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January 14, 2010
Is your home Safe? Are you Ready?
Those of you who know my wife and I, know that my wife Debbie has had several serious falls recently. I
learned early on that just because you know what to do, you don't always respond in a crisis as you should.
Debbie (normal) Though painful, we can all learn from Debbie's and My experiences.
The Danger of Shower and Bath Tub Falls
In 1998, falls in the home and community caused or led to 15,900 deaths. All age groups are vulnerable. "Of fall-related deaths, 41% take place in the home." "Falls are the number one cause of injury death for males 80+ years old, the number one cause of injury death for females 75+ years old, and falls are also the leading cause of injury and hospital admissions for older adults", (according to the Senior Safety Store).
Just because you feel you are an able bodied person doesn't mean you do not need to pay attention to and take precautions.
Rule 1: Put rails in your bath tub! Put rugs with non-skid rubber on backing on floor.
In August, my wife Debra fell out of the bathtub falling on her back onto the floor, just missing the Toilet. She
lay there gaining her composure and though we talked about calling 911, though we new we should, we did
not. not Had the apartment we lived in taken proper precautions to have hand rails in the tub, this may not have happened. These two falls were each a concussion which we identified after the second fall.
Rule 2: Call 911 regardless, all falls are serious!
Rule 3: Put handrails in bath tube regardless of your age.
Life went on only to have, one month later, my wife fell yet again in the same apartment hitting her head and
knocking her self out. She was alone. When she woke, she called me while on I-5 coming from San Diego, I
then called 911 and my daughter also called 911 to get aid to my wife, September 23rd.
Rule 4: Pull off the road and park to call 911 even if you have a head set (I totaled our car in this event and went to ER myself).
Rule 5: Every fall is serious! (yes I am repeating rule 2, its that important)
Following a weekend stay at Simi-Valley Hospital, several tests, the hospital sent us home without the correct
diagnosis, only noting as a minor issue a spinal disk problem.
Rule 6: With spinal and falling issues, get a second opinion!
Due to her loss of work as a result of the falls, we relocate to Spokane, Washington. This is now our main location for operations. (We have an associate who works with us for our California customers)
All she was seemingly recovering under a false diagnoses until December 6th when the spinal issue flared up
yet again, and cause my wife to fall, this time smashing her face into the hardwood floor of injuries our home. With Debbie bleeding out of her nose and mouth, cheek cut under her left eye and nose, we immobilized her and called 911. We noted it took over 7 minutes for the ambulance to arrive and the 911 operator hung up on me after gaining the address. It is my understanding that the 911 operator was to be on the phone with me until the ambulance arrived. I have reported this to our local emergency department.
Rule 7: Stay alert to all activity while in an emergency, keep your head.
(Picture published with her permission)
Though no significant long term damage to her face occurred, they sent us home from Sacred Heart Hospital,
again not seriously looking at her spinal issues. One neurologist came by while in ER and simply poked her in the side and said loose some weight. The Neurologist seemed to rush to quick judgment ignoring significant
weakening on left side of her body.
Rule 8: When issues continue, there are underlying causes to investigate.
December 18th, while out to late lunch, Debbie had a difficulty grasping her water glass with her left hand.
Still having significant weakness with her left leg with added numbness from her breast's down. Suffering from
a sudden headache shortly after lunch, I took her to Emergency Room for possible stroke symptoms. This is
when a different Neurologist was on the ER and gave a serious look at her, She was finally admitted with a
proper diagnosis, spinal issues of the 4th, 5th and 6th vertebra, other spinal issues in mid and lower back with a recommendation of surgery as soon as it could be scheduled. Stroke was also identified.
The falls did not cause the spinal injuries, but he spinal issues caused her falls. If this had been diagnosed back in September, maybe the stroke and other trauma could have been avoided.
Debbie had the surgery on December 31st, replacing her 5th vertebra with a stint and fusion on her 4th and 6th. Other surgery will occur down the road after she heals from this first one. Total expected recovery time is 24 months. Prognosis is that she will gain independent use of her legs but will be permanently disabled.
Rule 9: Though tests do not reveal any issues, if the problem continues, seek second, and third opinions.
Rule 10: All Rugs on all floors need to have non-skid tape to keep them from sliding. (preventive measures)
Rule 11: Life is what happens when you are planning something else.(quote from John Lennon) Be prepared for life changes!
Though this has been a painful ending to a very difficult year, I am grateful for the support and prayers of my
family (especially Cassandra, Sara & LeAnne) for being there for us as we deal with the difficult days ahead.
If you would like more information on these issues, please contact me at CPRsafeyservices@gmail.com
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