Lake Oswego Woman Recovers From Serious Fall

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Dorothy Kohut, a member of the Jottings Group at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, recounts her experience of suffering a serious fall in early December and the subsequent months of recovery through surgery, nursing care, and physical and occupational therapy. She reflects on the origins of the theatrical superstition "break a leg" and how her own experience has made her appreciate the importance of staying active and building bone density as she ages.

Why it matters

Kohut's story highlights the risks and challenges that seniors face with falls, which can lead to serious complications and a loss of independence. Her journey underscores the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and taking proactive steps to preserve bone health as we grow older.

The details

On December 1st, Kohut was rushing through her kitchen when she tripped and fell, slamming against the floor. She was not able to return home until December 29th, after successful surgery, dedicated nursing care, and inpatient physical and occupational therapy to relearn basic daily living activities. Kohut's recovery process has made her reflect on the origins of the theatrical superstition "break a leg," considering both the negative and positive interpretations of the phrase.

• On December 1st, Kohut suffered her fall.
• On December 29th, Kohut was able to return home after her recovery process.

What’s next

Kohut is currently halfway through six weeks of physical therapy visits, with her doctor ordering her to "Don't fall." She is using a two-wheel walker and focusing on staying active and building up her bone density through exercises like walking, running, jumping, dancing, and weightlifting.