Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mental Health Support

Showing Original Post only (View all)

OldBaldy1701E

(6,995 posts)
Tue Sep 20, 2022, 11:02 AM Sep 2022

So, the physical therapist asked me a question yesterday... [View all]

She asked, "What do you want out of this (meaning the physical therapy), what hobbies do you have, what do you do for a living, etc.?". I was actually taken aback. Not because of the question, but because, as someone who is literally just marking time these days, I have no ambition, no 'goals' to accomplish anymore. They are all gone, as far as I am concerned. All of the things I wanted to put into life and get out of life failed miserably. So, how does one answer such a question? Well, one choice is to lie like a rug and mention some of the failed wreckage as things that were still alive and being pursued. It really sucks that I had to do this, but what else was I supposed to do, casually look at her and say, "Nothing. I am a shell of a human and I am not even sure why we are here. I am just being a robot when it comes to this injury and rehab thing, but getting as much functionality back as my body can handle is not appealing. It is a bit silly to be honest. I am not long for this world anyway... why are we doing this again?"

Anyone else find themselves in this position? I am curious because I was really caught off guard by this question and I am pretty good and babbling without pause if I have to. Yet, it still threw me. Anyone else ever do this?

(Quick summary: I was biking and a vehicle pulled out in front of me. I hit the front fender and it tore all of my left rotator cuff ligaments as well as a good part of my bicep as well. I put a really good dent into the vehicle, so bad that it took three people to yank the passenger door open. Not bad for an old defensive lineman.) They have stitched all of it back together and the healing has begun. I started therapy yesterday. Also, this accident happened the day after I went to the doctor to see about my right shoulder, which was giving me fits of pain and weakness, and was supposed to be going to the orthopedist because of it... until the next morning. Sigh.)

23 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Oldbaldy, dayum up until the minute you hit the car that pulled out in front of YOU, MLAA Sep 2022 #1
The loss of biking has been one of the worst aspects of what happened. OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #3
I had lots of orthopedic surgeries throughout my first 18 years. Most involved MLAA Sep 2022 #5
if it were me GenXer47 Sep 2022 #2
I also got a really deep wound to my right calf. OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #4
Do you have home healthcare set up? They can send a wound care specialist a time or two a week. MLAA Sep 2022 #7
Nah... we are barely holding on as far as finances and such are concerned. OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #9
I have both sympathy and empathy for your situation Wishful-Thinking Sep 2022 #6
Thanks. Also, 'malaise' should be my middle name. (n/t) OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #8
It's hard to focus on goals and desires when you're still actively dealing with injury and pain. enough Sep 2022 #10
Thanks. OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #11
Not sure what to say XanaDUer2 Sep 2022 #12
Thanks OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #17
When I need ideas... Chalco Sep 2022 #13
Thanks for the suggestion. OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #18
I'm right there with you. luvs2sing Sep 2022 #14
Thank you OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #19
well... markie Sep 2022 #15
Interesting that you mention one thing OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #20
I have no more ambition or goals, and I have never been happier. Midnight Writer Sep 2022 #16
I did not want to accomplish anything extraordinary. OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #21
Just checking in with you today, oldbaldy1701E. MLAA Sep 2022 #22
Thanks. I am doing a tiny bit better. (n/t) OldBaldy1701E Sep 2022 #23
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Mental Health Support»So, the physical therapis...»Reply #0