Last month I went on holiday with the girls. The last thing I expected was injuring myself and leaving on crutches. I have been on crutches for three weeks now and it’s making everyday life quite interesting.

On day 3 of my holiday, I fell backwards off a small platform and hurt my right knee. I immediately felt the pain and my friends tried to play it down by massaging my knee and trying to convince me that the pain would go. It didn’t and my leg quickly swelled up. I knew I had to get it checked out. So my friend took me to the medical centre to get it checked out. I had an X-Ray and was told that I had pulled a ligament. They put the whole of my leg in a cast, so it looked quite dramatic. They had put a plinth at the back, so I wasn’t able to bend it.

My friends were great as they included me into everything. After coming back from the medical centre, two other friends were due to join us for the remainder of the holiday. They were at the apartment as we arrived back from the medical centre. Needless to say, they were quite shocked to see the state I was in. I truly looked broken. I was quite happy to stay in the apartment whilst they went to lunch but they were having none of it. I didn’t want to go out as by the time I would get to the restaurant, they’d be onto their desserts. On the way to the restaurant, I was slower than I thought I would be and really struggling with the crutches (and the pain). I had a tiny bit of a meltdown and started crying. It was the frustration, pain and also couldn’t believe I had done this to myself. Before I knew it, two of the girls took my crutches off me, gave them to the others and they both carried me the whole way to the restaurant and even up the stairs to the restaurant. This overwhelmed me immensely. They were just amazing in making sure I was included into everything – whereas I was happy to just do my own thing at the apartment.

Since being back at home I am still on crutches. I had the week after I returned off work, so I spent it in bed resting. A week later I went into work. I was dreading it as I was still struggling to get by on the crutches at home, let alone outdoors. My hands, arms, shoulders and back were all hurting and I still wasn’t able to put weight on my leg.

On the morning of going to work, I wasn’t prepared for all that was to come. I knew it would take me longer to get ready, but I was quickly starting to get frustrated. I’m lucky to have had people at home to help but it still took so much thinking. I would usually be up and down the stairs countless times without even thinking about it. But after nearly falling down the stairs, I was only going to go down them once. I also had to wear flat shoes, which I don’t do, especially not for work. I was actually quite surprised I owned a pair of flats until I checked my wardrobe. The only ones I owned were ones I bought when I was in hospital the year before. I also had to think of the bag I would wear, and no designer bag would be a good look hanging off the crutches. It had to be one I could put across my shoulders, and also it had to be packed light.

By the time I got into the car to go to work, I was exhausted, and still had a full day of work to face. Everything took so much thought, it was mentally and physically exhausting. On the way to the office, there was a ramp or stairs to get to the entrance. I couldn’t use the stairs, so I thought the ramp would be easier. It wasn’t as I constantly felt I was falling backwards. For wheelchair users this would be ok. If you were on crutches, you may be able to put weight on your feet. If you couldn’t due to an injury, then you probably wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) be at work. I didn’t even notice the disabled access door, until that day.

When I met the team, nearly all of them said “I can’t believe you can still look glamorous when on crutches.” I was quite surprised at that comment because it is just my knee that was hurting, not the rest of me. Yes, it took me extra long getting ready but it wasn’t too difficult. The fact so many made comments along those lines really took me back as I couldn’t believe they were thinking crutches and glamour couldn’t go together. After all, I was still the person I was before I got injured, that wasn’t going to change due to a minor injury.

When I went to the toilet, I couldn’t believe how far it was. It obviously hadn’t moved but when you’re actually carrying your own body weight on your hands, everything is harder and further. As I had only just been at home on the crutches, I wasn’t used to opening heavy doors and then keeping them open with my crutches wide enough to get myself through. Also whilst I went on the nature call, I might as well go to the water tank to drink water. I then realised I had to drink water by the tank as I wasn’t able to carry it with me. When I went to the water tank, there was a slight queue but as soon as people saw me, they let me go first. I personally didn’t like that as I wanted to blend in and not stand out. I was grateful that someone read my thoughts and asked me if they could carry my water to my desk. But being taken by surprise and not wanting to put them out, I declined their offer and said my desk was right at the other end and I’d be okay.

However, I think everyone should experience life on crutches for at least a day. I made me think about those who use crutches on a daily basis and how difficult their life can be. I would see people on crutches but I don’t think I really saw them. It’s my third week on crutches and it’s second time I have been in them due to an injury. I was too young at time to really think about it last time. It also makes you realise the kindness of strangers who give you way, open the doors longer and wider for you, giving up their seats or go the extra mile to do something. It’s all appreciated as the longer the day is, the more exhausted you are and this shows.

I’m by no way an expert on living life on crutches but here are tips I have for those who are just finding themselves being on crutches. Also people use crutches for various reasons, so whether you are using them for support whilst walking, or after an injury/operation unable to put weight on your foot, I hope these tips help. These are just my tips, your doctor or physio may give you more advice;

– Realising life will be slow. This has by no means been easy for me. I have only been out the house a handful of times since I returned from holiday. If you can, work from home. This will limit the knocks you get and will most definitely make your life easier. But if you do need to go out, plan your journey in advance, get taxis, lifts from friends/family if you can.

– You will soon start to ache. If you can, wrap the handles of your crutches with foam or wear gloves, as this will support you on the move and stop you aching so much.

– Posture is so important. When using your crutches at the beginning, you may be more focused on being able to move as oppose to your posture. However, it is important you are upright and not hunched over when walking on your crutches. Your body will be aching as it is, you can save yourself more aches by walking as you would if you were able to. It is worth checking with your doctor/physio that your crutches are set at the right height.

– Plan your clothing. If you are going to be out and about a lot on your crutches then you may feel something practical is more appropriate. You are going to be sweaty, so layers are important. If you can, have a change of top with you in your bag.

– I am one for handbags. This is something else that needs to be given up. I used to think I could hang off my bag from the crutches handle, but I was wrong. So a bag that goes over the shoulders, or a rucksack will be a better option. I was surprised how much I carried in my bag and how quickly I was able to pack light when I had to.

– Footwear. This is another thing I found difficult to do. I started wearing flip flops as I thought it would be okay as well as thinking it was the only pair of flats I had. Flip flops are terrible as they are so easy to trip over, especially if you’re not steady on your feet. Heels are a big no no too. You’d not want to wear heels either. Flats with a good grip, or trainers are ideal footwear. But of course be weary of the weather, so choose accordingly.

– Speaking of the weather, dress accordingly. If it is raining, you won’t be able to use an umbrella, so pack a hat, cap, scarf or something with a hood. Layers are good, especially if you have a rucksack to put extra clothing in.

– Don’t be rushing. Leave plenty of time. It is easy to feel you need to be rushing, especially if walking with others. But take steps at your own pace, those walking with you can slow down. The faster you’re trying to walk, the more likely you are to cause further damage or even fall completely.

– Plan your travel. Can you get lifts from friends/family? If you need to use public transport, perhaps choose time of travel when it will be quieter. If on the bus, don’t hesitate to tell the bus driver to wait until you’re seated before s/he drives off.

– People are helpful and will notice you. If you need something, don’t be afraid to ask, whether it be for a seat, a drink etc. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

I hope this helps. If you have any other tips then please feel free to share in the comments section.