Surviving a Loft Disaster - My Encounter with a Ladder Mishap

Last week was quite the adventure! I was atop our telescopic ladder, about to enter the loft when suddenly, it collapses! Down I go, in a mess of limbs and ladder. I can't remember the impact, but I found myself sprawled on the floor, with my right arm taking the hit.

I can't quite remember the crash, but the aftermath? There I am, sprawled on the floor, legs awkwardly sticking through the bannisters and my arm throbbing with an intensity that makes the word 'pain' feel like an understatement. The pain? Oh boy, it was a whole new level of OUCH!

My husband, a whole hour's drive away, abandons work and comes straight home, while my daughter, alerted by my shouts, rushes to my aid with painkillers and ice packs. Despite our efforts, my arm swells to alarming proportions, a grotesque bruise rapidly blooming on my elbow. An ambulance ride to A&E later, I'm left aching, frightened, and deeply shaken.

Miraculously, I escape without any broken bones. However, I'm sporting an impressive collection of bruises, with my elbow proudly displaying the most dramatic. My right arm declares itself officially off-duty for the week, leaving me to navigate life single-handedly, which proves to be quite a challenge; especially as it is my dominant hand and arm.

Just as I'm adjusting to my new one-armed reality, the weekend rolls in, bringing with it my middle son's 21st birthday. We switch from feeling sorry for myself to celebrating, indulging in a delicious carvery with his girlfriend's family. Unfortunately, my oldest son couldn't join in the celebration as he was off-shore.

Our half-term plans were put on hold due to my impromptu loft mishap. Instead, we spent the week hunkering down at home, nursing my injuries, and savouring the unexpected tranquillity. It was a week of wild ups and downs, an experience I wouldn't want to repeat, but one that certainly won't be easy to forget.