Well hell

[Doug M.]

I have only briefly mentioned this, but I had a bad fall on 12/29. The garage floor won and I had a pretty bad shoulder break. No skin was broken, so the surgery was urgent but not emergent. One of my doctors made a recommendation and formal referral to a surgeon that fixed him previously. Can't beat that recommendation.

The surgery was 1/10. Because I had not dialyzed for a couple days, there were some troublesome labs, and had to do hemo for the first time in about 21 months. The surgery was done in the afternoon. Coming out of anesthesia was slow and very painful. The docs and nurses took darned good care of me, and I tried not to be too much of a pain to them, but I felt pretty high maintenance. My wife was also treated very well as she caught up on my status. I am very restricted on activity, and the injured side is in a sling and useless. My pocket holstered G42 is the best I can do with my off hand, likely for weeks. I don't know when I can start back to work part time; next week at best.

The delay on transplant is the least difficult problem (major surgery/anesthesia need weeks between). The inability to drive means we are delayed in picking up the RV platform. I am also eating the stored up paid leave I was collecting for transplant, and my colleagues at work are burdened. My wife has to drive me around.

I'll make it, but it did adversely impact my ability to fake a cheerful disposition.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Sorry to hear that.
For an old guy I have to watch going up and down the stairs...

 

[Bugkiller99]

I'll make it, but it did adversely impact my ability to fake a cheerful disposition.

Certainly sorry to hear that. But the fact you end your post with the above statement bodes well for your recovery.

Oh, and I am soooo going to steal that line and use it!

 

[lihpster]

That sucks. Hope the healing is as quick and painless as possible.

 

[walkinghorse]

Prayers for a good procedure and recovery!
Right attitude as you are showing means everything!

 

[ladder13]

Keep on keeping on, Doug, you've been through alot.

 

[Onomea]

That sounds rough, Doug. Best wishes for a complete and swift recovery.

(BTW, when I express that sentiment, I write it, "Wail hail." Sorta better reflects how I feel in the moment.)

 

[JohnRippert]

All I can say besides best wishes for a good recovery is, don't stint on the rehab.

 

[DWalt]

Having a bad slip and fall is the foremost of my health concerns. It can put you down permanently. As the years pass, my concern over avoiding a fall has increased. I had a somewhat painful fall about a month ago but I was lucky and it resulted in no serious damage. But it did increase my caution level. I find myself watching my feet more and more so I don't stumble and trip. Also I am constantly scanning the environment to find things to grab onto in case I do slip. And I never run and try to avoid climbing if possible.

 

[Onomea]

FWIW, my sister-in-law had a bad fall about a year ago. Per my bro, after recovery, she found that Medicare would pay for six weeks of home visits for a therapist to work with her on improving her balance.

She likes the training so much that she has continued it by paying for it out of pocket. My wife has tripped and fallen three times in the last year when we've been out walking. No major damage, so far anyway, but it's scary, so I am gonna look into the above for us.

 

[WardenRoss]

Doug, Quigley and I said a prayer for you during your adversity.

Good days are ahead. Keep the Faith.

 

[326MOD10]

Focus on getting better after your fall and the others will understand having to pick up the slack.

I had a 5 year delay on a transplant because of another health issue and know what you are going through.

I will assure you after the transplant and you wake up and feel that difference you will forget all about this set back.

 

[Golddollar]

You folks just inspired me to clear the paths around my recliner.

 

[mckenney99]

Doug, sorry to hear about your fall and glad you were able to get the shoulder fixed. I'm sure over the years you have helped take up the slack for others when they needed it done, so now it is your turn. Get well soon.

I too watch and worry about falls around the house. I'm only 66 but I live alone and have 2 cats that love to get under foot. Secretly I think they are just plotting and waiting to get me down.

 

[Doug627]

Prayers for a smooth and complete recovery.

 

[ameridaddy]

Having a bad slip and fall is the foremost of my health concerns. It can put you down permanently. As the years pass, my concern over avoiding a fall has increased.
....
I find myself watching my feet more and more so I don't stumble and trip. Also I am constantly scanning the environment to find things to grab onto in case I do slip. And I never run and try to avoid climbing if possible.

You are working my side of the street, singing my song, reading my mind!

 

[ameridaddy]

Doug I'm sorry to hear that. Looking for a silver lining in the dark cloud, I'm awaiting shoulder surgery for torn tendons, and when I asked why so long in a sling after surgery, he told me bones heal quicker than tendons.
I hope only a bone is involved (still sucks) for you, and you recover your normal life quickly.

 

[jdlii]

Rehab is your friend, as bad as it may hurt. Best wishes and sending good thoughts for your full and complete recovery.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Doug, my prayers continue for you.

As you know 10 days ago my BP bottomed out and my tile bathroom floor rose to meet me. First contact was my tail bone. I saw stars I didn't know existed. It is starting to heal but the deep toothache type throbbing persists and sitting is an adventure.

Having cats I am giving thought to putting curb feelers on my Crocs.

 

[oink]

I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune. I pray for a rapid recovery followed quickly by a successful transplant and years of better health for you and your wife.

 

[Beemerguy53]

Doug, getting old is not for the faint of heart…but it sounds like you have the right attitude to handle it.

Prayers and best wishes to you for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

[TX-Dennis]

Prayers and best wishes to you, Doug M.

 

[Golddollar]

I too watch and worry about falls around the house. I'm only 66 but I live alone and have 2 cats that love to get under foot. Secretly I think they are just plotting and waiting to get me down.

Just keep reminding them who controls the can opener.

 

[schutz5]

Well Doug,you made some impact on the garage floor' s disposition,right?

Take care!!

 

[shell627]

I can't give that a like. But I wish you well and heal for retirement.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I had sore ribs from a fall on my lawn, for four weeks !!

I hope that you mend fast and the pain is minimal or at least
doable with meds, if needed.

I healed a lot faster when 40 than I do now.

I now use a slower gear and look a lot closer at things, as I move along.
Even a mat in the kitchen can bite you if you don't pay attention with slippers on.

May the rest of the year be safer, for you.

 

[BC38]

Sorry to hear about your fall Doug.
Lifting you up in prayer brother.

 

[Doug M.]

I was never graceful, but this kind of fall was new. Actual cause is unknown, but one theory relates to clothing and footwear. I had taken to wearing pajama bottoms and slippers much of the morning. The pajamas are by their nature loose and floppy, and with my phone in my pocket may have drooped enough to present a bad combo with my Duluth slippers, which I have found otherwise very comfortable.

I would normally have used some more spicy descriptions for this event, but I am trying not to max out points and asterisks. Hint: "Mom" is a title. "Mother" is a prefix. I did apologize up front to the floor nurse for what we call "Situational Tourette's" in my office; she was good about that.

All of the care was excellent. Considering I am pretty good sized the CNA explained some her choices in terms of fall risk, etc. The nurses did great with pain management, etc; normally I am not good with opioids and plan to wean off tomorrow, but the first 12 or so hours after I woke up were bad in terms of pain and coherence. I could nearly trip over my lips for the first couple hours. The oxycodone was inadequate, so I had 4 or so doses of IV Dilaudid too. I still did not sleep until I got home Saturday.

 

[lihpster]

Took a fall in my living room. Landed on the transition between the sunken living room and the hallway. Bruised a couple ribs. Hurt for a few weeks. I was however lucky it wasn't worse. Glad I didn't hit my head. In my case I tripped over stuff that wasn't supposed to be there. Teach me to put things away when I'm done with them. Watch your step, boys.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Doug, as we age I know the feeling. My balance is shot so I am careful about getting up to take a step. I use my cane for balance and have slowed my steps. I have found that falling hurts a lot. But my trigger finger is OK.