HI all of you dedicated readers of Paula Rath’ s blog. I am Jerry Mayfield, Paula’s husband, and am writing to let you know that over the next week or two you will not be receiving Paula’s tome, but she will be back! She asked me to tell you she sustained a fracture of her cervical spine (“broken neck”) two and one half days ago in a fall with some initial paralysis which has markedly improved since surgery and with therapy. She is now able to sit up in a chair and walk and her prognosis to return to normal is excellent. Her attitude and spirit about the whole episode is very up beat and she can’t wait to get back to writing.
We both wish to thank all of those who have so readily and efficiently responded to this incident, the fire department and para-medics who responded immediately to my 911 call at 2:30 Friday a.m., the emergency room doctor and staff who initially cared for her at Straub Hospital and the superb nursing staff in the ICU South at Straub. We are especially thankful for the excellent care of her neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Gerber at Straub. The prayers, concerns and help offered during this trying time by all of our friends and family are deeply appreciated.
Perhaps I will be back with you in a few days if Paula wishes.
Mahalo
Jerry Mayfield, MD
God bless you both!