Yesterday, early evening, as I was returning to my house after checking my neighbors' mail (they're away for the holidays), I did a major face plant on the grass right in front of my back deck.
OUCH!
Thank God I didn't do this face plant on my driveway, or else I would probably have done serious damage.
What caused me to stumble and land face eating dirt pie was a rise in the ground where I have my drain pipe extensions. I just don't lift my feet enough.
I don't think I broke my nose but it is sore as can be. I also have a bruise under my left eye (I must have landed on an angle), slight scratch on my forehead and a slightly bloody nose. My nose is very sore.
The last time my nose was this sore was when I was about thirteen years old while I was playing basketball in my high school gym class and the basketball rebounded right under my nose. I think that basketball broke my nose because ever since then I've had a bump in my nose and nasal problems. I guess I should have gotten it fixed at that time to avoid the lifelong nasal drainage problems I've had ever since. But, water over the dam and all that.
This is the first big fall I've had in several months.
I've been so careful. I know the Number One health hazard for older folks like me is falling.
NUMBER ONE
If you'll remember about ten years ago I slipped and fell on the ice after leaving my job at the hotel where I worked and dislocated my left knee. Standing up with all my body weight I tore my left leg quadriceps muscle. What a nightmare that was. I was out of commission for three months for the healing when I had to have surgery to tie that muscle back together. Back then Bill was well enough to take care of me. Now I'm all alone here at my house. Pat is in Canada with no plans soon to move down here in slower lower Delaware. We talk every day on FaceTime but that won't help me if I'm laid up. I'll just have to be more careful.
I know my problem is that I don't lift my feet enough when I'm walking. What's the solution, to walk around like I'm in a cow pasture avoiding cow patties?
6 comments:
Oh, Ron, I'm so sorry to hear about that nasty fall....or face plant. I've had plenty of them and I'm paying the price. Can be very dangerous, as you well know. Please take care and rest up. We have New Year's Eve to look forward to (?) Jon
Jon,
Probably my number one fear right now, falling down. I've had a few close calls in the house. Just not lifting up my feet enough. One time I went face down and almost fell into the refrigerator door. The falls come out of nowhere. My late friend (he died of ALS) also had the same problem before he was diagnosed with ALS. We used to compare our falls. He had a couple good face plants.
Ron
Nightmare scenario for you - only wishing it really had been just a dream. I know just how you feel following my own catastrophic 'trip' in Oct last year (broken arm, fractured jaw, losing teeth!). Ever since then I've been doing loads and loads of daily exercises in balance and safe walking for 'seniors' culled from YouTube - and there really are hundreds, maybe even thousands of them. Not fallen over since then but it's made me acutely aware each and every time I go outside of the dangers of a repeat. Hope you have a similar 'awakening', but as at now I really do feel for you.
Ray,
I was darn lucky I didn't have more damage! I think if I had fallen on a hard surface like my driveway or extended my arm to break my fall, I would be in more serious condition. As it is, I'm just sore with a slight black eye and some scratches on my forehead and cheekbone and very sore nose. I didn't have a chance to brace myself, I went down that fast. Pat says I probably have a good outline of my face in the grass, I should check. I remember your fall. I just have to slow down. I'm used to walking fast.
Thanks for your concern.
Ron
dear me you lead an exciting life
You don't want to do a faceplant. My biggest fear now is falling. I have to be so careful. This is what you have to look forward to. We learn to walk when we're young and if we live long enough, we have to learn to walk again when we are old. Something I always took for granted, walking normally I can't do now. Body is too stiff.
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