Ladies, how often do we tell ourselves – “Don’t fall” as we age? Or, should I say, how many times does your spouse say it? Two years ago, I took a bad fall playing Pickleball and broke my left wrist. Two plates and screws later, the good news is that I am back on the courts; luckily, I am right-handed. The better news is that I have not fallen on the courts since!
E-Bikes
We purchased foldable e-bikes to take with us on our Airstream adventures. In the meantime, we rode them to and from the Pickleball courts, less than a quarter-mile from our home. Yes, we have helmets, but no, we were not wearing them. Well, this past Sunday, I was disembarking in front of the house when the bike fell on my leg and threw me backward. My head hit the blacktop hard. HELP!
Emergency Room
Bill picked me up, put me in his car, and drove me to the emergency room. I arrived in an emergency vehicle with sirens last visit – https://myretirementstories.com/broken-bones-arthritis-and-replacement-joints/. This time, I could walk in! I have to say, the emergency room staff at Mariner’s Hospital are terrific. I could not do their jobs!
Staples in my head!
The good news is I do not have a concussion, and I didn’t end up a paraplegic or worse! Seriously, the stories I have heard about what could have happened? After all the tests, now came the fun part. Lidocaine shots in my head, followed by seven staples! This ER doc was incredible, and it barely hurt. Just the sound was scary, however. When the lidocaine wore off later, Tylenol dulled the pain. But, finding a comfortable way to lie down and sleep was a challenge the first few nights.
Sell the e-bike?
My first thought was to sell the e-bike. It’s a great bike but a little heavier than a regular bike, and I was never totally comfortable riding it. Getting on and off requires a bit more balance and care. Or should I keep it but always, always wear my helmet? I’m still thinking. It would be great to have when we’re in Maine and Cape Cod this summer. What would you do?