Saturday, October 18

UPDATE: What a difference a day makes!

As of now, the road to recovery is palpable! Wednesday night, however, I felt death lurking nearby. Ok, I exaggerate. But I had such trouble breathing much of the day that I worried about asphyxating while sleeping. Every deep breath felt explosive, like I'd taken a sledge hammer whack to my chest. I dismissed it as part of the aches and pain of a broken collar bone. By Thursday morning, I realized that breathing shouldn't hurt so badly, that coughing and turning my head shouldn't feel like my ribs were about to pierce through my skin at any moment. And, a strange greenish blotch had appeared on my chest.

The doctor's advice? Get thee to the ER. We were serviced almost immediately. After tests that included an EKG, and way too many x-rays, I learned that there is a good reason for my breathing problems. I have five broken ribs--five different ones in front, back and along my left side that were missed by the ER in Bedford, VA. In their defense, I only complained about my collar bone so they didn't x-ray anything else.

Broken ribs explain so much like why negotiating stairs hurt, why sitting on the couch or in a chair makes me moan all the way down; and, why getting up reminds me of giving birth. Like the collar bone, there isn't much doctors can do about rib fractures. Rest, move around as much as one can tolerate movement, and take drugs for pain management.

By Friday--after more than 10 hours of sleep, I felt strong or so loopy, I just didn't give a hoot about my discomfort. I think it's the former, however. In any case, 24 hours has made a huge difference!

Thanks to a friend who is telepathically sending me Reiki energy.

12 comments:

D. Brent Miller said...

Wow! Now that's just bad medicine! You would think an ER would be a little more thorough in an examination of a rider who has been in a motorcycle accident.

Now, I'm really hoping and praying for a quick and full recovery.

Brent

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Sharon;

Golly! That's awful. I hope you feel better soon. I have nothing else to say.

Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads

Unknown said...

Remember to do the breathing exercises, they really do help.

Heal well and thoroughly.

Jeffry

Jonathan said...

Damaged ribs are the worst. I cracked two playing soccer a few years back. Every breath was a chore. Hang in there.

BMW-Dick said...

Sharon:
Jack Riepe told me about your "mishap." He revels in the role of doom harbinger.
It's been five months since I lowered my F800ST by knocking down a 400-pound boulder, flying 30 feet into a house, breaking six ribs and messing up my shoulders.
I'm better now, so this note has a dual purpose -- first to wish you a quick recovery, and secondly to assure you that if old guys can heal, it should be a piece of cake for you.
Be well, be safe, and be happy!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Thanks, Brent.
Not sure if I'd blame the VA hospital. Perhaps they should have checked me out more thoroughly--but I really only complained about the collarbone. But enough people have said what you have said to make me think that perhaps I'm letting them off the hook. But the ribs have been a bear, that's for sure!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jack--I or my situation has made you speechless!? That's made me smile! Thanks.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jeffry,

You are so right about the breathing exercises. I detest them, but know that they have indeed helped! I'm deep breathing with only two loud groans--down from unbroken screaming! So, I'm feeling tons better! Thanks!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Dear BMW-Dick,
I recall your accident. I'm so glad you stopped by and shared with me your experience. Glad to know that you're doing better! Thanks for the inspiring words--I feel better just hearing from you!

BTW, this old mare ain't what she used to be but I think the healing is going well!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

BMW-Dick,

Thanks so much for dropping by to share your experience and lifting my spirits--you did that! I recall your accident and that we shared the same color ST. It's great to hear that you've done so well. Thanks again!

Jack is lucky to have you as a friend!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

BMW-Dick--see..I was so inspired by your comments I've sent you two messages!! Actually, it was a goof on Blogger! Still...

Giest said...

Hope things are healing well. That's quite an incident you had there.

Best wishes to a faster recovery than the doctors anticipate.