
I am thinking that this constitutes, "worse."
It all started so innocently. A great recipe. An early night home from work. And then...
As I leaned over to take the pan from the oven, my shirt caught fire. It did not hit a heating element, it did not hit the pan, there were no open flames. But, still, something caused my shirt to burst into flames.
At first, when I felt the warm air I thought, "another hot flash." However, when I looked down, the flames greeted me by traveling up my shirt into my face. I did not respond fast enough, I was in shock. I fumbled to pull the shirt over my head and off. I could not get the flames to subside. My arms suffered the most as I managed to get the shirt, flames and all, off. Most of it went into the sink, some of the flaming shirt fell on the floor. Then I collapsed.
My poor husband came downstairs to find me crouched by the sink, wimpering at first and then screaming. Definitely one of my "worse" moments.
Today, I am home from the hospital, beginning the physical therapy to regain movement in my left hand while I am fully wrapped in bandages designed to help my skin to rejuvenate. My left hand and arm suffered the most, unfortunately I am a leftie. My right hand is wrapped to the wrist and my belly has some bandages.
I am very grateful that my husband was here to manage the situation because I certainly was of no help. He got me to the hospital quickly and stated my case so clearly that I was seen immediately. The emergency room at Virtua knew that my situation warranted a burn center and they quickly arranged to have me transported to Crozer in Chester.
The care I received from both hospitals was tremendous. I never knew how important it is to keep the area where burns are treated sterile. I spent my time at Crozer in a single room where people donned gowns, masks and gloves before entering. I have witnessed remarkably talented people do their best work to care for my wounds and psyche. Today I know that I am truly blessed.