Broken pattela, sprained wrists and Sjogrens.. fatigue..

[quietdynamics]

Feeling much better today.. whew.

Last Tues night, neighbors lost home to a raging fire. Went to walk over to them and offer help, our home and tripped over firehose.
Hit left knee and tried to break fall with wrists.. could barely get up. Still got to them to make offer and then hobbled to our driveway. Daughter helped me into home and I was cuts, etc. Next morning went to ER. Then Thurs to referred Orthopaedic Surgeon (who does sports medicine.. yeah). Surgery not required.

I have a "Donjoy X-ACT Brace". Steampunk/bionic Grandma!!
Sprained wrists leave use of crutches minimal at best.. so not drinking fluids like I should, requiring need to use bathroom.. how far away is that? Trying to shimmy along to get up on one leg.. to stand without using wrists.. ugh.
Came home from ER/Dr. and shimmied across floor on my butt.. so much faster. LOL

Have a script for a wheelchair.. called Medicare, then called around. One place said Medicare should be calling to find it for me?

We have a small plastic table/footstool to put in shower so I can take a shower.

I need to keep weight off leg and straight for 6-8 weeks. Knee "absorbs much of the stress between the upper and lower portions of the leg. Climbing stairs and squatting can put up to seven times your normal body weight on the kneecap and the joint behind it."

Soooo... Saturday night some grandchildren (age??) were visiting around curve and decided to break in to our home. We were upstairs.
Never heard them. They took DH cell phone, my lap top and some cash. DH was going to drive to help someone who had surgery due to cancer in one kidney.  Could not find phone. We have a app on phone that tracks so could see home were it was at last.  Geesh.

DH just noticed Chef knife is missing.. so detective will be calling.
(DH had awakened about 3am and I think he interrupted the break-in, weird as our car in driveway and one at curb). One high window was open, they cut screen using their grandparents ladder (which they left behind).

Screen to slider was ajar .. one cat half out.. but all 3 accounted for. Front door was not locked so they must have run away that way.

Trying to stay calm. Manage headache and nausea. 

Sjogrens Dr. is on vacation.. was so concerned about flare.. I talked to ER Doctor about it and she actually called Sjogrens Clinic. He let me know he will be available by phone. Amazing. Got hugs from ER Doctor .. want to send note to her supervisor.

Hoping for some respite soon.
We need to put roof on home and just had some trees taken down. Piles of wood chips a perimeter of property.. was my summer project to just spread them.. I am reasonable. DH is supposed to only lift limit of 50 lbs.
I told Drs. I was also concerned of putting too much stress on right hip.. one that bothers me, fibromyalgia.

So hoping to get lightweight transport wheelchair with attachment to keep left leg straight and elevated to be more mobile and make adaptations as needed.

Maybe do some exercises for arms and right leg? 6-8 weeks is a long time.

*Almost forgot to mention: X-rays when reviewed by surgeon: Dr. mentioned condition of bones as underlying cause of damage.
Sjogrens Dr. was only one who tested vit d and b.. found both deficient. (2 years ago) Opinion probably deficiency for a decade. Dentist found significant bone loss to jaw.. so please have Vit D levels checked. Calcium needs Vit D to be absorbed from foods and /or supplements.   I had often felt that my shins were going to splinter and shatter like glass (like after I tossed a bale of hay for the horses and went to hop down .. only about 3-4 feet to the ground from a sitting position)




   

[Judie P]

O my goodness!  I can relate a little.  I tore my quad tendon 12 years ago and had to not move my leg for 30 days.  It took the doctors 9 weeks to finally look at the MRI and realize that I had almost torn it completely off.  After the surgery, I had to scoot up some stairs on my butt to get into the house!  I couldn't even take a shower for 30 days.  I had to have clients come over and help me get back and forth to the bathroom and feed me.  One was really late one time and I had to figure out a way to keep my leg straight and still get to the bathroom and back by myself.  It took three months to learn how to walk again.  I don't think I had Sjogren's yet.  Who knows.  Sounds like it is time to do some mindfulness in order to get your mind off of everything. Do anything to distract yourself.  My thoughts are with you!   

[SjoGirl]

So sorry to hear about your ordeal. Hope you heal quickly and well.

[Joe S.]

I like your up beat attitude. I hope you have someone to wait on you. I found my shower chair at good will. We got vacuum hand holds at one of the building supply stores. We can not get a wheel chair into our bath room.

[Navigator]

You have been having a rough time.  It is one thing to have medical problems it is quite another to have relatives breaking in and stealing from you.  Time to call a family meeting. You will be doing your grandchildren a favor for the long term.   My thoughts are with you.

[Carolina]

Dearest QD,

Ye Gods!  I'm almost speechless at the list of trials and tribulations...AND a break-in?  So many things happening to add up to an enormous sense of violation and loss.   Just the neighbor's fire would be heartbreaking alone.

And finding your bones are vulnerable? All the breaks and bruises and such a horror show, QD.  And I've only had a shadow of the experiences of trying to move normally with such severe handicaps. (I pulled a pin out from surgery on my left hand in three days, just using the hand as a brace against which to operate with my other hand....it is so hard to get around casts and pain, and I can just SEE you scooting along to get things done).

I will never complain again.   

6-8 weeks.  Oh, my.

A wheel chair may help, when you get cabin fever and need to go out and about.

Oh, Navigator, the grandchildren were from another house, not QD's grandchildren.   

I hate to say it, QD, but you are going to have to put all those projects and wood chips on hold, and concentrate on healing and doing what you need to get back your health and strength after that.

You are so creative and so full of ideas and projects.....and perhaps you will get back to them...but both you and your wonderful DH must circle the wagons and care for  yourselves.

I have oh so slowly learned to 'let go' and learn 'how to be sick'.  I sometimes back slide  like I did two weeks ago when hosting a big lunch and was exhausted and couldn't enjoy the company as a result.  My husband said afterwards that I could 'let him do it all'.  But that would mean 'it wouldn't be done RIGHT' = meaning "my way, of course".

We can be our own worst enemies, QD. 

Heal, angel, rest and meditate on the joys in your life, which are many. 

I wish you all the best.

Hugs,  Elaine

[irish]

You sound like a reality show with a good attitude. I am so sorry that you are dealing with all these things. I will pray that healing takes place as fast as possible. You remind me of a gal  I sit next to at infusion center. Last time she showed up in a brace and she had also broken her kneecap. A hard break to live with cause she wants to use her leg without thinking. Will be 6 weeks or more before it heals as she is in late 70's.

Keep us updated on how you are doing, The wrists are really an added problem for you. You need a 2 quart mug with handle and place for a straw so hubby can fill it for you a couple of times a day with water and ice. Keep you hydrated at least. If it stays as hot as it has been the last few days then it will not be so bad being inside. I am trying to cheer you up but I know I am not doing very well.

Keep on keeping on and you will make it through this big road bump. Hugs. Irish

[Judie P]

Hope you are doing okay?

[quietdynamics]

A month has gone by.. should I complain or is it simply a factual statement that being in an ankle to thigh brace, severely limited mobility, not being able to drive,or carry things from point A to B, and being dependent is soooo boring and frustrating.
Brace has me tossing and turning at night... so sleep is not so great.. tried pillow between knees then lose it...so part of blanket works better.
Stool in shower did not work .. so shower on on crutch.
Overcompensating with right leg.. has that right hip in pain.
Left leg of course has muscle atrophy so brace was slipping (DH found his velcro elbow brace and it fits my knee, we are not big people ..but really) got on the floor and did some slow leg lifts, when I stand at sink do some slow circles.. probably not really going to help.. but has me feeling I am contributing, helping myself.

Bone Density Test = Femoral Neck (Left) -2.1/ Total Hip (Left) -1.5 .. so Osteopenia in both. BMI= 20.6
Report Discussion: "..FRAX exceeds the threshold where pharmacological therapy is recommended by the National Osteoporosis Froundation . However, all treatment decisions require clinical judgment and..."
Dr. @ the Sjogrens Clinic was the 1st to test me for Vit D and Vit B, Result Deficient. Dr. opinion deficient for decades. Two years ago dental x-ray showed 'significant' bone lose in jaw. ( So I am happy when I fell I did not hit my jaw.. WOW)

*PLEASE have your Vit D and B levels checked and monitored. 
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/88/2/541S.full

At first with wrist sprained I tired to go upstairs using my elbows.. wow, was that exhausting.. stayed up there for two days.
Wrists have healed yeah.. and so much better.  Bruises and blood pool at ankle is gone. So yeah healing.
So happy to have an Osteo surgeon who worked with a hockey team (figured he has seen some serious damage).

Yesterday was 3rd visit (go every 2 wks with x-ray), last visited included bone density.
So knee fracture is healing.. 4-6 more wks on crutches. We picked up a wheelchair @ Goodwill Medical Supply (insurance would have charged me 20% of rental and we paid $100). Then learned DH diabetes neuropathy/circulation in leg is limiting him. We see his Dr on the 14th.

No information or call from detective re: home invasion/burglary.

Two wonderful events to share. My son is to marry a treasure of a woman in October.. so excited. LOL So now we add another red-head to the small clan, fiance', son, daughter.. and her dog, Haley has a red coat.. yeeeha!!!
My step-sister daughter has a gymnastics camp (she herself was a contender to rep. USA for Olympics) two of her students are going to Rio for Team USA. WOW.

Here is hoping the cloud has passed.
After the estate home sold last Sept I just closed down.. things were not finished. but the weight of it, the end, the lose of time to our small family, so much stress.. just "this woman is closed'. Was just getting sorted out when DH was back in hospital.. then this.
Ok.. so get my bone issues adressed and see what is next, in due time around the corner.

[irish]

Like I said earlier, you are a reality show with a good attitude. So many things have taken place in the last months and you are still kicking, well not really, but you know what I mean.

Glad to hear that healing is taking place and that a new DIL will be coming into the family. Also hope that your hubby improves with the diabetes issues. Your family is still hanging in there in spite of a tough period that I am sure has felt like forever. This seems to be the way life goes. Lots of tough times til we think we can take no more and then a period of calm

I am praying for your period of calm so that your emotions and your bodies can catch up. Good luck and hugs. Irish

[Carolina]

Wow QD, it sure sounds like your health is full of question marks.

And struggling with mobility is a b...h.  I know, I'm in braces, just to be able to walk at all, and it's still a struggle.

You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone................

So glad you're getting a good DIL.  I have the best now, after years and years of.....not the best, shall we say.

It makes ALL the difference for everyone.   Does the new DIL bring any children?  I got a new granddaughter into the bargain.   Tho' I give her plenty of room since her original grandmothers are both in the picture....can't try to replace either of them.

I had a FLARE over the weekend, brought on by doing too much.  I knew it was happening but couldn't stop it some how.

With IVIG I don't get infections any more, but still I have FLARES.  It's always something, you know.  So you might as well find the joys where they are, rather than 'wait for perfection'.

Please have some peace and quiet, dear QD.  And yet somehow I see you always in the midst of activity and plans.

Hugs,  Elaine

[cccourt1942]

Wheel chair?  I'd have  a catheter and a nurse if it happened to me.  I am such a wuss.  I hurt ALL over reading this.  You are a dynamic woman.  When you feel poorly?....you think DyNaMo.............DYNAMITE..............DynaMIC!! 
  Sjoldier c3

[SunshineDaydream]

Wow, quietdynamics, you are having quite the journey. Compromised mobility and being dependent on others can be tough. Glad to hear you are managing to stay in good spirits, are able to do a little bit of exercise for your leg and got some good news along the way.

[quietdynamics]

Osteo appt yesterday.. and I am so happy.
Dr unlocked the knee section of brace (ankle to mid thigh) so after 6 weeks I can 'finally' bend my knee a bit.
Tibia area is still greenish, other bruises appear gone.
So I drove the car yesterday.. alone. My space.
Stopped in a store and could only manage a bit clinging to the cart.. and it really wiped me out.

Need to make appt to start physical therapy.
Osteo is to make referral regarding bone density.

I am still going up and down stairs like a toddler.
And I wrap knee to add some friction so brace does not slide down due to atrophy.
I was doing mild leg lifts and extension on floor during the course of the healing.. partly out of boredom.

My 'bottom' is not happy from so much sitting. And as expected I lost a few more lbs. My 'flat-asset, is flatter" I think I may need one of those 'booty' underwear for under mother of groom dress..    Where do you even find those?
I did mostly sit outside in the shade and contemplate my garden.. or zone out. Found lack of going out put my brain into a holding pattern like our familiar 'brain fog'. And being 'dependent' left me uncomfortable, frustrated and 'quieter'.

Ever present in the recesses of my mind was 'please do not have a x,y,z flare" on top of all this.
My right hip and wrists were hurting.. so a relief that they get a chance to rest.
And I was leery of going down the stairs. Visions of snapping an ankle bone would pop into my head. Just felt unstable and so tired.
*You don't realize how often you run up and down the stairs.. because you forgot something, need something, until you can't. Just up and get eye drops, this or that.
Even the first inkling of having to use the bathroom.. meant better get started and not wait..
And making sure that what I wore had 'deep pockets' since both hands were being used .. 
** and now I do not have to poke the cat lying on the stairs with a crutch to "hey, get out of my way" 

Since last year I had the 'feeling' something was going to happen with my legs/bones.. when I was taking on too much with sale of parents home.

Asked Osteo for suggestion for Dr. he held in esteem for vascular issues.
After we purchased wheelchair, DH finally told me he is having problems walking. (Diabetic Neuro.) We need a second opinion.
So we have both been 'quiet' these last 6 weeks. I can only imagine the strain as DH assumed the bulk of physical tasks, errands, driving.

Looking forward to taking a shower without a crutch to lean on.

Daughter wanted to tube down the river.. I said take me " I can be a rudder"..lol

[Carolina]

Dearest QD,

Glad you are progressing.  I know how frustrating it is when you can't do the things that came so easily.  And having others do things, means 'accepting' the WAY that they do them.

Hang in there.

Hugs,  Elaine