I watched the snow falling, covering the ground in a thick white quilt. I wiped away tears as I stared at the thick, white cast covering most of my right leg. I’d be spending Christmas in the hospital.
It started on the morning of December 23. My neighbor dropped by a Christmas bouquet. “You’ve got to get down to Home Sense”, she said breathlessly with excitement. “They’ve just brought in the most beautiful bedding!”.
I was expecting company between Christmas and New Years and thought; perhaps some new bedding would be the perfect touch for my guest room. I glanced at the clock in the hallway. There’s time, I reasoned. A quick trip to town and I’d be back in time for supper. No, I hadn’t yet laid down for a much-needed rest, but surely this bargain was worth it!
Such a dizzying array of choices! I roam up and down the bedding aisle which then leads to home decor. Maybe a new piece of artwork for the wall or, oh look, they have housecoats. Wouldn’t my guests love a cozy robe to lounge in.
Just like that, I was Alice in Wonderland, falling down the rabbit hole. As I passed by a store mirror, I caught sight of myself, cart laden with towels, serving platters and a menagerie of completely unnecessary items. Panicking, I realized I hadn’t yet chosen the bedding!
Forty minutes later, I stood in a mile long line-up waiting for the till. Sweating profusely and weaving from side to side, I was aware of being completely dehydrated and feeling extreme fatigue. Just get home, I repeated like a mantra.
Barely able to navigate the stairs into my kitchen and longing for my bed, I am greeted by the whining sound of my beagle. It’s been hours since his last walk – better get on that! It’s a windy evening as we head towards the sidewalk leading down to the lake. In one strong pull, my feet go out from under me, slipping on sheer ice and I’m flat on my back in pain.
A few hours later, I’m in Emergency, watching in despair as the nurse cuts away at the new boots I had bought that same afternoon. Off to x-ray to confirm my worst fears. “Looks like you’ve got a bad break here, Debra. You’re going to have surgery. We’ll try to get you in tonight”.
I did make it home in time for Christmas dinner but with so much medication in my system, I was too nauseated to eat. I sat by the fireplace that evening. Conversations were a distant blur around me. I could still hear the doctor’s voice, “This will mean 8 weeks, no weight bearing. Of course there will be ongoing physio following that” So here I was again, back in a wheelchair, just as I had been after the cycling crash five years ago. I worked so hard to overcome my injuries. How could this happen?
I knew the answer. Over the past 5 years, I have learned a lot about T.B.I. Rest is not an option; it’s mandatory to function. Over stimulation (yes, Home Sense) will completely overwhelm you – avoid situations with too much stimulation. Being dehydrated and not eating sufficient protein left me vulnerable too. I had only myself to blame and was pretty sure I was on Santa’s naughty list!
Another Christmas season is upon us and yes, I’m expecting company. No redecorating the guest room! Shopping and baking began in November with plenty of time to pace myself. Daily rests slotted onto the agenda, no matter what the December social calendar is.
It’s a journey to implement these disciplines into our daily lives. Give yourself this valuable self-care “tool belt” and enjoy your best days this Christmas.
