Have any of you had a broken leg or knew someone who had a broken leg and your/their outlook on everything became negative?
My friend had broken his tibia and fibia broken right below his knee so he has a full leg cast on. I suggest taking him to Saturdays Market (a kinda hickish thing from where Im from which includes outdoor and indoor vendors which sell things) to get him a model car that he can paint and put together when he's bored. He doesnt have any problems getting around what so ever because its been 2+ months that he's had this cast on. He says he doesnt wanna be walking around with people all in his way. So Im like okay. He says, "I like car rides. They're good." Well then I suggest him going up home with me which is a 2 hour drive and he says, "That means I'll have to meet people and when they ask what happened to my leg, Imma have to explain to them for the 400th million time what happened." I cant do anything that'll make this kid happy... HELP!!!
2007-11-01 05:25:45 · 9 answers · asked by ? 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
He had his cast cut on both sides because when he first got it on, his foot swelled up and it was causing alot of pain. He can take his leg out because the cast was just wrapped up in ace bandage for leverage. But he can sleep without the cast on and walk around on his crutches without the cast on but not put any weight on his leg. He doesnt take any pain medication anymore and the only thing he says that hurts is his knee, not even the break.
2007-11-01 05:39:22 · update #1
I broke the tip of my tibia and the fibula (not fibia) near my ankle a couple years ago. It wasn't fun and I had to have surgery.
It's not easy to maneuver with crutches in a crowd and I get why he wouldn't want to meet new people and then have to tell the "how I broke my leg" story again. He probably doesn't want to be identified to new people as the guy who broke his leg.
He made a suggestion of what he would like to do -- a car ride and then instead on just offering to go on a car ride (which, depending on where you live is a really fun thing to do right now with the fall colors), you want him to go to your home because it's a two-hour drive away.
That's why you can't do anything that will make him happy. He told you what he'd like to do, but it wasn't exactly what YOU'D like to do.
Instead of modifying his suggestion if it's not something you want to do, ask him to name 2 or 3 things he'd like to do and then pick the one that appeals the most to you and don't modify it.
2007-11-01 05:36:16 · answer #1 · answered by iamthetess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I completely know what he's going through.
I didn't break my leg, I broke my foot.
I had to tell the story about 60 thousand times and I was on crutches for a year.
I didn't leave my house for a long time.
Since he likes car rides, just take him for a ride, no where specific. Maybe go to a diner, people don't usually ask questions there. Or to a park, that's pretty down to earth and quiet. Just have a good time.
If someone does ask, answer for him, tell them he doesn't really want to talk about it.
If you can't get him to get in the car, just rent some movies and buy some food, have a nice night in at his house or yours.
Good luck!
2007-11-01 05:33:46 · answer #2 · answered by sKa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look him straight in the eye, and tell him to give you a call when he looses the attitude and walk out.
His problem is he is showing signs of clinical depression, and needs professional help. You can support his choices, and to a limited degree, be there for him, but until he chooses to obtain help, he's going to remain in his funk.
Some people can have horribly crippling injuries, and be positive from step one. Some people stub their toe, and suddenly the world is "out to get them"... Your friend sounds closer to the latter than the former.
Good luck!
2007-11-01 05:43:37 · answer #3 · answered by jcurrieii 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ouch! Thats gotta hurt so bad. If I had a broken bone, yes, it would make me look at things negatively (for obvious reasons). But this fella, he seems to be overly concerned. Try asking him what he would like to do (besides ride in cars), you'll get the best ideas from him.
2007-11-01 05:31:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hes stuck in a cast, explaining his leg to complete strangers, getting around on crutches even smoothly is a pain. It itches.. i say just ask him what HE wants to do or just go driving? is there a drive through wildlife observation you can take him through?
2007-11-01 05:30:09 · answer #5 · answered by DIYninja 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He may be depressed. Which is not a surprise. His life has been turned upside down. In addition, constant pain can really drag your mental outlook down. He should be assessed by a doctor for depressiona dn/or better pain control.
2007-11-01 05:29:51 · answer #6 · answered by It's a secret 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope, you're right..there is nothing YOU CAN DO...this person has to either want help to get out of his mood, or he won't..
Try and try again..but like I said...if he is depressed and doesn't want to be helped or encouraged to be positive..then there's nothing for you to do but to ignore him. Keep doing the things you do in your life and exclude him...
Or, you could talk with him about maybe him being depressed..however, that doesn't mean he'll admit to it or acknowledge in ANY way that he is depressed..so don't hold your breath.
If he wants help...then ask him what kind of help he wants...
Good luck.
2007-11-01 05:31:09 · answer #7 · answered by Doodlebug 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. But its only temporary. Just ignore him for a while and let him take care of himself. He will get over it on his own if he doesn't have you to lean on.
2007-11-01 05:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by crazyguyintx 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just tell him if you wanna go somewhere or do something let me know..you have tried now its his turn ..
2007-11-01 05:29:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋