Friday, April 16, 2010

When it rains, it pours


Seems there is alot going down around here. Literally.
We got Rich home yesterday afternoon and he is doing well. Happy to be home, not gaunt and underweight like last time ( despite wanting to get to his TDF climbing weight like last time) he is happy that he isnt a winner of this visit's MAYO BIGGEST LOSER.

My Mom, on the other hand, took a fall this morning at the YWCA. The superstar 80 yo was hustling to get to her elliptical for her alloted time slot and...boom. Down she went, tripping over the leg of the elliptical and taking an assault to her chin and her kneecap. I had just finished my swim and was headed to Nina's for coffee when she called me. Back i went and Troy ( super TRX Troy) had her taped up and iced. Good man.

Since i am a frequent flier at Summit Ortho I got her in and she saw an MD at 1oam ( about 90 minutes post fall) My dad and I coordinated the driving and as in the past, he was a trooper and got her where she needed to be. Sidenote: my dad is 82 yo and is about as agile as they come. He loves to show us all the "correct" way to balance on one leg, eyes closed, etc...then bend down and do some knee bends, then go out and cut down some tree's with his chainsaw.

Diagnosis: Fractured Patella. I emailed Kari to tell her " I win!" and she replied..."huh? what did you win? another patient?" and sadly I told my mom before her xray "bet ya fractured your patella." Sick PT mind i have i know.

Prognosis: Immobilized 6-8 weeks in a straight leg brace, no stairs ( um 4 story house) and a walker. I am pretty sure that the arthritis she has in her knee means there will be no pin and actually if it isnt cracked in two, just cracked, I guess a pin doesnt make sense. No need making her more uncomfortable.

But like most things my mom has a high pain tolerance. She said she feels more comfortable standing up than sitting down:) Any drugs mom? Nope.

Sigh....I told her that i would far prefer, as would she, to be running back and forth to the ortho doc's as opposed to the cardiologist, the oncologist, etc....

Hopefully she can get back in the pool sometime soon but i guess until that bone heals she is stuck in that dang immobilizer.

Chin up Mom, at least it's spring!! And Ruby will be at your side as will the rest of us. But Ruby will be GLUED to your side!!! And when i say glued, I MEAN IT! see below:)

11 comments:

NorthShore61 said...

Oh Aunt Helen - what a complete bummer! I'm impressed by the pain tolerance but no heroes required - manage it carefully! Will be checking in - I'm sure there're some things we can help with! Stay positive, comfortable, and call on us anytime. Love you! Susie & Patty

Trigirlpink said...

Ahhhh Ruby! Such a cute.

Immobilized 6-8 weeks in a straight leg brace, no stairs ( um 4 story house) and a walker.

eeeks.. this makes TGP SHUDDER.

Sounds like Mom is a tough cookie and Julia will be EXTRA busy.

cheryl said...

oh, that's awful!!!!!! But you gotta love Ruby. She will help keep a good eye on your mom.

Running and living said...

As I was reading this the first thing that popped into my mind was, "Wow, those are some great genes". Then I felt bad about your mom, of course, and about you, for having something else on your already full plate! Hang in there, "there should be sunshine after rain.."

Melissa said...

Wow, your mom sounds really active and fit (you dad too!). Hopefully that will help with a speedy recovery, but man...

Ruby is a cutie pie, I bet her presence will account for at least a 10% decrease in recovery time :-) Maybe you can find a harness and have Ruby pull your mom up all those stairs? I know the same theory works with dogs, leashes, and hilly runs.

Beth said...

Oh no!! Sounds like your mom will take it all in stride though. Thinking of you guys. Wrap yourself in some bubble wrap until Texas!! ;)

Michelle Simmons said...

Oh no! So sorry for your mom! Sounds like she is a fighter though (as is your dad!!) so hopefully she'll be up and mobile again asap.

Anonymous said...

Oh man, it really does pour :(. I'm glad Rich is back home and your poor mom! She sounds similar to my mom who just had knee surgery. And Ruby is TOO CUTE with her face attached to your mom's side!

mjcaron said...

Hope your mom is healing well. Ruby is so cute. What a great dog to hang by her side :)

GetBackJoJo said...

What a cute pup!
Glad Rich is home... Glad he didn't win the MAYO Biggest Loser... but sorry about your mom. That sucks for her--and makes for a busy Julia. Hope you're doing okay taking care of everyone... hugs

Angela and David said...

So sorry for your mom but sounds like she's one tough lady and my guess is she's back to her normal routines in no time.

Glad Rich is back home!