A very lucky day!

Distractions!

A few weeks ago I reported my bike accident. I published the post here: https://learningfromdogs.com/2017/11/24/dont-try-home/

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In that post I spoke that on November 22nd I had a bike accident that knocked me out for nearly 8 minutes. I was taken to our local hospital, they did a CAT scan, and declared that there was no serious harm apart from some severe bruising.

Then about 2 weeks ago I noticed I was a little strange. Like I couldn’t write words and other strange behaviors. Jean and I thought it was just part of the healing process. But Alex, my son, became very worried because I was acting so strange. Then friend of 40 years, Dan Gomez, insisted on me going back to the local hospital. I did return last Sunday the 24th. Thank goodness for he saved my life.

That hospital in Grants Pass found more bleeding in my brain, albeit very slow bleeding, and transferred urgently me to the regional trauma center at Eugene. I then had two sub-durnal (sp?) operations overnight before being put onto the ICU ward. The lead surgeon explained that I was within 24 hours of dying! As in if I had not gone back to hospital.

I am now on the Neurology ward at the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, rapidly regaining my strength and hoping to go home over the weekend. Fingers crossed the neurological damage will not be too bad.

So yet another example of always listening to one’s inner mind.

I must add that the care and attention, even love, shown to me by everyone at the hospital has been wonderful beyond imagination! Thank you all!

The things that happen!

52 thoughts on “A very lucky day!”

  1. Wow! Very happy to learn that you caught your brain injury in time. Glad to learn that you are getting the correct medical care that you need. I am sure you are a great patient. All best wishes for you, Paul. One day at a time.

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    1. People I was speaking to on the phone said I was sounding very strange. But what I recall clearly was getting very frustrated that I couldn’t compose correctly spelt words. But no pain! As an aside, one of the nurses said yesterday that once a person started experiencing cognitive issues then it becomes very difficult for them to function rationally! Thank goodness I was able to drive myself into hospital that Sunday afternoon!

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      1. Absolutely. Well, I’m thrilled you skirted that little disaster. Now you just have to sneak the dogs and cats in for visits 🙂

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  3. Paul- I am so glad to hear that you are on the mend. Your son did the right thing. That must have been harrowing for you to find out you almost died. I can’t even imagine.
    Have great holiday and a successful New Year’s. Best wishes to Jean!

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  4. I didn’t see your post about your accident before today, but good to know, that your son was so awake, Paul.
    Wish you all good recovering, it might feel tough to get up again, but a little every day is great.
    With hope of a new and healthy year to come to you and Jean.

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  5. Your son is a bright, knowledgeable person Paul. Head injuries are subtle sometimes and the symptoms of subdural bleeds can be slight. Usually it is best to ask the people around the victim to watch for the signs because it isn’t apparent to the victim. Changes in behaviour, routine, slurring of words or even just the loss of the normal eloquence of speech. Headaches, loss of coordination or fuzziness, no matter how slight, are all alarm bells after any kind of head trauma (even the ones that don’t knock you out cold). Whenever I have hit my head hard, I have always asked my husband to watch me for signs of concussion bleeding.

    You are indeed a luck man Paul. Safe healing to you. Take your time getting back in the saddle. 😊❤

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    1. Colette, the importance of what you write is beyond description! Especially being watched after hitting our heads. Even subtle changes in behavior are crucial indicators. Lesson learnt!

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      1. I am just so happy your son and friend urged you to seek medical help!! Take time now to heal up and try not to overdo it. Sending healing thoughts and love to you and Jean for a happier New Year and good health for 2018. ❤

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  6. Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you listened to your friend. Continue to get stronger and good thoughts from Texas. Hope you get released soon.

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  9. Oh Paul how alarming! Just as well you went back to have it checked out. It just shows that any hard knock to the head should always be carefully monitored, especially after a certain age. So glad to see that you are recovering nicely. My warmest wishes to you and a big hug.

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  10. There a some Pawsome rehab for brain damage. HuMom was in a bad car accident that left her unable to speak or finish a sentence but after years of work is much better.
    Sending pawsitive energy & strength your way.

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  11. Whew!! That’s quite a scare Paul. I am so glad you are being discharged and are getting back home today. Take good care of yourself. I am SO SO happy that you will be around for quite some time 💕🙏💕
    p.s. I am off to Scotland tomorrow and looking forward to some family time.

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  17. What a scare Paul, thank goodness you followed your intuition and your Son was quick to spot something wrong too. I knew something must not be quiet right with you, and sent you healing thoughts I thought you had a return of your previous problem, So oh my. what a relief to know you are alright ..
    Sending my well wishes to you Paul and my love to Jean,, She must have been so worried and upset ..
    Thank goodness you had that helmet on, or that head would have taken a more serious blow than the already very bad knock it took at the time..
    Sending continued thoughts and healing vibes..
    And wishing you a very Happy Healthy New Year to you both..
    Love and well wishes
    Sue ❤

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    1. Dearest Sue, thank you! Yes, it has been a trail of very lucky events. From the 22nd November right through to Christmas Day. Even little things like within moments of me crashing down on to the road, on the 22nd, a passing motorist stopped and immediately called 911. He was a medic on his way home!

      Plus the helmet, plus the surgeon and staff at the hospital up in Eugene, and on and on!

      Once again, Sue, thank you for your wishes! Happy New Year to you!

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      1. Thank you Paul for your reply,, And yes Synchronicity at its best, in all ways..
        Now you really have to give your brain a rest… Listen to some relaxing music.. and chillout..
        Sending all the best for 2018, and it reminds me of how in a blink of eye all things can change..
        When my hubby was rushed into hospital in 09, From an internal massive bleed from a burst ulcer.. A story for another day, but if Synchronicity had not played its hand then. He would not now be with us..
        So I know how lucky you are..
        Sending Lots of LOVE to you both..
        Sue 🙂

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  18. You are a very lucky bloke to have people that are so in tune to your normal behavior that they insisted on getting you further attention!!! Many prayers for a full recovery!!!

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    1. Oh yes! Fundamentally because, as I learned at the hospital in Eugene, that when one is suffering from the neurological consequences of internal bleeding, the last person to make sense of what is happening is you! I was very lucky indeed!

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  19. I am barely catching up here but so glad you listened to your friend and went back to the hospital!! Head injuries are tricky. I just read your last post and am keeping good thoughts for you. So glad to see you recovering from what could have been fatal.

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  20. Wow, I know it’s not the same thing, but my brother has brain cancer. The minute I knew there was a tumor I flew to Ohio to be with him, I live in New Mexico, anyway, the following day was his operation. I sat there for nearly eleven hours waiting for the operation to be over, and I didn’t leave the hospital until I was able to see him in the recovery room. It’ll be three years on January 28th. He was released from the hospital to go home on the 30th. He’s doing well these days. Still has cancer, but the surgery has left my brother not quiet the same person he use to be. He’s a little slower at his speech and gets easily frustrated. He use to be so easy going, funny and quick witted. When he gets stuck on trying to remember things, I don’t give him the answer or the words he’s searching for like most of our family does. He hates that they do that, and I’m his big sister. I’m suppose to be tough on him. I know what he’s capable of. I refuse to give up on him and make it too easy.

    I’m glad you’re well and recovering. Best wishes from Sweet Sugar & Spice!

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    1. Oh Lynn, dear Lynn, what a trauma that has been for your brother, for you and all the family.

      Please keep an eye on this place for the next couple of weeks. For I shall be writing about the critical importance of good nutrition. On the back of what Jeannie and I are learning in terms of possibly combating Jean’s Parkinson¹s Disease. Might, just might, be of value to your brother!

      Give him a hug from two funny old Brits living in Oregon!

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  21. You are very blessed – that must have been terribly scary for you and your family! I’m glad you are feeling better! Hoping for a great 2018 for you!

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    1. Thank you, Joan, and what a pleasure to see you here. A rather timely visit if I may say so. Because today, with Jeannie, I returned to the hospital at Eugene and was seen by Dr. Kokkino. He felt I had made very good progress and saw no need for me to come again.

      When I spoke of not feeling fully healed in terms of my brain Dr. K. explained that I should allow anything from three to six months for my brain to complete the healing process. I found that very comforting!

      Hope to see you again.

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