I hope everyone is having good weather wherever you live.  My heart goes out to all those who live in the areas that were hit by tornados and other violent storms that took lives, destroyed homes and businesses, and washed away the hopes and dreams of many.

It leads me to think about safety.  There are some things, like Mother Nature, that we cannot do anything about.  There are other things, however, that we should take responsibility for doing all we can to be sure we don’t get hurt, and those of us with disabilities need to be even more aware of what we can do to protect ourselves.

Back in 2001-2002 I had a terrible spell of falls in which I fractured 5 bones that required a total of 8 surgeries to repair. Two surgeries went relatively easily; in two different falls I fractured a wrist and now have plates in each wrist.

 I say fix, however I developed an infection during one surgery, in which a rod was placed in my leg from my knee to my ankle, and I live with the after effects of that even now.  I’m told I have chronic cellulitis, although there is no active infection, my legs just turn beet red and feel like I have the worst sunburn in history.  That fracture needed 3 surgeries, 2 were supposed to clean out the infection.

While I was still going through this I broke my hip and a pin was placed in it.  One month later, a month of grueling pain, I was told the pain was because the pin was pushing the fractured bone and I required a total hip replacement.  And all this took place in 13 months.  (You might want to look back to my old Postings to read more about this period in my life. Another former posting shares an experience I had trying to get through airline security with all the metal in my body. I also have a spinal fusion and an Intrathecal Pump so as I told the security guard, “When I die I won’t be able to get into a cemetery, I’ll have to go to a recycle plant!”)

As you can imagine I try to be aware of safety issues.  I took a course on Fall Prevention at one of the MS Care Centers in Manhattan, which taught us how to control our body movements.  This was helpful but I think what I needed, and still need, since I still fall pretty regularly, is to learn HOW to fall.  What’s the best way to “tuck and tumble” so I don’t keep breaking bones or need stitches?

Recently I have been seeking ways to make my home safer.  I live alone so when I fall I either have to get myself up or push the little button that will bring all kinds of people running to help me.  You should know that when I do fall it is usually in the most unbecoming fashion and I am not usually prepared for visitors.

For some reason the last few falls I have had have been in the bathroom.  Now you know I am not going to push that button and have strangers knocking down my door to help me in there.  Twice I was standing at the bathroom sink, brushing my teeth, and for some reason I lost my balance and woops there I went, right over the side of the tub.