Now two weeks for me, I feel very frustrated at my immobility. I can’t do a lot of the things I did on a daily basis. Going to the gym, walking, sailing, driving, and standing on both feet. Wearing a pair of shoes. Carrying things around the house like a book or a laptop is difficult on crutches. Am I paranoid or do people look at you in a different way when you are hobbling round on crutches? I’m sure I’ve detected a different attitude towards me when I’m out and about.
However, on a much more positive note. I haven’t taken any time off work. (I work as a project manager) My other leg has got noticeably stronger. So have my arms. This is just through going out each day on the crutches, either to the shops or visiting friends. Climbing the stairs becomes a workout. I’m still working on the best and quickest techniques of getting up and down stairs. Going to the bathroom is difficult, but you get used to having a shower standing on one leg. Each time you use the crutches you get a bit stronger. I am amazed at how much longer I can stand on one leg. Partly because my balance seems to have improved and partly because my leg has got stronger. This is not a bad thing for the over fifties like me. I’ve fallen over a couple of time but not hurt myself, so far. When I get to the recovery phase I want to build up my injured leg without loosing the new strength of the good leg. That way I’ll be stronger than before. Well that’s the theory, may not work but worth a try.
6 responses so far ↓
Richard // Dec 4th 2008 at 8:33 am
Hello Steve,
You’re right about people treating you differently - I hired a wheel-chair for a few days when I first ruptured and quickly realised how differently people treated you - awkward silences, simpering smiles even avoiding having to talk, it was weird. I got rid of it quickly.
Have you solved the conundrum of making yourself a cup of tea in the kitchen and then moving somewhere else to drink it? - All good fun!
Cheers
Richard
bostonbrother // Dec 4th 2008 at 3:33 pm
Hi Steve,
I can completely feel for you with regards to people looking at you differently. I don’t know if it is just me, but I do feel a bit of awkwardness. Also, you are right on about the workout going up stairs with crutches!
Sean
surfingpilot // Dec 4th 2008 at 9:09 pm
Hey Steve,
Definitely, people don’t know how to react most of the time, so there is uncomfortable silence. But I do believe it is a combination of how you feel about yourself, so when I get in those situations I just look the person directly in the eye, with a big smile and say hi, In most cases it seems to work.
I ended up getting the IWalkFree crutch, I would get totally frustrated not being able to do the simplest things without the maximum amount of effort. It’s only the second day that I have had it but now I can stand in front of the mirror and brush my teeth with no effort or circus performer balancing skills. You find it is the simple things that are satisfying.
Anyway wish you the best.
andymetz // Dec 6th 2008 at 1:49 pm
Steve–for mobility I juste rented a Roller Aid from a healthcare accessories store…works like a champ and I can carry my own coffee or even my 2 yr. old son now. http://roller-aid.com/
I know what you mean ab0ut the looks…I finally got used to them. It’s all about confidence–pretend it’s no big deal and look people in the eye…that seems to work great for me and people treat me normal now (or at least I care less
).
verse402 // Dec 11th 2008 at 4:34 pm
Yo Steve….. Yes sir you are right. I think for some reason people look at other people on crutches as if your injury is contagious. Just wait until you get the CAM boot on, then the weird looks and double takes happen on the regular basis. If you read my blog I have written on this subject extensively and how to have fun dealing with it. Hope you heal quickly.
maestro // Dec 11th 2008 at 4:40 pm
Verse,
What’s your status now? Haven’t seen any postings from you. They were always very humorous.
I’m a Husker fan by the way since 1983 with “THE SCORING EXPLOSION”.
Maestro
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