Early Sunday morning on July 21st, I was getting in a slow run with a friend, Frank B. All was going well. We were using the program he's been using instead of running/walking as we have done individually of late. As we got to the furthest turnaround, my left foot caught the uneven concrete and took me down!!! I can't believe this is happening AGAIN!!!
Having just practically been released [with one more visit left] from my orthopedic doc concerning the calcific rotator cuff tendonitis of my right shoulder, I'd begun my running, planking and floor work again with ease. I'd just started running about 3 weeks prior, working my miles up for the Talladega Half in September. My runs have been going great. As you can tell from my last post I am learning how to run in this dreadful heat and humidity, too.
Anyway, I fell on my left side [my "good" side] and hit hard on the concrete. Immediately, I looked up at Frank and told him that I felt that I had broken my shoulder. The pain was excruciating!! Participating in a Squat Challenge for July, I'd worked up to 180 by that day so my quads were getting stronger. Boy, did that come in handy. Once I was able to get my legs underneath me, lifting me up was a breeze. I hurt so bad, that I couldn't cry. Have you ever experienced such pain?? I'd like to know.
My left knee was tore up bad as well as my left elbow. Blood was coming from both areas. That afternoon I went to the MEA Clinic to see if I had broken my shoulder. Sure enough...I had. X-rays revealed that I had broken the shoulder cap completely off my shoulder!! Yep...my pain was definitely justified. A deep hole was gauged out underneath my elbow and my knee just plain hurt from skidding on it!! They set up an appointment with my doc the next day. I took a picture that afternoon. I do NOT bruise so to even see one means I had quite a lick. Notice how my bicep was swollen, too. Don't know why but I didn't get one of my knee...which has about killed me, too. And, there was no way to get my elbow since I couldn't move my arm out far enough to get a snap.
I was hoping to get some details to the trauma and treatment to ward off this terrible pain. More pills are okay with me for now...just to help me sleep if nothing else. The first stop from the waiting area was X-ray. Oh...my...gosh!!! I just THOUGHT I was in pain. Having to pull my arm out away from my body to get a good "picture" like to have killed me. Again, deep crying with NO tears. I was taken to a patient room to wait for the doctor. Hoping I would be in more control of my emotions by the time he got in there did not happen. He came in almost immediately. Now, how many times has that ever happened??? NONE!!! It's always 45 minutes to an hour before seeing a physician after "other" work is done. But not today. I was still quite tore up when he came in and could hardly talk. Maybe after reviewing the x-rays, he knew I was in pain in a bad way. About all we could do is talk...well, the gasping crying type.
X-rays also revealed that I had some displacement, too. He told me as far as surgery goes that I was in the middle. Either I could have surgery or go the conservative direction. I chose the latter. So for now, I'm left wearing a sling and getting plenty of rest...in the recliner, of course. There is NO laying down for now and moving slow.
I took another pic on the 24th and the 28th. The last one you can see how it is turning green, a step toward healing. Remember, I said I NEVER bruise...there was some kind of hit to this little shoulder.
Three Days Later (24th)
Seven Days Later (28th)
I wish I had taken another picture on the 31st. It looked terrible then, too. But didn't think about it at the time.
A week and half after the accident Kent insisted on me getting out to walk around the local school track. I really needed to get out and do "something". As it turned out, we walked 2 miles. I was more than ready to go. As a matter of fact, I may have overdone it...well...I did. My shoulder was very sore that night and a couple of days afterward. He, also, went to check out the place where I fell. Sure enough, there was inconsistence in the sidewalk where I fell. It wasn't me and could have happened to anyone.
Though I can't do much, I'm about to go crazy. But, I will not give up. I may have my down times but things could be so much worse. My next appointment is next Wednesday at which time I will know how things are progressing. I hope I'm improving. One thing I want to leave with you. Don't ever take for granted your ability to do things. The very hand you use most may be incapacitated and you will not be able to use it...like me. The simple things we do can become some of the hardest when you lose the use of your hand/arm/shoulder. I want you to know that I will not give up...I'm just a little set aside but I do plan to finish the year with the plans I've already made race-wise. Until I can get up and going again, I want to ask you a favor and do something for me. Please dedicate a mile to me when you run; but most of all don't take it for granted and go
Run 4 It
1 comment:
OUCH!!!!!!!
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