Relying on Others

After falling on Sunday, life changed more than a bit. I couldn’t just go to the bathroom when I needed to, or pick up the phone where it had fallen, or even switched on a light. No, those common movements were no longer possible.

Back strain or sprain kept movements to a minimum and slowly maneuvered at that. Thought went into every movement. Anticipating the pain was only a small part of it. Worrying if knees would hold was a greater concern. Memories of the fall reminded me not to revisit that circumstance again. So, a first move, then a stand, and finally a step.

The knee would not bend. But extended it held. So far so good.

Then pain killers. Did I have any left over from the painful knee episode a few years back? Or a horrible back condition 2 years ago? Yes, those leftover pills remained in the medicine cabinet, in the back of course.

Entering the drug’s name in the computer I learned what the prescription was for and likely side effects. One pill would kill the pain for back issues, so I took it. Drowsy and lethargy soon followed. That was alright. That helped me stay put.

The other pill seemed strange and very out of date, so I didn’t take it. A neighbor, however, had heavy duty Aleve and those helped immeasurably on day two. The swelling of the knee abated and with it some pain. Slept 9.5 hours that night. A blessing.

Frozen food meals from a pantry program were due on Monday. A kind friend who had arranged those meals, usually exchanged them in a local parking lot convenient to the two of us, but this time I would not be able to do that. Calling the friend, she insisted on delivering them to out building. I arranged a neighbor to meet her and lug the boxes upstairs to our apartment.

Cancelling appointments and other activities was a natural thing to do. But keeping the needed things going? That required asking for help. Amazing how many things we take for granted until we can no longer perform them. That’s when friends come to the rescue!

And they did!

This is now day two after the fall. Pain is less. Movement is more confident. The knee remains a problem but less so, and the back still twinges but is much more bearable.

So far, no breaks, tears or bruises are evident. Lucky. Discomfort remains but now on to planning the next big project: a bath/shower. I have avoided that. Still am worried about falling. Shower is the only way; getting into a bathtub and out again remains a worry. But I need a shower seat, a high one. I will work on that today and see what comes.

Meanwhile, know that I am OK and improving. But not alone. It takes a village, you know. A village.

August 23, 2022

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