There is so much to this story _ I could start with anger or disappointment or just plain, why me? Why now? But really, I feel none of those emotions. I feel grateful, fortunate, and maybe even lucky.
We had planned this trip for a while. mapping it out, making appointments, plans to see dear friends.
It was going to be different, perfect, fun. Umm, NO, the Universe had other plans..
On the third day of our vacation, happy as can be, I fell. Ran up some stairs to read a sign, and while turning to walk down, I lost my footing. No railing and splat! I landed on my hip and trying to get up, I screamed. The people around us came running, everyone trying to help, but only getting in my husband’s way. My poor husband, he was terrified. We called our son, who lived locally, and he told us the hospital to go to, found a cab and on to the emergency room. I forgot to mention that we were in the German speaking part of Switzerland in a city where very few speak English
We were advised to go to the Kantonsspital. Good advice. From wheelchair to gurney to x-rays, surrounded by kind and competent medical people. But still, I was terrified.
The result of the x-rays, no surgery, but two stable fractures on two pelvic bones. So, staycation at the hospital. Oh goody! There were beautiful alpine views from the enormous window.
in my bedroom though. The nursing staff was exceptional All except one, who I was sure was going to murder me. Really! The days rolled by and I slept just so the days would disappear, and I was closer to going home.
I tried not to think too much about what a stinging disappointment this was. I could return next year. Well I hope so. I refused to feel sorry for myself . I realized I could have died had my head hit those cobblestones on the ancient street. But there were those clothes I bought, my new haircut – not much good in a hospital, especially when one is writhing in pain and when one is forced to use a bed pan.I was at the mercy of all the medical people and lost all my pride. Just did as I was told.
I so appreciated the young doctors, talking to me as if I had a functioning brain. They made me know that eventually all would be well. They were funny and smart and serious about their job. The nurses encouraged and supported and sympathized and laughed with me. Honestly, this whole situation made me think about people I had never thought about.The professionals who help people in the situation I was in, with humor and amazing care, always with abundant kindness.
Local family visited, I had a lovely roommate who thankfully spoke English and my husband came every day and sat with me. Operative word here is “had”. When she left, I had a roommate who seemed only to know Swiss German and felt that any hour of the day or night it was okay to speak it. Her phone was never off. Visiting someone in a hospital is not the easiest thing. Lots of staring into space, while all the patient wants to do most is sleep. But came they did and I felt loved.
At day five I was able to leave the hospital with my trusty crutches and lots of meds. We were going to spend a few quiet days with my son and his husband while I could heal, before flying home. Stressful, a little, completely taking over their large living room was not an easy situation for any of us. We survived. We love each other. This, despite my son believing I should hop upon his Peloton and just ignore the pain.
Our insurance company, our wonderful insurance company allowed us to have the amazing Will M. as my medical escort and put us in business class. Joining Will was such a great team that despite my fragile body, made the trip home a seamless adventure. These are people as I said before, I never gave much thought to. Will, with a heart so good you could feel it, the medics gently lifting me onto the gurney and then safely into the ambulance. At the wheelchair assistance desk at Zürich Airport there was an adorable, competent woman who helped us. it was all like a religious experience, all my fear disappeared.
I will forever be humbled by all these good humans and the young men who wheeled me to and from each gate and through customs. They all did their jobs with pride and honor.
I am home now, healing. Not fast enough for me. I will always remember all those I met on this weird journey. I am so encouraged and a little more hopeful than I have been, maybe ever!
PS Seven weeks have now passed , and this week I am walking , a little bit of pain, but I am so happy!! Clearing the table after dinner, wow, a miracle!
