Told my physical therapist I didn't need the cane and fell flat on my face at Target

I was at the Target on Miller Lane last Thursday, just grabbing some paper towels and milk. I'd been using a cane for 6 weeks after my hip surgery but felt fine, so I left it in the car. Halfway down aisle 9 my hip gave out completely and I went down hard into a display of laundry detergent. A kid working there had to call for a manager and they brought me a chair from the break room. My wife was pissed when I called her from the store phone because my phone landed in a puddle of soap. The worst part was the cashier asking if I needed a handicap sticker for my car, like I was some old guy who can't admit he needs help. Has anyone else had a moment where you thought you were healed up but your body proved you wrong in a really public way?

2 comments

2 Comments

zarapalmer6d ago

I used to be one of those people who thought canes and walkers were just for old folks who gave up on moving around. But after I tried to carry three grocery bags and a laundry basket up my stairs last month, I ended up sitting on the landing for twenty minutes with my knee completely locked up. My neighbor found me there and had to help me get the rest of the way up. That checkout guy probably meant well, even if it stung in the moment. Sometimes the pride we have just makes things harder than they need to be.

olivia_morgan85d ago

Twenty seven years old and I had to crawl to the bathroom on my hands and knees after a shift because my back gave out. I was too stubborn to use the stool the restaurant kept for that exact reason. The floor was not clean.