Today’s the day. It’s been three months since my family room fall. Today I see the spine doctor for X-rays of my neck – extension and flexion or tilting my head up and down. My fracture at C2, sometimes called a hangman’s fracture, has not exactly healed. It’s difficult if not impossible for older people to grow new bone, but the doctor tells me that fibrous tissue has bridged the gap, like a spider’s web of scar tissue. “No more roller coasters for you,” he tells me.
“And no bumper cars!”
I should feel lucky, if not downright jubilant that I’ll be free of the cervical Aspen collar. Goodbye, Ciao, Cheerio! So why do I feel conflicted?
Yesterday I shared a table for lunch with a widow. Her opening question, “What happened to you?” wasn’t new. Most people assume it was surgery that resulted in this head immobilization. But Bob had to leave to take a call, and before long the young widow and I were immersed in a deep conversation about life, our daughters, the choices we make, and her fall (totally alone and without her phone) off a ladder in the small storage unit of her high-rise condo in the Gulch.
INTERMISSION FOR 9 AM DOCTOR APPOINTMENT
I’ve just returned from the doctor collar-free. I had a rendezvous with death, but I tricked the grim reaper. My head is sitting on its axis just fine. Here’s a little anatomy lesson:
“The axis, also known as the epistropheus, is the second cervical vertebra (C2) that has some similarities to a typical cervical vertebra but is categorized as an atypical vertebra because of its unique features. Its most characteristic feature is the prominent superior projection known as the dens axis, or odontoid process. The dens axis plays an important function for the movement of the head, acting as a stable pivot around which the atlas and head rotate.“
It figures that I broke an atypical vertebra. Last week was my last hand therapy appointment, so now what do I do? I’m not allowed to drive for a few months, or play football…. “tackle” football. I started a book in California, “The Last Lecture,” by Randy Pausch, that I’d like to finish. He received a terminal cancer diagnosis and his book is a look back at his exceptional life. If you’ve never heard of him, check this out:
I guess my joy at being cut-loose from doctors and therapy is being blunted by the daily assaults on our democratic process by a president who would be king. The Groom’s critical care funding from NIH may be in jeopardy. One of their friends who works for the government has been asked to sign a “loyalty” pledge. This is real, Mr T’s crazy missives, his crazier “special government employee” Elon’s directives are all engineered to foment fear. Do not lose faith. It’s time to pull out those old pink pussy hats and resist dear readers.
MountainMornings 
Oh Chris, I have read that book and loved it…but it is heartbreaking to think of such an incredible person being torn away from his family…his life.
So glad that you are getting your own life back. What a nightmare you have been through. I have been cleaning out in my attic and have spent time with the momentos that I saved from my school board years–17 in total. I came upon the column that you wrote for the TRT and the very kind words that you gave me. Gosh, that was a lot of years ago when our children were still at home, and life was so different from what it is now. I loved that life…and I love this one too. Keep up the good work of healing. Sending all best regards.
Hi Bobby! I found that book in the library of the airbnb we were staying in over the holidays, before the fires. It was like a gift from the universe.
It’s so good to hear from you. 17 years and forever ago! Can you believe we used to debate prayers around a flagpole and whether the Catholic school could use our auditorium? Now SCOTUS will decide in April if states can fund a religious charter school!
Much love to you and your family, Chris
Glad you’ve been let out of the collar. As to the state of the world, we can’t give up. I plan to return to the letters, phone calls, petitions soon. And maybe blogging too.
Oh Lisa, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to sleep without my “cradle.” But it was heavenly. I’m afraid my protesting days are over, and we have twins coming next month in California. I may try submitting more letters to the editor, even though the Tennessean has rejected me before (since I’m not an ‘expert’). Maybe I’ll try bigger outlets. Do people still read or should we join TikTok?
Hi Auntie – I just finished 5 months of PT on my broken humerus and shoulder but, a side affect is that I gave myself I Band stress reaching to high and back with a 3 lb dumbbell. Anyhow, I feel liberated and am hoping I will not fall again. Take care of olde bones is my new motto. Keep your chin up and cherish each day. As for what is happening at the Federal Level, Northern Virginia is in shock re: the 5 alarm fire. What can we do? kb
Good Morning Niecey! We Irish women with balsa bones must stay off ladders of any kind, throw out all our heels and lug-soled Uggs, and as Aunt K says, “Pick up your feet!”
At least i heard from Indivisible last night on Rachel. Our Cville chapter was awesome and we did some great things there to get affordable care passed – including staging a Town Hall with an empty chair since our rep would never show… he later resigned. The NOVA chapter will be an oasis for you. Unfortunately, there’s not much resistance in TN… but I have to remain hopeful.