What Two Weeks on Crutches Has Taught Me

I recently underwent a knee operation.  It is important that I tell you it was a sports injury (that makes me sound younger and more athletic than I really am).  Actually, one of two things happened.  Either I tweaked it on a 5-day hike of the Pacific Crest Trail several months ago then really did a number on it running a half-marathon in November; or, I have had my foot in my mouth so many times recently that a meniscus tear and cartilage damage has resulted.  In either case, after several painful weeks of thinking, “This will get better,” an examination, an x-ray, an MRI, another examination, and a shot, it was determined that surgery was needed.  The procedure went well, although it was more extensive than originally thought.  Instead of walking out of the hospital a few hours after surgery, I received a sentence of 4 weeks on crutches and 2 weeks without driving.

I have learned a few lessons over the last two weeks:

·      Good health insurance is a blessing.  Navigating the health care industry as a patient has been relatively painless. Also a blessing is the fact that there are a lot of nice people in the health care industry.  Every doctor, nurse, receptionist, therapist, and volunteer I encountered has been helpful, compassionate, and kind.  

·      Diane is a rare blend of saint and Marine drill sergeant.

·      Sometimes you just have to ask for help. I spent 15 minutes in an airport lounge trying to figure out how to get a plate of food, while on crutches.  I finally realized that short of balancing it on my head it wasn't going to happen. Sometimes you just have to ask for help.

·      People look at you differently when you are on crutches or in a wheelchair. Folks who would otherwise notice you, don't. Folks that normally wouldn’t notice you, do.

·      It is possible to preach on one leg if you lean against the pulpit just right.

·      When you encounter a person with true empathy, they stand out.  They are the people who anticipate your need, ask how you are doing, and offer to assist you.  My empathy for those who are disabled has increased exponentially.  

·      Patience is a difficult virtue to learn.  I have failed several lessons in that subject over the last two weeks.

·      I've taken mobility for granted.  When you don’t have it, you become acutely aware of the blessing of simply being able to get around.

·      You don’t need two good legs to kayak (two good arms will do).  However, getting into a kayak can be very awkward without two good legs.

·      It can be difficult to follow Doctor's orders.

·      It is in my best interest to follow Diane's orders. (Did I mention that she is a rare blend of Marine drill sergeant and saint?)

I see the doctor again tomorrow.  I’m hoping for early parole and the reinstatement of my driving privileges.  If that happens, I’m headed to a buffet where I can express my new-found freedom by filling my own dinner plate.