Saturday, August 31, 2019

A cautionary tale




This is embarrassing and maybe the picture tells it all, but falls are such a dangerous threat for the elderly (that’s me) that I feel I should recount my tale. Last night, I fell in the bathroom in the middle of the night. Usually when I get up to use the bathroom in the night, I sit for a bit on the edge of my bed to sort of orient myself to being awake and make sure I’m steady. I can’t remember whether or not I did that last night.

But one minute I was sitting on the commode and the next I was face down on the tile floor. My family repeatedly asked today how it happened, and I honestly cannot tell them. It just happened—suddenly. Clearly, I was not paying attention. I had been sound asleep, and perhaps I dozed off for just a second. If so, it was a rude awakening. Perhaps my mind just drifted—I’m given to letting my mind wander when I’m awake during the night—get some good writing down that way.

My cheekbone took the brunt of the blow, and my theory is that the free-standing toilet paper holder fell on top of me, leaving a good-sized goose egg on the right side of my head. Christian gets the prize for the best question of the day. He asked, “Did it hurt?” Uh, yes—a lot! The rest of the night I slept only fitfully and was aware of throbbing in the cheekbone and pain all along the side of my head. I put ice on my cheek and took two Tylenol. By this evening, if I don’t touch my head and don’t look in the mirror, I can forget about it. But brushing my hair out of my eyes or scratching my head is painful—my scalp is so sensitive. And Jordan says the bruising is spreading.

There’s good news in all this. I had my phone on the seat of my rolling walker (Rollator), but I had no need to call anyone. With the help of the grab bar, I pulled myself up, got my feet under me, and was back where I started—on the commode. I bless those grab bars—there are four in my small bathroom. And I’m sort of proud of myself for being able to get up.

In truth, I was incredibly lucky and will look at this as a wake-up call. With my walker, I had gotten complacent about my poor balance. My fall could have had much more serious consequences—as it is, they are mostly cosmetic. It may be a while before I’m ready to make many public appearances. I will  go to church on the computer tomorrow morning, because I know I’d get questions. And what would I say? “I fell off the toilet” sounds pretty lame.

All you seniors out there, please don’t let down your guard. Please don’t think it won’t happen to you. It happens faster than you can blink.

 PS Keep your phone with you at all times. Yes, take it to the bathroom.

14 comments:

Judy Fleener said...

Oh, Judy, I am so sorry thus happened to you.

Chloe Webb said...

Oh Judy! I know how painfully that hurts. I fell on my head like that getting out of the bathtub. It’s incredible how quickly you can hit the floor. I hope yours will heal soon ...and quit hurting.

judyalter said...

Thanks, Chloe. Maybe what i need is egg salad!

judyalter said...

Thanks, Judy. Good thing i have a hard head.

Michele Drier said...

Oh Judy! I’ve had a couple falls and had a “purple eye” as a granddaughter called it. Tripped over a rock and hit a paver. I’m so sorry, it’s an eye-opener to discover your body doesn’t function as it always has. Heal quickly!

judyalter said...

Eye-opener, indeed, Michele. and shock to the system. But I'm really lucky the damage isn't worse. thanks for your good wish's.

Sterling Lauer said...

Oh, Judy....so sorry to read/see this. Take care....and sending get well wishes!!

judyalter said...

Thanks, Sterling. I may just be a recluse until I look better but I know that can be habit-forming I guess vanity is my dilemma now.

Carol Montague said...

I was with Mom on Father's Day. Mom tripped getting off the ramp too soon in front of a Schlotzsky's. She hit her head on the door. We had lunch, then we went to the ER. She was fine, but there's still the shadow of a bruise under her left eye. That's all that's left. I hope your pain goes away soon. I regret to tell you, the bruise will be with you much longer. Praying for you.

Paula Gail Benson said...

Judy, I'm so sorry you've had this fall and hope you are feeling better soon. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

judyalter said...

thanks, Paula. I think a good night's sleep has me on the way to healing.

judyalter said...

Thanks, Carol. Please give my best to your mom.

Kaye George said...

That's been my fear, and that of my children, since my hip surgery. My son made me promise to have my phone on me all the time. I bought a little leather holder to sling crossbody. If I didn't carry my phone, he was going to get me a help-I've-fallen-and-can't-get-up button. Ugh! I wonder if you could position your walker in front of you when you're on the commode, so it would break a fall, or catch you, if this ever happens again. Take care, my friend!

judyalter said...

Thanks, Kaye. I do keep the walker almost in front--sort of at an angle--but the bathroom is small, like my whole cottage. I wear an Apple watch which is supposed ton notify two of my kids and, if I don't respond within a certain time, call in an emergency. the watch went crazy but I was too busy getting up off the bathroom floor to see what it was doing. when i did look, nada. A trip to the Apple store is on my agenda.
Take care yourself--it can happen so quickly, without any warning.

Judy