I'm not sure why anyone would think that being crippled is cool. It's not the worst thing that could happen, but it's not fun. Especially when you're in college.
Having a small campus made me think getting around on crutches wouldn't be a big deal. Well boy was I wrong about that. What was originally a ten minute walk to class has now become a twenty minute walk. Also, going uphill didn't seem like a big deal at all before, but when you're on crutches, its probably the last thing you want to do.
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Speaking of crutches, they suck. The doctors say don't push them into your armpits, but its hard not to when your walking up and down hills all day. It is especially difficult when you have no upper body strength, like me. So by the second day of using the crutches your arms are bruised and everything hurts. Also, you can't use the stairs on crutches. So there's the elevator perk. But lucky for me I live in a dorm with no elevator. So I have to walk upstairs and pray for dear life that no pressure is put on my injured foot. Good thing I live on the third floor, so it's an extra long hike up the stairs. I got a few people to carry me on their backs, but that didn't last very long.
When you are able to walk on normal ground, its all about being slow and steady. Your friends hate walking with you but they feel bad ditching. Its rare that people get the door, and when they do its the highlight of your day. This is around the time I wish I could have my car to get places faster, before realizing i'm injured and can't drive myself anyway. Woo!
It's pretty much a struggle going anywhere. If you go to a party, you have to be conscious of your injury and pray that nobody steps on your foot or knocks into you. You want to go out, but you also want to lie in bed all day so you don't have to stand. Depending on the injury, you may be able to walk fine (like if you're just in a boot), but for others it's not worth risking if there's a chance you could get worse.
So if you are crippled, enjoy the door holding and people offering to get you food, because it won't last long. We have to push through the injury. Sure it sucks that you can't really walk, but it's a good excuse to sit down and relax more often than you do normally. Look forward to the comeback after you are healed and that will get you through. At least that's what i'm telling myself.
