From biological warfare to collateral damage: Coping with shattered ankle creates new challenges

It’s been 17 days now since I broke my leg. I have had a great opportunity to find new meaning from old militaristic phrases. I have been specifically advised by my commander, the surgeon who pieced my bones back together, to keep the weight off the broken leg for six weeks. This means that the only way I can get around is with crutches. I always thought that the worst challenge would be the balancing act. I had no idea how much “collateral damage” I would experience. First my poor armpits feel like Mike Tyson pummeled them endlessly. Seeking relief, I tried to shift some of the weight from my armpits and now I feel like I have borne the weight of the Ohio State Marching Band on the palms of my hands. I am thankful that I have Percocets in my arsenal.

“Safe Passage” describes the effort taken to avoid breaking my other leg. I have already managed to tear a towel rack off my bathroom wall and permanently deform my shower doors.

I have carefully removed multiple hazards from my floor, creating a “Demilitarized Zone”, Water spills are deadly as well as small scraps of paper. Beware of a fallen towel, as far as a crutch is concerned, they might as well be banana peels! 

The basement has a long narrow stairwell that does not have a rail on either side. This is aptly named, “No Man’s Land”, foreboding and unforgiving, I dare not venture into this hazardous territory. My laundry room is down there, and my clean clothes are running low. Coping with this shortage is a different kind of “biological warfare”.

On the bright side, I get all the attention a guy could ever ask for. A hobbling character with a casted leg brings out the best in people. Everyone wants to help you. I recently went to the Post Office, opened the company box and saw a pile of mail. I had one of those, uh… duh moments. How in the world could I juggle the mail, manage my crutches and get out of the Post Office in one piece? Luckily an older (and definitely wiser) woman gently came forth and said, “Mr. Goldsmith, why don’t I carry your mail for you!” I felt like I was down to my last bullet and the Calvary had just arrived!

Aaron Goldsmith
Founder and President
Transfer Master

Hospital Beds for Injured Military Veterans

Unfortunately, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to an increasing number of wounded soldiers requiring amputations of limbs. There are currently almost 2 million amputees in the United States alone and more than 32 million worldwide. Some in the medical field consider this an epidemic of sorts - with injured military veterans topping the list as one of the most vulnerable to this injury.

Sadly, this is not surprising. According to a recent poll by WHO, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced only a 10% mortality rate. This means more soldiers are making it back from the battlefield, but many times not in one piece. Extremities remain at risk no matter how much they armor plate themselves.

Home hospital beds, such as those manufactured by Transfer Master, help make the transition to home life a little easier. Adjusting to their new life at home can be very difficult for some injured military veterans. Hospital beds are designed for just such a purpose. For those soldiers who’ve had legs amputated, these beds can be extremely beneficial. Why? Because these beds have been carefully designed to take care of their physical needs.

The most obvious problem these soldiers have is their inability to move in and out of conventional beds. Some remain bedridden or wheelchair dependent their entire lives. Sleeping in those conditions can be hazardous if they don’t have a bed that fits their unique needs. Rolling over in their sleep without the bed rails can potentially lead to additional unnecessary injuries. 

 

Disabled veterans who have experienced amputation may also have a difficult time managing daily events most of us take for granted. For example, sitting up can be arduous and can also result in back pain if the proper support is not provided. This is why many home hospital beds come with adjustable backs that can be lowered or raised according to their comfort. This also lowers the chances of any back problems and can also vastly improve mobility in functional body parts.

It also becomes increasingly difficult for disabled veterans to change positions during the night. Hospital beds are also designed with comfortable and custom made mattresses that are designed in such a way that the patient does not contract sores on the body. These beds and mattresses are extremely comfortable to sleep or relax in – ensuring that our brave men and women who have served have nothing to worry about when it comes to sleeping peacefully.