I am thankful today for movement. In February 2004, while vacationing in Montana, I had the misfortune to fall on ice and snow and break my leg. It was a serious break in 4 places to both my tibia and my fibula. I had surgery, with a rod and screws placed into the bones,in Kalispell, Montana and then flew home. I was non-weight bearing for the next three months. I found out what it was like to lose my movement. And it was terrible. I spent four months in therapy to be able to stand and walk again. I still have a rod in the fibula but all the screws have been removed. My right leg hurts when it gets cold. And I still have a bit of a limp. More noticeable when I am tired. I am grateful to the doctors in Kalispell and to my wonderful Doctor and therapists here in Hutchinson, Kansas.
That was my biggest fear when we lived in Montana, that I would slip on ice and fall; I used to walk like a penguin a lot up there, LOL.
Poor you with this injury, especially while on vacation!! It does sound painful but I am glad you were able to make pretty much of a complete recovery! We take for granted our movement until we lose it.
Yes, that experience did teach me a lot about what it is like to be THE patient instead of the nurse. No one has ever mentioned Annette Benning to me. I will have to Google her. LOL
Man, that must have SUCKED. My husband jumped out of the back of a hummer in his fourth year in the Marines and had a spiral fracture of both tibia and fibula, plus a trimalleolar ankle fracture. He's got plates and screws as well, and had to have two surgeries to fix it all. It ended his career in the Marines, sadly. I'm so sorry for anyone who has to go through broken bones......
It wasn't a picnic that's for sure. And to top it off, because I used up all of my family medical leave, the hospital terminated me. They kept my position and re-hired me. But it was like starting all over. I stayed for a year. I was pretty bitter. Then I moved on. Not a good way to keep a 25 year employee who had never called in sick (at all) for the first 5 years of my career
Wow! It is something how a lot of us take for granted our bodies. I know I am not so great on that, and when I am in pain it is usually something I did. I am glad you are up and going. Pain is something I live with every day (my back), but I can't let it slow me down for some reason. I have the fear I will forever stop if I do. Probably because you are a caretaker that you did well with yourself. I should take lessons.
I love to hear what you might think. Leave me a comment. I guarantee though that I will delete your comment if you are just here to cause trouble. So tread lightly!
Owie......
ReplyDeleteYes, it was owie!!
DeleteHi Paula .. well that's something to add to your back story .. crumbs and not nice having an ice-cold rod inside your leg come wintertime ...
ReplyDeleteIt's great what the surgeons can do ... and the subsequent care ... glad you're back on your feet - cheers Hilary
Thank you Hilary!
DeleteThat was my biggest fear when we lived in Montana, that I would slip on ice and fall; I used to walk like a penguin a lot up there, LOL.
ReplyDeletePoor you with this injury, especially while on vacation!! It does sound painful but I am glad you were able to make pretty much of a complete recovery! We take for granted our movement until we lose it.
betty
Yes, Montana has a lot of snow and ice for sure. We do take movement for granted. And it is a real comeuppance when you learn otherwise.
DeleteWhoa! I would be a fan of movement after that, too. It's actually one of my great fears.
ReplyDeleteIt was never a fear of mine, Kwiz! But it sure is now
DeleteOh Paula, your ordeal makes Tom's rehab seem like a piece of cake! I'm guessing that experience made you an even more empathetic caregiver.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if anyone's remarked on the resemblance before, but this photo sure looks like a young Annette Benning!
Yes, that experience did teach me a lot about what it is like to be THE patient instead of the nurse. No one has ever mentioned Annette Benning to me. I will have to Google her. LOL
DeleteMan, that must have SUCKED. My husband jumped out of the back of a hummer in his fourth year in the Marines and had a spiral fracture of both tibia and fibula, plus a trimalleolar ankle fracture. He's got plates and screws as well, and had to have two surgeries to fix it all. It ended his career in the Marines, sadly. I'm so sorry for anyone who has to go through broken bones......
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a picnic that's for sure. And to top it off, because I used up all of my family medical leave, the hospital terminated me. They kept my position and re-hired me. But it was like starting all over. I stayed for a year. I was pretty bitter. Then I moved on. Not a good way to keep a 25 year employee who had never called in sick (at all) for the first 5 years of my career
DeleteWow! It is something how a lot of us take for granted our bodies. I know I am not so great on that, and when I am in pain it is usually something I did. I am glad you are up and going. Pain is something I live with every day (my back), but I can't let it slow me down for some reason. I have the fear I will forever stop if I do. Probably because you are a caretaker that you did well with yourself. I should take lessons.
ReplyDeleteHope you are taking care of yourself and your pain. It is hard to live with daily pain. Blessings to you
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