I really do not have much to say, but since my posts on this blog have been infrequent, I thought I would acknowledge the slow progress toward recovery from my recent injuries, as well as a few other observations….

About the worst thing from having broken ribs is unexpected and random seizing pain in the middle of my torso. That pain causes my diaphragm muscle to freeze, so it feels as if I can’t breathe. These “pain seizures” have been occurring less frequently, thankfully. But I have to do all I can do to avoid coughing. A simple thing for most people, a cough is a huge pain-inducing thing for those with rib fractures. I can’t imagine how I would feel if I sneezed!

The other major challenge is sleeping. I cannot find a comfortable position on anything — a bed, recliner, or chair. Since I am not using any drugs for pain (over-the-counter meds have no effect and prescription meds have awful side-effects that are intolerable), I am generally very uncomfortable all day, every hour, every minute.

That general uncomfortable feeling disrupts sleep. And disrupted sleep makes BHD a difficult boy. I cannot concentrate, think clearly, or manage my life to which I am accustomed.

Now, if I can only manage the nighttime wandering…. looking for that place of comfort to sleep… then things will be much better.

Finally, I am not quite mobile enough to dress myself. No adult man wants to admit that he can’t pull on a pair of shorts — but read it here — I am that guy. When I bed to try to pull on shorts or socks, it hurts like hell — seizing torso/rib pain. I just have to smile and let my spouse help me get dressed each morning.

But these are primarily the only remaining and persistent issues that I have with recovery. From conversations with my doctor and medical professionals in my family, I understand that all of these issues are “normal and expected” at this stage of post-crash recovery now six-days out.

My spouse has been a trooper. He never ever lets me out of his sight during the day. He is always there to help me and tries as best he can to forecast my needs and do whatever needs to be done.

This situation has gotten him over his reluctance to drive his own automobile. He gave up driving three years ago when his persistent long-term illness fogged his brain and made it impossible for him to drive without fear of crashing due to a dizzy spell.

But there were some things we needed at the pharmacy and grocery store. Could I have taken up the offer of friends or family to run errands for us? Sure… but using this situation to instill a bit of confidence in my spouse is what was best — both for him and for me.

I really have to stop a moment and quit my bitchin’. Really, things could be much much worse. I am counting my blessings–

* A spouse who loves and cares for me, always.

* Family and friends who also have rallied around — including my firefighter buds who mowed the lawn for us on Saturday

* Excellent health insurance. My personal medical costs are quite minor. All prescriptions are covered at no cost, either. I am grateful that my spouse was able to extend his health insurance benefits to me once we married. He had a much better health plan than I did.

* A very understanding employer. “Take all the time you need.” I can telework — or take nap breaks — or do whatever I can manage as my recovery dictates. I do not have to report to the office or work “full shifts”. I can take all the time I need to recover. Relief from the stress of worry about my job aids tremendously in recovery.

* I said this before but will say it again: quality motorcycle riding gear saved my life and my hide (literally). Later this week I will take pictures of the damage to my boots and helmet to prove that being a “human skid mark” when hitting the pavement at 40mph (64kph) and sliding 300 feet (90m) — and “only” having 3 broken ribs with no other injuries is truly remarkable.

Life is short: keep making progress toward full recovery!