Falling on the stairs

A certain klutz (not naming names) fell on the stairs last night trying to carry the recycling down to the garage, and out to the outside bin. It was only the last two stairs, but I ended up almost upside down.

I immediately took a couple of Extra Strength Tylenol, and applied ice to the worst injuries. Both feet and one elbow took a pretty good beating. I was (foolishly) carrying that trash can in the hand on the rail side, so reflexes couldn’t save me. What can I say? I need to do better. This was a stairwell leading to the basement, where the garage is located. The bins are just outside the garage door.

There are 3 stairs, then a landing and the front door, and 6 stairs to the basement. The front door is lower than the main floor of the house. I was on the last couple of steps before the basement, and slipped. Carpeted steps, and me in compression socks without my house slippers. Basically, I was an accident waiting to happen.

I’m in miraculously good condition this morning, all things considered. I have only minimal bruising. Considering I’m on a blood thinner, that is incredible. Of course, the fibro is flaring, but a long walk will do that, so no surprise there. The actual bruises aren’t especially painful. It could have been so much worse.

And now my housemate / heart sister, whose house it is, has forbidden me to carry out the trash any more. “You’re unsteady sometimes. I worry about you. No more carrying the trash out.” I love that she cares, but I feel so useless. Emotionally, this feels like a huge setback in my health.

I already gave in this year and bought a cane for anytime I’m out and about. Yes, I’m unsteady sometimes. And yes, I need that cane for doctor’s visits, going to the store, whatever. It’s prevented plenty of stumbles. I’m still resisting using it in the house. It wouldn’t have helped last night anyway. I don’t have enough hands to carry the bin, and use the cane.

The journey continues, if a bit unsteadily.

Tags: Emotional Impact, Falling On Stairs, Instability, spoonie