oh oh
<<<< Last of the Eastside Esplanade pictures
*
So, the boss tells me Friday that the white stepvan failed DEQ for the fourth time, that the CO reading was nearly off the charts. He says he’ll have to pay someone to deal with it instead of trying on his own to make it pass. I says, "Are we still using it this weekend?’, thinking that without it, we’re up a creek. He says, "Well, we aren’t using it in Milwaukie and the Portland cops don’t pay much attention to that stuff, so yeah, go ahead and use it".
CO is Carbon Monoxide, an oderless, colourless gas, which, because I drive a big box, piled up inside my van with me. At my fourth stop this morning, ovvercome by the exhaust fumes, I fell out of the stepvan and twisted my right ankle REALLY badly- I heard some snapping but don’t seem to have broken anything. I was able to continue my run, but just now, when I parked the stepvan and tried to walk home, oh my god, I could barely walk.
I’ve already text-messaged the boss re this and I wrote a note about it too. I have no health insurance and no money, so no doctor and no emergency room visit is possible without running up my debts even more. I do not intend to work tonight and thus will lose nearly 60 bucks off the next check. And that much on Tuesday and fuck, maybe Wednesday too.
I think I’m done with this job- I cannot get ahead and am falling further and further behind- it is not worth it. And now I’m crippled for how long? The waters are finally closing over my head.
They’re not closing over your head. Something will happen. It always does. And I’m sorry about your leg!
Warning Comment
Workmen’s comp? There has to be? Unless contract workers don’t get it? Contract working is really nasty, in so many ways. God, I’m so sorry.
Warning Comment
Tommorrow will be a clearer day for you and your head will be above the water line. Good luck my friend. HUGS and HUGSxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Warning Comment
I’ve only been reading you for awhile and don’t know you well enough to know how deep that water is over your head, but I AM very sorry about your injury and the consequences. Sending out healing vibes to you.
Warning Comment
Your boss should pay to cover your wages. You almost killed yourself with CO poisoning due to his poorly operating machine. You have a clean drivers record…what about working for a courier or a big company that can afford to pay to maintain equipment? You are very loyal and that is an admirable quality but it’s gone on too long. I’m glad you are reconsidering this job.
Warning Comment
RICE….rest, ice, compression, elevation if you can do it. A bad sprain can be even worse than a break. Could your friends A & J bring you some food and ice if you don’t have any? You’ve helped them in the past.
Warning Comment
Stap you ankle up in any sort of bandage you can find.Keep it elevated as long as possible, and try to use some sort of crutch, or walking stick so you don’t put any weight on it.If it is really bruised, black and blue and really swollen, you have most likely broken a bone in there.Perhaps you could find some sort of charity that will give you some money for a doctor.
Warning Comment
I am glad you are thinking of not driving that van again if it is effecting you like that. I saw a tv documentary on how the gas can effect your brain. It can actually give you brain damage if you continue to breath in the fumes over time. I think a new job would be best….
Warning Comment
I hope you’ll be okay!! I am really sorry that this happened to you!!I wish I could do something to help..but I am so far away.
Warning Comment
Gee, that sucks. And I’d surely think you could get workmens comp for this, or something. Damn, I hate that so many people can’t afford to see a doctor in this country. To be sick or hurt and not be able to afford care….that’s more a “terror” than the crap Bush talks about!! hugs, Weesprite
Warning Comment
oh no! i am feeling for you, cat.
Warning Comment
Oh man when it rains it pours. I’m so sorry about your ankle. Your other notes gave you excellent advice so I have nothing to add except to let you know I’m thinking of you and hoping for a quick recovery. ((hugs))
Warning Comment
Ouch! That sounds painful. Is there any place in Portland that will see uninsured people without overcharging them? I think you should get it x-rayed, but believe me, I understand about not having the funds to get it done. Been there.
Warning Comment
AGH!! I feel he should at least cover your bills since he is the one giving you defective equipemnt to drive about in. I’ll dash on to your next entry …
Warning Comment
Egad! Things don’t pop or snap usually if there isn’t something bad going on. Hope you iced it straight away.
Warning Comment
Surely the boss is liable for making you use a dangerous vehicle? What you say makes me so glad we have Accident Compensation in this country (a govt scheme where your medical care & wages are paid for out of taxes if an accident makes you unable to work.) We grizzle about its faults, but it does stop situations like yours. I hope there is some way to get help where you are.
Warning Comment
Yikes!!! That sucks… 🙁
Warning Comment