Gail’s Road to Recovery

Hello, my name is Gail Mitchell, and I am 72 years old. I was visiting my grandchildren Liam and baby Elisabeth on October 23rd and as I was leaving, the sliding gate came off the track and fell on me. After neighbors called 911, the fire department moved the gate off me, and I was transported to the nearest trauma center. They found that my right arm and right hip were fractured, and my left ankle was sprained. Doctors performed surgery on my right hip, placing 3 pins. They also admitted me into the hospital for surgery. Doctors recommended that my right arm be put in a sling so it can heal without surgery. This will ultimately be better for the arm, though it causes recovery to take longer.

I have now been moved to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. Following the surgery, the physical therapist did an evaluation and determined that I could not return home yet because I can’t put any weight on my hip or use my right arm at all. I’m not sure how long I will be here before I can finish recovery at my son’s house.

My doctors expect that it will be at least eight weeks of healing before I am able to get around without a wheelchair or a special walker that I can use with one arm. The doctors, nurses, and the physical therapists are taking good care of me. 

I am typically not one to ask for or accept assistance, but I am in a place where it would help tremendously. Thankfully, I have social security to cover my rent, though I need to work to cover my other expenses and there will be some medical items I will need that are not covered by insurance. I had returned to work for the first time since pandemic closures and was trying to get caught up financially when this occurred. I am not sure when or if I will be able to return to work. I am taking it one day at a time, working with the doctors and physical therapists to be able to get up and out of bed. I am optimistic that I will recover, but it will take some time.  

At this moment, the financial needs that have arisen from this incident exceed my ability to pay them. If you can comfortably donate, I would greatly appreciate it—anything helps! However, if you can’t donate, don’t worry at all. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated as well. Thank you to all my friends and family for your support.