The Next Thing That Makes Me Go “Hmmmm”

By Sheree Ellingson, owner of Senior Helpers of West Jacksonville

Let’s talk about pelvic fractures. When my middle child was involved in Pony Club many years ago, she was in a competition for jumping her pony over fences. At the beginning of the weekend when the competition was going to occur, Christopher Reeves (Superman) fell head-first, over his horse’s shoulders, causing him to be paralyzed.  I can tell you; all the parents were terrified that this might happen to our children. The children’s Pony Club trainer calmed us all down by stating this fact, “Men carry the majority of the weight in their shoulders while women carry the majority of their weight in their behinds; hence, if our daughters fell off their horse while jumping, they would most likely land on their behinds while the men would most likely go over the shoulder of the horse as Christopher Reeves did.” Hmmm, isn’t that interesting!

You may ask why I tell you this story? In my 14 years of experience, I see most often women falling and landing on their behinds. They get up, dust themselves off (mostly embarrassed that they fell) and continue doing all their daily tasks. They may even go to their doctor to get checked out and told there is nothing wrong. Until, one day (sometimes 2-3 weeks later) they cannot get out of bed. They can’t put any weight on their legs. They are in agonizing pain. I don’t know if continuing to do daily tasks aggravate the situation more; hence making the break worse or not, that would be a doctor’s knowledge (way above my experience knowledge) but I think if it is discovered sooner, the results would be quicker to heal.

When X-rays, CT scan or MRIs are actually taken of the pelvic area, it is often discovered a stress fracture of the Ilium or Ischium bone. These particular bones cannot be wrapped or cast, rest and staying off one’s feet is the only way to fix this situation. It’s very hard to watch because it takes quite a while for these bones to heal along with significant understanding of family to realize grandma/mother cannot get up and go to the bathroom on her own.

If you are an older woman or your mom falls and lands on their behind, take it seriously. Get X-rays, CT scan or MRI completed on your entire pelvic area right away. If you do fall and end up breaking the Ilium or Ischium bone and you need help, give Senior Helpers a call at 904-779-5515. We can help until you get back on your feet again.