Mike Breiding's Epic Road Trips: ***

February the 25th 2025

Being married to me has been a hazardous occupation for Betsy: 2 car wrecks, several bike wrecks, and more than one fall while hiking that required medical attention.

Yesterday, while hiking in the Starr Valley of Tucson Mountain Park, Betsy caught her toe on a rock and went down hard on her knee. The result—a fractured patella as shown by several x-rays at a local urgent care facility. That was yesterday—February the 25th, 2025.

The day of the fall - crutches and wearing an immobilizer.

This afternoon Betsy had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder arthroscopy. Fortunately no surgery will be required. She was fitted with an adjustable brace that is now set in the "straight" position. In two weeks it will be readjusted to allow more flexion.

No crutches!

Remarkably, Betsy has not received one injury that stole her smile. How she does this, I do not know, but I am truly grateful for it. And, as with all the previous accidents, she will make whatever effort is required for a full recovery without so much as a whimper and without one complaint.
I am a lucky guy.

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Betsy went out for her first "hike" since the accident. We went over the Saguaro NP to the ADA Nature Trail and took a stroll.

The Nature Trail loop is .40 miles - perfect for test driving Betsy's knee.

I borrowed a 3 wheeled walker just in case, but Betsy did fine with just the cane.

It was a fine day to be out and there were lots of folks enjoying the desert and posing for photos.

Most years we would see a few wildflowers in bloom this time of year, but is has been dry, dry, and the only plant we have seen in bloom so far is the ocotillo.

Here is an ocotillo with flowers on each tip. Ocotillo means "little torch" in Spanish.

A close look at the ocotillo flowers. We sometime see hummingbirds feeding on them.

A close up of the ocotillo stem. It is drought deciduous and sheds it's leaves during dry periods. When there is enough moisture, new leaves start growing, sometimes lasting just a few weeks when the will drop again.
The Ocotillo is often use as "fencing" because its spines stop people and animals from passing through.

A couple of days later Betsy had her second appointment with the orthopedist. He adjusted the brace so it could be set for a 30 degree bend when she is sitting. Then she sets it straight again for walking.
The brace will need to stay on for 6 more weeks and it may be up to 3-4 months before she is back to full strength and flexibility.

Today (3/15/25) Betsy took a short drive in the car to see if she could manage getting around on her own. She had some pain afterwards.
Soon she will start PT and start the road to recovery.

See you next time...
Mike and Betsy

 

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