Day 5 of the Crutch Life and I'm lovin' it!*
*Sarcasm, thy name is Morgan.
Since the running content will be light around here for awhile I thought I'd share with you a few observations I've made while hobbling around these past few days:
- Everyone is going out of their way to help me, gotta love that damsel in distress feeling!
- Did I mention I'm not very good at asking for help? My stubborn ways are being put to the test with this.
- My armpits are chafed raw and I am now using more body glide than I ever did when I was running.
- I can use the handicap stalls in bathrooms and the little switches on building entrances without getting the evil eye. WIN!
- I have a tendency to get trapped in doorways. (If I weren't me, I'd laugh at me.)
- My arms are getting a workout with every step I take! Xtraining 24/7!
- The crutches fall down pretty much every time I lean them up against something unless they are wedged in a corner.
- I have an excuse for not doing the laundry or anything productive around the house.
- I feel useless because I can't do anything productive to help out.
- I have zero coordination and regularly trip myself, including while going up the stairs.
- Speaking of which, it takes me approximately 5 minutes to navigate the front steps and flight of stairs to get to/from my apartment.
- Having crutches at the gym and pool brings you way too much unwanted attention and are moderately dangerous in both places...
- But you are used as an example for trainers to motivate their clients, "If that girl can hit the gym injured you can do 25 more _____."
- Getting dressed is a nightmare and don't even get me started about going to the bathroom and taking a shower. I wish I worked from home like Katie & Kevin so I could just refrain until I'm walking again.
- Spike's pet names for me, Draggers, Hobbleton, Hobbles, Crutch-a-lot-a-pus, Gimpy, etc, are becoming less endearing by the minute...
- Emotionally speaking, I am a train wreck.
Past/present stress fracture victims, how long did it take you to get coordinated on crutches? Did you notice it bothered you most at night or during the day? How did you handle the emotional aspect of the injury?
50 comments:
I am a crutch magician. Just sayin'.
I've not had a stress fracture, but I've had fractured fingers over and over and over again. Amazing how much pain can emerge from such a small part of the body. But I digress...
Just when you get the hang of crutches, it will be time to put them aside. Isn't that how it always goes?
Chin up!
When I first glanced at this post I thought it said "The Crotch Life."
Only 5 more days to go, right?
You're definitely finding the bright side! Also, this post cracks me up.
This just sucks and I cannot imagine me and my clutziness on crutches. I had to help out my hubs when he broke his shoulder blade a few yrs ago...his left one..and he is left handed. He couldn't even cut his food on his own...that was fun...
ooooh babes. when i had my stress fracture, it bothered me more at the end of the day. i was a total and complete fail on the crutches. i was on them for 8 weeks and i don't think i ever got especially good at getting around. le sigh.
You know what, I am really proud of you! Honestly! When I told my husband you used those motorized cars(It never, ever crossed my mind) he said, because she is smart! I know how awful you feel and each day feels like and eternity. I'm praying you heal quickly!!! Sending much peace to you.
First, I love the pet name Crutch-a-lot-a-pus.
Second, thank goodness for Body Glife!
Third, your clumsiness sounds pretty comical. Hope the next 5 days (or however longer) goes by quickly for you.
Last, I hope you don't have three flights of stairs leading to your apartment like I do. I wouldn't even want to think about it.
I think you need a girls night SOON!
*hugs*
i feel so bad.
Morgan,
the arm pit chaffing comment just brought back some PTSD for me! I had several high ankle sprains in my late teens, and the crutches always rubbed the heck out of me!
Take care and stay strong!
Hang in there. I feel for you.
Oh girl, I SO get it!! One tip on the armpit thing. Mine were KILLING me until my doc/PT told me I was using them incorrectly. You should fit them so that there are a few inches of space b/t your underarms and the crutch. All of the weight when you move should be in your hands on the crutch not underneath your arms. This helped me tremendously and builds arm strength like crazy. Hang in there. Thinking of you.
my armpits were aching when i was stuck on crutches. have you padded them?
i dealt with my emotional stress by getting angry and glaring at every healthy runner i saw. but then i got healthier about it and channeled my feelings into stellar cross training and giving myself the patience i needed to be smart about recovery. in the long term, this is SUCH a short period of time in your running career. text me gchat me call me whenever you want to bitch or get inspired!
I've never had a stress fracture, but crutches are no stranger to me. I've had two knee reconstructions and made really good friends with crutches then. Don't have the crutches set too high. That way, once your arms get too tired to hold you up, you can brace them against your rib cage instead of under your arms. Your rib cage is a lot more sturdy and a lot more chafe resistant.
The mental aspect is rough. After my first knee surgery, a doctor said he didn't know if I would ever run or play basketball again. I was devastated. But, I found a different doctor and worked my ass off. It takes, time, patience, and dedication, but you'll get through this :)
Sorry you're having such a rough time with it. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you get back to your running game soon.
Last year, a guy did the BAA 5k on crutches...just sayin...
I have spent more than my fair share of time on crutches, and every time there is a learning curve (and raw armpits).
I know your pain and frustration all too well! 2 summers I got a stress fracture in my foot training for my first Ironman. I was devastated! I gave myself some time to wallow and then did what I could to make the most of it.
There will always be another race, but you have only 1 body. Give yourself some R&R and you'll be back at it befor eyou know it!
I developed stress fractures right before I tore my meniscus, so I was a sidelined emotional mess for awhile. And my college health center didn't have crutches that fit me, so I hobbled about campus for a semester. That was not the brightest period in my life, so I understand where you're coming from. Hang in there!
You are so strong, if I was on crutches, the last place I would go is the gym! You are awesome!
And, "grace" is not my middle name either, I would be a major hazzard to everyone & everything around me if I had them.
Keep up the positive attitude, I know it's hard, but you can beat this. Just enjoy the lack of laundry you have to do, the groceries you have to schlep from the car to the house, and the toilets you don't have to scrub - live it up baby!
Have a great Monday!
Sending good thoughts your way! :o)
:(
Fortunately I didn't need crutches. They stuck me in a boot that completely threw my back & hip off, so I don't know that it was better.
You'll be a whiz on crutches within the next week, for sure. As an owner of her own pair of crutches AND "das boot" I know that it flat out SUCKS. But you are healing and will be better before you know it.
Love your observations too. Take it easy! (And yeah, they make your arms/shoulders reallllly buff!)
I hear you. And I heart you. :-)
It's always darkest before the light... and you've got all of us pulling for you.
I've never had an injury like this, but I really admire the way you're dealing with everything. Keeping a positive attitude is so hard when things are tough. Hang in there, and I hope you're off the crutches soon!
You have such a good humor in all of this - at least, that is what is coming through. I wish I had a magic wand to make you all better!
And you forgot to mention using your crutches as weapons if someone steps out of line!
I know it's hard, but having a positive outlook is so important right now, sounds like you're doing pretty good :)
Also, I had crutches when I was 10 and I remember them REALLY hurting my armpits after awhile!
Sending healing thoughts your way :)
so, as per usual, i'm behind, but catching up on what's been going down. i can't believe that you have a stress fracture! that is the pits! but i'm glad that it has been diagnosed and you have a clear plan of recovery.
i used crutches for all of 1 day post knee surgery then I just was too fed up to deal with them...horrible plan on my part but hey i was a teenager.
so sorry you have this to deal with, but i'm glad you have spike to make you happy
I'm so sorry you are going through this. The fact that you can find humor in the situation is impressive and the positive attitude has to help!
I bet you make using crutches look good ;)
On some days, I would probably trade you working from home for the crutches.
I am disappointed at the lack of detailings of your abuse of Spike with said crutches. It takes a lot of training to run Boston. It takes even more training to run Boston after you have left bruised and battered with your crutches. :)
Love your sense of humor...LOVE IT! I stress fractured my foot in college, but after a few weeks was actually able to go to spin class-man did I get some funny looks crutching into class hah! You've just gotta find ways to make do...being injured blows, but you can choose to wallow or choose to get past it gracefully, which it sounds like you're doing. Just keep your eye on the prize-you'll be running again in no time! We're all pulling for you!!!
For being a train wreck it seems like you are keeping your sense of humor.
I am not help at all (sorry I am selfishly happy to not be helpful this one time)
Hang in there! Praying for ya..
Crutches Stink, But you have a fabulous attitude and will come back so strong.
I don't know if anyone's suggested this, but get the crutches pillows at either CVS or Walgreens. They are a complete armpit saver and make it more bearable. I had to use them for 2 weeks for my 2nd knee surgery and was a B**** in the cold weather.
stress fractures SUCK! I had one in my ankle last year....12 weeks off from running. Boo!On a positive note: I actually started enjoying pool running and fell in love with strength training while off from running:)
crutch-a-lot-o-pus. Nice! Sorry I have not checked in in a bit. Sorry to hear about the stress fracture. Cross train your A$$ off!
Navy Steve
I can't help, but smile. At least you have a sense of humor!
"Crutch-a-lot-a-pus" should win for most inventive pet name. :) Hope you feel better soon!!
This just made my day. I think you jut wrote everything I think on a daily basis.
I.Hate.Crutches.
"Did I mention I'm not very good at asking for help? My stubborn ways are being put to the test with this."
I just wrote about this today! I'm TERRIBLE at asking for help.
If you were going to be on crutches any longer than 10 days, id say invest in the ones the athletes use at MSU... they are ergonomically correct & MUCH better!
I spend a week on crutches after "the Calf Strain", and didn't love it. My arm pits and hands were blistered to a point where body glide wouldn't even fix it anymore. But...I did get pretty kick-#ss handy with the crutches within a couple of days! Start practicing: you'll get the hang of it! Oh, and stick to small steps: don't try to swing yourself forward between the crutches (uhm...lesson learned...).
I fractured my leg and shattered my ankle and spent MONTHS on crutches and in PT.
I spent so long on the crutches I wound up with "crutch palsy" where the crutch hits the nerve that runs all the way down to your thumb and I couldn't grasp anything.
There are certainly dark moments for everyone on crutches - mine came when the dogs knocked me onto the hard tile floor and I hit chin first.
But you are strong, capable, and a ginger - you will bounce out of this and come back stronger than before!
Good luck and God bless!
Stay strong, my friend! Ugggh my heart goes out to ya, injuries just plain suck. But you're arms are gonna be mad buff now, right? Hang in there, you've got all of us hopin' for the stress fracture to heal lickity split, and we've got your back. xoxo
No advice on the stress fracture but just wanted to say I am thinkin' about you and sending you many healing vibes!
Having just spent a recent 2 weeks on crutches, courtesy of an evil root that hid in the dark of night like a ninja, then stretched itself across a trail just as I approached, then laughed maniacally as I tumbled down the hill.....the worst part of crutches is trying to carry a cup a coffee....you should be able to count hands and realize it's not possible....but oh where there's a will......
"Chafed raw" always conjures a pretty image. Get better asap...we're all rootin' for you!
Morgan, this just plain SUCKS, I'm so sorry :(
My favorite one is: "But you are used as an example for trainers to motivate their clients, "If that girl can hit the gym injured you can do 25 more _____."
I had a stress fracture a few summers ago and wore a boot for a 6 weeks and I used to get the WEIRDEST looks as I walked into the gym! I even heard from people on the street "oh you're that girl that is injured but still goes to the gym everyday, thanks for making me feel bad about only going 1-2 times".
Get well soon! *Hugs*
This post cracked me up until the last bullet point!!! I so understand what you are going through!!!
The most hilarious (or, at the time, angering) thing I found was when those stupid crutches would slide OFF OF ANYTHING any time I'm not looking and fall. AAAH!!!
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