I did a spectacular face plant while walking in my apartment recently. Yep, I was having an amazing run and preparing for my next trick (i.e., another step forward). I miscalculated and went down, landing face first on the carpet. Ouch. Rug burns hurt, by the way. And they leave marks. For the first time in my 20+-year career as an amputee, I have injured my face in a fall. Somehow, I managed to sell myself on the possibility of the facial rug burns not being noticeable. Heh. Today, during my first public appearance after the face plant, I was asked by almost everyone I met about the abrasions on my face. Generally, the question directly followed the polite greeting (e.g., “Hi. What happened?”).
The face plant is the last of three falls I have had in the past week. Yep, three falls while wearing my magic new prosthesis. Until last Tuesday evening, I had not fallen once while wearing my prosthesis in the seven months since I got my new prosthetic leg. (I did have occasion falls while on crutches.) So, 7 months sans fall and then 3 falls in 4 days. What’s up with that?
What or who can I blame? That’s what I want to know. I want to blame someone or something aside from myself. I am certain that none of the three falls involved mechanical difficulties, so my prosthesis is not to blame. Let’s breathe a collective sigh of relief on the count of three. One, two, . . .
My working hypothesis is my amazing prosthesis has lulled me into a highly elevated confidence in my ability to overcome wobbles. My Plie is so amazingly stable and secure that I have learned to throw caution to the wind at all times. If I can easily overcome wobbles while walking or standing upright by taking a few compensatory steps, I’m sure I can do the same while crouching and preparing to sit on a wooden folding chair resting on a slippery wooden floor. And while standing from a low couch with my right hand occupied in holding my cell phone to my ear. And while walking on carpet while somewhat tipsy. The time has come to reintroduce myself to using a bit of caution while maneuvering through the world.
One big question remains. Am I still a Weeble if I wobble and do fall down?
Still a Weeble?
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Oh I hate when those invisible people trip me!! luckily so far I havent gone face 1st like you but I have a feeling that the liquid courage may have had a little something to do with that ;) just dont get discouraged and youll be fine! elizabeth
January 24, 2012
11:26 PM 
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Sorry you hurt yourself, but you need to watch out for that carpet. I have had it jump up and throw me on the ground a couple times. Doctor told me it was due to my occasionally draging my prosthetic by the toe, I told him he was insane and that it was a conspiracy by the carpet industry. James
January 25, 2012
8:58 AM
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I haven't had a fall yet (fingers crossed) with my prosthesises, but I did a spectacular face plant while outside at the hospital. My amp board was not secured to the wheelchair, I was having trouble getting up the ramp (I find most ramps are damn near useless, including those at hospitals) and leaning way forward The board, cushion and I went slid off like the whole thing was greased.I got a real good look at the concrete! I called for help, and when security came, he started to lift me and found I was a bit heavier than he expected, so he says "It'll be easier to put your legs down", then his face turned red as he said "Oooh". He could have added "Duh" as well. It was rather funny by then! I would rather deal with carpet even though OT said I should get rid of all rugs. I don't find them a problem with the prosthesises, and lino and laminate are a danger when in the chair because they move even with the brakes on. I have a dog who had an amputation, and she is terrified of the laminate. She has had several episodes on laminate where she look just like Bambi when he first tried to walk on ice -- 3 legs going everywhere! 2greys
January 27, 2012
12:48 PM
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sorry stef .... as you know weeble wobbles and they dont ....fall down, you will have to class your self as something else from the eighties im afraid ......too bad on the falls , i have given up the booze .... lifes hard enough without thinking im bulletproof ...or a reall good ambulator... cheers
blair9:37 AM