Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Easter Debacle Part 2

So where did we leave off? Oh, that's right, I'm a big klutz. That's where we were. So here we go.

I woke up Easter morning not sure if I could pull off getting three girls ready and myself. I had no idea how I was going to shower, let alone shave my legs. I decided though that it was Easter. I had to go. I survived my shower and with Walter at my side I woke everyone up and got everyone out the door on time. That hardly ever happens even when I'm not injured. Shawn dropped us off at the closest door to our seats and I set out to prove I could use crutches. I did fine on the slight incline leading into the sanctuary, but then I hit the angled floor. Our sanctuary is high in the back and has a slow decline down to the altar. Having crutches on two different ground levels is hard! Still, I made it and we had a wonderful service. But then I had to leave again. Ugh. I was never so happy to see my car. The rest of the day was spent swapping between the crutches and Walter and I crashed into bed that night.

Monday morning I knew I couldn't go for a run but my running partner had said she'd do the treadmill and I planned to do machines. I worked out my arms hard. I usually do 30 reps of everything, instead I did 60. I refused to gain weight like I did when I had my broken coccyx. I was so proud of myself and started out of the gym with a big smile on my face. But then I got about 10 crutch lengths out of the door and realized my arms were quivering. Well, actually, they were trembling. A good arm workout was not the best idea I'd ever had. The workout was followed a few hours later with a trip to my doctor where I parked in Texas and had to get in the door. I think I should have fought one of the old people for a handicapped spot. As I got out of the car I had no idea what to do with my purse. I put it up on my shoulder but then the crutch wouldn't fit. Then I decided to just leave it in the car. But I didn't think I had enough pockets for my lip gloss, id, credit card, cell phone, and the magazine I brought. I know, high maintenance. I finally decided that I could just hold it in my hand and still grasp the crutch grip. That worked for exactly one step. Since I don't carry the lightest purse it really affected my balance. Good grief I'm a hot mess, aren't I?

My doctor took more x-rays and agreed with the 'tweaked' part. But he told me to walk on it as soon as possible. My arms were grateful to hear that and so were the countless bruises my legs had from Walter.

So today, even though I stayed home the whole time, I walked. I do miss the freshly vacuumed look in the carpet that Walter leaves though. I loaded the dishwasher, did laundry, and centrally located all the Easter decorations from around the house. And I also took a nap. Don't tell. I've found out that my pain pills keep me awake. I took half of one last night at 9 and got in bed at 11. By 1:30 I was still ready to party. No one but Jackie 'O' was willing to play though.

So tomorrow will be the test. I have a M.R.I. at noon (on a different body part), a post office run, shopping to do for an upcoming auction, stuff to pick up from a friend who is donating to my garage sale, musical practice for two of the girls, and dinner to cook. I plan to walk as much as possible but will have the crutches to help out if needed. I just hope my arms will understand.

This tweaky foot is really putting a cramp in my normal life. Anyone else out there ever had tweaked tendons that can offer words of advice? Or can offer advice on how better to use crutches? The ER nurse told me that if my armpits hurt I was doing it wrong. I honestly don't know how I could do anything different. I'm moving my body from one point to the other on metal sticks. How can that be done any differently?

Send advice. Send help. Send someone to do my chores. Or just send well wishes and prayers. I'll take anything I can get!

5 comments:

Robin said...

I don't have any advice for you. We only break arms around here. So I'm sending some well wishes and prayers.

Cozyflier said...

Your elbows should be bent slightly, your hand grip need to be adjusted, the arm of the crutch should not touch your arm pit, it should be able to 'move freely' in that area as you walk.

Hugs

sportzmom said...

Ouch! Hope you're back on both feet again soon. What auction are you working on? My big event is this Sat. night and we have a huge auction as part of the event. Let me know if you need some ideas for auction items...

Anonymous said...

Prayers and well wishes from ND!

Rachel

Carol............. said...

Sending you positive thoughts.....
feel better soon!