Feb 20 2010
Post days 5-8
So did I mention I was a teacher? I teach 3rd grade and really couldn’t stay on my couch for three weeks. Not sure I could have handled it. The Dr. said I he didn’t want me standing on my crutches all day and I couldn’t see myself in a wheel chair. He suggested the Roll-a-Bout, which is essentially a four wheeled scooter. I kneel with my injured leg sticking straight out behind me and use my good leg(left) to propel myself. Works pretty good and I manage some semblance of independence.
What I wasn’t prepared for was how exhausted I would be at the end of this week. My wife keeps reminding I just had surgery a week ago and I probably should have taken the week off. In hindsight, she might be right, but at the same time my mood is so much better, because I’m out of the house and off the damn couch. I hate my couch right now. In fact, I’m not sure I ever want to sit or sleep on it again.
Anyway, things went pretty well. The teachers think it’s hilarious to see me wheeling around the building. Made all the more humorous because we are a round building and I’m the only male classroom teacher. The kids have been great and I think the novelty wore off pretty quick. On Tuesday I let them ask as many questions as they needed and they had some really good ones. As I said had a pretty good week until Friday.
On Tuesday I stumbled on my crutches and fell back on the heel of my cast. Jarred myself pretty good and spooked myself but nothing seemed wrong. Friday, well on Friday the wheels of the scooter hit something as I was rolling it back from my teaching platform. Next thing I know I’m actually falling backwards, pulling the scooter with me. Trying not to panic, I release the scooter and frantically work to unbend my casted leg and keep it from hitting the ground. I think did just that as I landed on my back. Kids all held their breath and the closest few ran to my aid. I was embarrassed and freaked out. Very worried but have to play it off so the kids don’t see anything wrong. Lets just say I was more aware of any little thing in that cast for the rest of the day.
I’m sure the stiffness is normal and the incision is probably healed but I still can’t help wonder if I didn’t mess something up. I’m assuming this is why I’m in cast, otherwise I know I would have damaged myself further. Today is Saturday (day 9) and I’m just going to stay on the couch, leg propped up and watch the Olympics and sleep.
Don’t worry, when I got my cast on, the guy said “If you fall, you might break every other bone in your body, but your AT is going to be just fine in there!
You definitely SHOULD have taken more time off- it’s not too late if you have the sick days, just talk to your principal and say you came back too soon. The fatigue is crushing at first, I didn’t expect that either. Hopefully your Spring Break is right around the corner as well. Hang in there!
JGigs - I too am a teacher. I scheduled my surgery for the Monday of a 3 day week (we were off on Thursday and Friday), and was back in school the following Monday. My surgeon offered me 4-6 weeks off, but I just couldn’t imagine being away from my students for that long without the prep (with my maternity leaves I had months to prepare). The first week was rough, but I made it through by rolling around on my office chair most of the day. Luckily, I teach high school literature classes, so when I was having a really hard time I just gave the students some reading time and I went back to my desk and put my leg up. If you have one of the desks that have the slide out extensions you’ll find that this is the perfect high for putting up your leg. Good luck…I have a 3rd grader at home, and I know how rambunctious they can get.
Deanne (aka DREAMS)
My thoughts exactly! All I could think about was how was I going to plan for 1-4 weeks in that short time line and the fact we are two months out from mandatory state testing….my kids didn’t need the disruptions. The knee scooter works well and I’ve forced myself to sit and teach when possible. Prep time and lunch time find me with my leg up on the table or desk. I brought a pillow to school to give me some cushion. I concur last week was tough, but next week should be easier.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
Thanks for the note about the cast, my biggest worries was how much shock was I putting on the leg. My principal is very supportive and would have given me the time off, but the planning that goes into that….just didn’t have the time. But I survived and have made myself sit and relax when I’m back home.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.