Prologue - Schu Falls

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Last Saturday, Aug 17, when the tree limb I was cutting smacked the 12 foot ladder away from me, I fell from the 9-ft rung to the ground, landing face-down using hands to brace the fall. I broke both wrists and my nose, and suffered much facial horror, but I feel lucky because head, brain, teeth, neck, back, arms, legs, internal organs are all okay. A bruised knee has temporarily slowed my gait.

Here're the gruesome photos:

I'm also lucky because witnesses were immediately dialing 911, while insisting I stay in place. I always was fully conscious, though worried if all the blood I saw might mean I would black out. I didn't know where that little pool was coming from. (Noses bleed.)

Paramedics were there in 5-10 minutes and I was in surgery at St Mary's Hospital in probably an hour and a half. I was also lucky that a respected orthopedic surgeon - Steven Saslow - got called in to work on my wrists while a reputable plastic surgeon - Alberto Navarro - happened to be there and stitched my face (already looking much better than photo taken Monday, Aug 19).

For days I was assured that on release I could enter an intensive physical therapy center - Morse Geriatric. I was glad because both hands are nearly useless. I can't dress myself. Shoulder/elbow flexibility accounts for finger on each hand hitting keyboard, allowing computer use.

United Healthcare insurance - probably with orthopedic's recommendation - nixed rehab because with my wrist wrappings and external fixator, there's very little I could do with even the best training. Therapy contingent on okay from orthopedic ( Dr. Saslow)

I'm staying with a friend, Chris and his girlfriend Paige, at her top-floor condo, overlooking swimming pool at The Prado downtown WPB. I've got my own room and bathroom.
Photos from their website are accurate portrayals:

"My" bathroom

 Chris and Paige are CNA's and taking classes at PBSC to become RN's.

I'm close to helpless with external fixator (photo above) in left hand and internal pin plus wrappings around right hand preventing wrist motion. Can't grasp things well - tough to twist a lamp switch, impossible to tear open any sealed paper or plastic. Hard to move a sheet or pillow when in bed. Falling asleep is frustrating with frequent wakings, but I'm catching on to little ways to facilitate.

Happy to be out of hospital. Chris is a good cook and and both are wonderful care-givers. I'm blessed to know them well-enough to have intruded on their lives.

I'm scheduled to be a groom at a wedding in California Sept 21 for former student now in Navy. I believe I can still make it - though I'm wondering about fitting tuxedo if left arm still has fixator attached. We'll see. 

Phone calls today (Thursday) assure me I'll get home visits for therapy tomorrow, and for wound care - although both people here can do that. 

AND...Chris and Paige are wiping my butt! First post-fall BM this morning! 5 days. Pain meds first few days ruined my rhythm. I haven't taken any since ?? Monday morning. Hated how they constipate and also made me thirsty. I took none after 2nd surgery Tuesday afternoon - carpal tunnel release. My father had similar pain tolerance. I guess I'm unfeeling.

Appointment tomorrow, Friday, deciding if stitches can come out (7 days)

Its hard for me to manipulate phone. I know your prayers and wishes are with me. I hope to satisfy with notices of blog updates.

This too shall pass.

A few more photos.
The Prado is less than a mile from my home, 2 blocks from "intracoastal" waterfront, and short walk to downtown grocers and MANY restaurants.

Hmm. I shoulda done this sooner.

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