Acute Trauma Injuries with JIA

This morning, I realized something I've never contemplated before—probably because I've never had a reason to. I'm not an athlete, so the risk of ligament sprains and tears has never crossed my mind. The most intense exercise I've done is warm water Ai Chi! My son, on the other hand, an enthusiastic soccer player, is no stranger to acute injuries from trauma, while I've mostly dealt with chronic pain. Having lived with JIA for most of my life, I’m quite familiar with pain. However, the discomfort from an unexpected accident or fall is a different experience compared to the chronic, debilitating pain and fatigue that often comes with JIA. 

Let me take a step back for a moment. While I've shared parts of my journey, I haven't revealed what prompted this deeper reflection. Last week, I unexpectedly fell at the cemetery. Out of all places!!   I slipped on a muddy patch and landed hard on my prosthetic knee. My leg got twisted beneath me, and I found myself unable to move. Because my wrists are fused, I literally can’t get up once I'm down. I think there was a commercial that went something like, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” It’s safe to say I was a complete mess, crying, lying in the mud with a burning pain radiating through my knee. It felt different—a hot, searing sensation that reminded me of the discomfort following a joint replacement. For a few days, I felt incredibly vulnerable, which is a feeling that we, as pain warriors, don’t often welcome. But it's a part of the experience. 

I quickly realized that I needed to be my own advocate when I visited the urgent care center, followed by the fracture orthopedic clinic, which felt more like an assembly line with rapid assessments, casts, and fitting for assistive devices. I understand the need for efficiency, but it's crucial for them to recognize that every situation is unique. When they suggested crutches, I faced complications due to my existing shoulder damage—having undergone a reverse shoulder replacement—as well as an elbow replacement and wrist fusions, which make using crutches quite challenging for me. After that, they suggested walkers or canes, but those options also didn't suit my needs. I had previously tried forearm walkers during my last knee replacement, and they weren't appropriate either,   flaring my elbows. It's really complicated; there's more to it than just the injury in my leg—it's about sorting everything out. I have to confess I felt frustrated when they kept presenting me with suggestions that seemed utterly unreasonable. 

These issues happen to regular people, but we aren’t regular; we have underlying limitations and complications that aren’t always visible or understood by the medical team, especially in a fast-paced, high-efficiency environment focused on quick diagnoses. 

It's crucial to learn how to effectively advocate for ourselves, particularly in circumstances like these. I'm feeling better on day six after my fall, fully secured in my leg brace and icing frequently (I highly recommend the cryo cuff ice machine for reducing swelling!). While I'm still a bit rattled, I'm taking the necessary time to rest and recuperate. The takeaway? Stand up for your individual needs and prioritize self-care!