HOW GOOD NEWS TURNS TO BAD NEWS THEN BACK TO GOOD NEWS ON A HOT SUMMERS DAY… It’s how you look at it

THERE IS MORE GOOD NEWS IN THE WORLD THAN BAD

THE GOOD NEWS 
It was a sunny but humid 32 degrees. The five of us: our two daughters, Jen and Heather, our son-in-law Jason, and Pat and I were debating what to do with the afternoon

After some discussion, we decided a paddle down the Beaver River would be a perfect way to spend the afternoon. We were all experienced canoeists, and strong swimmers, and all of us had been on many canoe trips.

We had all done this several times before. The main part of the Beaver is a gentle meandering river wandering through wooded and swampy areas en route to its final destination, Southern Georgian Bay. There are a few places where trees have fallen across a part of the river and a few very small rapids. The river varies in width from about 50 to 150 feet.

One often sees turtles, great blue herons, white egrets, and a wide variety of other birds. Our planned trip would take about two hours.

We immediately arranged for the local outfitter, based close to us in Heathcote in the Beaver Valley, to take some canoes to a drop off point on the river several miles away. Heather met us there with her kayak.

At first my paddling felt a little rusty, this being our first paddle of the year. Within about 25 minutes we came to our first set of rapids (closer to a swift).There was a sign which told us to stay left. We found the tongue of the rapids  and navigated through it  with ease.

THE BAD NEWS 
Within a  moment or two we came to our second swift on the opposite side of the river. Most of the river was blocked by fallen trees so we had to swing over rapidly. The strong current  pushed us quickly towards the right bank.

Pat did a cross bow draw on the left side to counter the canoe moving quickly to the right, but the swift also pushed the stern of the canoe towards the bank and we hit the bank. This happened very quickly and I was not able to react fast enough to counter this.

We were dumped into the water on the right side, and before we knew it the canoe was over the top of our heads.

I grabbed at something with my right arm as we hit the bank – either a root or the side of the canoe. Within moments I felt an excruciating pain in my right arm and shoulder. Pat hurt her knee but was not immobilized. We got out from under the canoe.

The water was shallow and my experience told me not to fight the current. Since I had a life jacket on I was carried down the river and caught by Heather, who had literally jumped out of her kayak and was standing in the water. In fact, she caught both Pat and me, and the canoe.

Jen and Jason were behind and caught up to us quickly. My shoulder was aching, I had no strength; it was useless.

SOME GOOD NEWS and SOME BAD NEWS

Together Jen, Jason, Heather and Pat, using an enormous amount of strength, shook the water out of the canoe and  lowered me into it.

It took a lot of work and grimacing for me to get into the canoe and be lowered to the bottom so I could sit. I could not paddle and had to keep my arm still because of the pain. I had Advil with me and took some but it had little effect.

I leaned back against Heather’s knees, as she was now the stern in our canoe, with Jason in the bow. Her kayak was towed behind Jen and Pat in the other canoe.  

As we moved down the river I reflected on and was very thankful for the water and canoeing skills our family had, and how they were able to respond so competently and quickly to the situation

We were soaked, however, it was a hot day but just  prior to arriving at the outfitters, about 1hr and 20 minutes later, I started to feel the cold.  

On arrival, the outfitters helped get me out of the canoe and into our car. Upon arriving back at our cabin, with help I was able to hop into a shower.

I warmed up and had some food. We contemplated going to the E.R. at a local hospital, but 

I envisioned a long wait, and since it was about 5 o’clock on a Saturday evening, we decided to wait until the morning to see how I was feeling.

In spite of a regime of Tylenol and Advil, I did not sleep at all and kept wondering if I had dislocated or separated my shoulder, broken or bruised my arm, aggravated my rotator cuff or torn a muscle. 

Meanwhile, my family did everything to make me more comfortable. One of the things they did discover was there would be an xray technician arriving at 8 a.m. at the Meaford Hospital. Meaford is a small community about 25 minutes away.

MORE GOOD NEWS 

Jen, Pat and I arrived at the hospital at 8 am sharp. Heather had returned to Barrie the night before. 

We were immensely thankful that people in a small community had access to proper health care. There was no line up and we were checked in within 10 minutes

Ten minutes later, the x-ray technician had taken pictures of my shoulder. After another 10 minutes I was told my x-rays had been read and I had dislocated my shoulder. 

¨Come with me,¨ said the technician.

I was led to a room, placed on a bed and told the doctor would arrive to push my shoulder  back into place. 

I had heard pushing one’s shoulder back into place was very painful. I gulped but was assured I would be given something to put me to sleep.

When the doctor arrived we chatted briefly. She was surprised I had gone the night with my shoulder out of place. Before I knew it I awoke from my sleep, my shoulder back in place, and only a little pain.

I was appreciative that Jen and Pat were at the end of my bed and they could listen to the instructions being given, as I was still in a semi-medicated state.

I was out of the hospital and on my way home about an hour after we had arrived. I marveled and was both proud and grateful of how my family had rallied around me and supported me. THEY WERE FANTASTIC!

The hospital people were more than outstanding. They knew they had a job to do. They focused on me. They knew I was in pain. They were pleasant, capable, professional and gave us a feeling they knew what they were doing. 

Since I was in a sling and button shirts were easiest for me to put on, Heather arrived with some of her husband John’s shirts. He was away taking a whitewater course. 

Our grandson Ethan arrived with his mother. He counselled me on using a sling, having gained experience from having had a broken collar bone a short time before. 

Stuart, our son, arrived later that night with some of his shirts, having just dropped off his son at camp where he was a Leader in Training. Stuart, too, was incredibly supportive and helpful. Pat and Jen looked after every detail over the next few days as Heather was going on a canoe trip and Jason had returned home. Stuart and his wife Jordann were also going on a canoe trip.

The hospital had communicated with other health care professionals, including advising me to go to a fracture clinic, close to our home in Mississauga.

This I did 10 days later. My shoulder is continuing to slowly improve.

The local fracture clinic was excellent. 

Within 24 hours I received a questionnaire from them asking how they had done and asking for ideas on how they could improve their care. I gave them a 9. I do not give 10s. I will go back in a week.

Pat has continued to be there for me, including helping to put on my sling, lifting heavy things and looking after one of Heather’s dogs. Heather is now on a canoe trip. 

I am at about 80%. I have learned how to sleep with a sling, eat with my left hand, take sponge baths, dress with one hand, and carry things. I can, thankfully, write and use my computer. I cannot yet drive and will likely need some physio.

What are the takeaways and GOOD NEWS STORIES from this mishap? 

First, I cannot say enough about the response of our medical system, particularly the whole medical team in Meaford. The personnel (all women) were wonderful and the delivery of care was in sharp contrast to what we continually hear about in the news.

The second take away was the support, care and skills of our family. All of this showed me the importance of one’s family and how we humans respond to other humans in a time of need. 

In spite of a mishap, my overriding feeling is one of gratitude for the support and care I have received.

Till next time,

Chris Snyder, climate optimist 

Email: snyderchris74@gmail.com
Stories of Good News and Hope: https://chrissnyder.makeanimpact.ca