But since October, I've fallen three times. The last time was Monday, when I got up early (very unusual for me) and decided to go outside to get the newspaper with my PJs and robe on. As I was climbing up the four steps up to the porch, with the newspaper clutched under my right arm, I suddenly lost my balance and fell sideways. I landed beside the steps, into a pile of plastic shovels. I broke my daughter's play shovel. I got a scratches on my right hand knuckles. My dignity was hurt. I was shook up.
Sometimes a little thing can mess up my balance: an especially windy or cold day; an outfit I haven't worn much; two steps that don't have a place to grab on to; holding something I usually don't hold. That day, I was challenged by all these things. (That, and my lack of coffee.) Usually I'm meticulous about preparing myself, but I didn't do that on Monday. I just wanted to get the damned newspaper.
My husband and I agree that, in some ways, it's a sign of progress: I'm pushing at the edges of my comfort zone. I just hope that I can get through this phase of my recovery without any more serious injuries than scratched knuckles.
*hug* Glad it was just minor damage. And yes, it does sound like a good thing that you're pushing your boundaries - that brings progress, right? And now you've learned (or relearned) that coffee is always a good preparation before hitting the stairs!
ReplyDeleteWhen your daughter was learning to walk did you go around telling her not to fall? She probably learned the fastest by recognizing what not to do. I also never fell in therapy, which was a sign that I was never pushed hard enough to learn properly. I'm making up for that in learning to ride a bike again.
ReplyDeleteCool. I've noticed myself pushing some boundaries lately, too. I guess I'm getting tired of certain compensations and so I'll spontaneously try something new. It's wonderful when I succeed.
ReplyDeleteFood for thought: Babies are a lot closer to the ground when they fall. I like your analysis of what you can change to minimize falls in the future. Also glad to hear you are still pushing yourself. I enjoy reading about stroke survivors who never let rehab end.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I go to a restaurant or a friend's home that doesn't have a railing on both sides I use two strategies. I turn around and go backwards so my sound left hand can grab the railing that is on my hemiplegic side. Able-bodied people go backwards down a ladder don't they? I go up by putting my arm across my chest so my sound left hand can use the railing on my hemiplegic side. Steps with one railing are every where.
ReplyDeleteI am on the same "out of the comfort level" plan too. It's especially hard when it doesn't go well. I fell off my bike 3 times today. Trying to ride near my son, hard to balance while watching him. I felt extra dumb as passerbys saw my falls. Embarrassing, but glad I wasn't hurt too much...just a bunch of thorns from the rose bush I fell into. Glad you are ok too. Keep up the good work, well get there eventually. :)
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Lucy left her toys out!
ReplyDeleteMy first fall was onto a soft bed of thyme. My latest one was in the butler's pantry. Both happened when I turned too quickly trying to get an object from one place to another; I just hurry too much.
I always love it wen I push my boundaries - that is what makes us grow. Recovery-wse, though, I am very conservative, and tend to not venture anywhere I can't defend being if I end up falling; Tom is very strict.
I am glad you were not hurt. I still fall every six months or so. I like that you felt it was a "sign of progress". I smile and completely agree with you!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I fall I stand up, brush myself off and celebrate I was able to stand so long, so straight that I had the ability to fall to the ground. Maybe a distorted view, but I never forget how far I have come. I hope you always remember and remain proud of yourself, too! :-)
My brother is only 4 months out from his stroke, and still working on learning to walk. I guess I am very fearful for my brother falling -- he's 6' 8 1/2" tall! That's a long way, especially if you might hit your head and have only one side to help catch yourself. :-( If only I could be sure he would land on his derriere!
ReplyDelete