so back I went to radiology.

He said there were a couple of options on the table. The breaks needed to be measured to see if surgery would be required. Otherwise, my arm could be in a sling for a couple of weeks with about 8 weeks of healing time, followed by lots of physical therapy.

The second set of X-rays were not good enough to  make that determination so I was then sent for a CT scan. Meanwhile, the orthopedic surgeon explained the two incisions that would have to be made.

I was not happy about this.

On the plus side, once the surgery secured my bones, he said it would be stabilized and I wouldn't be in as much pain.

On the other hand, if I didn't need the surgery I wouldn't have the surgical scars but it would be more painful for a longer period of time.

Sheesh!

I was given Vicodin which let me tell you... helps, but not enough.

The CT scan showed that the two big breaks were running horizontal and vertical on the ball of the humerus, but the gaps were just under the amount where surgery was required.

I was relieved. I think.

In the days that followed, I had to take myself off the opioid because it caused extreme constipation. Prune juice, fiber powder, laxatives didn't make things a whole lot easier. The surgeon said I should take Extra Strength Tylenol because Ibuprofen would inhibit bone healing.

I was touched and surprised when family and friends suddenly arrived with get well flowers, meals, fruits, etc.

It's been an ordeal, but I'm truly blessed. Art is the best caregiver around knowing just how much to help without making me feel helpless. I'm learning what I can do with one hand. I'm so grateful it's the left arm that was injured and not my right.

All this makes me better understand what other people have to go through and this is a good thing.