Biopsy Saga, Part 2

I had thought about calling this saga "Shift Happens". On a flight between SD and AZ a flight attendant told us to be careful as we opened the overhead bins on our arrival because she said, "Shift Happens!" We all laughed as it applied to so many things, especially part 2 of this biopsy saga.

As most of you know, Hubby had a total right hip replacement on October 7th in Watertown. He was doing well, faithfully doing his exercises. At his appointment on the 20th he was given the OK to be out walking. The weather has been so very nice, we did walk and chose parts of the bike trail in Watertown because of its flat paved surface. He was using the cane and we were using common sense, not long walks, but enough to get some exercise and enjoy the warm fall temps.

We were also experiencing geocaching withdrawal. After our excursions across the state this summer, it was 'painful' to be sitting around knowing there were about 50 geocaches left to collect along the bike trail. We had saved searching for them knowing we would have hip surgery recovery time to do them. We would walk a bit, I would find the cache in the street signs or trees, keeping Hubby on the trail. We would collect 4 or 5 or a few more if we could drive and find parking nearby. This was going very well until Wednesday when I slipped on dry leaves along the river bank. I fell on my butt, stopping my fall with my left hand. I thought I had broken my wrist. (I got the d*** cache!) It was the last one for the day. We went home and I iced and elevated my wrist all evening. By Thursday morning I could barely move it. We went to the clinic. I had it x-rayed; just a severe sprain. A brace helped limit the movement and allowed me to 'baby' it.

Our plan was to drive to Sioux Falls on Thursday afternoon as I had to report for surgery at 5:30 AM Friday morning. We had a few geocaches we wanted to collect as we had the time. We were looking for one along the Sioux River, a short distance off the bike/walking path. We found the geocache, but it needed some maintenance so Curt was returning to the van when he slipped on dry leaves and went down, screaming. He had two walking sticks and was using them, but with the dry leaves and wet ground, they really did not help. He was also wearing his hiking boots, so it is not like he was careless. Shift Happens!

I called the ambulance. He was taken to the nearby hospital which just happened to be the one where I would be a patient the next day. X-rays showed he had broken the right femur just below the 'new' hip post. The hip is not damaged. Surgery was completed at 10:00 PM with a plate and 10 screws to keep the femur in place as the hip and leg heal.

The photo is NOT a Halloween joke. He is on second floor of the hospital and comes to see me on first floor in a wheel chair. It certainly isn't a situation either of us would want. Curt is non-weight bearing, right leg for 6 to 8 weeks. He is learning to use a walker and until he is more proficient using it on the stairs/steps, he will not be released. That could be Sunday or Monday. I am sure you will be surprised to read he knows the 'life story' of every staff member who comes into his room, and they know 'our story'. He is not in pain, but is looking for a full night of sleep in his own bed.

It is what it is and we will deal with it! 

I thought about titling this one the Dangers of Geocaching, but the pleasure and positive experiences have far out weighed the van & deer collision, the wrist sprain, or the broken leg. We will continue to geocache; but probably not until 2015.

There is a part 3 to the story; the biopsy saga ending. That will come tomorrow after Curt and I have met with my doctors.

I do not feel as bad as I look. I am not in any pain. I will be released tomorrow. I am also looking forward to a full night's sleep in my own bed.

We had company again this afternoon. Thank you Jerry & Linda for stopping and for lifting our spirits. Thank you Ryan & Hilary for the flowers and visit. (I did feel like H377 when you stopped.) And thank you, Miss W and Mcbe, for the hugs and kisses. Kisses fix almost any boo-boo.

It is what it is. It could always be worse.

Again, thanks to everyone for the prayers and well-wishes as we both are very appreciative of our wide community of friends. Hugs to you all...