The Cost of mobility....priceless

As my previous blog had mentioned, I have been sidelined with a broken foot.   What I’ve come to realize is that you truly never appreciate the importance of being mobile until it is taken away from you.   I’m beginning my tenth week with my trusted air cast and cane (ditching the crutches three weeks ago), and it has been an eye opener in terms of the length of time an injury takes to heal and prepare the body to regain more of its mobility.  As each week passes there are momentous improvements, however when you lack patience it is a grueling task to pace yourself during your body’s recovery.
 
This injury has challenged me to instill patience and focus on allowing my body to heal on its own timeline.   That little voice in my head keeps tormenting me with such questions as “Should it really take this long?  When can I lose the air cast and cane?  How long will it take before I can drive and regain my independence?  How much longer will it take to be fully mobile again?”  Who knew that a trip down the stairs would lead to such a lengthy recovery.
 
One out of five falls, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead to serious injuries as broken bones, hip fractures or head injuries.  Over 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized for head injuries or hip fractures resulting from falls.  Falls contributed to $34 billion (adjusted to inflation) in direct medical costs and hospital costs account for two thirds of the total.[1]
 
                                           "The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground."
                                                                                             Buddha

The probability of falling can increase when risk factors are combined.  Some risk factors are:

• Lower body weakness
• Slippery surfaces (icy sidewalks, wet surfaces)
• Vitamin D deficiency (not enough vitamin D in your system)
• Lack of balance or difficulty walking (possible improper shoes)
• Hazards in the home as uneven steps, throw rugs, or lack of handrails along stairs[2]

 
      "My feet, they haul me Round the House, They hoist me up the Stairs; I only
     have to steer them, and They Ride me Everywheres."
                                                                                        Frank Gelett Burgess

Impatience can be costly and setbacks come with a cost.  That cost can impact your life physically and mentally.  What if your recovery depended upon further and more extensive medical procedures?  What if you couldn’t receive the medical attention for your injury in a timely manner?  According to the wait time alliance website, Canadians are very concerned about how long it takes to get access to their healthcare.  Long wait times have an impact on a person’s well-being.   At what cost are you willing to gamble with your health?   Practicing patience and maintaining your focus on a heathy recovery could save you in the long run.
 
As I don’t like to gamble with my health and incur any setbacks which may further result in medical care, I’m applying “patience” and “listening” to my body.  I take the advice of my Physician and Physiotherapist very seriously as I want to ensure the best recovery for my broken foot.  Through their care and my reflexology training, I know my recovery to full mobility will just be around the corner.  The cost of mobility is PRICELESS!

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[1],[2] CDC

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