Sunset, Kailua-Kona, The Big Island, Hawaii, March 11, 2024

Sunset, Kailua-Kona, The Big Island, Hawaii, March 11, 2024
Sunset, Kailua-Kona, The Big Island, Hawaii, March 11, 2024

Sunday, September 23, 2012

I Broke My Face -- Fri., Sep. 21

Literally, I broke both cheekbones, my nose, top of my left eye socket and a small fracture into my skull. Believe me when I say, you just never know what will happen in life. 

Here's what  happened as I remember it.

Bob and I went to Corpus Christi for the weekend. We planned to do two volkswalks and tour the USS Lexington and maybe the aquarium.

Friday evening, 5:35 p.m. we started our volkswalk of downtown Corpus Christi at a hotel downtown. Temperature was perfect at 84 degrees with a nice breeze blowing off the bay.

I will tell you about the volkswalk in another blog. We were 5-1/2 miles into our delightful walk. I was so happy because we saw so many interesting things in downtown and it was such a beautiful evening. After our walk we planned to go to dinner at a seafood restaurant by the water. That was not meant to be.

We were at a stoplight waiting for the "Walk" sign to cross a road. I thought I was standing on the wheelchair ramp to go down onto the street. When the light turned to "Walk," I tried to take a long stride. My foot caught on a curb and I fell so hard and so fast, I didn't have time to put my hands out to stop my descent/protect myself. My face impacted full force on the pavement.  I am extremely lucky I did not break my neck.

Bob was standing next to me and didn't have time to catch me. Again I'll say, you just never know what will happen.

I immediately went into shock. The next thing I remember was a lady from the restaurant across the street running over to see if I was okay. (I wasn't, I was bleeding like crazy and hurt like hell.) She ran back across the street and brought back a bag of ice. I was lying on my stomach. Another couple who were walking across the street from us came over to help too. By this time I was lying in a pool of blood. Head wounds bleed a lot.

Everyone helped me get up from the street. I sat on the curb with the lady from the restaurant and the good samaritan couple while I waited for Bob to bring the truck to pick me up. The lady from the restaurant told us how to get to the hospital. I knew things were very bad because I couldn't close my jaw and my whole face hurt.

At 8:50 p.m., Bob took me to the Emergency Room at Shoreline Hospital. They got me into a room right away. Then my memory is a little sketchy on the round of events there. I remember getting a chest x-ray and a CT scan. When a doctor finally saw me, he put six stitches into a cut in my left eyebrow. They took another CT scan to go with me to Memorial Hospital, a trauma center.

Then they had an ambulance transport me to Memorial Hospital about 1:30 a.m. Photo of my face cleaned up with stitches over my left eye:

At Memorial Hospital they put me in a room in emergency. Bob had followed the ambulance over and was in the room with me. We waited and waited. Finally an intern came in to talk to us. They were going to admit me to Intensive Care Unit and a neurologist, trauma doctor and maxillofacial surgeon would all consult on what surgery and treatment needed to be done.

I was taken for another CT scan. They found a small fracture into my skull above my left eyebrow, and a small amount of air had gotten into my brain. They were very afraid of a meningitis infection, so started me on antibiotics immediately. I was also put on morphine for pain relief.

After that they seemed to forgot about me. Bob and I dozed in the emergency room. A trauma doctor came in to tell us that I would be going to the Intensive Care Unit and they would have a maxillofacial surgeon put plates and wires in my cheeks and wires to secure my teeth. I have what is called a Le Fort fracture.

About 6:00 a.m., Bob left me in the emergency room because we were told I was going to be moved to Intensive Care Unit. He had to go back to the 5er and feed the cats and get some sleep.

I waited in the emergency room until they finally moved me for another CT scan to Radiology, then on to a room in Intensive Care at 9:00 a.m. It had been a little over 12 hours since I fell. Bob came back around noon. He stayed until about 4:30 p.m. and went to feed the cats, said he'd be back around 6:00 p.m. to see me off to surgery.

They monitored me in Intensive Care throughout Saturday, giving me antibiotics and morphine. They wanted the swelling to subside before surgery. At about 6:00 p.m. they took me to surgery. I called Bob to let him know, but he was still about 20 minutes away. I told him I'd see him in the Recovery Room.

Surgery lasted about three hours. I had multiple facial fractures. The doctor decided not to put in any plates. He said the bones will heal better with blood flow from the skin and muscles. Instead he wired my teeth into place and put about ten bands to close my jaw. I can barely move my mouth and my tongue is trapped as my teeth are closed so tightly. I wll be on a total liquid diet for two to four weeks. I also have two broken teeth which will need caps, hopefully before we go to Australia. It hurts to talk and all I can do is mumble and maybe people can understand me.

Here is my photo after surgery:




Lots and lots of swelling. After surgery I was so out of it. I don't remember much at all until around 10:00 p.m. At around 11:30 p.m. I was moved from Intensive Care to a regular hospital room.

Today my face hurt so bad! I've been on pain meds and antibiotics. They finally started me on clear liquids this morning (Sunday). It's the first time I've eaten since 3:30 Friday afternoon.

Bob has been wonderful, taking care of calling our relatives to let them know what happened and taking good care of me too. Mom sent me some pretty flowers. Thank you, Mom.

They wanted to release me today, but I felt so out of it and my mouth hurt so bad, I told them I'd like to stay another day. So I will be checking out Monday morning I will post another blog with photos of our Corpus Christi volkswalk when I feel better. I will not forget Corpus Christi for the rest of my life.

Injured Travel Bug out.

53 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh! That's terrible. I sure hope you have a quick recovery. Just goes to show life can change in a heartbeat. Take care-Joan

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  2. OMG Susan! Geez, girl! I hope you are now finished with procedures and can focus on healing. Don't be reluctant to get the morphine and get your pain controlled. I hope you are up to going home tomorrow; home is the best place to recover, but you know that. Keeping you both in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Gentle sisterly hugs . . .

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    1. Procedures are done for now, but sometime before Australia I will need to have caps put on two teeth. Right now they are just broken teeth.

      Thanks for the hugs. Hugs to you too.

      I hope all is well for you now.

      Delete
  3. OUCH! That looks painful! When I first started reading I thought you were going to say you were hit by a truck! Bet it feels that way, though. Get some rest and heal up, prayers coming your way for a quick recovery.

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    1. Well, I told Bob I felt like I hit a brick wall at 30 mph. When I told the doctor that, he said I would have been a lot worse if I had hit anything at 30 mph.

      Everyone in the hospital had a hard time believing I did that much damage in a fall. Well, I did. Nasty event.

      Delete
  4. OUCH!!! I feel your pain. Actually not your pain but I can imagine. Last weekend I was on a trip to Oregon and not feeling right... Got home and had some swelling and tenderness in my check bone. I waited for a couple of days (not a good plan) Short version It was an abscess from a cavity below the tooth line. The abscess had caused infection to enter into my brain. (I had a massive headache by then and dizzy. Life threatening but I was lucky and am now doing much better. You never no about these things... They can happen when you least expect. So glad you had so many to help you when you fell. Take good care and heal quickly!

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    1. How awful! So glad you got help in time. You were lucky.

      Isn't it amazing how quickly these things can happen?

      Take care of yourself.

      Delete
  5. OOh wow!!! I sure hope you feel better soon! Get plenty of rest...

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    1. I do feel somewhat better. I can open my eyes now and drink water from a cup. Ah, the little things...

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  6. Susan, I am so sorry that happened to you. I know Bob will take good care of you. Rest and get better soon! Peri & Jim

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    1. Peri & Jim,
      I've definitely been doing lots of resting. Slept all day Saturday. Today, I've been poked and probed and talked to every hour. They want to make sure I'm coherent, not confused. I don't know how many times I've been asked my name and birthday. Not much sleep today. Hopefully tonight I can sleep.

      Delete
  7. I am so very sorry this traumatic event happened to you. You are so right in that we never know what is in store for us at any given time. I had been wondering what you were up to, but never expected this. Please feel better soon.

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  8. Oh My Goodness! This was so terrible, my best wishes for a fast recovery.

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  9. OH, Susan! I am so sorry! Here's hoping you heal quickly!

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    1. Doris,
      Thank you, I will do my best to heal quickly.

      Delete
  10. Oh no oh no! How in the world you managed to write all this I will never know. Wishing you quick healing. Just a curb! I can't count the times I have fallen off a curb. I am soo soo sorry, Susan and sending more good wishes.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sue,
      I managed to write all this because I'm bored silly in my hospital bed. Nothing good was on TV. Besides I think writing, and reading, blogs is very entertaining.

      Delete
  11. OMG - What a terrible accident to have happen to you. I'm so sorry you are in so much pain. It's unbelievable that you were able to write this blog describing your ordeal but thanks for letting us know. At least we know, despite the fractures, that your brain is functioning at 100% effectiveness.

    Here's hoping your injuries heal quickly and the pain is gone as soon as possible.

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    Replies
    1. Yep, brain's functioning fine. Hooray for that. And I'm bored, so you get all the news.

      Now if my wrist had been broken...no such luck on writing a blog.

      Delete
  12. Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your injuries. I hope everything heals quickly and that the pain ends soon. Get well soon. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  13. OMG!! I can't believe what happened to you. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

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    Replies
    1. I can't believe it either. Crazy what happens when you least expect it!

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  14. Wow that was a freaky accident!! I am speechless to what to say. Get well is the best I can do. Sending some good vibes your way.

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  15. Ouch!
    Hoping for a speedy recovery.
    Wishing you well.
    Jim and Alie (the guys from how do your cats travel post)

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  16. Wow Susan, you sure know how to keep it exciting! I am hoping your recovery will be a quick one. I hurt for you. Please get well and watch your step. Love reading your blog. Take care. Kit

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    1. Too exciting for me! This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life (although vertigo is right up there too).

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  17. Oh, my goodness. How absolutely awful for you! I hope you have a quick recovery and that the pain is kept under good control until then. I didn't realize you had left San Antonio.

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    1. Actually we were only in Corpus Christi for the weekend to sightsee.

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  18. Feel better soon, praying for a fast and complete recovery!

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  19. Goodness what a horrible accident, hope you feel better soon, best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it was completely unexpected. Very nasty. I had no idea a person could get hurt so badly in a fall.

      Delete
  20. Oh Susan, I am so sorry to hear of your injuries. I too though that you were hit by something else. It's strange how things can happen so quickly. When I fell last Januarry, it set me back 6 weeks. I hope that you recover quickly and that you are well enough to enjoy your trip Austrailia. I'm not sure if I wll be able to see you before you leave. I still haven't heard if the parts have come in to finish my 5er repairs. Please, let me know if I can help in your recovery when I come down that way. I'll see what I can do.

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    1. Hi Other Susan A.,
      Don't know if I'll have my teeth fixed by the time Australia comes around. May have to have temporary caps put on.

      I think what I need most is time to heal and sleep. My body went through quite a trauma. My face is still really swollen.

      Delete
  21. Oh, my goodness! Life can change in an instant. I hope you heal quickly and feel better soon.

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  22. Susan, I just started to follow your blog so you do not know me, but I sure wish you a speedy recovery. Your face looks soooo sore and swollen. I know exactly what you mean about not knowing what will happen. My daughter and myself were hit by a drunk driver on Aug 31st. It totaled out truck that we had for only 11 days. Thankfully we were not hurt like you were. I have just started blogging myself and sure do appreciate all the support in the blogging community. My wishes for a quick recovery. God Bless.

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    1. Sorry to hear about your accident in your new truck. Are you both doing okay?

      Nice to learn about another blogger. Thanks for writing.

      Susan

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  23. Wondered were you got off too for the past several days. When you do something you do it big time. Praying that you will get that much needed rest and healing your body needs.

    Mickey Holder

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  24. OMG!! You poor thing... It's true, you just never know what can happen... One minute having a blast with hubby and the next in surgery... Unbelievable!! Thank GOD you were in civilization and close to medical facilities!! Take care!! XOXO

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  25. Hi Susan,

    Just getting caught up on your blog, so sorry to hear about your fall. How very quickly life can change. Sending prayers that you get some rest and heal soon. I can not imagine the pain you must be feeling, along with trying to eat anything.

    Tina

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  26. I feel bad that I've been so busy having fun and didn't even realize what had happened to you. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. It sounds very painful, but hopefully the worst of it is over. Gosh, it's amazing how easily and quickly your life can change. I think I'll be more careful when I walk from now on!

    Take care and let the kitties help you feel better.

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  27. Susan,

    Totally praying for a speedy recovery...I had a fall a couple of months ago and thought it was bad. It was nothing compared to this. Take care.

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    Replies
    1. Lynda,

      I'm so sorry to hear about your fall. What happened?

      My best well wishes to you. I hope your teeth will get mo' bettah.

      Susan

      Delete
  28. Hi Susan, I just learned of your accident and I am sorry that you have suffered so much pain. I had a fall on Aug. 11, when I was hunting on Lanai and I am still recovering from a cracked rib. I hope you have a speedy recovery and less pain. I know Bob will take good care of you. IF WE CAN HELP, please contact us, Rosemary and Mike.

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    1. Hi Rosemary & Mike,
      Thank you so much for writing. I am deeply touched.

      I'm very sorry to hear about your fall too. Cracked ribs are no fun. You can't breathe deep or laugh hard. It seems like they take forever to heal too. (I haven't had one, but my mom has.)

      One day at a time is my mantra.

      Get well as quick as you can. I know Bob is looking forward to doing the Honolulu Marathon with Mike and seeing all his other Runner's Hi buddies! He's so excited.

      Susan & Bob

      Delete
  29. Oh goodness. . .I had no idea! Since I just started reading your blog last week, I didn't know what you were referring to when you talked about adding foods you could eat back to your diet. . .now I understand.

    So glad you are recovering. . .wow!

    Janice

    ReadyToGoFullTimeRVing.blogspot.com

    FaceBook.com/ReadyToGoFullTimeRVing

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  30. Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!
    Heal soon girl, many blessings, Geoff.

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