Friday, October 21, 2005

'I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up'

I had a 'senior moment' yesterday morning. I climbed out of bed and left the bedroom to visit the bathroom. Feeling slightly wobbly, I moved to brace myself against the wall. Instead of pressing firmly, my hand slid along the wall and lost contact, and I followed it down, landing like the proverbial ton of bricks and momentarily losing consciousness. Bonnie heard me fall and came rushing down the hallway to find me lying half in and half out of the bathroom, my eyes closed and my body motionless. After her initial shock, she checked to see that I was breathing and felt for a pulse. After placing a fluffy towel beneath my head and a damp washcloth on my forehead, she waited and prayed.

I eventually revived, feeling as groggy as I have ever been. Bonnie hurried to help me up, but I insisted that she not attempt to lift me; in 2003 I tried to help her up and something in my back emitted an audible snap and, for the rest of that year, pain was a constant companion and I could barely lift anything without paying an agonizing price. I didn't want the same to happen to Bonnie, so I asked for my cane. She gently helped lift me as I levered myself to an erect position and shuffled off to bed, where I slept for a further seven hours.

Aside from the aches and bruises, I seem not to have suffered anything serious, and I am now using my cane whenever I move about, something I have previously resisted doing, at least in the house, to give me a small illusion of independence. Alas, that illusion must now be relinquished.

Peace.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Malcolm, I'm so sorry you had this spell.  Did you stand up too quickly?  I hope there are no more spells for you dear.  

Anonymous said...

Malcom, you should go to the doctor and see why that happened. You and Bonnie really remind me of my parents in a lot of ways.

My father has diabetes and as of late, hasn't been his old self. they had the paramedics at their house a couple of weeks ago because he had gotten too much insulin in his system and hasn't really been the same since.

I must ask, did you not use the cane out of stubborness? My father is a very stubborn man with the heart of a kid. In his minds eye and in his heart he is still as young as can be but his body just won't allow it...

I'm really glad that you are ok and didn't break a hip or crack your head open. BE CAREFUL YOU TWO!!!! You're a great couple and since I can't visit if anything were to happen, the journaling allows me to at least chat with you once in awhile!!!

Please take care!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my!  I hope you are okay but I have to agree with the previous comment.  If you knocked yourself out that warrants a trip to the doctor!  My younger sister, with MS, did this earlier this week ... I will tell you both - ALWAYS use your cane!  Get to the doctor!!! Please.

Donna
Dust Bunny Protector

Anonymous said...

OMG I hope you are OK!! Sorry to here that.  Be careful please and than Bonnie for taking good care of my chat'n bud:o))) XOXO D

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about the fall and do hope you're feeling better.  From my own brushes with impaired mobility, all I can recommend is looking at the cane as a tool towards your independence.  Getting around with it beats not getting around.  Both of y'all take care.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear you fell! I hope you're feeling OK, and that there are no lasting ill effects.

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah! the cane left somewhere else business.  That was one of my favorite tricks.  Put the cane on a doorknob and walk everywhere without it.  It takes some pride swallowing, but in the long run it is much smarter to put cane in hand and use.  It took me a while to admit that the doorknob didn't need the dang thing half as much as I did.  Hope you are feeling better.  Pennie

Anonymous said...

Mal; oh man...are ya gonna visit the md soon and find out what the hell caused that?!?!  i woulda been flapping around, wringing my hands, and making the situation worse instead of remaining calm and level-headed as Bonnie did.  whew.  don't do it again, dude!!  debra

Anonymous said...

Oh no - I hope you're OK & feeling better! Sending lots of good thoughts and get well wishes your way!

Anonymous said...

Malcom-- sorry to hear this happened and glad you seem to be okay!!!  You and Bon are lucky to have each other.... hugs, Albert