Grabbing a glass of water, going on a jog, taking a shower, and driving your car are all examples of what may be a part of your daily routine. All of which involve simple motor skills that require little-to-no brain function or physical exertion. However, what if one day something were to force you to detour from this comforting certainty? What would you do if you could no longer perform simple daily tasks, ultimately losing a majority of your independence? It is a daunting thought, although not that uncommon of a scenario. For all of this happened to me after I fractured my ankle.
While playing in your average pick-up softball game, I slid into third base, unbeknownst that it would be my last play I would be able to make for a long time. Long story short: I broke various bones in my ankle and a small part of my tibia due to the base not popping out when I slid. I was immediately taken to the hospital where I was poked and prodded (mostly by sharp objects) until they told me my foot/leg was stable enough to go home. It was after I came home is when I felt different.
I am not allowed to put weight on my right leg whatsoever for six weeks, therefore, I am forced to be assisted by a walker (yes tennis balls and all). Due to this, I can no longer go on my runs, play sports, drive my car, or even go upstairs. By injuring my ankle, I eventually lost my freedom of mobility. I despise having to ask for help to make myself dinner or grab a book that is just out of reach. It frustrates me that due to the immense pain I can hardly leave my couch. My former day-to-day tasks are now obstacles or impossible for me to achieve right now.
When a person gets an injury, many only inquire about how much pain he or she is in (the answer to that is A LOT) or if he/she was able to score a handicap sticker so they could snag a killer parking spot. However, there are more aspects to it than that. As melodramatic as it may sound, these sudden injuries take so much away from a person, and it is infuriating.
Frankly, I do become very angry when I cannot perform a normal physical motion. This fracture has not only physically handicapped me but psychologically tested me as well. But to keep sane I try to think of it as a way of testing my versatility, challenging my stubborn and controlling nature. My ankle is inevitably teaching me that it is okay to relinquish some control and ask for help if I need it. I have been incredibly blessed with a wonderful group of family and friends that are forever willing to volunteer their time to be with me throughout the many steps of this process, and without this love and generosity, I can guarantee that this process would become even more arduous.
Getting a serious injury is challenging physically and emotionally. It presents itself as a labyrinth of hurdles, but a positive outlook and a decent sense of humor are what maintains your lucidity. Between a solid funny bone and a loyal entourage of loved ones, no handicap can be too much for you.
