I broke my arm yesterday.
I was running to catch a bus on 5th Avenue and 78th Street. I slipped on some ice. I put out my right arm to break my fall -- break being the operative word here. Suddenly I'm looking up at the sky, clutching my arm in pain. An MTA poster warning me not to run for the conveyance passed before my eyes.* The bus leans towards me slightly as the passengers crowd toward the window for a better look. Not wanting to lie in pain, in the cold, and have to wait for another bus, I got up, fished out my Metrocard, and boarded.
I think it was around 74th Street that I fainted.
Not the classic backward swoon, more of a I-need-to-sit-down-right-NOW thing. There was a bit of a hubbub. Someone actually gave me her seat. I assured the driver that I was fine, and on we went. Since I could move my fingers, I was pretty sure nothing really serious had happened. I attribute my initial misdiagnosis to my delirium, as well as my complete lack of medical training. By 45th Street, however, I was convinced that something was definitely wrong, as my arm just did not want to move in certain ways. I got to the Roosevelt Hotel where I was meeting Christina, entered her room and announced that I thought my arm was broken. She and her friend Brian were very helpful, letting me use their cell phones so I could call Debbie, getting me ice, etc. Soon I was in a cab heading back uptown, having a very strange conversation with the driver in which I explained to him the differences between rent controlled and rent stabilized apartments.
Fortunately for me, my father-in-law is one of the city's top orthopedic surgeons. I got to his office, he prodded my arm, and pronounced that I had a fractured radial head. (Can we start a band -- The Fractured Radial Heads?*) A few x-rays confirmed it. Dr. Lane's staff wrapped my arm and fitted me with a sling. Joe got his car service to take me home. It's good to have family in the business.
I'll be in the sling for another 10 days or so. Until then, it's one-handed typing for me. And Ben will have to get used to being lifted on my left side for a while. But my big question is: will I be able to play the violin?
* Thanks to Trip and Colin for these jokes, respectively.
| Bus |
Well, at least it happened on the bus and not in the subway, where your mishap would have been shared in garbled, convaluted fashion with all present at three platforms in each direction. Thanks for making the double effort it required to post one-handed, hope the painkillers are doing their stuff and I'm glad to hear it'll heal soon!
Comment #1 :: link :: March 1, 2003 09:00 AMOuch indeed! At least there's really no good reason for leading an active outdoor life right now. Staying inside and drinking hot chocolate is a wonderful healing aid! Hope you feel much better soon.
Comment #2 :: link :: March 3, 2003 09:00 AMsorry, that last anonymous get well wish was from me.
Comment #3 :: link :: March 3, 2003 09:00 AMAnd this is going to be your lame excuse for not posting ? Man ... one small slip on the ice and there goes the virtual neighborhood (i.e. I become the predominant poster). Quick Mike -- stop me before I post again !
Comment #4 :: link :: March 4, 2003 09:00 AM
