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The Bones You Save May Be Your Own


We are interrupting regularly scheduled blog content for an announcement from the Department of Public Safety of Buttercupland. Almost four years ago regularly scheduled content was interrupted for a bulletin from the ever alert Department of Public Safety concerning a fall which resulted in a broken foot and now, once again, I want to remind all citizens of Buttercupland to focus on fall prevention. Alas, I didn't pay close enough attention to this important safety advice.

 Three weeks ago, just before I left for the airport to fly to Argentina, I was sending a few last minute emails. I closed the computer and quickly jumped up, catching my foot in the non-secured computer cord. I fell right side down, with the brunt of the fall going to my shoulder, and it hurt. A lot. But I hated to cancel the trip for what might simply be a bad bruise. I got myself up, took two aspirin and pulled myself together. My theory was that since I could move my arm -- however painfully -- nothing was broken and I could still go on the trip. I added aspirin and Arnica to my carryon bag and left for the airport.

I did okay while I was away -- a little fall wasn't getting in the way of seeing the penguins -- and saw my orthopedist last week. Diagnosis: I have a small break in my shoulder. Gratefully, it's healing well and I don't even need a sling. I consulted Dr. Google and found that this is a common injury for elderly women who fall. I don't see myself as an elderly woman, but technically -- and somewhat amazingly -- I am a senior citizen. I'm out of yoga for awhile and being very careful about lifting and carrying things.

The moral of this story...actually there are several. First I am really fortunate I didn't break my wrist or worse, my leg or hip. Second, the Department of Public Safety reiterates the advice it gave three years ago, which is to look out for wet floors, icy and/or uneven sidewalks and wear shoes with good traction. The added advice is to secure household wires. Tripping hazards are just about everywhere and the bones you save may be your own.

I took the photo above during a visit to Brooklyn this afternoon. Usually I am at the gym on Monday afternoons, but alas, I will be absent for at least several more weeks. I used the time for a trip to Brooklyn and an enjoyable afternoon book browsing, drinking coffee and taking photographs. This was the view of Court Street while I drank coffee.

As ever, thanks for visiting and practice fall prevention. Your bones will thank you.

 

14 comments

TARYTERRE said...

Ironically this announcement occurs on the very same day I spent in the hospital getting xrays of my back and hip for a tumble I recently took down the stairs. I am sorry to hear neither of us got the message BEFORE our accidents. Take care of yourself.

Ruth said...

Hi Carol,

Thank God it is only a small fraction. I hope you get well soon.

LG Ruth

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I am much more careful of my step than I was a few years a few years ago. I don't spring back as easily as I once did.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reminder. It was about 3 years ago that I jumped up quickly and did not realize my foot was asleep...ending up with a broken bone in my foot. I move more slowly and cautiously nowdays.
Thankful that your shoulder is mending. We enjoyed a hot, delicious coffee in Helen, Georgia recently and I thought of you!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

You are very fortunate that is all the damage you did. I have read that most accidents do happen at home and falls are the greatest risk. We don't fall gracefully at all the way children do and bones break easier as we age. One of the worst for older people is breaking a hip. Thankfully you did not do that! Take good care...no more falls.

Mevely317 said...

Thank you for this reminder!
In just the last few years, my steps have been interrupted 3 times by loose pieces of landscape rock and I've gone head-over-teakettle. How is one to look straight ahead and stride with confidence when she's worried about missing a stupid rock? :)
Fortunately and amazingly - given my diagnosis of osteoporosis - there've been no breaks. Still, I'm considering having my dressy trousers shortened and retire my 4" heels ... at least until I arrive in my office.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Susie said...

Buttercup, I am happy you are healing and did not do more damage. I watch my footing all the time. I just know the older we get the bigger the odds of injury. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Lynda said...

Your timing on this is appropriate to my life. Long story - - - a little less long - - - I had to take some eye drops that threw my balance off - - - which caused me to fall when I lifted one foot to push something out of the way. I landed on my left hand which swelled up but I had mobility and the swelling decreased every day - - so I figured nothing was broken. I still have a tender bump in the middle of the hand - - - so will probably go and get an X-ray next week because I wonder if I did break a very small bone. The good news is I have been able to eliminate the eye drops and am back to normal on balance - - - but am still paying the price. Could be worse though.

Little Wandering Wren said...

Good advice Buttercup and seeing as I can find something to trip on, on a flat, empty floor I need to heed your advice. I used to do a class called Body Balance which I am missing these days. However, I did just have a computerised analysis of my body weight, fat, muscles, BMI etc and included in this report was how balanced I was and they measured the balance on both legs which I thought was cool. I hope your shoulder is really recovering, I admire your keep calm and holiday on approach!
Wren x

Theresa said...

YES, I am 62 and really careful about keeping upright:) Hope you heal quickly and completely! HUGS!

Paula said...

Oh, ouch! But I am glad you didn't let it ruin your trip. Please be careful!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I am so sorry this happened but glad it wasn't so that you had to cancel your trip. I 'tripped' on an uneven sidewalk a couple of years ago and it has changed the way I think and they shoes I wear too! Take care of yourself! Hugs!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I am so sorry to hear about your injury, Carol! I'm glad you are healing well. I had a stress fracture in my foot after taking a strenuous hike in Grand Teton NP a few years ago. I also went many days before seeing a doctor and then, because of that, it longer to heal. Take good care of yourself!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So sorry to hear about this injury, Carol. I'm back peddling as I just read your current post about your therapy. Hope all goes well and you heal quickly.