Upon recently dislocating my shoulder, I had been given a wonderful sling to wear in order to keep it elevated and supported. However, as I'm sure many of you already know and have experienced, is the interaction you then have to deal with with the people around you. Specifically, what they say to you. This relentless asking and answering of questions will continue with every new person you meet and it is at times just as painful as your crippled limb.
"What Happened?"
Often asked in exclamation (usually from your mother) as everyone wants to know what happened. I like to have fun with this question. You have the power in your hands so have some fun with this. "I fought a bear. Oh, have you seen the Revenant yet? That was me but not as messed up afterwards obviously, so yeah, I'm basically a badass." Maybe to show your sensitive side you could say how you saved a puppy AND a kitten from a burning building. Whatever you say, be creative with it because more than likely how you hurt yourself was probably not the most exciting thing.
"Did it hurt?"
No, no, it actually felt pretty good when my bone decide to dislodge from the joint itself. Oh, and it was really cool when I could see the dislocated joint pressing against my skin. In all serious though it was excruciating and I would not recommend it.
"How long do you have to wear that thing?"
This is much more of a straightforward question. For some of us who are unfortunately doomed to a cast, the answer is always a sad answer that is usually a much longer time period than we would like it to be. For some, such as myself, the sling is usually only a week or so which is why I am grateful that I, at least, didn't break anything. It's bad enough that I have to wear a thick black sling in the desert sun for a week but I am more sorry for the poor soul who is doomed with a cast.
"Do you need help with anything?"
It has been amazing to me how people seem to be nicer towards you when you have an injury. I mean, of course, this is expected regardless but it is almost too much at times. I have an injury but my whole body isn't broken, especially my head. I'm not saying I'm ungrateful for being helped but I just found it interesting how easily people are willing to help no matter what. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I myself even forget that I am hurt so when people around me are acting slightly different it takes me a second to understand why.
No matter the severity of your injury or the duration of you being disabled, just be prepared for answering a lot of questions and try to have some fun with it at the same time.
