Two weeks in the hospital with two broken wrists

After waiting almost two weeks with two broken wrists for worker’s comp approval from date of injury to surgery I was spared being sent home alone and then spent two weeks waiting for another approval to be discharged from the hospital to rehab.  Although exceedingly frustrating, may have turned out for the best.  With the best of care.

Don’t think anyone really wants to spend time in a hospital.  Having vitals—blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature–checked every four hours gets old, especially at 3am.

Staff on the Med/Surg work three 12-hour days and changing of the guard happens at way too early 6am.  A few days after surgery one of my goals became “sleep” so the early visit didn’t happen if I was sleeping.  This is the time when my patient history was passed along and/or updated.  After the first week everyone knew my story and there was no change.  Well, except after I fell.

Spent five days watching Disney animations because I had nothing else to do.  Was a little difficult holding my phone for entertainment.

Room with a view

Finally, I talked folks, mostly the CNNs (nurses’ assistants), into walking with me inside, then outside.  And after several days earned permission to walk in the building by myself.

Almost halfway through my stay, a park friend brought my laptop and other stuff.  I was so excited to be done with TV ( haven’t owned one in decades) and have my connection with the world.  That same afternoon I got up to walk, caught my toe on the soiled-linen holder, fell in slow motion keeping my bandaged arms out of the way and landing gently on shoulder, hip, and knee.  Scared the shit out of me.  I laid on my back like a turtle and yelled for help as the call button was out of reach. Folks came running, I was helped up, sat on the bed and informed I’d now be belled and watched 24/7.  It’s hospital protocol.  I lost it and hollered/swore because I was so angry at myself. Later, after calming down, I apologized to everyone.  They are all professional enough not to take it personally but still didn’t deserve my wrath.  The bed alarm was turned on until someone could be called in to sit with me.  Strange knowing someone was in the room watching me sleep. Second night my “watcher” and I pulled an all-nighter.

Every day the plan was to discharge me to a nearby rehab facility.  Every day I took staff on walks introducing many to the invigorating waterfall energy and accompanying birds.  Another weekend passed.  I learned everybody’s name and story.  I met so many wonderful, caring people who love their job as much as I love mine.

                                                                             Right arm

Then the day came for two weeks since surgery.  X-rays were taken.  “There is a new compression plate at the distal volar aspect of the radius with improved positioning of the fracture fragments and some new callus suggested along the dorsal aspect of the fracture lines.”

Old stinky wrapped splints removed and velcro-closing braces put on, although removeable only for showering.

Final approval from the occupational therapist that I could wipe my butt and discharge orders begun for the next day.

Sending me home, two weeks from admittance.  No PT (physical therapy) or lifting over 5 pounds until after my next appointment October 9th.  Then PT until mid November, plus additional follow-ups months out.

My season at Bryce ends October 12th.  Haven’t figured this all out yet.  Could mean living in a RV park in getting cold Cedar City for a month.  Or maybe further, and warmer, south.

After a long afternoon including out to lunch and shopping, a park friend took me home to an inmyface, needy kitty and my own comfortable bed.  Nice to be home, with many challenges that require patience and physics.

I’m back to work light duty this week in a sit on my butt training.  From there, time will tell.  I’m trying to take one day at a time.

Cedar City Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital employing the best staff working together as a happy and efficient team, at least where I spent two weeks in Med/Surg.  Even the cooked to order variety of food, always delivered promptly with a smile, beat out the usual hospital cafeteria fare.  Plus the landscaping invites to walk the loop trail.  Gold stars and raises recommended for everybody.  But, about those beds…