Battle Wounds and Lessons Learned

I thought I would share a few pictures of the injuries now that it has been a week since my battle with the tree stump.

Outside of Right Thigh

This is where the initial impact was

...But for some reason the biggest bruises are on the inside of my leg

Inside of Right Thigh

Right Arm

The doctor recommended that I use crutches, but I couldn't take it, so I was told by the doctor to use a cane. Here is a photo of the cane.

The CaneI have had a lot of interesting experiences since I started using the cane.

1. Everyone tells me I am using the cane on the wrong side. I must admit that I began using the cane on my injured side. It just felt like the natural way to use it. However, Nancy looked it up and informed me that the cane should be used on the side with the good leg. This allows the weight of the body to be shifted from the injured side to the good side.
2. The amount of time given at a crosswalk is too short. I have had to cross several streets while using my cane, and I have a really hard time making it across before the light changes. I can't imagine being blind or having a disability that would make me even slower.
   
3. The cane is an excellent tool. I love using it to press buttons, hold elevator doors, steer the kids in the correct direction, and point out objects for Nancy to get.
   
4. I am feeling the physical effects of the cane. The wrist that holds the cane is starting to hurt. My good leg is starting to get sore from bearing most of the weight. My hand smells from the rubber on the handle of the cane, and it makes any food I pick up taste nasty. I have to constantly wash my hands.
   
5. Apparently, a young guy with a cane takes precedence over the elderly, young, females, etc. Old people let me though the doors first, kids get something off the shelf for me, and ladies are offering to carry my bags.
6. People stare at me. Anytime I am anywhere in public people are looking me. I imagine it is out of the ordinary to see a young guy with a cane, but I'm still surprised that I just get stared at.
   
7. People come up and ask me what's wrong. Even more surprising than being stared at is having people come up and say, "what's wrong with you?" I consider myself a pretty forward person, but I can't remember a time I've gone up to a disabled person and asked that question.
   

Having a cane isn't all that bad, even if I do look like a little disabled boy. Several months ago I predicted that I would soon have a disability, but I didn't think it would be like this.