7-7-11 A sunny day 3 years ago, I parked at 8 AM in the parking lot of New Jersey State Prison, the only maximum security prison in Trenton, New Jersey. I began walking to the prison entrance for visitors to visit inmates, for my planned visit with Rabbi Fred Neulander. An incident occurred on my way to the entrance that I cannot explain further, except to say it was no accident, and is currently in litigation; therefore, I can provide no details. After I was finally helped to a sitting position and eventually standing, while waiting for the ambulance that was requested by a witness who immediately called 9-1-1. In the 10 minute wait, I was surrounded by Trenton City Police cars, D.O.C. vehicles and corrections officers, and finally the EMTs. I was surrounded by 20+ men in uniform. I knew that my right arm was broken near my elbow, that many ribs were injured and it caused a painful hernia muscle tear. I was 30 miles from home, and knew that if taken by ambulance to the local Hospital, Id be given morphine and could not drive, leaving me stranded, with no friends that could pick me up, if I was or wasnt admitted. I was in great pain, but I chose to sign an X on an EMT form, that I was refusing transport to the hospital and that I would drive the trip home to my local hospital. A gauze sling was made for my right arm, and I carried forward. Even though the DOC Staff, EMTs and Trenton Police filled out their forms and paperwork on the incident, I walked the final 100 yards to the prison entrance and was determined to have a brief visit. While waiting for the visit to start after checking in and being searched, I asked for an incident report be provided to me and I was helped filling it out and I scribbled an X with my left hand. I also asked for all videotape to be preserved and amazingly cannot be produced now. Think Lois Lerners missing emails and sfoliation of evidence. I was finally called that my visit would start, I went thru the normal process of high-level security, and was handed my phone receiver and plugged it in and sat down for the window visit, resting my right arm on the small shelf. Rabbi Fred could see I was in great pain and asked what happened and I told him, knowing it was being recorded. He skipped the usual smal talk, as I said I was good for a few minutes, then home to my local hospital. I was good for about 10 minutes and then I began to sweat profuselyand staring to go into shock. Rabbi Fred halted the visit and insisted that I drive immediately & safely to the Hospital. He called me that night and heard the news. The 40 minute drive was rough, as my right arm went numb, then cold, while I sweated. I parked near the ER and walked in. The ER wasnt busy and I was immediately brought in and it was obvious that Xrays were needed ASAP. When my Xray films were finished, I sensed a problem as a few Doctors looked at them closely down the hall. as all Orthopedic Surgeons were asked on the PA system to come to the ER. Oh no, Its broken bad, I reasoned. The time was 10:20 AM, and by then I had and IV and morphine to ease some of my intense pain. The best orthopedic surgeons came to my bedside and said my arm was broken in a very complex manner. They tried counting how many pieces my arm was broken in. They requested another set of Xrays from different angles and the concensus was I had at least 8 compound fractures, maybe 10. My Doc says it was 9 compound fractues and dust after surgery. Because the breaks were all different shapes, sizes, with some twisting fractures, the doctors didnt think they could save my arm, and they prepared me for possibly losing my right arm at the elbow. I had more tests and it was decided theyd operate in 5 days, because they needed to order the metal parts and special operation instuments. I was released at 4 PM and had to wait 5 days home alone for surgery. Then I show up on the 12th, and surgery is postponed, as another condition prevented me from having anesthesia and the took a week of tests to resolve. I finally had surgery on the 19th, 12 days of living alone in severe pain. Perhaps the 12 toughest days I ever had, perhaps not. The next 18 months of therapy, progressive arm braces were no fun either. Ive lost over 50% use of my dominant arm, but can type for short periods and feed myself, and best of all, Dr. Barry Gleimer (and many others) saved my arm, and I fought back as a lucky man. It could have been worse I now have a pound of steel holding the still seperated bones in place with 4 steel plates and 13 stainless steel screws. I can feel the bones move daily, and feel the screws when my muscles move. My take-away is that despite intense pain, be thankful for what you have and not what you have lost forever. I survived by using mind over matter. I will always have pain and limitations, but I have my spirit intact and Im still fighting as fearlessly as possible. I have my arm and courage. What more does a man really need? Be safe ~
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 04:36:05 +0000
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