So, yes, for everyone that didn't know I was in the hospital. Twelve days- I was there. One day duing work my boss Rope Meyers (he is a world champion steer wresteler... look it up t is quite impressive) asked me to ride his horse from the rodeo arena to the Livery (barn, stables, whatever you want to call it) and on my way there the horse just took off and ran as fast as he could until he came to the end of the fence (which is really what he has been trained to do). It freaked me out and I got off and then walked the horse around to kind of calm him down. I got back on and decided that I wouldn't let him do more than a walk. With I tight reign I continued... and after about 30 yards he just took off again. I tried to stop him but he was completely unresponsive. As we got to the end of the fence he noticed that the gate was open and kind of shifted to the right a litte to go through and in doing so I hit the fence post with my left side. I hit the post, fell to the ground and the horse kept going. The horse ran teh entire way backto the livery without me and a couple of the other wranglers came looking for me. They got me to stand up and put me onto the back of the four-wheeler and drove me back to the Livery. An ambulance came------ Yes I got the ride in an ambulance- I was just sorry that I couldn't enjoy it more------- and took me to the ER. I was in so much pain I can't even put words to it. I couldn't breath, I couldn't move, I couldn't cough, even sitting perfectly still hurt soooo badly. After I got the the ER, and had X-rays and Catscans done it was decided that I had 12 broken ribs (6 in the front and 6 in the back), a hairline fracture in my lumbar vertebrae, and a punctured/ colapsed lung. I was then moved to the ICU where I had countless hours of testing and questions. Because my lung was punctured and colapsed they inserted a tube (about 3/4" in diameters)into my lung to drain any traped air and fluid that might be in there. It all drained into the small box that measured how much I was putting out. They knocked me out for it, which I was very grateful for. So, just a little side note... I give plasma twice a week but when they put my IV in I about cursed... well I actually might have... I don't remember..... the point is that it hurt so, incredibly much. So, don't complain about the plasma needle. Anyway, back to my terribly, dramatic story...... *duh duh duh- creepy music* ..... sorry I got a little carried away. Dang it! Now I dont' remember where I was at..... um oh yeah! The ICU... so yeah I was there for I think about 5 days...ish (they all run together when you are awake at night, sleeping during the day and on drugs). As for the drugs... I will be honest with you... I was pretty rdiculouse some times.... I was on Morphine... I had a littel button that I could puch every ten minutes.... and I did... I took advantage of the little sucker... then they took it away from me :( I didn't have hilucinations... I would just say random things that had nothing to do with anything. Like this one time, I was on the phone with Titus and I was trying really hard to pay attention to what he was saying and then in the middle of knowwhere I said, "I don't know where I am right now... I just know I am in a field." I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE IT CAME FROM!!! And one time I also couldn't find my nose... yep! Sometimes when I am really thinking I will kindo touch my nose and I tried doing it while I was talking to my mother and I coudln't find it! I guess it was prolly a good idea that they took the Morphine button. One night all of the mucles in my chest, around the chest tube became irritated and began to spasm. That made everything hurt all over again- and then they put me onto a muscle relaxer. After the Morphine they put me on Vicodin (which is what I am currently still taking) It has been working pretty well as long as I take it every four hours and don't miss a dose. At this point in order for me to be released from the hospital my chest tube needed to not be draining more than 100 CCs in a 24 hour period. Finally after another week in the hospital they finally let me go. The fantatic thing is that Sky Ranch is paying for all of it. I can't evn imagine how much it is going to be! I prolly had at least 12 x-rays, a catscan, 4 blood tests, and I was on like 5 different drugs. That was the most expensive 2 weeks that I have ever lived! Sky Ranch also paid to fly my mother down, and offered to help with renting a vehicle for my mother to drive m back to Michigan in. (Which I obviously didn't end up needing.... I am still in Lindale at my apartment). I am also supposed to be being paid 75% of what I usually would be while I am not working. One doctor said that I could be back at work in a month and another doctor said that I would be able to in 3 months... so we will see..... if you think about it feel free to pray for a speedy recovery. :) Thanx. Well I think I am off to bed... I and currently sick to my stomach and very sleepy.... so goodnight..... and thank you for all of you prayers- they are greatly appreciated. :) | 
