Yet another fall results in nose reconstruction surgery, part 1

First in a series.

When I broke, fractured, and dislocated my ankle in 2018, I earnestly prayed that it would be my first and only surgery resulting from a fall due to poor balance and coordination — symptoms of my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). I hoped those two reconstructive plates and 13 screws would be the only hardware my body would need on my FA journey.

When I fell and broke a bone in my foot in 2021, I was relieved that it wouldn’t need to be surgically repaired. But when I fell again last September, I immediately knew that I’d be back on the operating table. I had to have a few pins and plates placed to stabilize a fracture in my femoral neck (the top of my femur, before the bone connects to my hip ball and socket joint).

Last week, I had another fall and will need yet another reconstructive surgery to repair the damage.

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June 13, 2024 Columns by Kendall Harvey

The risk of falling is always present with Friedreich’s ataxia

The incident

I was cooking dinner with my 8-year-old daughter, Collins. I thanked her for her help, and she went outside to jump on the trampoline while I sliced and plated dinner. I had parked my wheelchair a few feet from where I stood in the kitchen. I always keep a hand on the counter if I need it for balance. This has been my safe, confident routine for the past six months since I began primarily using my wheelchair.

I had just pulled the steamed edamame out of the microwave when I reached for a bowl in an upper cabinet. I lost my balance and fell so hard and fast that I didn’t have time to brace or catch myself.

I fell directly on the center of my face.

My forehead, a cut on the bridge of my nose, and both nostrils immediately started gushing blood. I quickly reached up to the counter, pulled down a dish towel, and grabbed my phone.

I knew that at least my nose was broken, but with the adrenaline coursing through me and numbing everything, it was hard to gauge what else might be. I pinched my broken nose as best I could in an attempt to control the bleeding and started calling my neighbors for help.

My daughter walked in to find me sitting on the floor in what looked like gallons of blood and FaceTiming my neighbor, who was unfortunately not home but happens to be a nurse. I can only imagine what my daughter’s precious 8-year-old mind was thinking.

Then I called my best friend, who’s also a neighbor. While she was en route, I called my husband, Kyle, who was coaching our 11-year-old son’s baseball practice, to tell him to come home immediately. Just then, my friend walked through the door, grabbed a bottle of Lysol from under the sink, and dish towels to mop up the blood.

Kyle arrived about 10 minutes later with a plan to take me to the best local hospital with a plastic surgeon on call.

My CT scan confirmed that I have four separate fractures in my nose, a completely deviated septum, and a significant bone spur. To further stun my care team … that was it. My skull, brain, teeth, jaw, and orbital bones are unbroken. It is truly miraculous.

I followed up the next morning with a double board-certified ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) and a plastic surgeon, who confirmed that I need reparative surgery this week after the swelling has subsided a bit.

From what I have gathered, I seem to be in for a fairly miserable post-operative week. But, prayerfully, I will make a full recovery, with plenty of life lessons.

Stay tuned for part two of this accidental journey.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” — Romans 8:28

Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.