Well, I was really lucky for a long time wasn’t I? I have fallen down a lot in my life. I am a darter and have historically moved before I thought. It didn’t matter when I was younger – on the road, in the middle of the street, in the kitchen or off the couch – down I would go. I would laugh apologetically if I was in public, brush myself off, and continue on my way.
The older I got the more falls felt like slo-mo with time to think, “This is gonna hurt.“
Since my stroke 4 years ago I am more thoughtful about movement. I have only had three bad falls in that time. I guess I knew that the third time might be different. But I was standing on my past laurels and when the EMT said that he didn’t think my leg was broken I agreed (maybe it was the other way around) and signed the refusal to go to the hospital.
I limped around the house for five days. But it seemed increasingly worse. I thought I wasn’t moving enough so I practiced walking up a few steps and back down. I set my alarm and walked every hour. Until I couldn’t bear it.
On the fifth day my husband and my son who was visiting were on an errand. I called to let them know that I needed to go to urgent care. I was in enough pain that they put me in a wheelchair and transported me down the porch steps.
The x-ray at urgent care showed that the ball of my femur had a broken slice across the top. Bummer, dude! The party was over.
On the bright side though, since I didn’t have to have a hip replacement – only screws in my femur – my pain was never as bad after the surgery as it was on the days when I was trying to walk it off.
I recovered enough to come home after eight days in the hospital. Sweet relief! I have found that it is one thing to be old, it’s another to have had a stroke, it is another to have the affected leg become the really affected leg.
Still, with some grit, determination and a bit of confidence, I will heal. It’ll come.
XXOO
P.S. The doctor said I am ahead of the curve after two weeks, but I know the expectation for my age… Low!
A Letter to my Children 
What a fighter you are, Lynda. A regular Amazon. And able to keep your sense of humor throughout. You continue to be my Inspiration!
Love, Christin
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Speaking of a fighter, Christin. I am following your progress and always expecting the best.
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As a walking example of a person with replaced and twice revised bilateral hip joints, I can assure you that you will be fine. Diagnosing femoral head problems usually take time.
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I am fine, Ramana. Feeling strong already and I hope to have one more week of PT and OT.
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