He’s had a “fall”

It’s so incredibly frustrating to be back in the hospital! I already had four months of hospital stays after my lower right leg amputation in 2023, and now this! I tripped and fell on my way home the other night, and I’ve cracked some ribs and broken my right hip. Talk about a bummer. This time, I’m in for a week or maybe even longer of rehab.

It’s a constant reminder of how much of a risk falls pose for leg amputees. I’ve been living with my amputation for 18 months and even had special training on fall prevention.

The fall itself was a bit of a nightmare. I felt the pain immediately, and it was excruciating. I was also winded, and in a bit of shock. Thankfully, Jenny, who works at the bar nearby, saw me and came to my aid. She helped me back to my apartment, got my wheelchair, and even helped me up to my lounge room. She was a lifesaver, that’s for sure. I spent a miserable night on the couch, too exhausted to even reach my bed.

The next morning, I tried using the fall recovery techniques I learned, but the pain and fatigue were just too much. I couldn’t move off the floor several for hours. Calling an ambulance was the last thing I wanted to do, especially since I live alone and couldn’t get up to answer the door if they arrived. But eventually, I messaged my neighbor Alexis, who’s been a huge help over the years. She rushed over with the spare keys I gave her and found me lying there in a heap.

Together, we tried to get me up, but it was impossible. Even when the paramedics arrived, they had a hard time moving me despite my smallish size. It just goes to show how difficult it can be to help someone with a recent injury, especially an amputee.

At the hospital, they confirmed the rib fractures and broken hip. The doctor explained my options, and since I’m still quite young and active, they recommended a full hip replacement rather than a half-replacement which can often need an update.

This whole experience has really made me appreciate my community and the importance of having a strong support system. Jenny’s quick thinking and Alexis’s help were crucial, and the paramedics provided excellent care. But it also reminds me how real the risk of falls is for amputees. It’s a constant challenge, and I need to stay vigilant.