Yes I fell in my kitchen last Saturday and learned a few lessons. First, don’t fall in the kitchen. Or anywhere else.
My wife, yes the Paramedic, says she responds to more falls than any other injury.
Last Saturday I was making Chicken Cordon Bleu.You know, where you put a slice of ham and some Swiss cheese on a chicken breast and then roll it up. Once you roll it up you have to use toothpicks to secure it. Well I dropped a toothpick and I thought I should pick it up so my dog didn’t get it. That could be dangerous.
Soooo I bent down to pick it up, like I’ve done thousands of times, and felt myself falling to my right. I can still see it in slow motion. (Why do we replay these things in our minds and see them in slow motion? Are we expecting Tony Romo or Tom Brady to explain how it happened?) I had the sense to “tuck and roll” so I wouldn’t hit my head.
At the time, I didn’t think I had hurt anything. My wife was reading a book in the other room when she said, “What was that?” I told her I fell but I was alright. Well THAT brought her to the kitchen fast.
I will admit, it was a bit difficult getting up. With two knee replacements I really didn’t want to get up on my knees and then stand. Fall recovery was an important lesson I learned after my stroke so I relied on what I was taught and, with a little help from my wife, was able to get up. (My PT will be so proud.)
Later that night the stiff neck decided to show up. Yeah I threw something out so I’ve had a few visits with the chiropractor this week.
What were the lessons I learned from all of this?
Be more careful so you don’t drop anything in the first place.
If/when you do, don’t bend over to pick something up without making sure you have something to hold on to.
Also, take the time and go to the other room to get your “grabber.” Yes I have one upstairs and one downstairs to pick things up. Did you read that? “To pick things up.” Would it have worked on a toothpick? Not sure but I probably should have tried.
And lastly, ask for help if you need it. Yes, I’m stubborn. I know my children will be surprised at that statement.
“What? You? Stubborn? Nah!”
I think many of us don’t want to ask for help when we need it. Why? Most likely we don’t want to admit we need help.
One positive that came out of it was my visit to the chiropractor. While I was there for my neck I asked if he thought he could do anything about the chronic tendinitis in my elbow. I’ve tried everything (except a chiropractor) for almost five years. He thinks he can help! Will it work? I have no idea but for the first time in years I have hope! Isn’t that a great feeling? Hope? Maybe, we’ll see.
Why do so many of us fall? I think there are a number of reasons.
- Tripping on throw rugs. Make sure they are taped or tacked down.
- Rising too fast. I had a physical therapist tell me that when you wake up you should sit up in your bed for a moment. Then stand still for a minute. Then walk.
- Obstacles in your way. Pillows, dog toys, etc.
- Moving before thinking. Look at your surroundings before you move.
- Not admitting to yourself that life has changed. You have changed. You’re not in your 20s anymore.
There are probably others but those come to mind.
I’d like to blame the fall on my stroke. My balance never completely came back. In reality, it could happen to any one of us. Maybe it already has.
Be safe my friend and keep in mind the meme I saw recently…
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