Recovery after a fall: an important step
Happy Friday, everyone! Today I want to discuss my recovery after a fall: an important first step.
I am sharing everything I am doing during my recovery after a fall because I continue to learn how large the numbers are of women in our age groups that take a tumble.
Two weeks ago, I was tripped up by my flip flops and plunged hard into a concrete patio…many of the injuries have healed, however, the cracked rib will take awhile.
My decision to go to physical therapy has been a very good one during my recovery after a fall. I am so glad I did this.
After each session, I feel better and understand better what is going on with my body…I also understand when I can begin to push a little harder or return to workouts.
One of the surprises has been the fatigue that consumes me since the fall…but my physical therapist assured me that was normal and that gradually my energy would return.
And he was right.
At the end of the first week, I was ready to climb the walls…I really needed to get out of the house.
Going to PT at least got me out and about.
But, the second week…I really was stir crazy and decided I felt good enough for an outing.
My recovery after an a fall had to include an important first step to get out and about again.
Being inside for long periods of time affects my mental health, so I needed to return (even if in small doses ) to life.
RECOVERY AFTER A FALL: AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TO SEE SMILES
For me, an important first step during my recovery after a fall needed to include some joy.
I have not yet lived here one year, so I wanted to go where there was joy and smiles and fun.
Recovery after a fall must not only be physical recovery but mental as well.
I put on one of my old outfits that I feel very confident wearing and always makes me smile in my mirror…everything here is navy blue.
This was the first day for me to wear a bra and I was a little nervous about the pain, but, good news, the bra actually helped. It felt good holding things in and lifting things around the rib injury.
This was one of the first days that I did not want to rip off my bra as soon as I got home.
Then I headed over to Addie’s Boutique to see my friend Addie.
She has begun 10 days of celebrations to commemorate her 10 years in business…and every day is a party.
She appeared to genuinely be glad to see me and wanted to hear all about what happened.
This young woman is so friendly and supportive and her boutique is much more than a shop.
Honestly, the majority of women I see shopping there are all in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
And on this day in Addie’s, there was a special surprise waiting for me.
This is Sandy…who celebrates her 80th birthday on Monday.
She has been reading this blog for years and was so happy to see me….and I to see her.
She is super cute…loved these pants…and enjoys shopping with Addie…who, you can see is 6 feet tall.
Happy Birthday Weekend, Sandy…I hope it is so much fun with family and that we see each again soon.
As I spoke with other women, and tried on some clothing, I felt my insides singing.
This was the boost I needed after staring at walls for days.
And I love this SHANA SILK VISCOSE DOLMAN SLEEVE TOP so much and took it home with me!
It will go with my coral or pink pants.
Feels so cool and easy for summer.
Addie works with the local House of Colour representative and they mark the clothing by seasons.
That is so incredibly helpful and every garment I took into the dressing room was for a Spring Palette.
Ladies, any of you can shop through Addie’s Boutique Website or download her app.
Any of you can watch her live broadcasts on her facebook or Instagram accounts.
And any one who either lives in Abilene or is going to be in town this weekend can join in the 10 year celebration party.
I will be back there on Saturday.
I am grateful to her for building business where woman can connect with one another and where I feel welcome in a new land.
RECOVERY AFTER A FALL: AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP: SELF CARE REFRESH
I did not return home until I did some self care.
My recovery after a fall needed self care desperately.
One of my nails we smashed during the fall and needed the love of Samantha, my nail tech.
A fixed nail, new color, and pedicure on the ailing feet was all it took to complete my first day out.
Now that I am no longer wearing sandals, I did not get color on my toes…so I upped the pedicure to include the full treatment and it felt great.
Recovery after a fall has to include an honest assessment of your injuries guided by professionals…for me that has been my PT.
But do your best to get out and about again as soon as you can…it makes such a difference in your attitude and hope.
I feel like I can honestly say….I am back…though I move a little slower and with purpose….very aware of my surroundings and where I put my feet.
Please ask any questions you may have…and thank you for joining me for RECOVERY FROM A FALL: AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
Whether shopping new arrivals or clearance sales, please shop with the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
This was on my yogurt today!!
Pam, I’m so thankful to see you getting out and about, and so pleased to hear about your meeting with Sandy and Addie. I will have to check out Addie’s online and shop from a distance for now, but I love that she types her items by season. That silk top you brought home looks “so YOU” and will be a great addition to your new and improved wardrobe. All the looks you’ve shared in this post have you looking your active, positive, vibrant self and I hope you are feeling as good as you look. That navy combo is one of my all-time favorites of yours, and I’m so glad to see it’s still serving you well. I found myself wondering what you were wearing for shoes with all these great looks and had to go back to each photo to realize you were in “sensible” shoes in each one. I know that’s been a difficult adjustment, but none of the shoes detracted from these very fashionable looks in any way. Here’s to your continued recovery, and to more mood-boosting outings as you feel up to them. I hope you’ll share Addie’s Saturday event with us afterward – I love seeing your new town through your eyes. Weekend blessings to you and the reader community!
Pamela, I am glad you were able to get out, it does the soul good to “see the world” after being at home a while. And to meet with such nice folk, a treat.
I agree with the previous comment, the navy outfit looks fabulous on you. The one colour column under a contrasting third layer is a very chic look.
As for footwear, wear what works for you. People are not scrutinizing every detail of our appearance as much as we think. If they are doing so, they do not need to be in your circle of friends. So many of us now suffer from the folly of our youth, wearing high heels, pointed toes, etc. for the sake of fashion. If we were meant to walk that way, we would have feet that only walk on tiptoes. It is so much more important to be able to live pain free.
Hi, Pam. You are amazing! You look joyful, and I’m so glad to see you getting out and recovering well. You are an inspiration to all of us. Love the nail color. 😁
Thank you…it was so important for me to get out and about again, Lorri. I needed to understand what I can and can’t do…though I am not 100% cured here, I am not going to let this sit me down. YES! I will share Saturday with you…I cannot wait to join in and meet more women here.
So, true, Irene…we really do kill our feet for the sake of style. I am not focusing on the loss of sandals in my life…nor on the regrets of my heels in my past…but rather on cute flats and sneakers…bring them on!
Hi Marcia…this nail color is such fun and just glows with Summer. Thank you for your kind words…getting out is the elixir I needed to carry on.
Your joy at being out and about comes flowing from your post today. So glad PT is working so well for you as you recuperate from that nasty fall. Love the top you chose and so fun to meet Sandy. I love her pants too. Congrats to Addie on her 10 years in that gorgeous boutique of hers!
Thanks Deanna…it is a gorgeous boutique and what a surprise to meet Sandy! PT helped me in many ways and gave me hope that I would not have to sit and wait for the rib to heal before I could return to life.
Well, you had a good dose of fun and camaraderie! Just what was in order. The top is a perfect ‘gift to oneself’ and will fit well into your closet of spring clothing. I am very impressed that Addie tags the clothes by seasons and isn’t she pretty. I will enjoy looking at her website. How delightful for you to meet Sandy. I agree with Irene’s comment about shoes. We often focus on our outfits thinking that everyone else is going to pick up on each feature; yet, for the general public, that is hardly the case. Many of us here enjoy the sport of noticing the details, but we are a small group with a special interest compared to the rest of the world. I have a lot of friends, but maybe only three or four who are as interested as I am. On that note, I so enjoy your blog and the women who comment. I am happy to see you in recovery.
On another note, I have been wanting to mention that I have fallen this year and how it happened as a cautionary tale. Twice I had been sitting in my favorite chair reading, stood up, and fallen flat as I had taken a step. I did not realize that my foot had fallen asleep. When I asked my doctor why I hadn’t felt the usual tingle, she said that I probably had, but that my mind dismissed it as I continued to sit there reading. Then she said that the foot goes numb, so you become unaware. My son who runs and has a stretch for everything told me to trace the alphabet with my feet while sitting for a while. Anyway, just a reminder…
A good reminder, Deborah! I am so sorry you had to fall in order to share it with us. My PT also said to throw a dish towel on the floor and take turns with my feet scrunging it up just with my toes. I need to do this more.
So glad you were able to get out and about, and it’s a bonus that you met Sandy! Happy Birthday to her, and many well wishes from Oregon. 🎂 🥳
My friend and her husband in Las Vegas just added another show to our plans – Elvis Costello at The Palms, for my visit later this month. Any ideas on an outfit for this venue? I am not a wearer of sparkles or black for evening attire, and won’t repeat my navy dress and scarf already chosen for the following night seeing Shakira.
Pamela, your last comment gave me a giggle as I too have been dealing with a nerve injury but to my hand. I have gone through much as you have with intense pain and gaining weight from inactivity. What gave me the giggle was that I just reached the scrunching up a tea towel with my hand at my last rehab session.
Oh wow, Connie. You should wear something fun to Elvis Costello…how about a fun pair of printed pants with a solid top and layered long necklaces. Or jeans…jeans are always great for concerts. I see jeans with a black top….long necklaces and a cuff bracelet.
Would love to hear ideas from this group as well.
Pam, I really understand what you mean! I had a hard fall at my grandson’s school in January, breaking my left wrist and right hand. Thanks to the wonderful TLC from my husband, I was able to get through each day. Cabin fever for sure! Finally getting out was key – I did get my hair done each week and eventually a manicure. I did experience overall fatigue for several weeks. And I tossed all shoes that weren’t flat. 😢 Thankfully, I’m fully recovered. But I’m careful about paying attention to where and how a walk!
Gotta love those tea towels! Sorry about your hand, Linda. Dealing with pain is a challenge and I hope it subsides soon. I always happy to provide a giggle.
I hear you, Chris…I am telling others that I walk gingerly now. I am very careful…especially when I go out to water plants on that same concrete patio. I hope your wrist is healing well….I can only imagine the pain from it. The fatigue shocked me at first and my PT assured me that fatigue was part of it. That is why I did not go on the Colorado trip I was scheduled to be on right now. The change in altitude would have made the fatigue even worse for me. Take care of yourself…sounds like several of us had shoe tossing parties.
I, too, recently had a fall and can relate to lots you are saying. Thanks for the post.
You are so welcome, Dianne…take care of yourself.
I can understand the need wanting to get out and see other people.
It looked like you had a wonderful day. Addies has some nice things.
Love the nail polish color.
Thanks Paula…I know we each describe a “happy place” in different ways. For me this was a “happy place” to go to.
So glad your PT is helping you and you are healing and feeling good enough to get back out into the world. And what a nice day at Addie’s followed by some pampering. The silk top looks wonderful on you. It is so Pamela. It will go with a lot of your spring colors. I predict you will reach for it often.
I predict that as well, Kathie. It is so cool and comfy! Will be a summer favorite!
I’m very happy to see you smiling and having hope again. The fatigue will slowly go away. Happy birthday to Sandy!
I am so glad that you were able to get out & be with others. This is so very important for our mental health especially as we age. Of course, our mental health affects our physical health, too. As does self-care. What a special lady Addie is! That silk top was made for you.
One day at a time.! Thanks Sydney!
Thank you, Becky!
Hi Pam,
You know how to take good care of yourself and listen to your body.
You got all dolled up in your pretty navy blue, looks so good on you.
Addie has a nice shop, she is a smart business women and you got to meet Sandie too. Your new Spring top has your name all over it. I like it on you. That will lift your spirits when you wear it.
It sounds like you had the works getting a up grade manicure. Will you be keeping toe nail polish off of your toe nails since no one sees them but you and your husband? I’m thinking that might be healthy for the nail to breathe. Yes, kick all those sandals and flip flops to the curb. No one pays that much attention to what others wear for shoes they are more concerned about what they are wearing. I see more women our age in sneakers, probably because of comfort and they have fallen as well. When I was much younger, I always wondered why older people mostly wear sneakers. As of many years ago I more than get it. My feet and ankles are in bad shape.
Hi Katherine, There is no reason to get polish on my toes, but I will keep getting regular pedicures so my feet look pretty and healthy. It also keeps problems away like ingrown toenails…but sadly…no color polish any longer. Happy weekend!
As Pamela and DeborahLM have mentioned, foot exercises go along way toward keeping us mobile. I have done the dish towel exercise that Pam described, but the really hard one is picking up pennies off the floor with your toes and putting them in a bowl. Five years after my surgery, I still can’t do it with my surgical foot. I second the motion for the alphabet writing exercise that DeborahLM mentioned. I started doing it every morning before getting out of bed at the instruction of my PT after I broke a foot in 2008, my first ever serious fall. She had me write the entire alphabet in either block or cursive letters, and the real trick is to write the letters as mirror images of each other – makes you think! That frees up my ankles a bit and gives me more mobility when my feet hit the floor. I still do this every morning before getting up. I’ve never tried it though before getting out of a chair, and perhaps I should. I had a foot go to sleep recently, and almost fell when I tried to stand on it. I so appreciate other readers, sharing their stories, tips, and cautionary tales to make us all safer. Here’s to a safe and healthy weekend for all of y’all!
When I was in grade school my Mother was so worried I would have flat feet. She made me were heavy saddle shoes. She also had me pick up pencils with my toes, then pick up coins with my toes and finally pick up coins in a pan a water with my toes. I can still pick up things with my toes which cracks people up. I still do foot & toe exercises.
Thank you Pamela for taking a picture of Addie and me. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope to see you Saturday. And thank you to all that wished my happy birthday. It is a fantastic weekend. I surely look forward to a wonderful friendship. So very glad you moved to Abilene to be near your family. Glad that viscose Shana top went home with you. Looks great on you! 🥰
I loved meeting your family and hope your celebration was super special, Sandy!
Pam this was so timely for me; I had a total knee replacement on May 27 and am now at the point where I am looking forward to going to PT outside my home (currently therapist comes to my house). I just graduated from a walker to a cane but mentally I am listless. You pointed out things I can look forward to as I continue to heal. Best, Laura
Have hope, Laura. There is always hope on the horizon and be thankful for your PT at home and for your cane. Look for the blessings and take one day at a time. I believe you will do well and come out of this with joy…hang in there.
I fell too. I met you Saturday. I am a librarian retired from ACU. I wear sandals, clogs and closed toe Birkenstocks. I also wear supportive brand, Vionics. I loved your cookies. Thanks. Karen Hendrick.
Hi Karen! So sorry you experienced a fall too. It was so therapeutic to get out and meet people on Saturday! Thank you for the comment.