Finally making an introduction. I would first like to thank the moderators for this wonderful site, and I would like also to thank all the contributors. If you will allow , I would like to tell you a little of my journey that has brought us together.
Almost three years ago March 22 2018 I had a near fatal workplace accident on my employer's personal residential property. I fell 20 feet while cutting a very very large tree limb. My right pelvis was completely shattered, ribs were broken, lung punctured and collapsed. Multiple trauma's and internal injuries too numerous to mention here. I was transported to a local hospital and then to a trauma center in Toronto. I had to be sedated, intubated, ventilated, pelvic binder eventually in traction, chest tube inserted, transfused ,and resuscitated multiple times and then placed in a coma for five days. I am truly blessed to be alive to day. I was actually and eventually able to return to work seven months later on modified duty.
As far as the incontinence issues, I was already having some night time issues and minor day time issues, enough that I was always dressed in the "just in case" mode. The day of the fall I was wearing a pull up booster and cover pants. In hospital I was catheterized and then diapered in the recovery ward, I could not walk at the time. I was in hospital for seven weeks and eventually got back the urinary control almost the same as before the accident and wore again " just in case" still having occasional issues at night and day.
Then March 3 2020 my car was rear ended while I was stopped at a red light. This hit totally crumpled the rear of the car which became a write off. I was immediately in pain in my , neck, back, arms, shoulders and of course my pelvis and my knee. I was in shock and totally re-traumatized . Even now as I write this I am in constant unrelenting daily pain. I am taking multiple medications and I have been prescribed hydromorphone for when it becomes too severe. The post trauma effects, lack of sleep irritability, depression and multiple anxiety disorders, fatigue and mobility issues are truly a real trial. Since the March 3rd car accident my incontinence has become extreme and severe, both night and day. I am now diapered twenty four hours a day seven days a week. Unlike before I will not be able to return to work as I know it , even daily living is extremely compromised and difficult. I am grateful for the support of my loving wife of 45 years my family and close friends, it has meant the world.
I have spent a lot of time on your site as a guest and my occupational therapist has helped me to be more open about my new embarrassing reality and learning that life is more than about the aides we need to live it. I am undergoing multiple tests MRI's , scans, evaluations, psychiatric assessment to come, physical exams, x-rays, ultra-sounds to try and figure out the best therapy.
Sorry for the long story , I thought it would provide some context as to why I joined.
Thank you again, your experiences have helped and encouraged me in that I feel I am not alone in this journey, and I truly feel like this is a safe place to be and to share. Again a big thank you to the Moderators and the Administrators and to all of you contributors. God Bless you all.
Last edited by
Paul Henry on Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.