Okay - I fell down some stairs while on holidays. In fact, the last day of my holidays... back in mid-September. I fell down ten stairs and landed head first into a wall (hitting a joist) and face first into a landing (putting my teeth through my lower lip). I broke 4 vertabrae in my neck/spine as well as broke my right wrist. I was NOT drunk! It was a simple accident! I was having a great time the night before, but this happened early on a Saturday morning. It was an accident! Sadly, it could happen to anyone, anytime! I consider myself so lucky not to be paralyzed, not to be dead, not be scarred, etc.
There have been many suggestions, both here on the board (while chatting and through emails) and at my work, that it really couldn't be all that bad or I wouldn't be back at work so soon. Amazingly I have been told I look so good there couldn't have been a problem. I've even had some say to me "How are you?" Lucky you didn't break your neck!" Wait - I did break my neck...and I'm NOT lucky! I lost 15 pounds while in pain and drug-induced (there's a heck've a way to get a compliment) if one more person compliments me on my skinniness I may just smack 'em!
In my reality, in my life, I need the every-day. I couldn't stay at home one more minute. The brace and the cast came off after six weeks - I was ready to go back to work after seven. My theory...I can be in pain at home; I can be in pain at work - being at work takes my mind off the pain and entertains my brain.
My favourite saying....."I'm fine"....seriously - I'm healing and I still hurt. Life will get better and better, I know it will.
I hope there isn't anyone else here who wants to "question" me as to what happened. It's almost like being at the emergency with my poor husband when they asked "Did you do this to yourself, or did someone do this to you?"
One day at a time.
Love, Peg
ps the colitis gave me a break - right up until the point that I was healing, and now is back with a vengeance!
An update on me...
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Oh Crap Peg!
I can't believe after everything that has happened your *colon* thinks it can act up now
I don't do well with pain and can't imagine how much your accident must have hurt. Truly sucks - but I understand how staying busy helps keep one's mind off it....let's hope '06 is healthier for you!!
Love,
Mary
PS - Have you told anyone a good story about it, just for entertainment purposes? A friend of mine in college broke her leg in 3 places skiing. Had a cast for a long time. We would go out night-clubbing and guys would ask her "what happened" - she started telling them "shark attack" just for a change of pace - they were usually impressed
I can't believe after everything that has happened your *colon* thinks it can act up now
I don't do well with pain and can't imagine how much your accident must have hurt. Truly sucks - but I understand how staying busy helps keep one's mind off it....let's hope '06 is healthier for you!!
Love,
Mary
PS - Have you told anyone a good story about it, just for entertainment purposes? A friend of mine in college broke her leg in 3 places skiing. Had a cast for a long time. We would go out night-clubbing and guys would ask her "what happened" - she started telling them "shark attack" just for a change of pace - they were usually impressed
Hi Peggy! 
It's hard to keep a Good Woman down and in your case that is obvious!!!
We women tend to tolerate the pain and we're like the Energizing Bunny, and feel like we have to keep going, going, and going!!! If you're like me, (A Fart In A Skillet), you just can't sit around .... Even though you know that it is going to take some time to heal your injuries...
I went thru the same crap when I tripped and flew face first into my spare bedroom door.. Found out real quick that those doors don't give and ended up with 24 stitiches above my left eye, my face looked like someone used it as a punching bag, and my knees were swollen to the size of baseballs.. I had the same questions asked at the ER when my husband took me in.. They acted like he did it!!!! Looking the way I did, it was a real trip going out in public!!!!
And if your sick and tired of people mentioning your weight loss, tell them, the closer to the bone, the sweeter the meat!!!!!! LOL!!!!! Sorry to hear that your MC has flared up.. Do you have any Entocort left??? If not, see if you can get a script to get your colon calmed down.. I'm only taking 1 a day and it is controlling my symptoms..And as far as being afraid to take it, I just had my yearly blood work done and all my organs are fine!!!!!! And I've been on it for months..
BIG (((((((((HUG)))))))))) coming your way!!
Love
Dee~~~~
It's hard to keep a Good Woman down and in your case that is obvious!!!
We women tend to tolerate the pain and we're like the Energizing Bunny, and feel like we have to keep going, going, and going!!! If you're like me, (A Fart In A Skillet), you just can't sit around .... Even though you know that it is going to take some time to heal your injuries...
I went thru the same crap when I tripped and flew face first into my spare bedroom door.. Found out real quick that those doors don't give and ended up with 24 stitiches above my left eye, my face looked like someone used it as a punching bag, and my knees were swollen to the size of baseballs.. I had the same questions asked at the ER when my husband took me in.. They acted like he did it!!!! Looking the way I did, it was a real trip going out in public!!!!
And if your sick and tired of people mentioning your weight loss, tell them, the closer to the bone, the sweeter the meat!!!!!! LOL!!!!! Sorry to hear that your MC has flared up.. Do you have any Entocort left??? If not, see if you can get a script to get your colon calmed down.. I'm only taking 1 a day and it is controlling my symptoms..And as far as being afraid to take it, I just had my yearly blood work done and all my organs are fine!!!!!! And I've been on it for months..
BIG (((((((((HUG)))))))))) coming your way!!
Love
Dee~~~~
Hiya Peg!
It seems to me that you are doing amazingly well for the kind of serious injuries you had. Maybe those who have made suggestions are malingerers - you know, those who "milk" an illness in order to continue to get attention or to get out of work. And who cares what THEY think anyway???!!! Keep up the good work! Bummer about the colitis though. I hope it settles down toot sweet.
Love,
Polly
It seems to me that you are doing amazingly well for the kind of serious injuries you had. Maybe those who have made suggestions are malingerers - you know, those who "milk" an illness in order to continue to get attention or to get out of work. And who cares what THEY think anyway???!!! Keep up the good work! Bummer about the colitis though. I hope it settles down toot sweet.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Mornin' Pegster! No snow here...lots of cold rain...rats!....Did you get any snow?
I remember that you took Entocort last summmer, just couldn't remember if you had gone off it..... Pardon my fading memory...I'm still hanging on with 2 caps a week....can't believe it! I need to call the doc January 1st about what the next step will be.
Take care....stay warm.....JJ
I remember that you took Entocort last summmer, just couldn't remember if you had gone off it..... Pardon my fading memory...I'm still hanging on with 2 caps a week....can't believe it! I need to call the doc January 1st about what the next step will be.
Take care....stay warm.....JJ
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kate_ce1995
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1321
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: Vermont
Peg is definately healing....As fiesty as ever! 
I bet it still hurts and always will in some way. My "biggest" bone injury was a bone chip in my ankle and that still reminds me from time to time that it happened and its been 4.5 years since the surgery to remove the chip.
But I'm with you...work can really take your mind off things. I'm feeling good enough that I wonder why I'm not back to work yet, but then I am still tired, so I know I have to rest more (plus doc has not cleared me yet!). This is my first week home all week alone...between the holidays, my sister's visit, and Geoff taking some days off, I've otherwise only gone 2 or 3 days at most alone in a row. Gets borings.
ERs are tuned in to check for abuse though. A sad commentary on society. Geoff's youngest broke her coller bone when she was 2...crawled of the edge of a bed or something...one of those accidents where even though the parents were in the room with her, she was moving and no one could catch her. They were questioned. Fortunately for the family, their family doc knew them well enough to know this was not abuse, and just an accident. Can't imagine having to answer those questions though!
Take it easy.
Love,
Katy
I bet it still hurts and always will in some way. My "biggest" bone injury was a bone chip in my ankle and that still reminds me from time to time that it happened and its been 4.5 years since the surgery to remove the chip.
But I'm with you...work can really take your mind off things. I'm feeling good enough that I wonder why I'm not back to work yet, but then I am still tired, so I know I have to rest more (plus doc has not cleared me yet!). This is my first week home all week alone...between the holidays, my sister's visit, and Geoff taking some days off, I've otherwise only gone 2 or 3 days at most alone in a row. Gets borings.
ERs are tuned in to check for abuse though. A sad commentary on society. Geoff's youngest broke her coller bone when she was 2...crawled of the edge of a bed or something...one of those accidents where even though the parents were in the room with her, she was moving and no one could catch her. They were questioned. Fortunately for the family, their family doc knew them well enough to know this was not abuse, and just an accident. Can't imagine having to answer those questions though!
Take it easy.
Love,
Katy
Peg, I think Polly has the right idea. People think you couldn't have been hurt that badly just because you are going ahead full steam with your life even though you are still in pain. I certainly believe your injuries were very serious and I know you don't get over something like that in just a few weeks (or even months).
I think you have shown amazing fortitude and determination and I'm proud of you.'
Shirley
I think you have shown amazing fortitude and determination and I'm proud of you.'
ShirleyWhen the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
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Momster
- Gentoo Penguin
- Posts: 479
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:57 am
- Location: Abbotsford, B.C. Canada
From a Mom's View
Hi Peggy:
I feel your pain every day and still cringe when I think about that horrible accident. You are always in my thoughts and I wish I could help take the pain away from you quicker. It sucks living with pain and I know you made the right decision to go back to work because it helps take your mind off of it. That's why I keep busy at home with my crafts - for me creating something pretty makes my day better and for you, doing a good job (which by the way, you do very well) is your way of moving on and not letting this get you down.
Some people just have a hard time understanding other's pain unless they have gone through something similar and many don't understand someone as brave as you who doesn't stay home wallowing in self-pity.
I'm SO proud of you, my special daughter.
Love you a whole (((((((((((Peggy))))))))))
Mom
On the lighter side - isn't the snow beautiful? We West Coasters don't get much snow, so love it when it comes (until we try to drive it and get into trouble because we have little snow driving experience.)
Last night John helped me put the Christmas tree up and we had fun doing that, other than a few minor arguments as to where to place the lights and my choice of Christmas music (haha). I'm going to to the finish decorating today - being a good girl and pacing myself. The old Momster would have wanted to finish it all in one day, but one thing this illness is teaching me is patience.
I put my patio umbrella part way down and put lights on it to look like an outside tree - it looks cute, but we need a few more lights for it.
My craft sale on the weekend was a bust - I didn't know the agrifair next door was having a craft fair so they took all the craft business away from us. Did manage to pay for my table and make a few dollars, so at least I wasn't out of pocket. This weekend is our resident craft fair and hopefully that will go better. I was approached by the local Indian Band to purchase some of my beaded birds - they like the hummingbird and also asked me to create a pattern for an eagle and an owl, so I'm going to get to work on that after the holidays.
Have a great day everyone and especially my fiesty Peggy.
Love - Momster
I feel your pain every day and still cringe when I think about that horrible accident. You are always in my thoughts and I wish I could help take the pain away from you quicker. It sucks living with pain and I know you made the right decision to go back to work because it helps take your mind off of it. That's why I keep busy at home with my crafts - for me creating something pretty makes my day better and for you, doing a good job (which by the way, you do very well) is your way of moving on and not letting this get you down.
Some people just have a hard time understanding other's pain unless they have gone through something similar and many don't understand someone as brave as you who doesn't stay home wallowing in self-pity.
I'm SO proud of you, my special daughter.
Love you a whole (((((((((((Peggy))))))))))
Mom
On the lighter side - isn't the snow beautiful? We West Coasters don't get much snow, so love it when it comes (until we try to drive it and get into trouble because we have little snow driving experience.)
Last night John helped me put the Christmas tree up and we had fun doing that, other than a few minor arguments as to where to place the lights and my choice of Christmas music (haha). I'm going to to the finish decorating today - being a good girl and pacing myself. The old Momster would have wanted to finish it all in one day, but one thing this illness is teaching me is patience.
I put my patio umbrella part way down and put lights on it to look like an outside tree - it looks cute, but we need a few more lights for it.
My craft sale on the weekend was a bust - I didn't know the agrifair next door was having a craft fair so they took all the craft business away from us. Did manage to pay for my table and make a few dollars, so at least I wasn't out of pocket. This weekend is our resident craft fair and hopefully that will go better. I was approached by the local Indian Band to purchase some of my beaded birds - they like the hummingbird and also asked me to create a pattern for an eagle and an owl, so I'm going to get to work on that after the holidays.
Have a great day everyone and especially my fiesty Peggy.
Love - Momster
Do something nice for you today
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harvest_table
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1509
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Peg,
Geez, that was quite the fall. I would have been one to stay home and sulk for awhile after that. Wow, did you take any pictures you could post? I'm JUST kidding.
I'm so glad your progressing well with the injuries from your fall but sorry to hear about the MC flare. That just plain sucks. Thanks for the update and take care of yourself.
Love,
Joanna
Geez, that was quite the fall. I would have been one to stay home and sulk for awhile after that. Wow, did you take any pictures you could post? I'm JUST kidding.
I'm so glad your progressing well with the injuries from your fall but sorry to hear about the MC flare. That just plain sucks. Thanks for the update and take care of yourself.
Love,
Joanna
THE GLUTEN FILES
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
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artteacher
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 731
- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:13 pm
.
Dear Peg,
I'm sorry. When I was sickest with lupus, or whatever I had/have, I couldn't walk down the hall at work in a straight line: I'd do like a sailboat and tack from one wall to another. I couldn't talk right - I had to search for words like I was losing my memory, and yet I went to work every day. And yet people think you're fine, because you try to put on a good front. I'd pull over into a parking lot on the way home to close my eyes because I was too tired to drive. And honestly, the hardest part was that I laughed at my husband's jokes, and made dinner, and gave him sympathy when he had a disappointing day at work, and nobody really knew that I wanted to fall down. It would be so much easier to have a broken arm because that is so obviously a flag for people to help you.
Anyway, sorry about the long story - I just want you to know I really really understand. If there is someone who has been expecially insensitive, let me know. I can crank call anybody you want; just give me the word. My husband says I have a certain moral flexibility that allows me to do things like that. (He stole the term "moral flexibility" from the movie 'Gross Point Blank') Have you seen it? If not, you must rent it this weekend and then call me.
Long distance hugs, Marsha
I'm sorry. When I was sickest with lupus, or whatever I had/have, I couldn't walk down the hall at work in a straight line: I'd do like a sailboat and tack from one wall to another. I couldn't talk right - I had to search for words like I was losing my memory, and yet I went to work every day. And yet people think you're fine, because you try to put on a good front. I'd pull over into a parking lot on the way home to close my eyes because I was too tired to drive. And honestly, the hardest part was that I laughed at my husband's jokes, and made dinner, and gave him sympathy when he had a disappointing day at work, and nobody really knew that I wanted to fall down. It would be so much easier to have a broken arm because that is so obviously a flag for people to help you.
Anyway, sorry about the long story - I just want you to know I really really understand. If there is someone who has been expecially insensitive, let me know. I can crank call anybody you want; just give me the word. My husband says I have a certain moral flexibility that allows me to do things like that. (He stole the term "moral flexibility" from the movie 'Gross Point Blank') Have you seen it? If not, you must rent it this weekend and then call me.
Long distance hugs, Marsha
Peg,
I know what you mean about people questioning you about your accident. Everybody gives me compliments now on how much weight I've lost, while I worry inside that I might keep losing more. They don't want to hear that I lost it miserably. They even say things like, "gee maybe I should get food allergies." I know they don't mean to be insensitive but they are. I too drag myself to work most of the time when I feel crappy. I can feel crappy at home or I can feel crappy at work. Hang in there. You have a great attitude.
m
p.s. I intend to send you flower pot $ too, don't give up on me yet.
I know what you mean about people questioning you about your accident. Everybody gives me compliments now on how much weight I've lost, while I worry inside that I might keep losing more. They don't want to hear that I lost it miserably. They even say things like, "gee maybe I should get food allergies." I know they don't mean to be insensitive but they are. I too drag myself to work most of the time when I feel crappy. I can feel crappy at home or I can feel crappy at work. Hang in there. You have a great attitude.
m
p.s. I intend to send you flower pot $ too, don't give up on me yet.
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TendrTummy
- Gentoo Penguin
- Posts: 466
- Joined: Thu May 26, 2005 5:51 am
- Location: Waconia, MN, USA
- Contact:
Peg,
I'm unfortunately up there with m and artteacher..
I was down to 95 lbs last time I checked, which was 2 weeks ago now.. Every day I feel my ribs and it feels like they're going to collapse into my stomach area because it's so empty in there.. but I eat as much as I can - I'm *not* empty.. I just feel that way.
And food has become mainly because I have to, not for flavor. Dinner is the only exception usually because I almost feel normal. Unfortunately I punish my family with blah meals.
Anyway, I too get the "wow, wish I could look like that". and most of these people I know, know me, know my situation - family members for God's sake! They say they're jealous of me!!! I say "I'll swap you anytime" or "I'll take your body, you take mine", or "wow, I wish I could EAT like that".
I'm downright hateful lately, and I think it's affecting more people than just me. I've started to not complain about how I feel anymore, and so I guess I hold it inside and I get even more angry, cuz I'm ready to kick some peoples butts when they can eat stuff I can't. And then I think about how long it's been since I've had a turkey sandwich.. a piece of pizza.. chocolate milk... and how I'll never have them again, and a part of me has died. I loved food.
Anyway.. I'm there with ya.. I have a few reasons to hang around, my family.
Christine
I'm unfortunately up there with m and artteacher..
I was down to 95 lbs last time I checked, which was 2 weeks ago now.. Every day I feel my ribs and it feels like they're going to collapse into my stomach area because it's so empty in there.. but I eat as much as I can - I'm *not* empty.. I just feel that way.
And food has become mainly because I have to, not for flavor. Dinner is the only exception usually because I almost feel normal. Unfortunately I punish my family with blah meals.
Anyway, I too get the "wow, wish I could look like that". and most of these people I know, know me, know my situation - family members for God's sake! They say they're jealous of me!!! I say "I'll swap you anytime" or "I'll take your body, you take mine", or "wow, I wish I could EAT like that".
I'm downright hateful lately, and I think it's affecting more people than just me. I've started to not complain about how I feel anymore, and so I guess I hold it inside and I get even more angry, cuz I'm ready to kick some peoples butts when they can eat stuff I can't. And then I think about how long it's been since I've had a turkey sandwich.. a piece of pizza.. chocolate milk... and how I'll never have them again, and a part of me has died. I loved food.
Anyway.. I'm there with ya.. I have a few reasons to hang around, my family.
Christine
