I was teaching a Zumba Fitness class at Merville Park Homeowners Assoc (MPHA) last 052713 when I fractured my left wrist. As I was dancing, I stepped on their office mat which was actually several strips looking like one. There was no traction when the strips separated and so I fell backwards. I tried catching my fall by extending my hands out so I could save my spine from any damage.
There was of course a loud gasp from the class, but since I was paid in full upon my arrival, I felt it my obligation to finish the class. The class was about 20 minutes in when I fell. I was able to use my left arm for a few minutes to lead the dances but about 10 minutes later, it became unbearable to lift it. The last 10 minutes were done with just my right arm moving.
To someone's credit, a young girl named Mitzi, came forward and offered to bring me to MPHA's clinic. Too bad...the doctor was out. I just bought two Ponstans from the open convenience store nearby and drove my automatic car to Cardinal Santos on Wilson Ave., San Juan.
Once in the Emergency Room, I had a short interview by the front desk, then got wheeled into the XRay Room. Note to the very insensitive male med tech they had: if someone is having their wrist XRayed, it must mean the wrist is painful and shouldn't be roughly handled and twisted about!
Then I was deposited into a bed and waited with an ice pack until Dr. Acosta placed a bottom Plaster of Paris splint, bandaged it then gave me a blue sling. Two hours later, "Immediately see an Ortho" he said.
For all these, I was billed P4,956.
Good thing, I had scheduled Gilbert Amio to do a Zumba class in Maude, San Juan. He was able to follow after class, then take over the driving responsibilities! Thanks to him, I was also able to go to Divisoria the next day to do some needed shopping for my new preschool (The Little Apprentice branch in EVIA) and my upcoming events at The Roxy.
The day after (Thursday), I drove myself to Cardinal and saw a (randomly chosen by the lobby consierge) Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Jose Bayani Aliling. He placed a green fiberglass cast on me (I was in tears when he handled my arm) and charged me P3000 plus materials P2000 (he made me buy my own, saying I could use the exercise). He warns me, because of my age, that it will take 8 weeks for my bone to "regenerate" and heal. Shit!
I don't think Ill be going back to him.
That night, Gilbert took over the MPHA class.
By the next Tuesday, I was back to dancing (Gilbert still led the MPHA group). I'd decided that one week of inactivity and sorry-for-myself eating was deadlier than if I'd just moved again, SWEAT in my cast and be smelly for the remaining seven weeks. By Wednesday, I taught a class at Athlete's Lab (Shaw Blvd.) and Thursday, I led the rapidly growing MPHA group to a hearty applause at the end of the session!
After the first day in this cast, I learned a few things:
1. Leave chopsticks everywhere in case the itches suddenly attack.
2. Wear clothes without clasps and buttons.
3. Pee when you don't feel like because when you already do, pulling down your pants and panties in time with one hand will be futile.
4. Regularly clean your fingers with alcohol, alcogel and wet wipes.
5. A nice manicure can lift your spirits!
6. Write an explanation of the "fracture event" so you don't repeat yourself to well- meaning acquaintances, guests, friends, family and elevator riders.
7. Moisturize the left elbow often since meets so many resting surfaces.
8. No sleeping position is good enough.
9. I finally can use the Handicap Parking slot!
10. I cant tie my hair up all by myself.
11. I can blame my PMS bitchiness to the cast. Haha!
Really, I just have to laugh--quietly enough/on the inside so its not misconstrued as "there she goes, she's finally, officially crazy!" Life is still good. Yes, I won't be able to compete this June 1 (Phil. Natl Games), June 15 (Lillian's Cup) and June 22 (DSCPI Midyear Ranking) but at least I still have three limbs to do Zumba Fitness with! I don't have a yaya but I've been living alone all these years, so what's new?!
After a week, I discovered that I could wet the cast, the battings, the whole arm--for the fiberglass wil keep its shape! It took half a day to dry but Im still alive :)
Yes, clap for me, Universe! I will do things with a smile--Zumba Fitness included!
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