Week One Home
Home Again ... Jiggidy Jig
There is no getting around the amount of work to be accomplished once home and moving toward healing. Balancing quiet time,company inquiries on the accident (which he doesn't remember), phone calls (which light up his eyes and put a smile on his face), doctors appointments, and regular day to day tasks is no easy feat. Honestly, I am exhausted and so is he.
Day One Home (Monday July 9th):
Sponge bath and dressing him which is no easy feat!
Find doctors
Find Dentist
Home to Rest
The first day home brought many challenges! Having just moved here a month ago, we had no primary physician and no earthly idea where anything was located. We took a trip to the local medical facility and started asking questions. Made an appointment for later in the week to obtain a primary physician who specializes in dermatology to take a look at his arm. Was shown to the Orthopedics office. What wonderful people we encountered on our first day. New xrays were taken and an appointment for the following day was set up.
Quick lunch in town while waiting for the dentist office to open. The cute little waitress asked a ton of questions about his accident and he really enjoyed his homemade shake.
The dentist office was next! What a kick in the pants that visit was! They squeezed him in right away for xrays and a consult with the dentist. The lovely receptionists kept me laughing and occupied while the cowboy was being seen. It was a relief to know his teeth were not in fact damaged but disheartening to find out the numbness in his teeth and jaw were more than likely nerve damage caused by the fractures in the orbital bone.
After the dentist we went back home to rest. Made shrimp tacos for dinner. He ate a healthy smoothie and a taco. I had to laugh when I looked over and he was lying on the floor like a beached whale! He didn't eat much but he could not move as his stomach felt fat and happy.
Day Two Home (Tuesday July 10th)
That was the hardest day yet. The pain had increased and his frustration with his lack of mobility was sad to witness. Seth was experiencing a lot of muscle cramping all night, so an attempt was made by yours truly to massage his arms and chest where we were able, without causing more pain.
Add to it a frustrating phone call the day before of an unplanned bill of $800 had my head swimming. How were we going to do all of this I asked Seth who was in the other room? I had to laugh at his answer "I don't know, I'm just trying to figure out how to get my socks on by myself at this point." Watching him wrestle that sock like it was a crocodile provided some much needed comic relief.
I, of course, came down with a cold (which I am treating herbally). I am sure it is the stress, lack of sleep, and constant worry. I know we are not supposed to worry, and there is no dwelling on it, however I know it is weighing on me. So may questions running through my mind. How much will WC cover? Will we be able to meet all our bills? Will Seth heal fully? How long until he returns to work fully? How do I meet an entire family's needs while caring for him night and day? How do I move again without his help (the first rental isn't working out and we haven't retrieved everything from Montana!)? My list goes on and on and the job I have is having faith, addressing the things I can, and taking one step at a time.
We had our first of many appointments with his orthopedist! The bandages were removed for the first time. Again, really tough to see my strong cowboy covered in sweat, hands shaking, in pain as we witnessed the extent of the arm fractures and surgery. The nurse was wonderful, attentive, and answered all of our questions! It was decided I was capable of changing the dressings once to twice a day, and they showed me how.
After the exam, it we learned he would have to see a specialist for his eye and nose fractures due to the nerve damage. Unfortunately, there is some double vision which may require a optometrist as well, but we will know more on Friday. This is an area of request for prayer.We would like good news at this appointment! An appointment for the following day with a Physical Therapist was made.
There is no getting around the amount of work to be accomplished once home and moving toward healing. Balancing quiet time,company inquiries on the accident (which he doesn't remember), phone calls (which light up his eyes and put a smile on his face), doctors appointments, and regular day to day tasks is no easy feat. Honestly, I am exhausted and so is he.
Day One Home (Monday July 9th):
Sponge bath and dressing him which is no easy feat!
Find doctors
Find Dentist
Home to Rest
The first day home brought many challenges! Having just moved here a month ago, we had no primary physician and no earthly idea where anything was located. We took a trip to the local medical facility and started asking questions. Made an appointment for later in the week to obtain a primary physician who specializes in dermatology to take a look at his arm. Was shown to the Orthopedics office. What wonderful people we encountered on our first day. New xrays were taken and an appointment for the following day was set up.
Quick lunch in town while waiting for the dentist office to open. The cute little waitress asked a ton of questions about his accident and he really enjoyed his homemade shake.
The dentist office was next! What a kick in the pants that visit was! They squeezed him in right away for xrays and a consult with the dentist. The lovely receptionists kept me laughing and occupied while the cowboy was being seen. It was a relief to know his teeth were not in fact damaged but disheartening to find out the numbness in his teeth and jaw were more than likely nerve damage caused by the fractures in the orbital bone.
After the dentist we went back home to rest. Made shrimp tacos for dinner. He ate a healthy smoothie and a taco. I had to laugh when I looked over and he was lying on the floor like a beached whale! He didn't eat much but he could not move as his stomach felt fat and happy.
Day Two Home (Tuesday July 10th)
That was the hardest day yet. The pain had increased and his frustration with his lack of mobility was sad to witness. Seth was experiencing a lot of muscle cramping all night, so an attempt was made by yours truly to massage his arms and chest where we were able, without causing more pain.
Add to it a frustrating phone call the day before of an unplanned bill of $800 had my head swimming. How were we going to do all of this I asked Seth who was in the other room? I had to laugh at his answer "I don't know, I'm just trying to figure out how to get my socks on by myself at this point." Watching him wrestle that sock like it was a crocodile provided some much needed comic relief.
I, of course, came down with a cold (which I am treating herbally). I am sure it is the stress, lack of sleep, and constant worry. I know we are not supposed to worry, and there is no dwelling on it, however I know it is weighing on me. So may questions running through my mind. How much will WC cover? Will we be able to meet all our bills? Will Seth heal fully? How long until he returns to work fully? How do I meet an entire family's needs while caring for him night and day? How do I move again without his help (the first rental isn't working out and we haven't retrieved everything from Montana!)? My list goes on and on and the job I have is having faith, addressing the things I can, and taking one step at a time.
We had our first of many appointments with his orthopedist! The bandages were removed for the first time. Again, really tough to see my strong cowboy covered in sweat, hands shaking, in pain as we witnessed the extent of the arm fractures and surgery. The nurse was wonderful, attentive, and answered all of our questions! It was decided I was capable of changing the dressings once to twice a day, and they showed me how.
After the exam, it we learned he would have to see a specialist for his eye and nose fractures due to the nerve damage. Unfortunately, there is some double vision which may require a optometrist as well, but we will know more on Friday. This is an area of request for prayer.We would like good news at this appointment! An appointment for the following day with a Physical Therapist was made.
All the needed supplies
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Pins in the fractured arm ... important to keep clean.
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Day Three Home (Wednesday July 11th)
Good news! We learned the new rental house we applied for was going to be ours. A few moments of worry and I had to remind myself help would come when we needed and to be thankful for the acceptance.
Wednesday's agenda was the physical therapist. After we tried to track down his workmens comp claim number and were told to wait, we headed off for another appointment. This perhaps was the most dreaded of appointments as we are aware that healing comes with pain.
Good news was his arm looked good and so far we had cleaned it well. Hard news was the length of time healing would take, appointments to be attended three days a week, and hearing he not ever have his full mobility back in his left arm/wrist. We were not prepared to hear this kind of news, however we were very thankful to learn his arm would heal enough to continue work and activities at some point. The scars on both arms will be extensive. This bothered me greatly. The cowboy however, has grizzly bear stories already planned for when people ask about the scars. In all this chaos and activity, he kept his sense of humor! It is a constant reminder of why I married this man!
Physical therapy was painful, but what a joy "Billy" the therapist was. His open communication about healing, pain management and watching for signs of distress and PTSD were well needed. Knowing he himself went through a similar injury and his understanding of the road Seth is on was very helpful. He even went so far as to offer to have his church help us move again in August. The care and concern for new people to this valley has been just amazing to us. It has blessed us and made us thankful we made this move.
The last few days have been very tough. After his PT appointment we had to stop in for groceries. I was surprised at the request for another taco night (this time with beef). Walking through the store he looked awful. People stopped us on our way and asked with concern about his injuries. Many well wishes from our new community helped us to feel not quite so alone.
Good news! We learned the new rental house we applied for was going to be ours. A few moments of worry and I had to remind myself help would come when we needed and to be thankful for the acceptance.
Wednesday's agenda was the physical therapist. After we tried to track down his workmens comp claim number and were told to wait, we headed off for another appointment. This perhaps was the most dreaded of appointments as we are aware that healing comes with pain.
Good news was his arm looked good and so far we had cleaned it well. Hard news was the length of time healing would take, appointments to be attended three days a week, and hearing he not ever have his full mobility back in his left arm/wrist. We were not prepared to hear this kind of news, however we were very thankful to learn his arm would heal enough to continue work and activities at some point. The scars on both arms will be extensive. This bothered me greatly. The cowboy however, has grizzly bear stories already planned for when people ask about the scars. In all this chaos and activity, he kept his sense of humor! It is a constant reminder of why I married this man!
Physical therapy was painful, but what a joy "Billy" the therapist was. His open communication about healing, pain management and watching for signs of distress and PTSD were well needed. Knowing he himself went through a similar injury and his understanding of the road Seth is on was very helpful. He even went so far as to offer to have his church help us move again in August. The care and concern for new people to this valley has been just amazing to us. It has blessed us and made us thankful we made this move.
The last few days have been very tough. After his PT appointment we had to stop in for groceries. I was surprised at the request for another taco night (this time with beef). Walking through the store he looked awful. People stopped us on our way and asked with concern about his injuries. Many well wishes from our new community helped us to feel not quite so alone.
The smiles I live for. His second plate of food made me so happy I had to capture it... which made him laugh!
I won't lie, times are tough right now for the Beech clan. I haven't been able to get back to Montana to pick up the rest of our belongings, nor have I been able to pick up my children who were attending different camps there. The endless doctors appointments and care for Seth seem over whelming. Managing his pain, getting enough rest and keeping a positive outlook are wearing on the body and spirit. The focus we keep is this... this last week could have been a very different life for us. Instead of planning a life with the one I love and helping him heal, I could have been planning a life without him and a funeral. I tell you I am counting my blessings! Each and everyone. With love, support, faith, and perseverance this little family will make it through this trial and I know we will be stronger and more loving because of it. We will update this diary of a page every few days and will post when it is updated on FB, Twitter and the Blog Index! Thank you to everyone for your continued love and prayers.
The bright spot of our day! Flowers for Seth from his cousin and beautiful family!
Day Four Home(Thursday July 12th)
Today we met with a primary physician who specializes in dermatology as well. He did a thorough head to toe of Mr Cowboy man and decided more xrays were warranted. Another broken body part was discovered. The thumb bone in the right hand is fractured. It is the part down in the hand. We will know tomorrow if it will require pins as well when we see the bone doctor.
We returned home after picking up the beautiful flowers sent to us by Seth's cousin and his beautiful family. The gesture really touched him. The calls and notes from both of our families, friends, and colleagues at work have been the bright moments of our day. All of the facebook and blog messages have touched his heart more than any of you will ever know!
After a steak dinner, we once again cleaned the bandages and went to work on the road rash. A massage to loosen up his muscles and insure he maintains mobility is next and then we will retire for the evening. Tomorrow is a big day with the facial ortho guy and regular ortho doc. We will know if his face or hand need further surgery or care. We are praying hard for good news! He also has an hour and a half PT appointment and it is quite painful! :)
We are keeping positive ... focused... and in good spirits!
Today we met with a primary physician who specializes in dermatology as well. He did a thorough head to toe of Mr Cowboy man and decided more xrays were warranted. Another broken body part was discovered. The thumb bone in the right hand is fractured. It is the part down in the hand. We will know tomorrow if it will require pins as well when we see the bone doctor.
We returned home after picking up the beautiful flowers sent to us by Seth's cousin and his beautiful family. The gesture really touched him. The calls and notes from both of our families, friends, and colleagues at work have been the bright moments of our day. All of the facebook and blog messages have touched his heart more than any of you will ever know!
After a steak dinner, we once again cleaned the bandages and went to work on the road rash. A massage to loosen up his muscles and insure he maintains mobility is next and then we will retire for the evening. Tomorrow is a big day with the facial ortho guy and regular ortho doc. We will know if his face or hand need further surgery or care. We are praying hard for good news! He also has an hour and a half PT appointment and it is quite painful! :)
We are keeping positive ... focused... and in good spirits!
Both arms! Found another fracture! And yes I would kill him if he put a picture of me sleeping on here lol :)
Day Five Home (Friday July 13th)
Good news ... the recently discovered fracture does not require surgery... just a hand splint! He is quite incapacitated now! Please don't remind me of the things I now have to help him do!!
His appointment with the ortho/plastic surgeon was inconclusive at this time. We will have to make a trip up to Jackson Hole in a week to have it re-evaluated. (Too bad he is so beat up ... it would have been fun to turn it into a weekend. Maybe I can find a beautiful spot to have a romantic picnic on the trip home!) We are hoping for muscle improvement. If his body isn't able to heal on his own titanium mesh and screws will be fitted to hold his eye up. Praying he heals on his own and the double vision will go away! We also learned the numbness in his face, jaw, and teeth can take up to a year to clear up. Unfortunately they may never clear up, but we won't know for some time.
Today we are struggling with the why things happen. I guess we will never really know and we are making the very best of an untenable situation! It is frustrating for him to have been riding along as a passenger one minute and in this situation next. Our only hope is for continued healing and that something good comes out of all of this. We are lucky and thankful for the doctors care we have here in Wyoming. Out of everything, having made this move when we did, to a place that has excellent medical care (they have been rated one of the top 100 rural hospitals!) and being so close to Jackson Hole where there is great care too, was really a good decision and blessing we didn't know we would need ... that is serendipitous! Feeling confident and trusting of our new medical community is very important for our family.
He has one more appointment today and then we are going to take a much needed rest. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. You can send well wishes and message directly through an email account we set up just for this! CowboyUpChronicles@gmail.com As long as people do not spam it, we will keep it open :)
Good news ... the recently discovered fracture does not require surgery... just a hand splint! He is quite incapacitated now! Please don't remind me of the things I now have to help him do!!
His appointment with the ortho/plastic surgeon was inconclusive at this time. We will have to make a trip up to Jackson Hole in a week to have it re-evaluated. (Too bad he is so beat up ... it would have been fun to turn it into a weekend. Maybe I can find a beautiful spot to have a romantic picnic on the trip home!) We are hoping for muscle improvement. If his body isn't able to heal on his own titanium mesh and screws will be fitted to hold his eye up. Praying he heals on his own and the double vision will go away! We also learned the numbness in his face, jaw, and teeth can take up to a year to clear up. Unfortunately they may never clear up, but we won't know for some time.
Today we are struggling with the why things happen. I guess we will never really know and we are making the very best of an untenable situation! It is frustrating for him to have been riding along as a passenger one minute and in this situation next. Our only hope is for continued healing and that something good comes out of all of this. We are lucky and thankful for the doctors care we have here in Wyoming. Out of everything, having made this move when we did, to a place that has excellent medical care (they have been rated one of the top 100 rural hospitals!) and being so close to Jackson Hole where there is great care too, was really a good decision and blessing we didn't know we would need ... that is serendipitous! Feeling confident and trusting of our new medical community is very important for our family.
He has one more appointment today and then we are going to take a much needed rest. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. You can send well wishes and message directly through an email account we set up just for this! CowboyUpChronicles@gmail.com As long as people do not spam it, we will keep it open :)
The arm is healing! The eye not so much.
Day 6 & 7 Home : Saturday July 14th and Sunday July 15th
Saturday was the toughest day we have faced due to the fact my cold went into my lungs and my daughter also became ill. I was tired, whiny, and just plain not in the mood to be sick. I dosed myself with Braggs vinegar, cinnamon honey, and an onslaught of herbs waking on Sunday feeling much better. Seth's pain was at an all time high and our spirits a little lower than they have been. We managed to spend most of the day in bed sleeping, watching tv (or in his case listening as he cannot see the screen yet.), and playing on the internet. Rest was what we needed and we got it.
Seth seemed to turn a corner in healing his right arm which is covered in the road rash. Many of the old scabs fell off, and though painful, embedded glass has begun to work its way out of his body and to the surface of the skin. He felt well enough to get out of the house for an hour to see our new rental, but as luck would have it we over did it and off to rest he went when returned home. We are both nervous for Friday's upcoming appointment for his eye. We are hopeful for positive news.
Saturday was the toughest day we have faced due to the fact my cold went into my lungs and my daughter also became ill. I was tired, whiny, and just plain not in the mood to be sick. I dosed myself with Braggs vinegar, cinnamon honey, and an onslaught of herbs waking on Sunday feeling much better. Seth's pain was at an all time high and our spirits a little lower than they have been. We managed to spend most of the day in bed sleeping, watching tv (or in his case listening as he cannot see the screen yet.), and playing on the internet. Rest was what we needed and we got it.
Seth seemed to turn a corner in healing his right arm which is covered in the road rash. Many of the old scabs fell off, and though painful, embedded glass has begun to work its way out of his body and to the surface of the skin. He felt well enough to get out of the house for an hour to see our new rental, but as luck would have it we over did it and off to rest he went when returned home. We are both nervous for Friday's upcoming appointment for his eye. We are hopeful for positive news.
Go to next section of Cowboy Chronicles: Week Two Home (here)
Prayer Requests Link
We have had several requests on placing a donate button to help out the family during this trying time, so after much thought and consideration a paypal button has been added. The funds will be used to cover expenses not met by insurance or workmans comp, which have already started piling up. :) Please know whether someone gives $5, $50, or just prayers and good thoughts... each every one is a gift to us, so please do not feel pressured.
