As us Dark Sky Rangers were putting away the telescopes for the night I saw an asteroid headed directly toward us and knocked Ranger Jesse out of the way striking the asteroid to smithereens with my uncuffed Wonder Woman wrists, plus in the process, breaking both wrists.
The story of breaking both wrists began Saturday night August 17th. I had put the solar cones into the utility trailer, walked down the ramp to I thought the bottom, turned right and caught the narrow guidewire just above my right ankle falling forward with arms outstretched into pavement. Saved my face, except for a chipped top denture tooth. And instead a bad sprains, ended up breaking both wrists.
After I took body inventory, the Rangers helped me stand and walked me into the building where bags of ice were made up to rest my swollen wrists on. My hands were at about a 45° angle to my arms and swelling rapidly. Fingers still wiggled, no bone protrusions, massive pain (9), and we’d just finished a nine-hour day so at midnight I declined going to the hospital. Instead I was driven home.
I was in intense pain and couldn’t unbuckle my pants to take a pee before going to bed. I didn’t want to sleep in pee soaked uniform pants. Crying, softly yelling (I have neighbors), and swearing weren’t going to work so I called a neighbor who lives a couple RVs away, at now probably 1 am. She got me stripped down, helped me in the bathroom, gave me a couple of pain pills, and tucked into bed with an icepack held between my mangled wrists. She also offered to take me to the hospital and I declined. I just wanted to sleep, which I did immediately, but then fitfully until daylight.
I called my supervisor about 8:30am and he was upset not to have been notified the night before. He came right over saying I must have been in shock when walking into my sauna temperature house. It was warm outside as he helped me into his car. Then drove me to Panguitch Garfield hospital, on a quiet Sunday morning in Utah. The ER staff quickly settled me into a bed, hooked me up with saline, morphine, and some other things. Took multiple x-rays and prepared to knock me out to straighten and splint both wrists. I nodded multiple times and finally woke to being totally unaware it was done.
The original plan was for me to stay in the spare room at my supervisor’s house in the park but when we stopped at my RV for a few things my neighbor offered to help me at home, a definite preference. Her husband is a part-time Ranger. Another wife of a volunteer, and a Ranger also pitched in. The Bryce community came forward to help make me comfortable. I just had to learn to be on their schedule.
I began training folks the following morning for my quadruple, almond, mocha, breve. Easy to eat food arrived. The toilet room door was propped open as I couldn’t twist the round door knob. The worst was not being able to wipe my own butt. Sorry if that is TMI, butt, that’s what happens after breaking both wrists. Narcotic pain pills gone, every part of my body ached, and wrists at level 6-7 on the scale to 10. Nights were extremely difficult to get comfortable in bed. I took Tylenol and Ibuprofen alternatively every four hours.
Wednesday I was driven to Dr. Allen the surgeon in Cedar City. It’s not good. The findings: “Right wrist: There is a comminuted intra-articular fracture through the distal radius. Volar tilt is lost but ulnar tilt is preserved. There is associated mild shortening with resulting ulnar positive variance. There is also a likely mildly displaced triquetral fracture seen only on the lateral projection. There is overlying soft tissue edema.” “Left wrist: There is a comminuted intra-articular distal radial fracture with preservation of ulnar inclination with loss of the normal volar tilt. There is a well corticated ulnar styloid fracture, likely remote.” Not sure I understand any of that but to me translates to, fucked up.
Surgery could have been performed the following day, but had to wait for government approval from workers comp that can take from 7-10 days. So I returned home to Sierra.
Finally got approval and scheduled surgery for 4:30pm, Thursday, August 29th. No eating all day. A volunteer drove me the 1 1/2 hours to Cedar City hospital and I got a hotel room for us because there was no guarantee I’d be kept over night for the approved same-day surgery. Didn’t get rolled into surgery until 8pm and out at 11pm when it was decided I could be kept for up to 23 hours. A relief to me, and sure hope my driver enjoyed the nice room.
By the next morning I was sort of freaking out about being sent home alone with extremely limited mobility. I couldn’t even wiggle fingers. Then the hospital social worker stepped in and called Washington DC to say, they could not safely discharge me home alone. One thing the gov pays attention to is safety. I could have kissed her. Sent my driver home, settled in to the uncomfortable hospital bed, and turned on the TV for a Disney marathon while waiting to see what would happen next.
On a side note, typing with two fingers is my current PT.
Gaelyn, isn’t it lovely that you have such a strong support team in your park community? Be well.
I do fell grateful for my NPS family. Thanks.
That’s one thing I can say, that except for a bat shit crazy supervisor, my NPS family took care of me. Well, there was ONE co-worker who shall remain nameless who can go eat shit if she ever needs anything, but for the most part, NPS people are good folks.
That gal was brutal. Not the usual NPS team player.
Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear. You’re the second person I know with bilateral hand injuries. If it were me, I’d be having a major pity “woe is me” party, until I got a grip and realized I wasn’t helping the situation. Knowing of your usual independence, I imagine the forced dependence is one of the toughest things, assuming the pain is more or less under control. If it’s any consolation, friends and relatives who have had to be admitted to a rehab hospital have found them anything but boring.
Trying my best to keep a positive attitude for best healing. Loss of independence has been tough. I would love more stimulation and fun.
Omigawd! Heckuva post for two finger typing. What a nightmare, Gaelyn. Awful stuff with a few good parts, helpers, workmanship comp, government input, but oh oh oh dear. The pain and the recuperation are hell. Now wondering how this will play out for you as the season comes to an end. Wishing you the very best
Thankfully the pain is over, at least until PT. I doubt I’ll return to actually work this summer but I have been invited back for next summer.
Gaelyn, I kept thinking of you and very glad you managed to write this update. So sorry you have been having a hard time and being in pain is no fun at all. Wonderful news that you are getting a lot of support and are on the mend now. Sienna no doubt is loving having you home all day long. Keep getting well 😄
Thanks. I’m really not in pain now but that could change when I begin PT. Still in hospital and waiting to be moved to rehab so haven’t seen my kitty in two weeks.
Oh, Gaelyn, I can’t even begin to imagine how painful and difficult your situation has been and still is. So glad to hear your were able to stay in the hospital and rehab until you could do more. Thinking of you.
Except for still being in the hospital, I’m no longer in pain, but then recovery isn’t over. Thanks.
WOW!!!! I know exactly how you feel -I feel your pain–it was the 13th of Feb and after 72 turns around the sun a little piece of ice underneath my foot resulted in a trip to the emergency room, a trip to an orthopedic clinic and a trip to the hospital to repair two broken bones and a crushed ankle on Feb 14 (Happy Valentine ) and THEN two months of not being able to walk on my foot which meant wheelchair and walker and housebound — it has been 7 months now and I am not back to normal — willl never be i guess — Good luck – I hope you feel better real soon —Two fingered typing is good —
I am so sorry, and can certainly feel your. Sure hope you continue to heal.
So that’s why the sudden directive came from DC to string yellow caution tape around all of our ramps at Sleeping Bear. Just kidding, of course.:). Gaelyn, I can’t imagine the panic of ‘what the hell am I going to do now?’ must’ve been for you.
My goodness, you really have been through the wars, thank goodness for support. Having broken numerous bones I sort of know your hurt but thank goodness I have never done two arms at the same time. That is quite simply a night mare I do not need in my life. Glad you are on the mend all be it slow. Take care, thoughts are with you. Hugs, Diane and Nigel
Thanks. I’m getting better and will survive.
Hope that yellow tape glows in the dark. 😉 Sadly, I still don’t know what I’m doing.
Oh my you have had a very rough time! So very sorry. You do better with 2-finger posts than I do with 10! So glad you let us know about your accident. And it’s wonderful they can keep you in hospital or at least maybe a therapy/nursing home until you can do a bit more on your own. You are blessed to have a great support team where you are working to pitch in and help. I do hope they can continue to do that. Good friends are the very best thing you have right now. Prayers going up for complete healing and recovery—very fast!
I am so thankful to have been kept in the hospital but am tired of being here.
LoL! Smashing Asteroids
Just awful, but you know that.
I would have to do a lot of Zen zoning out to cope.
Good you got an invite for Rangering next year, just keep that Wonder Women outfit in a locked chest and throw the key over a cliff and leave asteroid smashing to movie heroes and CGI/computer special effects. Less painful and debilitating and allows one to maintain potty hygiene. We can never take the oh so necessary simple daily tasks for granted.
So… is it to early too presume a return to the Friday report by the ‘two fingered’ keyboard ranger. Something seems to be missing. My weekly routines are a bit off kilter since your asteroid smashing efforts. Balance must be restored…COL!*
Keep that positive attitude strong, Gaelyn.
*COL! _ ‘Chuckling Out Loud’
Hey, I really like that skimpy Wonder Woman costume. Hoping Foto Friday Fun will return soon.
No hurry. The fun will return in due time.
Complete recovery and your getting settled in for winter some place is a far more important trajectory.
It’s good to hear that you have a great support team and … insurance! We all wish to have you back on your feet and sharing your stories soon.
Thanks. The wheels of government insurance are very slow.
Thank you so much for the update. I’m sure all of your readers have been worried and wishing you well. So good to hear that the hospital didn’t try to send you home without proper help. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you. I could be moved to rehab tomorrow.
Since we hadn’t heard anything lately from you, my husband and I were just today wondering how you’re doing. So good to hear from you and that you’re hanging in there!! That is quite a story you share with your 2 fingered typing. Very good to hear you’re being taken care of. You are amazing!! Take good care and hoping for your continued full recovery.
Thank you for your concern. Doing better every day.
Wow! It goes to show just how important our friends are and so wonderful that you have such a great group of them!! Take care and continue healing ~
Don’t know what I’d have done without friends. Thanks.
very sorry you had this accident and that awful thing of how quick it is to have an accident and how long the healing takes.patient is certainly tested. I had to learn sleep sat up when I broke my shoulder a few years ago. also that awful thing of needing to be in hospital but not wanting to be there. my total sympathy.
Thanks. I also don’t sleep on my back but have a few times on the tilting hospital bed just not for long.
, My goodness what can I say that has not already been said by all your fantastic followers Gaelyn. You are so brave in even attempting to type an update with only 2 fingers that must be so painful. It is going to take some time for the healing process so in the meantime. try not to do too much. I know that is easier said than done when you as a person is so active. I was relieved to hear that you were not sent home by yourself, that would have been horrendous. It is nice that you will be returning next year that must be a godsend for you.I also hope you are able to claim some sort of compensation for your accident. Take care.
Not brave just obstinate and although not in pain can only type for a short time.
Sorry, I added the comment on my phone and I see above it has gone on to a reply to a reply to a reply!!!!!!! Get better soon, Diane
Oh my sure sounds like you had a painful time of it Nice that you are being taken care of and hope PT and recovery goes along quickly and smoothly.
Thanks. Pain will probably return with PT but I’m going to work it.
I feel so badly for you. Thanks for the update. There were parts I couldn’t read, I have a weak stomach!!!
I’m so happy you are being cared for. Keep up the progress!
Thanks. Probably not as bad as I made out.
For you, an independent amazing woman, I’m sure it is!
“Not as bad as” … Oh! Yes it is. Hard to imagine bad.
Your situation is of an extreme nature, and a wake up call for all of us.
I have another friend who broke one wrist about the same time as you, and he can’t imagine your situation. Sure made him grateful, though.
Pretty sure these bumps in the road won’t hinder either of you.
Your adventures never end, even if this is a fairy stationary one!
I could really do without this kind of adventure.
oh boy….the last thing you need! Or any of us for that matter. I am tying to figure out how I can help. Once you decide what you are going to do please write a post and let us know what we can do. I know your time there must be coming close to an end for the season.
Thanks for the offer of help. I am being taken care of well. Will continue to update as able. My work season ends mid-October.
Oh that sounds so painful Gaelyn and what a nasty piece of bad luck that was. Luckily you have people nearby to help but what an unfortunate interruption to your life. I broke a wrist badly in a motorcycle accident back in 1994 and have a screw in there now holdings things together. My wrist recovered totally and I hope you are as lucky as I was with no lasting repercussions.
Thanks, sure isn’t fun but with PT I hope for a good outcome.
Gaelyn, what an ordeal! I’m glad you got the surgery done and can stay in the hospital so you have help. Can’t imagine the hassle of not being able to use either hand. I admire your attitude and strength. So glad you can have your job back next year too. Take care. Look forward to your next update.
Thanks.
I’m so sorry this happened to you! You’re in my thoughts. Hopefully the pain will be better each day. It must be so difficult for an independent woman to need help with everything. Feel better soon, Gaelyn.
Thank you. Not currently in pain.
So hope everyday is alittle better.
Thanks. It is.
Wow, I knew it was really bad. I see on fb today that you may be going home. Great news. So sorry you are going through all this.
Thanks. I am going home tomorrow.
Gaelyn, I am sorry for your misfortune . Time is on your side as you need lots of it to get well. Take it really easy and don’t trip on anything in the future in your condition, as you have probably figured out. Please get well soon. I love your postings!
Thank you.
Oh, Gaelyn. How horrible! As for not being able to wipe your butt? No worries. We were all wondering anyways. I was in a similar perdicament when I dislocated my shoulder. I could not button or unbutton my pants, or pull them down or up. It is so hard to have to depend on others for these most simple and personal tasks. I hope you heal well and fast my friend. Sending gentle hugs from Maine. Thank God for that social worker!
A very humbling experience indeed.