I still can’t believe it happened! I was simply transitioning from the sink back to my wheelchair and BOOM! I went down, and HARD! I reviewed my video footage afterwards (no video of the bathroom but sound). I definitely shouted some expletives and some other unmentionables!
Sometimes, like this time, I know I am going down. Other times, especially when I pass out from blood pressure, I simply find myself on the floor. I really want to make it a long term goal for PT that I can manage to get up by myself considering that, while I love the local fire department, they don’t need to be coming to my assistance if I can do something on my own.
So, I am left with several bruises, Including a large one on my bottom, and some scrapes from my wheelchair. It could’ve been worse and required a trip to the ER. I know I was lucky.
I don’t think other people realize the emotional toll of a fall. Your whole world is untrustworthy instantly. You hesitate to stand again, to transfer again, or even leave your chair or bed. It is totally more mental and physical. I have found that it requires me to challenge my thinking pattern and be willing to take the chance of falling again.
Yes, it is scary, and yes, it is “easier” at first to stay in bed or my chair, but the show must go on and I need to try again. The first transfer is the worst and then a few hours later you are barely thinking about the chance of falling because muscle memory took over.
No matter what, the ground in a first floor apartment sure is hard!