Well, it's been a week today since the Particularly Nasty Slip and Fall. (Click the link for the FULL story). I saw my GP again on Friday, and he suspected that my right kidney is severely bruised, (along with everything else), so I have been on complete bed rest, which means I was only allowed to get up to PandP. I had an ultrasound yesterday, and it has been confirmed, the kidney took a blow. It is thought at this time, I will not need an surgery to fix it (YAY). Bed rest and fluid restriction should help it heal....in 4 to 5 weeks.
I am not taking any pain meds, for two reasons; one, they are not good for the kidney, two, I hate narcotics.
Amazing how much we take for granted in our daily life. I can't wear pants, they sit right on the hip where the pain is, can't wear a bra, there are multiple bruises on my spine in that area, thank goodness for robes. Can't dress or undress myself. I can't even bathe. I managed to have a shower last night with Hubber's help. I thought I would pass out from the pain, but I feel a LOT cleaner, so it was worth it... sponge baths just don't do it for me. Gosh I can't even wipe my own butt without experiencing shocking pain. Now that's a worry.
I can barely stand, sitting hurts, walking is damn near impossible, and finding a comfortable position to sleep, is not easy. I can't cook, clean, or work on my hobbies. Can't wash or blow dry my hair. Can't pick up and snuggle my Merfy. And... I can't bear to look at myself in the mirror. My face is strained, and I am an alarming shade of grey, my hair has gone fluey, and is falling out from the shock to my system.
I am trying to keep "busy", so as not to go insane. I can use the laptop in bed, I am reading, and helping edit a soon to be published e-book, and I am sewing a new sock critter. Beep and Sweet Pea are coming over for a visit later today, I haven't seen them in almost a week.
This accident came at such a bad time! I was supposed to babysit Beep this week (Spring school break). Plus, it's Hubber's and my 30th anniversary this Saturday, he was gong to take me to a new Italian Trattoria to celebrate.
I really think the worst consequence of all this, is, that my family and friends now see me in a new way (and it's not good). I am seen as feeble, weak and frail. I have been told that I should not, and cannot do all the things, that "normal" people do, for fear that I have ANOTHER fall.
Even my sweet Beep said "Gramma, you should not be allowed to go in the yard by yourself ever again. This is not your first fall you know".
I understand that everyone is concerned about my safety... but I slipped on the ice...I believe I would have slipped on the ice, with or without MS. People without MS also slip and fall on the ice.
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So glad you won't need surgery, but WOW, this sounds simply awful. Poor thing. Yes, people do slip on ice. My father, several years ago, did just that on a long flight on concrete stairs. He got off easy compared with you. I hope the bed rest goes quickly...can you load up on trashy magazines and watch crap TV/movies?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a tv or movie watcher, but I did dig out my old "Rosetta Stone" language course. I should be speaking fluent Arabic in 4-5 weeks! Okay, maybe not fluent, but I'll know how to ask where the bathroom is ;) We were planning a trip to Morocco before the MS hit, that destination is still on my bucket list!
DeleteKaren, I can't imagine how you must feel. I know that my "little" fall sent me reeling, and it's taking a toll, but I'm getting a lot better. I agree that MS probably played no part in either of our falls, but that's how people see us now. I hope you continue to get better, and that maybe that 4-5 week period will go by quickly.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Muff
Thanks Muff. BTW, no fall is "little" if you hurt yourself!
DeleteOh, geez, Karen, there ought to be a limit to misfortune and I should think you have exceeded yours by now. I do hope you find a way out of this that is more life affirming than just grinning and bearing it. But, speaking of the latter, you are very courageous and handling this with dignity and grace. I just hope you find relief soonest, and that this never happens again!
ReplyDeleteMore grimacing than grinning going on Judy! LOL. But I am very thankful nothing was broken, I could be laying in a hospital with a broken back or hip. I'm sure things will be much better in a month or two. I have lots of time to "read" now!
DeleteUgh! I'm so sorry to hear that you are still in so much pain. I hope the time passes quickly and you will be back to your old self in no time! Hopefully you can find some good books to read and movies to watch!
ReplyDeleteTime is crawling Jodi, but I am keeping as busy as one can while in a supine position!
DeleteOh Karen!
ReplyDeleteI have not had any time to read blogs... and here I am checking in finally after weeks of living in the abyss... and I find that you have taken a serious fall! Holy cow! I hate to read that you are in so much pain. I know it takes a while to heal but here's hoping the pain lessens during that process...surely it will...
Goodness gracious
The pain is easing a little each day...very little, but I am thankful for small mercies!
DeleteI hear you. I have also fallen over the last year or so - and most of mine probably have been MS related. However, with or without MS people slip on ice often. It is such a treacherous surface.
ReplyDeleteI think it comes down to having a life, or having an existence. If you do nothing, it won't be a life.]
Sending many, many healing wishes your way.
Thanks EC. MS won't keep me down, I have to much living to pack into my remaining years! I do think I may get ice cleats for my boots next year though.
DeleteOh Karen, to have heard Beep tell you not to go outside alone must have been terribly aggravating for you. THIS fall was not due to MS; I hope you told her that. And, once healed, you keep doing all that you can. There is no need to cloister yourself unnecessarily.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so glad that your kidney is just bruised. Though 4-5 weeks is a long time to rest it. But by then - It will be Spring! And hopefully the weather will be bit better.
I did tell Beep I fell from slipping on the ice, but she has witnessed me fall a couple of times (for no apparent reason other than MS). She is just frightened. I have no plans to sit around twiddling my thumbs once I have healed. I have a veggie garden to plant in the spring!!
DeleteThanks for stopping by eveyone!
ReplyDeleteIt is good the hear that you wont need surgery. Hope the pain lessens fast.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fast healer Jan, (not to be confused with a blue heeler). Each day things are a little better.
DeleteGolly, sorry to hear about your spill. Glad it wasn't serious.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to keep moving (even in your bedrest), reaching, bending, stretching to ensure you maintain your range of motion!
All the best!
I got up for my first walk about the house this morning, things have stiffened up, yikes! Once things have healed, I have to go to physio to get those ligaments moving properly again.
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