Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes

This post is mostly about knees and what not to do. If you have a weak stomach you might not want to read it.

I had the opportunity to play basketball this past Wednesday evening. We started about 9pm and had been playing for about an hour and a half when it happened. I was chasing the guy I was guarding around a screen and my leg buckled. It felt like it snapped completely in half. I heard bone rubbing against bone as I went down like a sack of potatoes. After screaming and smacking the floor with my hand a few times the pain subsided enough for me to open my eyes. This is what I saw:

This photo is not me but this is EXACTLY what it looked like (except it was on my right knee and I try not to wear shorts that short.)

My kneecap was completely dislocated and on the outside of my leg. I was trying to convince the guys I was playing with to help me straighten my leg so that hopefully the kneecap would snap back into place. They thought I was crazy because my body was going into shock.

One of the guys went to the freezer to get some ice. He came back with 2 frozen loaves of bread. He put one on my knee where the kneecap was supposed to be and the other on my kneecap that was just hanging out on the outside of my leg. He put a little too much pressure on the kneecap and I asked him to remove it. After he pulled it away, my leg twitched a little bit and BAM, my kneecap just slid back in place where it was supposed to be.

I felt like a million bucks at this point. I had the guys help me over to the stage so I could have my leg hang off without any pressure. After a few minutes I tried to put a little pressure on it. I started to black out. I had to lay down on the stage for a few minutes. They then helped me out to my truck. I started to black out again and ended up laying down in the parking lot. At this point I was able to receive a Priesthood Blessing.

Once we got to the ER, Erin was able to come meet me. They took xrays and confirmed that everything looked ok. The doctors were very surprised that the kneecap reset itself based on how far out it was. I knew it was because Heavenly Father was looking out for me.

I finally got discharged about 3am. I then had to go to my truck on my crutches and full leg demobilizing velcro splint. I had to remove it and then drive the stick shift truck home on my busted knee.

I missed one day of work and am recovering nicely. I am so grateful for the Blessing I received and for the worthy men that were able to administer to me in the parking lot right next to the Sacramento Temple. It is definitely something I will never forget! I mostly felt bad for my wife. She had to find someone to watch the kids so she could come up to the hospital. She kept asking me if this was an April Fool's joke.

I wish!