Planning ahead after a fall

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but I’m putting this forth anyway, in case you need to be reminded. I consider myself to be in pretty darned good shape for my age. I can still walk a mile, am active all day and many evenings, and my mind still works most of the time.

A week ago, Willow, the collie and I accidently approached each other, moving quickly from different directions. With Willow being the stronger and younger of us, I ended up in a heap on the ceramic tile floor, she on top of me thinking this was a fine game. 

Fortunately, number one son had just arrived in the garage and was there to help immediately. I sat up, but the problem was, I couldn’t get up on my feet. Something isn’t strong enough, be it legs, back or core, and nothing we tried worked. There was nothing left to do but totally embarrass myself by calling the squad, wonderful helpers who had me on my feet in no time. 

Everything hurt, but nothing seemed to be broken, so I begged out of a ride to the ER, where I’m sure I would have added a case of flu to the situation. Huge bruises on hip and elbow gave me a definite view of what I landed on first, but each day since, I have discovered another “unbroken” but painful area…ribs, shoulder, knee ….you name it. 

It had never occurred to me that I might fall. I now realize how fortunate I was that my son was here, since I didn’t have my phone or any way to get in touch with anyone, and normally the outside doors are locked. 

While I have been sitting around doing nothing, I have formulated a plan. Now I know that had my son not been here, I might have stayed there forever, or until starving Willow ate me. Many times, I am out and don’t answer my phone, so that would not seem unusual to my friends.

I am considering the piece of jewelry that lets you call for help. I have a watch that I can program for such. I just haven’t done it. Notifying friends when I’m going to be alone so that we have a check system, figuring out where to put a key so EMTs can get into the house, and being a little more careful are all on the agenda.

And of course, I must soon return to an exercise venue in order to strengthen whatever it is that has let me down. I have always enjoyed exercising; I just don’t like to take the time to drive where I must go to practice it regularly. 

 I must admit, the whole thing has shaken me a bit. If you haven’t planned ahead for such an adventure, please do. Of course, you won’t have Willow to prod you, but you can’t have everything.