2017 Fall October 24 Tuesday

2017 Fall October 24 Tuesday

59 degrees (49 degrees) this morning 

Last Friday, on the evening of our first day here, Aliene fell and fractured her ankle bone.  She knew almost the moment she fell (she heard it pop) that it was a fracture. 

To say it changed our vacation would be an understatement.  I guess we will never know if it was changed for the better or the worse, but it has definitely changed!  You never really know.

We went to the emergency room Saturday morning and got the official diagnosis that it was a fracture. They put it in a splint and advised her to see an orthopedic surgeon within 3-5 days.

They gave her a “walker”  (suggested crutches but there is no way that would work). 

We quickly realized the walker would not be sufficient and rented a wheelchair.  

Attempting to travel with a walker or a wheelchair is a challenge to say the least, not counting the wear and tear on the person who is using the walker or wheelchair!  However, it has been doable.

We have to be sure we get a large enough vehicle that can carry the wheelchair etc.,  plan ahead to make sure we can get places etc.  Something as simple as going to the bathroom becomes a complex procedure! 

Overall, I”m not all that impressed by the facilities for wheelchairs etc.  (although it is much improved from the 80’s when I had a friend who was in a wheelchair), but at least they are trying.

Overall, people could not be more helpful and understanding.  The number of people who have gone out of their way to assist if needed, really surprised me, even though I usually have found people are willing to help. 

While this is a temporary matter for us, I can’t help but realize the problems for persons who permanently have to use  walkers or wheelchairs.  

Aliene is actually getting around pretty good, I think she just realizes that it is what it is and she’’ll make the best of it.  As she notes, it could have been worse.

There was that moment Friday evening when we knew immediately everything had changed and we couldn’t change that moment.  Of course, for all we know, the ankle bone fractured and then she fell, but I expect she just happened to hit her foot wrong and fell.

As I mentioned, her attitude about it has been amazingly positive, something that is important after something like that happens.  Neither one of us did the “what if” games, and it is actually one of those times when there is really almost nothing we could have done different. 

I guess it is considered “life”, as in “life happens” and you just deal with it.

That’s it for today, Tuesday, October 24, 2017.