Perhaps there are times when knowing nothing is better… But, at the moment I “know” nothing about the bone that is broken in my back. Beyond the general description of T2, I never got to see any of the x-rays, the CT scan results or the MRI images. Instead I was whisked away from the hospital in a narcotic induced haze, with instructions to return in two weeks for appointments with the trauma team and the orthopaedic specialist.
In the meantime, what I do know is that a thoratic traction brace with a full cervical collar is not designed with comfort in mind. The only two positions that are moderately comfortable are standing and sitting in a straight back chair with my arms resting on a table. Great for web surfing and difficult for reading, dressing, knitting, talking on the phone or eating.
The major instruction was not to remove the brace under any circumstance. This was most likely relayed due to previous experiences with non-compliance. What does one do if their skin is rubbing raw, they want to wash their hair, put on a pair of socks or retrieve something from the floor? How will I be able to cope if I have a full blown attack of claustrophobia?
The worst part -at the moment is not the pain- but the anticipation of hearing an estimate on when the brace can be safely removed. Not knowing, has translated to a semi-knowing that I hallucinated the idea that the brace would be removed or scaled down next weekend.
Perhaps soon? ..maybe I’ll have an updated portrait taken…
