Where Are the Blog Posts?

 Many of you are wondering where are those blog posts from Antarctica, showing the amazing scenery and animals? 

I have been a little busy spending time at the local medical facility. Here's the long story because it is so much better than a short one!

On Friday morning, February 27th we were entering the Buenos Aires (EZE) airport for the Atlas Cruise Line charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina to board the yacht for our 9 day Antarctic cruise. A wheel on my suitcase got caught in the metal floor grid and stopped moving. I did not stop moving and began to face plant on that metal grid. Since my right hand was pulling the suitcase, my left arm was free to break my fall and prevent facial grid lines. Three airport personnel rushed to assist me and offer medical services. Since I could walk, move my left arm and fingers, I declined the offer and continued through check-in for our flight. Besides, I did not want to delay the departure of the other 150 guests waiting for a trip of a lifetime. 

I was able to ice my sore elbow on the 3 hour flight and once on board the yacht, I saw the doctor who determined nothing was broken, just sore, swollen and in need of rest. I was given a sling to use for several days and some strong ibuprofen. He suggested I ice and rest the arm, for the next few days, which I did. The pain only appeared when I tried to twist my wrist or move my hand/arm beyond its comfort level. I took two Zodiac trips later in the cruise and was careful not to overextend my left arm. 

We arrived home about 4:00 PM Monday, March 9th.

I had decided I would check into some Physical Therapy once we got home because my left hand does not reach my face. I went to Orthopedic Urgent Care on Tuesday morning. I had X-rays and a CT scan. By mid-afternoon I had an appointment with a Hand, Wrist and Elbow surgeon for Wednesday morning. Surgery is scheduled for Friday morning, March 13th. The pre-op visit took place Wednesday afternoon.

I am having surgery for: Fracture of radial head, left, closed

Encounter type: initial encounter Fracture alignment: displaced 

Displaced fracture of head of left radius, initial encounter for closed fracture

The head of the radius bone (at the elbow) in my left arm is broken and, in fact has a couple of missing bone pieces, hanging around in the area preventing some of the movement I used to have before the mishap. The surgeon will give me a metal radial head, remove the bone fragments, and repair any tissue or ligament damage. I will be home by noon on Friday for a two-week recovery wearing a sling & cast. It could be worse!

Blog posts from Antarctica coming!