It Happened the Day I Won
My last blog shared with you my surprise and delight when I found I won a contest . I never win anything, so it was a really big deal for me to get the email.
I didn’t even mind going to PT that morning. I’m working on strengthening the muscles on the left of my lower body to relieve low back pain and stability. That was my 3rd visit, I think. Apparently, it was not enough! Read on.
Later, I drove to the post office in our little town and because it was raining decided to drive the block to a new community store to see what it was all about. Walking to the car with my purchases, I decided to put the bag in the car and jot across the street to check out the unique Christmas things the little drug store had gotten in this year. That was the wrong decision I made.
As I stepped back to close the door, my left foot went off the wide and high “step” (curb) and my body followed. Being the weak side, the ankle gave out, the knee twisted and well, I was laying in a puddle of water on my left side and in excruciating pain. It was one of those times when you hope no one saw your not so graceful decent to the concrete, but at the same time want someone to come along and make you vertical again and help you to the driver seat of your vehicle like it was a daily occurrence and should not make the headline in the local weekly paper. I don’t think anyone saw me fall, and no one came to assist me.
Pain can be a very strong motivator. I got myself into a seated position, trying to appear if anyone did notice me, that I had planned to sit on the sidewalk for awhile in the rain. With much determination, I got myself somehow into the driver’s seat and drove home. Hubs helped me hobble into the house and into a chair where I removed my left shoe and we both watched the foot swell and discolor. We agreed ER could wait until morning, ice went on the foot and sufficient Ibuprofen was swallowed with hopes it would kick in soon.
ER was an experience as it always is, but I’m usually the one escorting someone else. I was in pain and a bit testy. No, I was on the verge of being the squeaky wheel, if you get what I mean. Nice ER set up and nice folk, but why did I have to give my name and birth date over and over when the paper printed bracelet on my arm had all that info. One would have thought they were making sure I didn’t have a brain injury!
Painful positioning for x-rays over and the doctor comes in, takes my foot in his hand and squeezed to find out if that hurt. I have never come so close to hitting someone with my fist as I did at that moment. The doctor is lucky my husband was shaking his head and mouthing NO as he saw what was about to happen. With all the will power I had, I released my fist and kindly said “yes, that hurt, and please don’t touch my foot again”. He asked if I wanted a pain pill and I said I did and to myself asked why he didn’t give me one 2 hours ago. Anyway, he said nothing looked broken altho one bone may have a piece broken off, but he wasn’t sure! Would I like crutches? No, I am dangerous on crutches and I have a new pair at home from the last time I fell. Besides, this time I sprained both wrists so no way could I use crutches or a cane. I didn’t tell him about my wrists for fear he would squeeze them to see if it hurt!
That was almost 2 weeks ago. I came home from the hospital and have been sitting in the same recliner since. I gasp, cry and walk with tremendous pain still just to go potty and back to the chair. Thank goodness for my family who have worked out how to handle Mom being out of commission. I am not a good patient. I have not been this still since ever!
I see a podiatrist Jan. 2. I hope by then I can skip into the building and exam room like an 8 year old. Most likely I will pretend to walk while gritting my teeth to not cry out and my arms to keep my balance will be flapping like a bird trying to learn to fly. Some days being 69 can really suck!