How many people break their backs -- TWICE?


.First off, I should say that in a glass-half-empty or glass-half-full world, we have a glass-half-full. Robb broke his back (again!) yesterday, but he had about the best possible broken-back experience imaginable.

Robb was walking from the shower to the bedroom yesterday, and his feet slipped out from under him. He fell to the ground, and landed squarely on his butt. And he knew -- instantly -- that something was seriously wrong.

He called me home from work, and we realized that he had to go to the hospital. Robb was in a lot of pain. It was clear that he wouldn't be able to get out of the house and into my car, so we called an ambulance.

Xrays were taken, then CT scans, and then calls to spinal specialists. What made the diagnosis so difficult was all of Robb's previous injuries and his current conditions. (If someone came into the hospital after a fall, and exhibiting symptoms of paralysis and lack of sensation, what conclusions would most doctors come to? Ours were taking no chances.)

In the end, Robb confirmed that the fracture in question (the anterior, or front side of vertebra T-11) was a new one. We were in the emergency room for hours, but Robb's condition wasn't so dire that he needed to stay the night in the hospital. The bone was broken, but there was no impact on the spinal cord or the nerves exiting the spine. We got lucky.

At the moment, we're waiting to hear back from the doctors, for follow-up. Robb has to practice "spinal precautions" meaning that he has to move very, very carefully. He's in a lot of pain, and is having some trouble getting around. I'm taking some time off from work, to take care of him.

Tomorrow is both our twentieth anniversary, and my birthday. This was not exactly how we planned on marking these occasions.

Nevertheless, we're counting our blessings. Things could be so much worse.

Comments

Kaaren said…
Holy moly! Good vibe and prayers heading up on your behalf.
Knit Wit said…
Prayers and good healing vibes heading your way.
Jen said…
OMG, i am so glad it isn't bad! many many prayers coming his way for a speedy and complete healing.
Anonymous said…
Time to say what the hell and buy a lottery ticket- since you got "lucky" maybe it will extend to a more lucrative manner. So terribly sorry this happened to you both- glad you still were able to do your bike trip, maybe he is still feeling so sore from allthe muscles used that day? Happy anniversary and happy birthday, both. You still have each other and that is saying a lot.
Annalisa
Gothknits said…
OMG!!! Tons of love, prayers and healing your way. I wish I were closer.
Marissa Dupont said…
Thank goodness the break didn't affect the nerves! And I guess it's good that he already knows how to be careful to not move his back too much already? I'm sure you'll still have a good anniversary and birthday despite this setback. :) Hugs!!!
Anonymous said…
Lisa and Robb:

Prayers and love to you both.... speedy recovery and knowledge for the doctors administering the care.

Hugs, Wendy
Oh dear! Oh my!! Oh we hope Robb's pain eases very quickly. John and I will send all the good vibes and well wishes we have to you both! Speedy recovery, Robb!!

~~Doublesaj~~
Anonymous said…
Oh, Lisa! I can't believe it. Our family is praying for you.
Many hugs, ElizabethB
Jiminy crickets! It's not good, but I'm glad to hear it isn't terribly bad. If I ever meet you guys, remind me not to stand near Robb if there is a lightning storm! He doesn't seem to have the best luck. :)
John and Diane said…
Yikes! Tomorrow has to be better (I hope!) Try and have a happy anniversary and a happy birthday and hope Robb feels better real soon!
-D
Anonymous said…
Holy crap! Feel better very soon Robb!
-Sten
Anonymous said…
happy birthday!

and best wishes for robb! I do hope that he will have a fast recovery!
Anonymous said…
Holy Crap! Having broken T12 once.... it is an experience I never would have wanted to experience again! My heart goes out to you both! ARGH!

Birthday and anniversary wishes to you both. I admire you both for your strength.

Hugs,
Bandaid
Anonymous said…
Not many people break their back twice...but then, most people who break it once either don't live, or don't live to ba as mobile as Robb has been. He's incredibly lucky to have been walking around to break it the second time. (Trying to help you find a silver lining to this newest cloud.)

My prayers are also with the both of you...and happy birthday, happy anniversary.

Romana
Anonymous said…
Unbelievable, Prayers for you both and the Doctors that are caring for him.
Sheila said…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Unknown said…
oh no. not again. so sorry to hear about this. get well soon Rob!!!!!! I recommend lots of kitty snuggling as therapy. I know you are not short of kitties. Your positive outlook on life is truly inspiring.
-Julie
Pica said…
So many hugs to you both (a super gentle one for Robb, though).

Just to add: my blogger imageword here is forse, which means "maybe" in Italian. Go on. Buy that lottery ticket.
Debbie said…
Lisa, you and Robb are in my prayers. Hang in there.
Sarcasmo said…
My thoughts and prayers go out both of you, to Robb for healing and freedom from the pain and to Lisa for strength of mind and heart. We (your fans!) enjoy reading your blog! I follow it from Atlas Quest. I'm so sorry to hear about this and hope you both get alot of rest and good news. Rock on!
Funhog said…
Twice??? Holy Carp!!!
Both birthday and get well wishes speeding down in your direction.
Lisa, please tell Robb to stop overachieving! I'm so sorry you both have to go through this, anytime, but especially as it's your anniversary and birthday too. I'm glad that although it's serious, it's not worse, as we both know it could have been much worse. Sending speedy healing thoughts to Robb, and hope you can still both celebrate your anniversary, even just a little.
Anonymous said…
I second what everyone else has already said.

Shiloh
MamaKin said…
Wow, you know my thoughts and prayers are with you both and I know just how bad this could have ended. I'm glad you can still see the cup half full, cuz I'd be looking for the leak by now.

Tell Robb to take it easy and behave himself! And as for you - time to buy more yarn to help cheer you up...and give you something to do when you're worrying :S

Happy Birthday Lisa & Happy Anniversary to both of you! Things are going to get back to zooming along very soon :D
Cinderellen said…
Holy Cow! Hugs and prayers for both of you. I think Kitty Cuddles would be a great treatment for his current condition.
Stefaneener said…
Oh DEAR.

Man, for your anniversary, how about some rugs for the bathroom or something? Poor Rob, poor you.

And many many congratulations.
Drew Eisenhauer said…
Holy fucking shit! If there are anyones with the karma to handle this; it be you two. I guess the second time s just the ordinary ticket at back breaking we al get?
Kathy M said…
Very sorry to hear about your fall and injury Robb. Lisa, your support of you hubby is wonderful thing. Sending healing and gentle energy.

Kathy M

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