Friday I slipped and fell in the bathtub.

[no_hypocrisy]

Doctor checked me out. No bones involved nor kidney.

Likely very pulled or torn left lower back muscles.

I'm on two painkillers and even they're not enough.

My point: OUCH!

At least I can stand and sit down with minimal pain.

[murielm99]

1. Oh, ouch.

I am glad you saw the doc.

I have to get a CT scan Monday because I bumped my head. I take a blood thinner, and there is a goose egg on my head.

I don't know if you are an older person. We have to take care of ourselves and make it through the election. We need to see 45 dumped out of the White House on his large ass.

You may need physical therapy at some point to strengthen those back muscles. It does work. Good luck to you.

[apcalc]

2. Take care!

[Zambero]

3. Slimy slippery surfaces tend to be the culprit

Any time shampoo, conditioner, or body wash finds it way to the tub surface, it's best to carefully remove it and thoroughly rinse it away IMMEDIATELY before inadvertently planting a foot there. I took a spill some years ago and luckily escaped with a large bruise to the lower back. But it was a valuable learning experience!

[DonaldsRump]

4. Happened to me a few months ago

Fell pretty much on my lower back. Was in terrific pain and couldn't walk without a walking stick. Used heat and ice and Advil, and eventually it got better.

Ah, and I forgot: Epsom salt hot baths! You can buy Epsom salts pretty inexpensively at a dollar store. It is amazing how a bath like this can ease pain.

I didn't go to a doctor because this was right at the (first wave) worst of the pandemic.

Recover well and soon!!

[no_hypocrisy]

5. I am totally empathetic with you.

I'm using a bag of frozen vegetables and warm washcloths myself.

BTW, how long before the pain subsided?

[DonaldsRump]

6. Gosh, it was like 2 weeks

Last edited Sun Sep 27, 2020, 03:05 PM - Edit history (1)

In the first several days, when I stood up, the small of my back was just pulsing with pain to the extent that I couldn't stand. That's when I started using an alpine walking stick to move around, as it gave me the support that my lower back wasn't.

I've had intermittent lower back problems for years, where it gets inflamed. Advil has greatly helped. The hit that my lower back took in the Spring probably just brought back the inflammation problems.

I think the cold in particular is best. If you or family/friend can go to the dollar store, you will find many things you need there:

* cold pack that you refreeze (will free up your vegetables!)
* epsom salts
* maybe a heating pad (but you'll probably have to get it from Amazon, Target etc).
* unhealthy snacks for the tv while you're recuperating!

Check with your doctor obviously, but I think moving around is much better than staying still. On occasion, I would get cortisone shots directly in the back, but I haven't done that in years. Check with your doc to see if you can just go with Advil rather than painkillers.

I also elevated my feet when lying down on my back when sleeping.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. I managed to break a toe two days ago.

It's something I do every few years, and I was overdue for a broken toe.

It's the middle one on my right foot, so have these pretty pale-white-skinned row of toes, and in the middle, like a tulip, is this lovely purple one. Fortunately, these aren't serious so no need to see a doctor. I know from experience it will heal just fine in a couple of weeks. As I said, I break a toe every few years.

[Wawannabe]

8. I fell once

Getting into the bathtub ...busted my lip on the wall and it bled and somehow my hip was out of place. Limped around for a couple days, then one day I got in my car and my hip POPPED! Perfectly fine after that. Weird.

Hope ya feel better soon.

[cyclonefence]

9. A couple of weeks ago I got into the tub and couldn't get out

We have a good grab bar which helped me position myself in the tub, but I couldn't get turned around to get on my knees--I knew I could get out if I could just get up on my knees.

I normally shower, but I wanted to soak my back. Big mistake. I sat there with my legs over the side of the tub, I turned around so my head was at the feet. I figured this was going to end up in calling the Rescue Squad. My husband was downstairs and had no idea.

Finally I spread out the washcloth to give me a better grip on the bottom of the tub, and it was touch and go, but I managed to get out.

I'm not going to get in the tub again. Now I understand the appeal of those sit-in-a-chair tubs they advertise on TV.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

10. Thanks for sharing, No_hypocrisy. I needed to hear that one.

Us "over 39s" need to be reminded to be extra careful. I'm a 72 Y.O. male and a broken hip could do me in. I use one of those suction cup bathtub mats and I know it has saved me some nasty falls.

Hope you find the bathtub accessories you need to help avoid another event like this in the future. I've installed several for friends and they are life savers.

May you have a speedy recovery.......

[no_hypocrisy]

11. Thanks for the well wishes.

I have to child-proof my tub for myself . . . . .

The opioids have kicked in after three days. The first 2-1/2 doses, I still felt a burning pain. Much better now!!

[left-of-center2012]

12. Sorry for your fall

I have 'a history of falls'.
Doctor finally ordered me a four wheeled walker with seat -- no help of course in the shower/tub.
The city installed grab bars for free. See if your locality has that program.

Been on narcotic pain pills which did little, but then went to a pain clinic and the doctor put me on Robaxin, a muscle relaxer, and it has been a blessing.
Check it out.

[no_hypocrisy]

13. Thanks! I am "fixing" the bathtub today.

Will check Robaxin.