A horrrible day...

What started off as a good day has ended horribly. My DH has been very busy building our new outbuilding. The fact that it's winter hasn't really deterred him. This afternoon he was up on the ladder installing a piece of the gable. Somehow, the ladder slipped and he fell about 3 metres landing on his back on some very hard, icy ground. Fortunately, I was home (most of the time I'm at work when he's constructing).
I called 911 and made sure he stayed as still as possible. The ambulance arrived about 1/2 hr after the call. He was transferred to our local hospital where x-rays showed he has suffered a compression fracture of his spine (L1) and it's classed as unstable. He's been transferred to our regional hospital for a CT scan to determine what's next. Possibly surgery and that's likely won't happen in the regional hospital since most of the specialists here don't do back surgery.
There is good news in the midst of this. There is no evident paralysis, no concussion, no neck injury and we live in Canada where his health care is completely covered and anything the government won't pay, my work insurance will. He is also a very fit fellow, and that's in his favour.
He's been so anxious to have this building done. It will house his studio and he was really looking forward to having this space.
Good thoughts would be appreciated right now.
Thanks for listening

*** goooooood thoughts*** :)
I'm so sorry this happened. It's so traumatizing! I went through it with my dad (he landed on a tree :eek: ). I hope all the tests come back negative and he is completely ok. Poor guy. I hate ladders. I hope you are ok.:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Are you ok?

Good thoughts being sent your way!

Prayers sent your way for a speedy recovery!

1/2 and hour for the ambulance to arrive? Is that normal????

Bearmom I hope your hubbys okay to, I too hate ladders, they are soo dangerous. I hope he makes a speedy and full recovery.

:D :grouphug:

I hope he recovers with no recurring pain. Back pain is not a nice thing to have, I know. It is not the easiest area to treat so I hope all goes well.

Very happy to hear that your husband's prognosis is good. Once he is 100% better I would read him the riot act about never climbing the ladder under such conditions without someone holding on to the bottom It is so fortunate you were home when it happened. I am terrified of back related injuries - particularly paralysis. Uncle was completely paralyzed at age 40 and then my two soul mate dogs. Lyndhurst Lodge is a major beneficiary of my will - direct aid to patients. When I started to read you post I was ready for the worst. I hope your husband gets a really good surgeon - maybe you will be coming to Toronto. Very possibly to East General - they used to and I think still do specialize in treatment of back injuries. The hardest thing for your husband will be keeping still. And back pain really hurts.

I know all too well about back pain and wish him and you well!! Find the best orthopedic person you can and take care of it. At least it in is the L region which is the gest area in many ways if one has to have an injury (the worst of course being cervical) - not in terns of pain (It all hurts!) but in terms of what nerves are nearby and so forth. Good luck!! I once broke my coccyx and the best thing an ortopod did for me was to give me a shot of cortisone - it is out of favour treatment now since it's a steroid but it really helped lessen the pain. Take care!

Oh, what an awful accident - you must have been frantic with fear for him.
I'm so sorry this happened, and send my prayers and postive thoughts to your hubby for a complete and speedy recovery.:fingerscr

Sending good vibes to you and your hubby. My mother-in-law fell and got a compression fracture of her back. It was very painful for her. He's in good shape otherwise and that will make a big difference as he mends.

Jazz and Cricket, I have been thinking about your husband, and wondering how he is doing now?
I hope the news is positive, and that he is recovering from this awful accident.
My prayers and thoughts go out to you both.:grouphug: