ER

Well, that will be a birthday celebration I will never forget. Oh yes, yesterday was my birthday; and I am glad of it! Will make a tid of a tidbit out of that comment in a bit.

Alan's parents came over for lunch yesterday; they were just so happy to be released from their "prison" - it really is. So, once the 'tenant from hell' leaves our old apt, we will move Alan's parents in there. His Dad is asking all the time, "Has Alan found us a place yet, to live?"

When we were at our beloved Pasley, a week ago today, Alan stepped on a rotting piece of deck two by four on our deck. Our 50+ yr deck needs to be sorely replaced; and it is just a matter of concensus when and how best to do it. (ie in the spring) Well, that fiasco, has really made that a priority in both Alan's and my minds; before it happens to somebody else!!!

It happened that his right knee went right through the deck; and immediately, his knee became very swollen. We iced it, elevated his leg; and for a bit that did a tid of good. Well, then there was major bruising; above and below his knee. We have seen black, blue, red, purple. green, yellow discolourations. As the days went on, the bruising went down his leg and ultimately is now into his foot; which looks like a two by four (very engorged) and toes. The swelling went down a bit in his knee; but his foot is a tid grotesque. He could not put his weight down on his foot yesterday (makes sense)and finally I persuaded him to go to the emergency. "They" (medical staff) took one look at his leg; and asap he was given a drip antibiotic; a 10 min process for a 24 hr antibiotic medication. My dear husband does not like to put anyone out; let alone to admit that he is in physical discomfort. Well, he was administered some morphine for the severity of the pain. Plus he had 2 sets (15 photos x 2) of X rays; because his front calf, was literally all red and burning hot. Hmmmmmm. Immediate alarm signals to the Drs. It turns out that Alan does not appear to have any tidbit broken bones in the calf; but there is a major skin infection underway. (the Dr. even eluded to a 'flesh eating' infection). We hope this is not the case. It is serious; and after 6 hrs of being there - bloodwork, tests, a tetanus shot, (just in case), X rays, crutches, antibiotic drip IUV, we were able to return home. We got home just after 3 am; and we sat outside on our tid balconey, discussing the unusual events that just took place; and also feeling very grateful. The emergency crew were right on the bit. We are returning to the ER tonight again, for Alan to undergo another drip of a 24 hr antibiotic. We have been given a "Fast Track" card; which enables us to perhaps? have quicker service; inasmuch, as Alan just needs to be hooked up with the antibiotic. We may be given more of an idea of what is what, later tonight. And the possibility exists, that we may be coming back to the hospital for the next bit few of days to have the tid of a 10 minute hit, if you will.

I am glad we went; because the previous night we had NO sleep; so I said, "better we have No sleep at the hospital"; because at least you are receiving critical medical attention.

Also, Alan has an old 25 yr old soccer injury in his right shoulder; and it is very painful...rotor cusp and / or arthritis / tenenitis...and the painkillers have not really helped; and there have been quite a few sleepless nights. However, with the raging skin infection, the shoulder ache has disappeared to the back burner, for the time being. Alan is waiting for an ultra sound appt; and currently he is scheduled for the end of Oct. Much too long to wait; so we will be checking out other possibilities to facilitate the process for his shoulder.

Tidbit - I was saying to my son yesterday, when he called to wish me a "Happy Birthday", that I was glad it was my birthday! I am looking forward to another whole NEW year! I believe if we are positive in our outlook, that makes all the difference, in appreciating happy and joyful lives.

Bittid - Do not do as we did. ie If an injury feels weird etc, go get it checked as soon as you can. Playing the martyr does not work; AND, we found the Doctors are only too readily there to help; particularly, if it is in a real emergency; which this was. Eventhough, there was a shortage of staff, the "team' of ER crew were excellent.

Now, Alan has regained a bit of an appetite; I went out and bought some deli sandwiches, along with some chocolate eclairs, when I went to pick up some very necessary prescriptions (morphine). He now has his foot propped up on pillows upon pillows and is like a little kid watching the T.V. I am like "mother nurse" here; checking in to make sure the foot is elevated. No fooling around with this scenario.

We are saying our Prayers; and please feel free to make comments, and or, to say some Prayers, if you wish.

"Best laid plans of mice and men" - so very true. However, as an added tidbit/bittid combination, just go with the flow, one day at a time; and keeping life SIMPLE.

Now, to go and get ready to head back to the ER. Hope all will be well.

God Bless.