I found this write-up on my computer. It was therapeutic for me to write my feelings after my accident. I am posting, since it may be interesting to others going through the same ordeal. Of course misery love company. Here goes:
Things happened so quickly I had no time to adjust mentally. I was living my active, footloose, fancy free lifestyle then roller skates meet saturated carpet and boom. Just like that I am dependent on others. Easy tasks and finger movements like double hand texting and touch typing are done. Things that were no brainers are now arduous, painful tasks.
I’m going crazy at home. The weather is finally getting warm. I had already started riding my bike. I even started riding Indego around Center City, started a yoga class at the free library, I was making steady progress at Orangetheory Fitness each week, started taking roller skating lessons to encourage my young niece to get out and moving. That is where my accident happened.
Typing – Well, typing and texting are a pain. I am an avid texter. Now my typical rotation of my wrist causes pain despite my mind numbing meds. The common key combination control/alt/delete is an ordeal and almost an impossibility. I just decided to forgo some capital letters for my comfort especially in texts.
Driving – Directly following the fall I was so nauseated and dizzy there was no way I could even get myself to the hospital. I declined an ambulance and opted for rideshare. I did drive myself to a doc appointment but my mind still did not recognize the injury and I would make sudden moves to assist my dominant hand in the driving process which would cause excruciating pain and spasms. This is highly problematic to say the least. I limited myself to short distances and no highway driving – and of course the rideshares. After surgery with the addition of prescription medicine I cut the driving all together.
Cleaning – I really took this for granted. I switched to baths to keep the casts dry. Cleaning a tub with one arm and no leverage seemed impossible the first time. One arm sweeping is time consuming. Thank all goodness for automatic dishwashers. Wringing out a rag or sponge with one hand definitely does not have the same outcome as two hands. Disposable wipes were essential. My visiting friends and family assisted with trash and recycle disposal which was helpful since I could toss the smaller bags but the accumulated trash in the larger can was hard to move without dragging across sidewalk and downstairs. Not mention the the meds can cause a person to be less sure footed.
Cooking – What a great excuse for takeout? With all the meds I had to eat more often to coat my stomach. Why not make it enjoyable? I did cook but my dicing was very limited and skinning veggies was not a choice. I could barely cut the food on my plate without assistance let along prepping food. There was definitely more convenience food and a higher food bill.
Showers – Sounds simple right? I had 3 versions of a temporary cast after the fall and after surgery yet another wrapped splint. I switched to baths to keep the casts dry. Of course, I could have jerry rigged some cast cover out of plastic and tape. I had a soft case and eventually an incision and I did not want to risk any wetness getting through to my bandages. I learned the hard way that not having two arms and slipping in the tub is painful and messy. Imagine a mini deluge and boom, water is absolutely everywhere after slipping.
Washing My Hair – Thank heaven for sisters, hair stylists and braids. Washing and combing my hair, by my lonesome was not in the cards. My sister had to wash and put my braids up into a ponytail for me. I am so fortunate she lives close to my home.
Dressing – Putting on a real bra had to be the most painful task that comes to mind. Sports bras were not the easiest item of clothing either. Zippers and buttons were out of the question too. Pull on and over clothing were my best options.
These are just a few items that come to mind. If I sit and really think about it I could add many more tasks, but I think anyone can get the point. It is difficult to lose the use of a limb, albeit temporary. Thank goodness, it is only temporary!!!!
Go, Going, Gone Grandyose 