Ignoring My Own Advice

I didn't see the pothole. I didn't see it because I was preoccupied. I was in a hurry. I was late for an appointment, my car was parked down the street from my house due to workmen in the driveway, and I was just plain irritated. My head was not in the game.

The week before I had received a glowing report from my surgeon; my range of motion and strength were right on track. Eight months had passed since my surgery -- I was adding more exercises and was excited about my progress.

If I had followed my own advice and had been vigilant and fully aware of my surroundings, I would have seen the pothole next to my car when I opened the door to get in. But I didn't. I tripped and fell headfirst into my car. My only thought was "SHOULDER!" I put out my right wrist to stop my repaired shoulder from taking the brunt of the tumble into the steering wheel. Ouch!

I didn't break my wrist. I didn't harm my repair. But I did sprain my wrist tendon pretty badly and I did strain the muscles in my upper arm. Ice was my best friend again. I'm slowly getting back to normal. But it taught me a valuable lesson. I can't let my guard down. I'll take this sprain as a warning to be more mindful, go more slowly and not get cocky -- eight months down the road or not, I still have a shoulder to protect.

#surgery #shoulder #physicaltherapy #recovery