Dumb Accident, . . . aren't they all!

Yep, that's me in the ER, about 2 1/2 weeks ago!

I tripped over a crack in the garage and fell directly onto my right knee on the cement.

@$*^#^% OUCH!! %$#%#(*&@

I couldn't move.  

Went to the hospital in an ambulance.  

I was positive, POSITIVE it was displaced or broken.

But thanks be to God, there are no fractures in the knee or tibia.

It was the most painful injury I've ever had!

I really thought my summer had been destroyed in a matter of a split second!

I was taken home by a transfer van where I could lay on a cart and be brought into the house on a cart.  They wheeled me to the couch and there I was!

Now what!!!???

I had a knee immobilizer on and a walker!

On my own!

Me and my dog!

Well, my wonderful neighbor, across the street called immediately and came over.

She put my chickens away for the night and fed the barn cats.

She also came everyday for 3 days to feed the cats and tend the chickens, morning and night.

She told me that 2 years ago she had a similar fall hurting her knee so she knew about the pain the feeling of helplessness!

Those next 3 days, I figured out how to maneuver between the couch and the kitchen with the cumbersome walker.  

Oh yes, and the bathroom which was up two steps into the main part of the house!

I have to confess that during those first few days, I swore with the most and the worse swear words I've ever used !! 

When Monday came (the 3rd day) and my baby chicks were due to be delivered to the post office, my pet-care/dog walker girl came and drove me there to get them.

Thank goodness I had set up everything days before "the accident".

I discarded the walker after that and used what ever was available to limp around with the immobilizer on.

I figured out ways to get upstairs and to the basement and out to the chickens.

(I decided I have a lot of my Grandma Wickersham in me!)

It took me about 2 weeks to be able to bend my knee enough to get into the car.

(Driving was no big deal as I break with my left foot.)

I missed a whole week at the chiropractor and my back was now killing me also.

BUT,

My knee was slowly feeling less painful and I was able to do more and more.

I was beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel!

It's been nearly 3 weeks now.  

I am truly amazed that I am able to walk around and move without much pain already 

and look almost normal!

I've been to the grocery store and to Walmart!!

The body certainly does heal itself when given a chance.

So, my summer isn't ruined after-all.

I've even planted half of my vegetable garden.

Shirley

(P.S.  "Guard you knees, they're very important!")