Please

[dezdweller]

While driving into town Saturday to pick up a load of hay, my husband was struck by a kid in another truck who ran a stop sign. They air lifted him to a Tucson hospital. He's had one surgery to fuse his lower back, but they haven't done anything as yet for his crushed pelvis, and they "think" they may have stopped the internal bleeding. They are also "hopeful" he'll be able to walk again.
I just returned home this afternoon to check on the animals and buy hay and feed.
I know that you all are not Christians, so I won't ask you to pray for him. Just think some positive thoughts, OK?
It's very possible that not only will he not walk again, but we'll lose our land and the rescue as well, since he was the major breadwinner and we have no insurance to cover something like this. The kid who hit him was uninsured and I believe unlicensed as well.

Anyway - keep us whereever you keep people who need positive happenings....

[eightball61]

I'm sorry to read about what happened to him but very thankful that his condition didn't turn out to be any worse than it is. You all will be kept in my prayers ;)

Please keep us posted on his condition.

~8Ball

[yourstruly]

already answered you in email, dez, but will here too.many hugs and prayers. God bless.

[sherrylynn75]

I will definitely keep you, your husband and the animals will be in my prayers. I hope he gets well soon and everything works out for all of you.

[SALly]

OMG! I'm so sorry. I will pray for you and your family and situation! Good Luck....try to stay strong!

[Howard]

I'm so sorry Dez.I'll keep you in my prayers. :(

[dezdweller]

I spoke with one of the trauma surgeons this evening. He said the pelvis was not crushed, simply broken in a few places. They will fit him for a brace to support that. No further internal bleeding, and the specialist who did the spinal fusion is e-mailing me "before" and "after" x-rays. He's also showing positive response to touch in both feet.

They sounded much more positive now than when I left this morning.

Thanks for the concern - it helps to share this. I've been "strong" at the hospital for him and all his family. It's helped to unload some.

[Howard]

I spoke with one of the trauma surgeons this evening. He said the pelvis was not crushed, simply broken in a few places. They will fit him for a brace to support that. No further internal bleeding, and the specialist who did the spinal fusion is e-mailing me "before" and "after" x-rays. He's also showing positive response to touch in both feet.

They sounded much more positive now than when I left this morning.

Thanks for the concern - it helps to share this. I've been "strong" at the hospital for him and all his family. It's helped to unload some.


And keep on being strong,That's all you can do right now. :)

[eightball61]

It's helped to unload some.


Anytime you need to unload we will be here for you ;)


~8Ball

[Howard]

Anytime you need to air the dirty laundry,I'm all ears. :)

[yourstruly]

this is not dirty laundry, Howard.

dez, look to God for strength, gf. He will give it to you. But it's ok to cry when you are alone. You can't be expected to be strong all the time. huggggggggggggggs

[Howard]

this is not dirty laundry, Howard.

dez, look to God for strength, gf. He will give it to you. But it's ok to cry when you are alone. You can't be expected to be strong all the time. huggggggggggggggs


I'm sorry Truly I thought from what I had read that it was dirty laundry,My mistake :)

[Diablo]

Glad that the prognosis is better Dez.

[Howard]

How are you feeling these days Dez? :)

[dezdweller]

Let's see, how am I doing...thank God for you people, I don't know where else I'd vent!

I don't know why you don't hear more about "disgruntled patients and their families". I've been trying to get and hold things together here at home, while working my graveyards and driving 300 miles round trip to be with Doug as I can. I had a meeting with them on Tuesday, all the "ists", i.e. internists, neurologists, orthopedists, etc...and all of them are waffling on when he's going to rehab, where, and if it will be in or out patient therapy. Come home Tuesday night and work 7pm-7am. This morning at 10:30 Doug calls and says his $12.00 an hour rehab tech says because he managed five steps with a walker he could come home. So they've released him and I have to pick him up Thursday morning after I get off work. I'm at work now. They've made an exception because of all this shit and permitted "personal use" of the computer.

Mind you, we have no ramp, no wheelchair, steep front and back steps, and a fairly tall bed and short commode. He has the strength to shuffle five steps before needing to get back in his wheelchair. No way he can lift his legs.

SO - once I have him on our property in the (borrowed) car, what the Hell (not the word I wanted to use) do we do then? All the community services around here I would normally call for assistance are closed up until Monday after Christmas...I'm thinking he could probably get his arms around me from the back and I can kind of lean over and walk up the steps. But I have a compression fracture in my back, and it would probably really screw me up. I could do it, though.... I also need info on his rehab and where he'll be going and what's expected of me so we can do therapy/exercises at home as well.

Oh, I was wrong about the brace - it supports his organs and back, looks like a turtle shell. They said they normally don't do anything for pelvises...

Anyway, that's where things stand with me...we'll just stumble along, taking one thing at a time and doing the best we can, as that's all we CAN do!

Oh, the kid who hit him is in juvie, was driving on a suspended license, took the truck without permission, no tags or current registration and of course no insurance. But he feels bad about it and wants to go home for Christmas. We have a hearing on Thursday so the judge can hear his request and get our input. Wanna bet on what our input's going to be? So far he's being charged with aggrevated assault, which I hear has since been upgraded to attempted manslaughter because of Doug's condition, driving on a suspended license, and taking a vehicle without permission. Excuse me, isn't that the definition of theft?

Pissed off as I am at everyone these days, I have decided to put up our little Christmas tree which has yet to even come out of the closet. My gift this year is my husband's life. My world changed, but my guy is coming home...

Peace - you all enjoy the best things this holiday brings....

[yourstruly]

Let's see, how am I doing...thank God for you people, I don't know where else I'd vent!

I don't know why you don't hear more about "disgruntled patients and their families". I've been trying to get and hold things together here at home, while working my graveyards and driving 300 miles round trip to be with Doug as I can. I had a meeting with them on Tuesday, all the "ists", i.e. internists, neurologists, orthopedists, etc...and all of them are waffling on when he's going to rehab, where, and if it will be in or out patient therapy. Come home Tuesday night and work 7pm-7am. This morning at 10:30 Doug calls and says his $12.00 an hour rehab tech says because he managed five steps with a walker he could come home. So they've released him and I have to pick him up Thursday morning after I get off work. I'm at work now. They've made an exception because of all this shit and permitted "personal use" of the computer.

Mind you, we have no ramp, no wheelchair, steep front and back steps, and a fairly tall bed and short commode. He has the strength to shuffle five steps before needing to get back in his wheelchair. No way he can lift his legs.

SO - once I have him on our property in the (borrowed) car, what the Hell (not the word I wanted to use) do we do then? All the community services around here I would normally call for assistance are closed up until Monday after Christmas...I'm thinking he could probably get his arms around me from the back and I can kind of lean over and walk up the steps. But I have a compression fracture in my back, and it would probably really screw me up. I could do it, though.... I also need info on his rehab and where he'll be going and what's expected of me so we can do therapy/exercises at home as well.

Oh, I was wrong about the brace - it supports his organs and back, looks like a turtle shell. They said they normally don't do anything for pelvises...

Anyway, that's where things stand with me...we'll just stumble along, taking one thing at a time and doing the best we can, as that's all we CAN do!

Oh, the kid who hit him is in juvie, was driving on a suspended license, took the truck without permission, no tags or current registration and of course no insurance. But he feels bad about it and wants to go home for Christmas. We have a hearing on Thursday so the judge can hear his request and get our input. Wanna bet on what our input's going to be? So far he's being charged with aggrevated assault, which I hear has since been upgraded to attempted manslaughter because of Doug's condition, driving on a suspended license, and taking a vehicle without permission. Excuse me, isn't that the definition of theft?

Pissed off as I am at everyone these days, I have decided to put up our little Christmas tree which has yet to even come out of the closet. My gift this year is my husband's life. My world changed, but my guy is coming home...

Peace - you all enjoy the best things this holiday brings....

ohh girl, wish there was something I could do. Maybe I shoulda picked this week to come visit ya?????? I would definetly be alot of help to you. heck, anyone would be. You don't have any friends or family that could come and help? Maybe even a neighbor? Can you call a church? I'd seriously bet my life on it that if you called a local church they would send people right on over.....do it!!!!

lots of love, gf. and faith, gotta have faith. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways----remember the things you were telling me before??????? huggggggggggggggggggggs. will be thinking and praying about you and Doug this Christmas.

[Diablo]

Truly, most churches automatically turn away anyone who asks for help of any kind. Perhaps if she contacts enough of them, she'll hit on one that will help, but most churches don't want to help people because it hurts their bottom line; profit. I will say that there is a difference between Christianity and churchianity, and that she should try because one or two churches might help; however, private individuals within her own church are a better shot at getting help.

[yourstruly]

Truly, most churches automatically turn away anyone who asks for help of any kind. Perhaps if she contacts enough of them, she'll hit on one that will help, but most churches don't want to help people because it hurts their bottom line; profit. I will say that there is a difference between Christianity and churchianity, and that she should try because one or two churches might help; however, private individuals within her own church are a better shot at getting help.

Diablo I dont know where you are getting your info from or what you are basing your opinion on, and I am not about to turn dez's thread into a free-for-all, but what dez and doug need is people to HELP.....I didnt say anything about money at all. She was talking about needing help getting him ino the house and taking care of him. I'm sorry to burst your bubble but most churches I know of do this kind of thing all the time! have a little faith, will ya.

[eightball61]

My world changed, but my guy is coming home...




Sad to say but his condition could have been worse. It's great to hear that he will be home to share the holidays with you all. It won't be easy but hopefully once the holidays are done you'll get local support.

I wish you both well & and please keep us posted.

~8Ball

[Howard]

I'm glad you're feeling much better Dez.Hugs To You and Your family. :)

[SALly]

I'm praying for you and thinking about you. I have faith you will find someone who will be your lifesaver. Have hope, some people in this world DO help others just out of the kindness of their hearts!

[Howard]

You'll be in my prayers tonight,Dez. ;)

[Diablo]

Diablo I dont know where you are getting your info from or what you are basing your opinion on.

My brother tried to get help from his own church after losing his apartment because of fire in another tennents' apartment. They told him that he is the scum of the earth and that no church would help him. I have seen churches turn away hungry people from a church supper on many occasions because the hungry people could not pay for a plate. I have seen a priest let a door slam in an old woman's face(she was walking behind him). I listened to that same priest tell a RCIA class to turn away anyone who asks for help and I could go on. We shouldn't hijack the thread, so start a new one if you want to continue this debate.

I hope you got some help with your situation Dez. Keep us posted.

[eightball61]

Hey dezdweller, I hope everything is going ok. You are still in our thoughts. Have a Happy New Year :)


~8Ball

[Howard]

How are you doing these days Dez? :)

[dezdweller]

Wow. Been a lifetime it seems...

When I brought Doug home, I'd been without sleep for almost 72 hours, had the flu and a temp of 102, he was in pain, angry and feeling helpless (NOT a feeling my guy is used to!). Needless to say, I wasn't in the best frame of mind.

A local medical supply business gave (and I mean GAVE) us a wheelchair to use as long as we needed it. The company that I'm currently working security at, Phelps Dodge Mining Company, is going to build a ramp for him, two of my neighbors have helped with the animals and cut firewood. The second week he was home his sister showed up from Colorado and moved in our RV. She's staying as long as she's needed, God bless her.

Three separate churches, the LDS (Mormon) Church, New Life City and the Catholic Church have inundated us with food, cassaroles, the youth groups have come out and cleaned corrals and my house, cut more firewood, brought in youth and laughter and lightness to our house. They have been amazing.

My oldest son and my "best friend", on the other hand, after asking how we were when we'd just arrived home, and me foolishly telling them how worried I was about him and his care, my working 60 hrs a week and trying to take care of everything, went to Doug and told him I was saying what a burden he was. THAT little incident took almost a week to clear up and settle down. Taught me a lesson - from now on when people ask how I am I just say, "I'm fine, how are you?".

Medically, he still has only limited feeling in his legs, and he gets back spasms going from the wheelchair to the bed, but he's feeling a bit better mentally, I think. Hard to tell with him. He's the old school cowboy, the "real men never cry or show emotion" kind of guy.

All in all, it's made me remember why I chose to settle in this valley, and why I've stayed all these years. And how much I love my neighbors and this community.

[Diablo]

At least he's home. He might even have a full recovery. Potasium and water will help with the spasms, but don't waste your money on potasium pills. They typically contain 1%-3% of the potasium you need daily. Bananas, potatoes, orange juice and tomato based V8's are all good sources of potasium. Good luck with it.

[eightball61]

It's nice to hear from you, dezdweller. :) I am glad to hear that he is home and you are getting a lot of help from others. We are here for you so please keep us updated when you can.;)

[yourstruly]

I was just thinking about you!!!!!!! Oh my, the help you have received from different people (and churches---phhhhhbbbbbttttt at Diablo for not having any faith) is awesome!!!!! Sounds like it hasn't been easy, but if you don't have faith to live by and friends to trust, and love for each other, then what do you have :) huggggggggggggggs. email me if you need anything girl! God bless!

[Howard]

I'm glad you're feeling better Dez. :)

[yourstruly]

hey y'all, I got email from dez, and offered to update her thread to her about her husband, so here it is:

Hey! Doug's pelvis seems to be healing remarkably well considering how badly it was shattered. They think they won't need to realign it. His back surgery did not take, the L-3 vertabrae has turned thirty degrees and is like this / instead of this -, so not only is it turned around but crooked as well. They will be operating again, this time anterially (from the front) in the next month or so. They chances are better this time. Last time the surgeon said the chances of paralysis were about 85%, this time they are only about 70%. BUT, even though it hurts like Hell he is walking a bit with the aid of his cane in the house and a walker outside. I don't let him push himself as he'd like to, because even walking say, to the bathroom and back puts him in a lot of pain - but he's a stubborn old cowboy and I have to do a lot of ing to get him to behave!
I probably won't be visiting the forumfor a while, just getting to check my mail is hard. I'm working about 60 hrs a week, plus the critters and Doug, so I'm pretty tired almost all the time...oh, my mare is due to foal any day now, too...

[eightball61]

I know that we have had our differenc(& still do) , yourstruly, but please let her know that I do wish her husband & her the best.


Thank you,

[angeleyes325]

That's wonderful to hear that they are doing much better. I pray that Doug's next back surgery goes well and also that her mare does foal easy. As I've been through that several times with my own horses. I don't know what I'd do if Cyle and I were in that situation, but please Truly, do let her know that I think she's one of the bravest and strongest women around and that they are both in my prayers.

:) Angel

[SALly]

That's great! Thanks for the update, Yourstruly. She sounds like she is being so strong!

[Howard]

That's great news.I'm glad she's feeling better. :)

[yourstruly]

That's great news.I'm glad she's feeling better. :)

Howard, she who? Dez is fine. It's her husband Doug that had the accident.

[Howard]

Howard, she who? Dez is fine. It's her husband Doug that had the accident.



Oh My apologies.I must've mis-read.I'm sorry! :(

[dezdweller]

Hiya everybody! If you're interested, I put a picture of Calamity and her little mule on my profile. This is a picture of my new one's brother, but he looks just like him, right down to the stripes on his legs and the almost pink coat.

Doug hasn't had his surgery yet, and not much has changed since yourstruly (HI, gf!) gave ya'll an update for me.

Rescue work doesn't seem to slow down just because I'm broke and tired (aren't we all!). Came home the other morning to find six pups tied with baling wire to my front gate. Blue heeler mixes. Found homes for all but the one who was the worst off - I may just keep her, she's a smart little thing. Just what I need to do! The problem with rescue work is they are all loveable. By the time they are ready to be adopted out, you are so afraid they'll get into another abusive situation you just hold on to all of them! Geesh...

Yourstruly, you've been such a good friend I may leave you my ostriches in my will...they only live around sixty years or so... :) bet you'd be real proud of me, huh?

Love you guys!

[yourstruly]

Hiya everybody! If you're interested, I put a picture of Calamity and her little mule on my profile. This is a picture of my new one's brother, but he looks just like him, right down to the stripes on his legs and the almost pink coat.

Doug hasn't had his surgery yet, and not much has changed since yourstruly (HI, gf!) gave ya'll an update for me.

Rescue work doesn't seem to slow down just because I'm broke and tired (aren't we all!). Came home the other morning to find six pups tied with baling wire to my front gate. Blue heeler mixes. Found homes for all but the one who was the worst off - I may just keep her, she's a smart little thing. Just what I need to do! The problem with rescue work is they are all loveable. By the time they are ready to be adopted out, you are so afraid they'll get into another abusive situation you just hold on to all of them! Geesh...

Yourstruly, you've been such a good friend I may leave you my ostriches in my will...they only live around sixty years or so... :) bet you'd be real proud of me, huh?

Love you guys!

dezzie!!!! Hey girl! good to hear from you again. Awwwww how cute, I looked at the picture.

OMFG what the heck am I gonna do with ostriches. Will they fit on my back patio????? hehe.

When is Doug going to have the surgery?? Best wishes for the both of you. Will be thinking about you!

[SALly]

It's great to hear from you. Keep up the great work! Take care.

[eightball61]

Glad to hear from you too & I hope his surgery goes well. :)

[Howard]

Glad to hear from You Dez.How's everythbing going? :)

[yourstruly]

Glad to hear from You Dez.How's everythbing going? :)

she just told us, Howard.

[Diablo]

Hope the surgury works out Dez. I take in strays myself, but my landord wants me to stop taking in two legged strays. Of all things, my cat does the same thing. Spook was a wild kitten when we first saw him hanging around here. My cat adopted him and pretty much raised him. Better days are ahead Dez. If nothing else, the law of averages is on your side.

[Howard]

she just told us, Howard.



I'm sorry.I wasn't paying much attention. :(