Nobody expects to get injured. Nobody pulls out their calendar and picks a day to tear an ACL or sprain an ankle. It just happens. As if navigating school wasn’t hard enough, now you have to figure out how to write notes with a broken wrist or how to get to the Nat on crutches. But have no fear. To all my fellow injured people out there, I feel you. Here are some tips from one injured person to another:
Always treat yourself to a new pair of leggings. Whether they are black or patterned, leggings are a staple in any injured person’s wardrobe. They can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. Also, not to mention how easy they are. Leggings are universal pants.
No matter how much you think you can “tough it out,” investing in crutch pads will the best move you make in your life. The amount of times a day those crutches will jab into your armpits is beyond me. It helps to have a little cushion so you don’t want to cry every time you move. (Mini pillow pets also get the job done, in case you’re curious).
Rainy days are your worst nightmare. Everything is wet, which means everything is slippery. You are already struggling enough as it is, so please look out for your future self and take these tips to heart. If you have a boot, invest in a nice boot cover. Don’t get me wrong, the plastic bags you’re using are super cute and all, but you will be better served in material that is actually meant for covering walking boots. Also, it is best to dry your crutches after going outside. Having your crutches slip out from under you is not as much fun as it sounds.
Beware of wet floor signs. These are your indicators that danger is coming. Honestly, go at snail pace, and plan for the worst. You will be missed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and most times you won’t even have to ask. People will hold the door for you, offer to carry your backpack, or even hold your food while you pay for it. People understand the struggle. You’ve probably heard everyone’s story about how they hurt themselves in the third grade. This just shows they feel your pain and care about making this easier for you. Just take the help.
Swag out your crutches. If you’re going to be using those bad boys for a while, you might as well look fabulous while using them. If you can manage to string twinkly lights onto your crutches, please do so. If you cannot handle the engineering feat that is making your crutches light up, try ribbons or even paint if you’re feeling particularly artsy. Personally, I’m a big fan of buying baby shoes for your crutches that match your own shoes. Anyone who makes this happen, I have mad respect for you.
Leave yourself enough time to get places. It will take longer to get around while you’re injured. I get it. You’re independent. YOU GOT THIS. Honey, make it easier on yourself. Take your time and find other ways to get around campus. One email you should have saved is that of the Badger Bus. You know those little white buses that always drive around campus? Yeah, those are for injured or disabled people. They will provide curb-to-curb service to any university building for FREE. Send them an email and schedule your rides at metroltadispatch@gmail.com. You won’t be sorry
I know how difficult being injured can be. I hope these tips help you survive on campus while you’re injured. Don’t worry, it gets easier.
Once you get into a routine, you won’t stress out (as much), and you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time. Speedy recoveries my campus warriors!