Sunday, December 7, 2014

From a Fractured Shoulder to a Western Camping Adventure to an African Safari

    Today is December 7, 2014 and I am reflecting on my travels. I can only say WOW! Michael and I don't seem to be able to keep still even when I have had an injury. I guess I can say that is a good thing.
    Back in March of this year I had a wake up call when I fell at my cousin's apartment in Dubai. I have never had a broken bone throughout my life. We were waiting for our driver to arrive to take us to the desert. When the phone rang I was half asleep. I jumped up and charged the phone not realizing that the cleaning lady had just mopped the floor. Suddenly I slammed onto the marble floor and was unable to move my left arm. It was as if the arm was hanging off. My immediate response was about the driver but my husband's voice of sanity quickly summed up "We're not going to any desert. You're going to a hospital." I knew he was right but I was scared.
   Next I was in a taxi heading for the German Saudi Hospital. As I arrived I was met at the door by an escort with a wheelchair. He quickly ushered me to xray where my arm was x-rayed. Then the doctor appeared with the xrays on a CD and the diagnosis. "You have a fractured shoulder that will need pins. I can do the surgery tomorrow at 2PM. Call  me if you would like the surgery."  I immediately asked them to email the report to my daughter so my orthopedic PA son-in-law, Ken, could tell me his thoughts. He emailed me immediately that the fracture was serious and would require a long rehab. he said I should return home. Realizing the severity of the injury and the fact that my next destination was Africa, I knew I had to return home. Recovering at my cousin's apartment and traveling to Africa was not an option. Next, I contacted my cousin who arranged for our flights so he could change our return flights. The morning of my accident he had flown to LA so I sent him an email and waited to hear from him.