Two days ago I twisted my leg. Yesterday at work (at the hotel) I did a lot of running around. Giving tours of the three suites by the canal, up and down those spiral staircases, running back to the front desk to answer the phone, running upstairs to get the TV working in Room 302 (didn't work, had to move them). With all that activity, by the time my co-worker Robert called me I was in excruciating pain. Not "kidney stone pain" (which is a pain so great you want to die) but painful enough to bring tears to my eyes.
Robert asked if I would like him to come in and take over the rest of my shift. Reluctantly I said "Yes!" I really didn't think I was going to make it to the end of my shift. Plus I had come in two hours earlier. I hobbled out of there and managed to drive home, even though I was in a great deal of pain.
Bill was surprised to see me come home from work early. I told him why I left work. He was concerned. It is at times like this that I'm glad I don't live alone.
After undressing, I went to bed. My leg being elevated in bed lessened the pain. I had a fitful sleep. But the pain was gone. That didn't last too long though. Once I started to go about my regular routine and put pressure on my sprained leg, the pain returned big time.
I spent most of the day in bed. I didn't get much relief from the pain this time so I made the Big Decision. I would get a cane. I am surrendering to inevitable fact that I am an OLD MAN.
Bill drove me to Walgreen's in Milton. I limped in the store and asked to be directed to the canes. By the way, limping around as I was, I felt very much "different." Is this karma? I remembered all those times I've been annoyed by folks with canes and walkers slowing ME down. Now the tables were turned. Did I detect a Look of Pity from that cashier in Walgreen's? I think I did.
Back in the corner of the store, near the pharmacy section I found the canes. I was surprised at how many different kinds of canes there were. And there was my cane! An adjustable tall cane. I tried out. Ah ha! Pleasure. With my price tagged cane I did my Old Man Walk to the cashier. I bought some candy too for Bill. Pleasure. Taking the pressure off of my leg made all the difference.
So that's where I am now folks. Navigating myself around Casa Tipton-Kelly with my new cane. Wow.
