by Pa Rock
Old Man in a Sling
I had my second visit with the orthopedist earlier this week to chart the recovery of my most recent broken arm. The doctor, who was annoyingly cheerful for a medical professional who was already meeting with patients at 7:00 a.m., reviewed current X-rays and informed me that he was very pleased with the new bone growth and the improvement in my range-of-motion. Our meeting occurred four weeks to the day after I fell on the ice and broke my left arm just below the shoulder. (In March of 2020 I had fallen in the yard and broken my right arms just below 6th shoulder, so I am well versed in the recovery process and know basically what the routines and milestones are along the way.)
I will begin physical rehab next week and managed to secure the services of a very good rehab specialist with whom I have worked before.
I told the doctor that my primary concern is not with the healing process, because I know that will happen. I am most concerned with the fact that I am now growing increasingly paranoid that I will fall again - and the nervousness that comes with that fear makes falling again even more likely. In the true spirit of someone schooled and skilled in passing the buck, the young orthopedist quickly suggested that I take that concern up with the rehabilitation specialist.
A friend who is my age and dealing with balance issues is currently involved in something called "Vestibular" therapy which she thinks would go straight to thee heart of my concerns over falling again. It is offered locally, and after I get the physical therapy out of the way, I will very likely investigate that avenue of treatment.
Being old continues to not be for sissies!
No comments:
Post a Comment