Facing Life’s Unexpected Challenges: A Personal Journey
None of us know what tomorrow will bring. A single phone call, doctor’s visit or an unexpected trauma can change and disrupt our lives in an instant. One moment life is a grand adventure and the next moment, your flat on the ground in need of help.
During the first week in February, just before midnight, I heard a bump in the night. No, it wasn’t a ghost, I wish it had been. Instead, it was my husband. He had tripped while getting a glass of water in the dark. After a 911 call, 4 strong paramedics came to his rescue and took him to our local Cleveland Clinic Hospital.
The next morning my husband was transfers to a Level II Trauma Center hospital because of a serious pelvic fracture. A fractured pelvis is a break of the ring of bones that connect your spine to the hips. The left side of his pelvis was shattered in 4 places. Surgery was necessary to reconstruct the pelvis and restore stability with plates and screws. One thing we will never forget is the date of his surgery, it was on our 45 wedding anniversary.
We were both overwhelmed by the immediate crisis, but he was at least medically stable. It soon became clear that his recovery would be long and a challenging process. It requires lots of patience and dedication. Patients with a trauma of this kind are not allowed to bear weight or walk for six to 10 weeks. During this period, rest and immobility are crucial. After the first phase of recovery, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and physical therapy. For that, my husband was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. After two weeks, he was transferred once again. This time, he went to a skilled nursing facility where he has been since the first of March.
He receives therapy five days a week to build strength and endurance. Recovery from the pelvic fracture can be a challenging and lengthy process. It can take several months or longer to heal properly. However, with proper care and dedication to his rehabilitation, hopefully he should regain full mobility.
With all that has happened, you now have some idea why I haven’t been writing. I spend my days doing what I can to keep my husband in good spirits. We are traveling this unfamiliar road together. A simple accident has drastically changed all aspects of my husband’s and my lives.
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My husband and I have always been fiercely independent. He has always been the go-to person when everyone else needed help but now things are different. In the blink of an eye, we were put into a situation no one anticipates.
When faced with a daunting and unexpected challenge, it can be overwhelming. There is the maze of hospital rules and regulations. The next steps needed are for rehab and long-term care. He will be capable of coming home after this. Even then, he will need home health care for some time.
The most important thing I have done is become a patient advocate for my husband. Believe me it is critical no matter how good a reputation a hospital or skilled nursing facility has.
I have learned something very important in the last two months. You don’t have to face the unexpected alone. Friends and family have been wonderful, providing support and guidance. Social support can have a huge impact and having people to lean on is essential to your emotional well-being.
I’m sorry to hear about the fall but glad he is on the path to rehabilitation and home. Aging is not for the faint of heart, and a fall is something we all fear. I send my thoughts and prayers for his continued recovery. Applause to your family and friends who are providing much needed support.
We are all praying for a speedy recovery. Sending possible vibes your way!
Oh my, what a journey you’ve both endured. I hope he makes a full recovery.
I am so sorry to hear this, Karen, but at the same time, relieved to know that your husband is now stable and in recovery. Take really good care of yourself too!
angiesrecipes
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
I’m so sorry this has happened to you, but glad your husband has you. I live alone and have been told I have thinning bone in my hip, so I live knowing a fall could do that to me as well.
I’ve been following you many years, and wish all the best for the two of you.
Karen, thanks for writing this and letting us know. Aside from different circumstances, I feel like I could have written the same piece. We’ve been in and out of hospitals and short term re-hab facilities. We’ve not had to go the skilled nursing route yet. I appreciate your advice about being his patient advocate. I totally get that and need to remember that more often than I do.
So very well written Karen.
Karen, I had been concerned about your absence. My heart goes out to you and your husband. I have walked a similar path. Yes, you have to be your husband’s advocate and I know you are doing an excellent job. I will be praying for your husband’s recovery and for you, as well.
I am so sorry to hear this, Karen. How awful that a fall in the night can lead to all this, but what a relief he should make a full recovery even though it will be a long one. I’m glad you have so much support and wish you and him well. Sending love, K x
I am so sorry to hear this and am praying for the both of you. I am glad that he is on the road to recovery. I had a friend who broke her pelvis in 4 places. She went through intensive rehab and is doing fantastic now. We just went out to lunch a few days ago.
Karen, wishing your husband a full recovery. He is so lucky to have you! I’m glad to hear you have a good support group. I’m sending prayers for you both.
Iam in the same situation with my wife, she fell in her office on Febuary 2nd and had surgery on the third of Febuary. broken hip. In and out of hospital twice with a severe UTI which almost took her. Thank You for the encouraging words.
So sorry you are having to go through this, both of you. Keep those connections with others, it’s gold at times like this, but you already know this. 💕❤️💕
oh brother. How awful. I’m so sorry. Falling is the worst. Well we miss you, but this is your new “job.” Please give your husband a big hug from me. And, one for yourself.
Oh Karen, this is very sad news indeed and I’m so very grateful you have shared it with us. I can’t begin to imagine the myriad of feelings you must be experiencing as you navigate this new territory with courage. My family is in Cleveland and indeed, one works for the Clinic and the stories I have heard about their care are nothing short of remarkable so I’m glad he was in capable hands.
And now he is your capable hands. I wish I lived near to where you are (I do visit the area periodically) and if I was, I would do what I could to provide respite to you. It’s so very important to take care of yourself, as I know others have told you, for you have a challenging path ahead. I’m grateful you have a strong support network in your area but if you need to reach out to someone, whether to vent or otherwise, who isn’t in your neighborhood circle, please don’t hesitate to email me at jeanie@wkar.org. Sending love and healing wishes.
Oh Karen, I’m so sorry to read this! What a huge shock for both of you. You’re right, one minute we’re sailing along with our plans and ideas – “the best laid plans of mice and men”, as the saying goes – but we can’t predict things like that.
Wishing you and your husband all the best. I’m glad that he will be able to return home. He is lucky to have such a support. And I’m glad you are being supported as well. Being a caregiver and patient advocate is a tiring task sometimes. Take good care of yourself.
So sorry to read this, but, on the other hand, glad to read you have so much support from family and friends. Sending best wishes for as speedy recovery as possible!
Dear Karen, I am so sorry to hear this, and I hope that things will improve soon and your husband will recover from this ordeal. All the best to you and your husband. Gerlinde de Broekert .
Oh my goodness gracious! What an incredibly scary time. I remember when you moved for Florida to be closer to your family. Aren’t you glad that you are there now, as well as back a few years when you went through your own health crisis? I know it comforts you now.
Please take care of yourself as well as your lovely husband and I you will both be dancing and skipping on your next adventure very soon!
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. My mother in law fell and broke her back a few years back while in her 80’s and it was a lengthy recovery after surgery and rehab. But eventually she recovered and was able to go back home. I know that you are the best advocate for your husband and I hope with time and patience your husband will be back home with you. Make sure to take care of “you” as well.
What a nightmare! I wish your husband a full and swift recovery.
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear. Life does indeed throw us curve balls having us navigate roads we don’t want to. Certainly not the kind of travel we have in mind. Sending well wishes and cyber hugs.
Karen — I am so sorry to hear what you and your husband have been through. I’m glad he is doing well in recovery but I know (from experience with my mother-in-law) that the process is slow but that full recovery is a reality. While we all miss your writing, we know you need to take care of your husband and yourself. Take care — I wish I lived closer so that I could feed you!
I am so sorry for your husband’s accident and such a lengthy recovery. It’s good you have each other – he’s been there for you and now you are the caregiver. Make time for yourself and accept offers of help. I have been there and know what you might be experiencing. As we age a fall is always concerning – this should make us all aware of possible consequences.
So sorry to hear this news. He is in good hands with you as his advocate and rock. Sending prayers for recovery – it truly takes a village.
Oh my gosh, Karen! I’m so sorry to read about your husband’s fall and that it was such a bad tumble. It is a scary thing, indeed as we get older. Wishing him the most positive recovery outcome and wishing you both strength and positive attitudes.
Sorry for not identifying myself (Susan @ Savoring Time in the Kitchen).
I am so sorry to hear this, Karen. I wish your husband a full recovery and I wish you the strength and patience it will require to get through this. Sending hugs. xo
Dear Karen,
Thank you for updating us on what has been happening.
You and your husband are in my prayers.
Gary
Karen – so sorry to hear about your husband. It’s hard to believe a simple trip to get a glass of water can turn into such a tragedy. I sure wish him a successful and speedy recovery and I’m confident you are nursing him well.
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s fall. You are so right about how one moment, things are fine, and the next moment, not so much. As we age, we all need to remain hyper-vigilant. Best wishes for a successful recovery. Your husband is so lucky to have you in his corner.
It sounds horrific, Karen, and has certainly turned your world upside down. Wishing you both a good recovery from this experience xx
Dear Karen, so sorry to hear that your husband had such an unlucky fall and has had to go through so much. And you too, being the strong one at his side. I sincerely wish you both all the best. I hope he heals well and can gain mobility soon so that he can come home to you. Congratulations on 45 years by the way. I hope the 46th anniversary will be a better one! My thoughts are with you Karen. Take care. xx
Dear Karen – words fail at times like this. In my case you do not have to explain one more word as for the past year I have been in a very similar situation except for being alone. Take life day-by-day – don’t look back, don’t look too far forwards. Do your best and be pleased with the small, good things which happen. Hope that each morning brings forth a tad ‘better’ – most times it will. Am truly thinking of you. Fingers and toes crossed . . .
Saying a prayer for both of you.
I am so very sorry to hear this Karen. Over the last few years, I’ve had a lot of health problems myself and have seen a friend go thru terrible times as he has no family to be his advocate. It is so imperative! You soon realise you are on your own when it comes to medical issues, as medical staff have their own agendas etc., and don’t have the time or energy to help much. All the very best to you and your husband!
wishing you both well
sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
So very sorry to hear this Karen. You’re right – life can change in an instant! Like when i broke my ribs; just one slip in the bathroom …
Sending you very best wishes
Sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
Karen I have missed you! I’m so sorry to see this post, but am glad the hip is healing and the road to recovery is in progress. I can imagine how difficult this is and hope you are finding good care in Vero. Advocacy is a full time job! Take care of yourself ❤️
I am sorry to hear about your husband’s injury, Karen! I’m glad he is recovering, although I know it will be a long process to heal fully. My husband hdouble bypass cardiac surgery in January and so I know how worrisome and exhausting this has alos been for you. I;m glad your freinds and family have beenable to be of help. Take good care of yourself too!
Karen, I am so very sorry that you and Mickey have had to go through this! I’ve missed seeing you both around, and you are in my heart and prayers. Please stay strong and lean on your VBYC family!
Big hugs to you both,
Karen Smith
I’m so sorry this accident happened and changed your lives. I wish your husband a full and speedy (as possible) recovery. I did miss your emails, but it is certainly understandable. I’m happy for you to have friends and family who are supportive. Take all the time you both need.
Sending prayers and healing vibes your way.
That must have been an incredibly difficult and overwhelming experience for both of you. It’s amazing how life can change in an instant, but your strength and dedication to your husband’s recovery are truly admirable. Being his advocate and source of support through all of this is no small task. Wishing him a steady recovery and hoping you’re also taking care of yourself during this challenging time. Sending you both strength and healing thoughts.
Keeping you both close with lots of healing love my friend.
Dear Karen, I am so sorry to be reading this news. What an ordeal for the two of you. I know you recognize how important it is to care for yourself during this time. An injury of that sort takes time, and patience to heal. Blessings to you both. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Karen – I’m so sorry to hear that you and your husband has been going through over the last few months. But I’m also glad he’s on the mend. I wish him a speedy recovery and to get home soon. Take care both!
I am truly sorry to read this update, Karen. I’ve often said we are going along in life just great–until we aren’t. I understand the role of being a “patient advocate” and I’m glad you can be there for your husband. It does sound like a long recovery, but I’m also hopeful that the care he is receiving provides optimism for an excellent outcome. I can imagine this has been incredibly difficult. 💔
So sorry to hear about this! Best wishes for you both. I won’t say a speedy recovery since it never is, but wishing you patience and fortitude to get through it.
I know from personal experience since my Dad had a nasty fall last year. It was a nightmare, but thankfully he did recover with time. I’m sure your husband will, too.
Prayers for strength and comfort for you bothf..
Oh dear, this doesn’t seem to be your year. Hopefully the recovery progresses smoothly. Be sure to take care of yourself too. You are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about this but you husband has the best nurse in the world – YOU! Prayers and positive thoughts coming your way. Healthy World Cuisine
I am so sorry Karen, but glad you have excellent medical care. And you are correct, we all need an advocate. Things can change in an instant without warning. Wishing him a complete recovery so you two can get back to traveling.
Karen, I’m so sorry your husband is having to go through this painful ordeal. Thank goodness he has you by his side to advocate for him and care for him during this time. Please take care of yourself too, and keep us updated when you can. I’ll be keeping you both in my prayers xo
I am so sorry to read this unfortunate turn of events for you and your husband. I do hope his recovery is swift and you will be able to get back to some semblance of normal and return to your active lives. We’ve been very fortunate so far, but as you wrote, all can change in a split second. Wishing you the best.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your husband’s fall. And I hope for a speedy recovery. How wonderful that you have the support of friends and family .. sending love
Im so sorry to hear this, Karen. Hope he will continue to recover. My thoughts are with you. Take care, Karen.
Dear Karen,
I haven’t been reading my email lately and today decided to go back and begin reading those that arrived in March. I was so happy to hear from you and when I opened your message, I was so sad to hear of your husband’s mishap. I truly do understand every word that you said about the unexpected and everything that goes with it. I hope that your husband will recover nicely and that you will also be given the strength to do whatever it takes for both of you to get through this. I agree with you that it is important to reach out and have a support system. It’s not the time for me to discuss, but life has thrown me a curve ball that has change my life forever. Another time. Right now, it’s important to know that you have a friend to chat with anytime that you need to!
Blessings wished for both of you!
Stay awesome and hopeful for the future,
Roz
Dearest Karen, we are so sorry to hear about your husbands accident and pray for his full recovery. We stopped by to wish you a very Happy Easter! And hope to see you back to writing wonderful posts and recipes! Xoxo