saftey

I thought of a new topic today while I was at the mountain. I fell on that fateful day in September doing something not out of the ordinary. I have climbed a ladder lots of times before, as most of us have. The hand saw I had, I had used before numerous times again as most of us have. Being realistic, probably the problem came with putting all of these things together...... Well stuff happens to us all. The part that is cool, is the number of people that I have talked to since that say that they have done the same thing. I couple of guys that I have talked to say that they have either cut the limb differently, ie. tied themselves to the tree or used more caution since hearing about myself. I talked to a guy today that said he thinks about it every time a limb he is cutting falls past him while he is up in a boom cutting it. I obviously didn't get hurt to make guys think, but if something good comes out of it for somebody super. I am not unrealistic to think that I am not going to do something unsafe again but now I will give it a second thought and maybe a third.

activities

While I am not working I have had the opportunity, I guess you can call it that, to be involved with some other activities. A couple of days ago, I went to work with Carole again to follow the rules and not be alone? It was nice to see the people that she works with and who have been concerned about my progress. It was also good to know that I was able to help out and be productive. I alphabetised 400 passes that were already separated into piles by different schools. It was not difficult, but was time consuming and helpful....I told one of the other workers that now if they are not right they have a good reason why, me. For the last two days, I have worked with my older sons at their job. It has been good for several reasons. Number 1 is spending time with my kids, 2nd is balance...walking in a muddy corn field, 3rd strength...carefully picking a few things up off the ground and lastly endurance, we spent the whole day outside doing stuff. I wasn't dead on my feet afterward, I followed the rules and I didn't hit my head....LOL. I was ready for supper though.

progress

I've talked about positive progress before and I will again today. The therapy at the C.R.M.H. is slowly working, even though there are days when I don't believe it. The balance is improving, I have an exercise ball that I just got and the regular walks have let me work on the exercises at home too. I can stand on one foot a lot longer this week then last week. They have also been having me use their treadmill at increasing speed every time I go there. It is hard to believe how much your body gets off......when you don't use it for a period of time. Make that a note to self.... The other thing that's noticeable is the right hand wrist movement. When you compare the two, the right one now bends in almost the same as the left. It's still painful to bend the right wrist out too far, but I push it everyday and I got almost 15 degrees over last week. Believe it or not, doing keyboarding gives both wrists strength and endurance when supported correctly. I don't know what tomarrow will bring,but I will continue to work on the challenges.....

lights

Its been a busy weekend. The most important thing is that we got the house dolled up for Christmas. Carole had tried the Christmas lights in the house and they had all worked, when we put them up, under the clips, only half worked. What a bummer! We went to Walmart and picked some more lights, what a selection.....The rules are still in place, so Carole stood on the stepladder and I held it and got stuff. My elder son also did some of the clip work, but they all worked when we were done, what a relief...The lights are a led string so you can't replace just one light, but they would be happy if you bought more.
I've heard about a sales proposal that's in the works along with the details. I have tried to stay out of it, just offer up my two cents. It's quite involved with several different parties having some input or influence. I have confidence in my associates to do the right thing and work it out, no matter what the out come. I have discussed with the therapists that there is a huge amount of paperwork if the patient gets hurt, no mater how small and we kid about it. I will be back to help them, if I can, at the right time and place.

swelling

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We spent some time with my brother and his family and our older children spent some time with their significant others, and other relatives. There is always things to be thankful for, but this time around it seems like the things are really important.
Today, Carole went to work and Nick and I hung out together. It seemed like a good time to do some housework. Obviously, dishes, clothes and floor sweeping doesn't just happen. After some exercises, I did some stuff around the house to pick up. I'm trying to be helpful and everyday I am able to do more stuff at home. The other day, the therapist did a grip test on my hands. The left hand had a normal grip of around 110, but the right hand grip was around a 40, but we are working on it. I learned an interesting thing about swelling this week. Back on the 5th of November one of the therapist measured my head, looking in the mirror I didn't think it was enlarged at all. Well, she had a measurement of 57.5 cm., this week we tried it again. Surprisingly enough, in 10 days my head size around above my ears went down by 4 cm. I wish I had something to compare to from the hospital, but maybe I don't want to know. Have a great day.....

Carole

I an going to get a little sentemential today. It's my blog and I can write anything I want, so give me a couple of minutes. Today is my wife's birthday and yesterday was our anniversary, not a bad plan I know. The point today, is when you get a spouse or significant other you should probably think about who is going to stand or sit beside you when your injured. She has been there everyday... throughout my situation. Early on, I have been told, the news was not good, but she kept coming back. For over a week, she and others came and watched me do nothing, I was in a coma. Carole watched and talked to the experts, as fortunately I improved, and she learned about what was going on and what to expect. I know there has been days when my attitude has not been great, but still she has encouraged me. She has been wonderful, more than I could expect from any person and I appreciate that. You never know what life is going to throw at you, but it's great to have some to go through it with. Happy Birthday Carole and thanks so much..........

pie lady

You have new experiences, but it's good to soak them up. Carole went to work again today and I went to help out our neighbor. She makes pies after she milks their cows, while her husband works off the farm. Laurie is great, she and Carole talk almost everyday and coincidental her husband was the first passerby to stop and help out at my accident. She sells these pies at stores around the neighborhood, plus she takes orders right at her house. Today, just before Thanksgiving, she had to deliver 50 pies to a video store in Tully that is taking orders. I think, tomorrow she had to deliver 40 to another place and so on. I know you are asking, what can Bruce do to help? I peeled apples...a lot of them. She has one of those peelers that you crank and it also cores them too, so it wasn't bad at all.. I'm staying with her and peeling, I don't know, probably 40+ apples, so she is helping me out and I am doing something. Laurie had most of the pies made for today, but we were working on tomorrows orders. A little later, we had to deliver them too. She doesn't need one of those scented candles that smell like fresh baked pies, her house smells like that all the time. So on Thanksgiving, when you are enjoying that slice you can think of an Internet blog.....

Therapy

We've talked about the balance thing before and right now everyday that I go to therapy we work on it. Some of the stuff I am not sure that I could do before, but they have to assume that I could. One of the things today was, kneeling on a mate on the floor and balancing on one knee. I wasn't very good at it, but we'll work on it more. That's just one of the things that she works on. She has said that it is harder for her to come up with things for me to use, to help my balance and strength because I was a fit guy before. Some of the patients there aren't as mobile as myself. I am not bragging, it is just the way it is, and but they are there to help everybody. I also talked to the hand therapist, who did an evaluation. He also wanted to know the whole story.... The coolest thing is telling people what I do for a living, my Genex friends will understand, as you can guess, I get different reactions from different people. I had to give this guy a description of, shall we say, the tools the trade and how we use them. He worried out loud how he was going to simulate a cow. I suggested he let Genex worry about that and he get the fingers working right on the left hand without a cow....

Gratitude

This morning I went to church. I haven't gone regularly because it hasn't fit into my work schedule most weeks. We have gotten a lot of food, prayers and concern from church members and today, just before Thanksgiving, seemed like a great time to go. My uncle Bernard, gave me a lift there and my brother was there too. The ironic thing today was that the title of the sermon was "Gratitude". I saw numerous parishioners before and after the service that expressed their concern for me, my well being and my family too. What can I say, but "thank you and I am happy to be here". Even the lay leader, who was giving the message, made mention of me and how happy that she was that I was back with them. All were pleasantly surprised and happy that I am doing so well today. As I wrote in an earlier blog entery, I am happy and grateful to be involved with these people. Thank you very much!!!
I haven't written about it before, but the picture that I included on my profile (scroll down a little ways) is of me a week ago. The other thing to mention is the tree....I was laying just to the right, next to the bottom of the tree. Fortunately I don't remember it though.....Have a great day.

birthdays

Friday I went to therapy at C.R.M.H. and I got to explain to another person what happened to me. She also was very pleased with my progress. At one point she had me get on the treadmill and walk fast for 5 minutes. No running yet, but she assured me that they would be having me do that in no time. I did see some more great people at the hospital too. Some who had helped around our house and helped Carole etc, which had meant a lot to us.
You never know who you are going to meet do ya. Most people know what I do for a living, which is a little different I know, but today I met a Private Investigator. I'm sure that is different and I was thinking he must get in some weird situations, do you think....
The best thing that happened in the last two days, is that I got my wife a birthday present. She did help pick it out, it was some clothing, but it is something she'll enjoy. We think we were smart and had our wedding on the day before her birthday. Both are next week, but we'll talk about that later. Maybe both things close together is not great, but especially if your married, it's easier to remember.

situations

Its been a busy two days in the life of a guy who is not working. Yesterday my brother picked me up for a day riding with him in the chopper. Yes, I followed the rules, and just held the seat down for most of the day. It was nice to spent some time with my brother just chatting about stuff.....The other benefit was that we were at a former customers farm, who was concerned about my progress, which was nice too....When I talk to people its great and most have heard about my situation and are happy to know that I am out and around. I am amazed how many people know my situation, that's a good word for falling out of a tree and hitting my head isn't it, all of these people are concerned that I am going to get back to work someday and that I am feeling better. I am so thankful for all their concern. Eventually the conversation comes around to when I will be back to work. I don't really know truthfully right now, the neurologist visit is in early December and I am sure that he will have a plan........
Today I saw a person that knew about my situation, but hadn't seen me ever. We had to sign some papers and she asked me "can you read these OK" I was bothered by the comment, I didn't let the person know it, but when we left I told Carole about it....So you never know what people are going to say, but especially in my situation I need to be ready for everything and what to let go.......

C.R.M.C.

Thanks Kevin and Adrainne for the nice comments.....Today I went to the Cortland Regional Medical Center for an evaluation. You never know what to expect, in a new place, new people and their going to talk to you, see how you operate, listen to your brain and examine your performance. Sounds fun doesn't it? The two girls knew what they were doing. Some of the tests were the same, some of the stuff is just watching you get around in your environment. It was not as bad as I thought it might be, it really went different then I was thinking it might be. The physical therapy person is most worried about my balance and my endurance as a work day would go on. I am getting around just fine, but not in a work environment. They want to be sure that's not a problem. Taking a nap at 12:30 everyday is not that realistic, we would all like that to happen......but probably not..So she would like me to come back a couple of times a week and she had some exercises to do at home too. The speech/cognitive therapy person was pleasantly surprised. She went through a lot of the same tests as the St. Joseph's therapy people, and came up with similar results. The speech seems fine, the word or image recognition is fine and reading is OK too. So right now, no cognitive therapy. We were getting all three today(including occupational therapy) but the last one was sick. Later this week we finish this process .

Veteran's Day

I thought about something today. I have a list of to-do things for the year, with most of the things being general things we should get to this year. And if you can believe it, falling out of tree and spending time in the hospital is not on the list.....Will what can you do, you just never know???
Today I pitched some firewood into the house and stacked it. Afterward Nick and I went for a walk. It was a school holiday, so Nick was here with me and Carole was at work. My legs and I were fatigued some afterward, but it was better than therapy for today. It was lunchtime afterward, so I had sometime to get off my feet. Carole gave me set list of rules before she went to work. She said, "no power tools, no ladders, no driving and no arguing with each other". Nick and me were just fine. Today, if you can believe it, I didn't break any of the rules.

The other day I spoke about my palate sensitivity, I asked the therapist about it the other day. She suggested that I take the round candy balls that I have, and roll them around the roof of my mouth while I am eating them. She said it is good therapy, to be patient and it will take some time. I can taste stuff with my tongue, but the top of my mouth is not as sensitive as it should be.
Last night, I went to the Ham Dinner, at the Truxton Fire Station with a bunch of friends. Carole and I didn't work, we just went to enjoy the food, the people and and the good times. It was nice to see and talk to a few cousins that cousin Bernice had kept informed about my condition. All seemed pleasantly surprised and happy with my current state. I had a great time talking to my friends too.
Something that I haven't talked about before is peoples attitudes toward hospitals. There is numerous people that don't like hospitals. Which is fine, don't let it bother you, it's just not right for everyone. You see stuff there that is not comfortable for the average person, but there are still people in these places. After my experience I am sure that I will try to make a point to visist people in the hospital.

chapters

While, it is time for a new chapter.....On Tuesday, I am going to the outpatient center at Cortland Regional Medical Center. I am going for Physical, Occupational and Cognitive therapy to start. On Tuesday all three are going to do an evaluation to see were we are. The therapyist's, late this week, have been concerned that I could get more than what they can offer, there, rather than here. I will agree the in home therapy has been great, but they are driving 45 miles to get here. There is some thought, that I will just be getting just the last two kinds of therapy at least for a while longer. But I will wait and see what they think. I am not apprehensive this time around because I know that I am still coming home, which is awesome. I do appreciate all the people that have helped me get better.

concern

I was looking on the Internet to find some causes or solutions for my palette sensitivity (it feels like the roof of my mouth has been burned). I was able to find other things, we're talking about the Internet here, after reading stuff...... I felt pretty lucky, stuff that I hadn't looked up before and should have. During my time at the hospital, tests or evaluations were done on different days and I never really knew why, there was not an explanation given to me, probably Carole but not me or one that I remember. This is part of the problem, I just don't remember everything that happened early on in the hospital. From my surfing on the Internet I realize that those tests were to rule in or out certain conditions, serious things, again I feel lucky. I asked the therapist this morning about it and she said that it really slows down the recovery process if the patient knows the truth about everything. While, I was still distressed about it last night, but today I still feel lucky and I am getting better.

goals

I had a new goal last night, remember about having a goal.........It was the monthly meeting night for the fire department and I wanted to go. Carole and Nick came along, but we went and it was great...Nick did some homework in the back room and the meeting went on in a front room. All of the people there were happy to see me, as some had seen me prone on a backboard. You get the picture........The fire department doesn't always see the patient after the incident and it means a lot to the rescuers to get some feedback, thankfulness for their services etc. I know I am speaking as a member, but also as a patient, but how many times would you go help someone if you never got any feedback... December is the monthly election of officers and the nominating comm. is doing their job and you can bet I will still be apart of this great organization next year.

sleep

I gave the bed a try last night. I haven't slept in my bed for along time and it felt like it was time. I had a recliner that was available in my bedroom, but I didn't need it. It sure was nice to sleep in a familiar place. Little things mean a lot.
I want to make a point.....When you join organizations, you do so because you want to help people and it fits into your time schedule, not because you expect anything in return. I have been an asst. fire chief in Truxton for a few years and we have been involved with the Truxton Methodist Church for a number of years. While I was in the hospital these groups have been wonderful, spectacular and super.... My wood got cut, for the whole winter, by a group of firemen, church members and friends There has been food delivered by somebody different from the church almost every night and I have a ramp upon to my porch that got built by some great firemen one morning while I was in the hospital. You just say thank you and that is the best you can do. Thanks again........

Well, after the last month of stuff, now my wife thinks of me different. Not that I blame her, she was the one setting there everyday while I was taking that extended nap for a week. Today, I beleive, she thinks I am brittle, ya brittle....She worrys about everything I do. She is worried that I am going to get hurt on everthing or any thing. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the concern and I do know she means well, but I am just not used to it. In time, I am sure it will improve just like my condition I am sure.
Today I went out of the house for a walk. Nick wanted me to help him feed the rabbits, and it sounded like a good idea. We took a stroll down to the barn, feed the rabbits, then I wanted to stroll around the place. The grass and lawn was a little uneven but it was nice to get around. On the way around the yard we stopped in the front of the house and starred at the tree that got me, for awhile. I didn't have any revelations, but it was good to look anyway. I had Nick get the camera and take a picture. So check it out.....

injury

I told Carole on Thursday this week that I would like to get a bandage about 3-4 inches wide to put around my head. For the general public, even customers that I might see on the street from the external view, I don't look like I have an injury, unless you see me walk.....maybe far, a litttle wobbly today. I didn't mention the ribs though. I have 4-5 cracked ribs that only bother me when I am laying down flat. Right today, I am sleeping in a recliner, which seems to help, I haven't used the bed in a week, but I will try it again. I haven't had any headaches which is very nice, they tell me I am lucky. I have been told by the doctors that they relate this injury to "the shaken baby syndrome". My brain was bounced around more than it is supossted to which resulted in some hemorages and some brusies which are slowly cureing......So when they tell you not to bang your head on things, DON'T. Just my 2 cents..........

walking

I did walk some today, I did some laps in the livingroom. It sure was nice to walk and not roll in the wheelchair. I am not very good at this walking thing....You would think that walking is a piece of cake and I would be the first to agree with you, but my balance is so-so and I haven't put any weight on my left leg for 5 weeks. But I am sure that I will get there with some pact rice.....

I know that everyone that looks at this was not in the hospital so I am going make another reference. Most realize now that I rode a helicopter to the hospital which was the best possible situation. For the people that had the opportunity to visit me in the hospital they know that I could see the helipad from my room. Everyday I was able to see the comings and the goings of all the helicopters at the trauma center. You would not believe it, but 3-5 helicopters per day drop somebody off at the hospital. Obviously all these people need help now, which is alittle mind blowing....I have told alot of people in the fire dept. that someday it would be nice to ride in a helicopter, but I don't want to be strapped to a backboard. Be careful what you wish for......

time

This post belongs on the 31st of October.

After 20 years, it is alittle weird to have time on your hands and nothing that has to be done right now. That has never happened before....even when I was on vacation or had a day off....ever.....But I have to be cured and a realize that my take some time. I don't know how long and neither do the doctors right today but I am getting better slowly.

On Thur., this week I am seeing the orthopedic doctor in Syracuse to see if I can get out of this wheelchair. That would be nice.....the last time they took an x-ray was 5 weeks ago at the time of the accident. That was a long time ago and I hope the cracked pelvis has had some time to heal. I have followed the rules, which is ok, but you have to have GOALS. I will write something soon.

wheelchair

Well, today I saw the orthopedic doctor in Syracuse and did get a new x-ray. Time consuming yes...but positive too. The x-ray showed that the pelvis has healed nicely. The doctor said get up out of the wheelchair and walk across the exam room floor. I said to him, put weight on both feet and he said sure. So....I walked across the exam room floor.....it felt weird and my balance is not great, but I made it. I havn't walked or put weight on the foot or leg in a month.....but it is nice to get out of the wheelchair. The doctor said to walk as much as possible and come back on Dec. 19th for a followup x-ray. Stay tuned for the next step....