Ouch - The Dreaded Ice

[pomtzu]

A lot of the country is getting nasty weather - snow, ice, freezing rain - all that crappy stuff. We were supposed to get ice overnight, but we had just a little snow. I got up around 4 a.m. to take the pups out, and there was just a light drizzle falling, but the porch and steps were just wet - no problem. Went back to bed and got up around 6:30 and took them out again before I got them their breakfast. Walked the few steps across the porch with no problem, then took the first step down - and I was airborne!!! The steps had turned to solid ice from that little bit of drizzle. I was carrying Myndi and she went flying out of my arms and on to the the cement patio, but thankfully wasn't hurt since it is only 3 steps down. It happened so fast, that I can't figure out how I landed the way I did - sitting on my butt on the top step. Yet my left arm hurts, my left leg has a nasty bruise on the shin and ankle, and my back and neck are killing me. The back thing is not good, since I just had major back surgery in December, and I'm still on a ton of restrictions with that. I sure hope I didn't do any damage in that department. I go back for another post op check next week, so I supposed I'll have to tell doc about the incident.

It must be getting nastier out too, since first there was a 2 hour delay for the start of schools in this district, and now they have just canceled the whole day. Supposed to be more messy weather later today and thru tomorrow a.m., but it's supposed to be warm enough by then for just rain. Keeping fingers crossed!

So I could use a few good PT prayers - that I didn't screw anything up in my back. I sure as heck don't need any more problems there - it hasn't been fun.

Thanks all.....and all of you be careful and don't pull any stupid stunts like I did!

[Medusa]

Ellie, Ellie, Ellie, what are we going to do w/you?! My good friend fell on the ice last year on Feb. 3 and she was bed ridden for nearly 4 months and used a walker until just last month and she was only 50 when it happened. She broke her leg and her ankle in 3 places. I know you have to take the pups out (one of the advantages of having cats; we don't have to do that) but, please, be extra careful. Of course, prayers are going up for you right now. I hope you're not in a lot of pain.

[pomtzu]

Yes Mary - ice is my downfall - OOPS - no pun intended. It was 3 years ago this month that I fell on ice in the driveway and fractured my hip/femur. I'll pay in pain with that for the rest of my life!

[Freedom]

Ellie, I am so sorry you fell and OUCH! But your written description did get me laughing -- airborne indeed! Did you really not trust the weatherman that much?!

I am glad Myndi is OK. And I pray that you are only bruised and will be fine all over. Sore now, you KNOW you are going to hut more before you hurt less. Tylenol, Ibuprofin, whatever it is that you take, start NOW, don't wait.

[Bonny]

Good thoughts & prayers sent your way. We had a good foot of snow here yesterday & are due for more this afternoon. School has been called off here too. The winds are to pick up later on today & the snow is so light & fluffy it is going to really drift & the road ditches are already full.

Do you have those rubber ice cleats to pull over your shoes or boots? I have seen them at Wal Mart. When it is icy here we slip them on over our boots & they work really well.

[pomtzu]

Do you have those rubber ice cleats to pull over your shoes or boots? I have seen them at Wal Mart. When it is icy here we slip them on over our boots & they work really well.

I sure do, and they work great - when I use them. I got them thru QVC last year, and they have been a lifesaver. They are on my boots that are sitting by the back door, but I went out with my slippers on when I went flying. Hey - it was only wet and not icy when I went out earlier - how dare it get colder and freeze!

Actually the fall probably could have been a lot worse than it was. I had Myndi tucked under my left arm, and was holding on to the railing with my right hand. If I hadn't had hold of that railing, there would have been nothing to partially break my fall - other than my hand which would have gotten me a broken wrist - again!

[Asiel]

OUCH big time Ellie-- I know exactly how that feels, did the same thing a few yrs ago and you can bet I never set foot on anything that looks "just wet". I remember laying there freezing with drizzle falling on me and the dogs going crazy and howling because I couldn't get up. A few cracked vertebrae from that experience.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you didn't do any serious damage to that newly operated back , that would be no picnic after what you've been through.
Please keep those eyes open and your feet solidly planted until you check the conditions.

[Karen]

I dread ice, and am glad when it snows instead. I am hoping the vaunted "rain/snow line" stays South of here, as it is theoretically supposed to do.

I'd tell you "be careful," Pomtzu, but I guess it's too late for this time!