Yesterday morning, Motor Man and I had one of those moments that really start you to thinking. This is an unusually long post, so I apologize in advance. I am eventually going to “get to the point”, actually two points.
We were on our way to the Outer Banks and had stopped at our local Bojangles for breakfast. Motor Man had a to-go box in one hand and his drink in the other, and was negotiating all that, trying to unlock the vehicle AND dealing with the curbing right beside his door. He misjudged the curbing……and fell.
I was on the other side of the vehicle, and heard him scream in pain.
When I made it to him, he was lying on his back on the ground. He had landed on his left shoulder.
I wasn’t able to help him up on my own, but a fellow customer Good Samaritan immediately stopped his vehicle and came over to help. We thanked him, and he went on his way. A few minutes later, Motor Man said to me: “I need to sit down. I’m going to pass out”. He managed to get in the driver’s seat, put his head back….and lost consciousness.
Every few seconds, he’d open his eyes, then “go out” again. Silly me: I’m blowing in his face, slapping his face, asking him if he’s okay….and he’s not responding – even when his eyes were open. I took my cell phone out of my back pocket (convenient) and dialed 911.
A volunteer firefighter/paramedic was next door at a convenience store, and was with us in just minutes. He asked Motor Man to grip his hands, then told me his left hand seemed weak. When the other paramedics arrived, MM was still somewhat unresponsive, and they thought he may possibly have had a stroke….or a heart issue. He was able to walk a few feet to the stretcher, and by then, was starting to become more cognizant.
They asked him where he was, and he gave them the correct answer. They asked where we were heading before he fell, and again, he had the right answer. Then they asked: “What’s bothering you right now?” He replied: “Going to the hospital”. Hmmm..sounds like my Motor Man might be coming around.
They loaded him in the ambulance and had me wait outside. I immediately called Marshall and a couple of our friends to let them know what was going on.
The first point of this post: while I waited outside for word from the EMT’s, I couldn’t help but wonder: is this the moment when our lives change? Has he had a stroke? Did he hit his head when he fell? Is there a heart issue?
It seemed like forever, but a few minutes later, the paramedics came out and told me that he wanted to see me. And as soon as I saw him, I knew that, mentally, he was okay. He was joking with the EMT’s and was “himself”. And his vitals (pulse and blood pressure) had greatly improved from when the paramedics first arrived.
Speeding through the remainder of the day, since I’m trying to get to the other point, we spent six hours in the ER. X-rays were done, as well as a CT scan and blood work. The tests showed two fractures in his left shoulder. We waited and waited for word from the orthopedic surgeon as to his opinion on what should be done.
Finally, the ER doctor came in and said that they were sending Motor Man home with his arm in a sling and to make an appointment to see the surgeon in one week.
Here’s the second point of this post: as I write this on Sunday evening, we are thankful for SO many things.
1.) That, as bad as a broken shoulder is, we aren’t dealing with anything worse. No stroke, no heart issues, no head trauma. Apparently his passing out was because of the pain (and perhaps the shock of falling).
2,) We’re thankful that it’s his left shoulder (he’s right-handed), so as difficult as things will be for a few weeks, he’s still able to do quite a lot with his good hand/arm.
3.) We’re thankful that, as far as we know, he won’t be facing shoulder surgery.
4.) And last, but not least, we are so thankful for our family and friends who have, through FB comments and messages, texts and phone calls, offered their thoughts, prayers and help.
Sometimes we just don’t realize how many folks care about us until we’re faced with a difficult situation.
heading home from the ER
We. Are Thankful.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
Such a scary situation but it’s absolutely wonderful things turned out as well as they did! Hopefully his shoulder will heal up without any sort of surgery and yes it had to be a HUGE relief he hadn’t had a stroke – that would have been my first thought. Sometimes our own spirit pulls us through things that other people would allow to pull them DOWN. Not you and not JR – you are “upward thinking” people and that definitely works in your favor! Tell that boy to take it easy…………… 🙂
Pam
So, So THANKFUL at the answer to prayer and how things have turned out. …And no surgery – WOW!! Off to the shop today? Or a belated beach trip? Enjoy each other today!
So glad it was not worse. JR is strong and will get through this and so will you. Praying for you both.
glad that it turned out as it did in the end –
So glad he’s going to be ok!! My goodness, what a scare! We had a similar scare a few years back, and it sure does make a person appreciate loved ones! God Bless you both.
Oh my. So glad he is OK. These things can happen so fast. As my dear old dad would say, It could have been worse.xo
Thank Goodness MotorMan is o.k. and dealing with the next steps in healing. Times like this certainly make us appreciate all the good times and good health.
I knew something was up when I got a call from you that early.. & I was so relieved later when you told me he was joking around with the EMTs.. It does get you thinking.. I’m glad it wasn’t any worse than it was ..
I knew something was up when I got a call from you that early.. & I was so relieved later when you told me he was joking around with the EMTs.. It does get you thinking.. I’m glad it wasn’t any worse than it was ..
You do have so much to be thankful for! And as your friend, I am SO very thankful for both of you that Motor Man did not have a serious health consequence like a stroke, heart event, or even a concussion. Bones will heal in time and my prayers are for his recovery. Sending you lots of virtual hugs!!
I am so sorry for his arm and hoping he can get surgical repair without problems. Thinking of you and praying for a complete recovery.
I’m sad to hear of MM accident. I thank the good Lord above for MM is on his way to recovery.
Sending out healing prayers for MM to have a quick and full recovery. I’m also sending out hugs of comfort to you.
Lookin’ a little pale around the gills there Motor Man. So happy that it was no worse. i hope you are pain free. We all know you have a great nurse close at hand. Prayers for both of you. — sam
Thankful that things turned out as well as they did, and purrayerss & POTP for healing !
That must have been very scary for both of you and I completely get why you would be wondering if this was when life changed. I guess we all know that moment is going to come as we get older. Thankfully yours is not yet. Best wishes to Motor Man for a speedy recovery.
To God be the Glory. So happy to know it wasn’t any worst than it is. Believe when I say I know what was going on in your mind, very scary. I also know you are a strong couple with much love and no matter you and JR would get through it. Love to you both and prayers.
Scary stuff that makes us all PAUSE. Grateful he will be OK and glad you will be, too ~ Hugs
MJ
I am so glad things weren’t worse. My prayers for swift healing, and no complications.
Now that the scary part is over, I’m laughing at you blowing in his face!!!! But oh…how very scary. Dan just had his left shoulder replaced. Would MM like to borrow his old shoulder lol?!
I am so sorry this happened, and shudder to think how bad the pain must have been for it to cause him to pass out. Please, MM, listen to the doc and physical therapist (if you have to have PT). So many people don’t listen and it can cause problems in long run.