I hate to admit it, but maybe it's time for me to get one of these! The advertisement says, "every senior, over 50 should have one". I am two years away from that age, maybe I should get a jump start. My Mother In Law wears one. Even though I have a spouse, ("who are you going to call if you have fallen and can't get up?") he doesn't always see, let alone hear me, when I have fallen. Sometimes, I think he wishes he didn't just see me fall down, again.Once I was getting an award for being a great Girl Scout Leader. I stood up took one step and my ankle completely gave out. Down I fell spread eagle to all the troops, parents, and staff. (My troop still loved me).
Once, wearing Harley Davidson boots, I got off our bike, took a few steps, then BAM, hit the ground. No alcohol involved.
I have fallen many times in heels.
Many many many dog walks I have tumbled.
I have fallen walking in to work... three times within one year.
I broke my foot last year falling... in my closet.
Sometimes I trip, sometimes I misstep, usually, my ankle just gives.
A week ago Thursday, I took a tough fall. I had two dogs on leashes, one running free. I was navigating them back to the back yard when I twisted my ankle in a low spot between yards. I heard three snaps and thought for sure my foot had broken off completely. Sergio was in the house, as was my cell, he couldn't hear me nor would I scream. My loving concerned pups got me up and back in the house (sometimes it's really good to have a hundred and fifteen pound strong dog). Oh, BTW, foot was still attached, and amazingly only sprained.
By Tuesday, I was tired of the ankle wrap thing, ice packs and decided enough time. I'm all better. Against my smarter loved ones advice, I freed myself & willed myself well. I had things to do, places to go, and that ugly lace up brace was holding me back...
Until the following Thursday, when I tried to cross a busy intersection downtown Indy during rush hour, and my ankle gave way 3/4ths the way across the street. Now, a car stopped, instead of running me over, but other than that, NO ONE HELPED ME. I fell so hard my finger on the hand that broke my fall, was bleeding. I had road marks on my hip, and shoulder from my "tumble". NO ONE HELPED ME. I mean, really? I pulled myself to the curb, picked myself up, and tears running, I just leaned against a stand, as the dozen or so people continued to cross, walk & stare. Grant it, I may look like a crazy woman, and a few F Bombs probably rolled off my tongue as I took flight. BUT NO ONE HELPED ME! I think I am more disturbed by the lack of kindness than the embarrassment of falling or pain endured yet again.
Of course I have done more damage by re-injuring it. It looks as though the ligament is torn. Now it is swollen on both sides. And now I get to wear a lovely stirrup ankle brace with air bladders. {I am so cool! I know!} I am pretty sure I have an ankle that "gives away". I probably got hurt a long time ago , didn't allow it to heal and now, I am paying the consequences.
It kind of sucks.
