Bright side of ATR
This is more of a “The Glass is Half Full” list, but it’s true. Let’s look on the bright side:
- Your upper body will get stronger from using the crutch
- Your healthy leg will get stronger from the hopping around
- You’ll gain even more appreciation for your family and friends, if you are blessed with having good people around you.
- If this is your first major injury, then this will be a major learning experience all around.
- Depending on where you live, you can qualify for a temporary diability parking permit. In NY state, you can get it for up to 6 months with a medical certification (You just ask your doctor to fill out part of a form MV-664.1 from the DMV).
- If you use your recovery time wisely, you’ll get things done that you’ve been meaning to do.
- Hopefully, you’ve gained even more appreciation for the importance of good health, and you will take care of your body: diligent rehab, regular exercise, stretching and warming up properly before exercises, being in shape, eating healthy.
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Another bright side comment of ATR. I went to opening day of the Orioles on Monday and they gave me and my buddy awesome “handicapped” seats. Great view and lots of room.
I ruptured my achilles tendon playing doubles racquetball on May 7th and had surgery to repair it the following day. I have never had an injury and have been athletic my whole life. Gymnastics, waterskiing, kneeboarding, racquetball, tennis, squash, etc. The only thing I have ever had is tenndonitis(sp)and a broken collarbone at 8, so this is really hard for me. I was in a cast for less than a week because my Dr. was out at the 1 week period so basically 6 days. I was put in the boot and did not take it out of the boot for about a week. My calf atrophied a lot in my opinion. Not sure what the norm is. This motivated me to start moving my foot immediately. This did make it sore that night but really did seem to help it. I exercised it the next day again doing small motions with no pain. The only thing that hurts is the inicision. Just soreness. This boot is way too hot to sleep in. They need to design something for sleeping with splints and holes in it so your foot can breathe. I never wear socks to bed so it is hard to fall asleep. I hate the crutches because I cannot believe they have not come up with a better device at this point. I have almost fallen several times and your instinct is to put your foot down to save yourself. I will be Jackie Chan by the time this is all over with my gymnastics moves to keep from putting my foot down. Good news for me is that it was my left achilles so I can drive. I am taking 50 mg of zinc twice daily beause it aids in healing of this skin. I also take glucosamine. I want to try today with some weight bearing. Going crazy doing nothing.
totally agree with the points above . never broken any thing before but now its happened i do appreciate my family and friends so much more , and as for getting fitter / slimmer its high on my list . also i take a step back and think of people disabled / permantly using crutches / wheelchairs and think how lucky i am really as hopefully in a years time normality will return for me . the whole experiance is an eye opener . so remember our glass IS half full NOT half empty . x
i am Chinese and here in China.i do appreciiate that you just express my feeling since my ATR on June 13,2008 into English. that is what i’ve learned from Dale Carnegie “How to win friends and influence people &how to stop worrying and start living”
Thanks for posting the “brighter side”. This is my first experience with a serious injury and I have to admit I’ve had plenty of pity parties lately. I’m used to having a cold or flu where you feel better quickly, not this frustrating pain and discomfort for weeks on end.
Anyway, I thought of another bright side - at social gatherings you can get your friends/family to wait on you!