Accidents Happen . . .

Only a few weeks ago I was kicking it. I was getting back on track with my quest. I had pulled out my fabric and began cutting pattern pieces for my corset and other sewing projects.

And then it happened – a freak, yet predictable, accident.

I don't exactly know the mechanics of how it happened, but I blame 2 things - Retinitis Pigmentosa (“RP”) and the way I rush around ignoring the fact that I have RP.

My photo from 2008, the dark clouding around the edge is the speckling

For those who don’t know, Retinitis Pigmentosa is a degenerative genetic eye disease with no cure. It attacks the rods and cones within the retina. This disease is progressive and for many causes complete or partial blindness. It can be seen on photographs of the retina as black speckling.

In my case, RP became noticeable when I was little, around 5, when I started to walk off the paths and into ditches at night. I was night blind. One of the first symptoms of RP. However, back in the 70s RP was rare. I was diagnosed with a vitamin A deficiency. I remember taking little black jelly-type pills. They did nothing of course because that wasn't the problem.

Over the years my RP has progressed to the point where I am legally blind due to having 20% or less peripheral vision. Fortunately, my central vision has not been affected. I can see what is right in front of me. However, there are many things I cannot see anymore. I trip over and walk into many things – doors, counters, slippery when wet signs, children, fast moving adults, dogs, cats – because they are outside of my field of vision. This degeneration has occurred so slowly over 40 plus years that I don't really notice it until it slaps me in the face.

On Friday, July 18^th it did just that. I was working in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher when it happened. I don’t remember why I was going in that direction, but I had left the dishwasher door open, didn’t see it, and fell over it. I could feel myself falling but it was so fast that I couldn't stop myself. I landed with my full weight on my left shoulder. The pain was excruciating. I let out a scream the neighbors should have heard. I knew immediately something was seriously wrong. My son came running. My dog came running. I couldn’t get up off the floor by myself due to the pain. I told my son to call an ambulance.

Initial bruising, appeared below the actual break

The ambulance came and I was taken to the hospital. After six hours that seemed like one, I was diagnosed with a comminuted fracture of the proximal humerus in 3 parts. The fracture was not displaced. I was put in a cuff and collar sling and referred to the Cast Clinic to consult with an orthopedic surgeon.

A few days later I had my first appointment at the Cast Clinic. I was given more x-rays which revealed the I had also suffered an inferior subluxation of the humeral head, simply, a partial shoulder dislocation. I have since visited the clinic twice. At this point I do not need surgery. So far everything has stayed in place. I have another appointment on August 29 before being sent to physio. I have been lucky.

I have had accidents before, but this has been an entirely new experience. I have struggled with needing to have someone help me with almost everything, from dressing to cutting my food. After 3 weeks things are getting better. The pain has mellowed to an ache, but I still have days when the ache is oppressive. I still can’t do any of my hobbies. I still need help with many day-to-day activities. However, it could have been much worse.

Perhaps this is a lesson in slowing down. The only thing I was able to do in the first weeks was study my herbology courses. I have also learned to do some things one handed. It takes longer, is frustrating, but I have done it. Maybe at this point I need to celebrate the small victories.

I have also had time to reflect. I am so grateful my son was home to be able to call the ambulance and my hubby. It took two EMTs to get me into a sitting position. A dose of fentanyl to get to the ambulance. I wonder how long I would have laid on the floor if my son hadn’t been here. The thought of lying there for hours, possibly going into shock, is scary.

As it now stands, I will be out of commission for likely another few weeks. Then I will be looking at physio to regain the use of my shoulder and I don't know how long that will take.

Take care out there. I will be back as soon as I can.