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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/Laiii12 on 2026-07-05 18:05:51+00:00.

In my defense, this wasn’t my first time on crutches.

I had already gone through this whole ordeal once before on the other side. Total non weight bearing for 3 months, partial non weight bearing for 3 months. I thought I was an expert.

I remember waking up from surgery and PT coming by to teach me to do stairs. I tried to decline. I remembered from last time (I even took notes!) but no, they had me do it again “just in case.”

I remember all the discharge instructions from the surgeon and the nurses encouraging me to rest and to slow down.

I remember distinctly thinking in my head “I know, I know, I know” and biting my tongue to keep from rushing them because I really just wanted to go home.

Did I listen?

I was on the phone and needed to go downstairs. I remember telling this to my friend. He asked if I needed to go? “No, it’s fine. I can do both.” Idiot.

I held my phone up to my ear with my shoulder and used my hands for the crutches.

Made it about halfway before I missed a step.

I wasn’t paying attention. I thought the crutch was on the stair. It was actually on the edge. It slipped (carpeted stairs).

I actually realized what was happening and tried to catch myself before falling down the stairs.

By placing my leg down to stabilize.

The leg I just had surgery on a few days before.

I saw stars.

I thought I was going to puke.

I don’t know how I didn’t pass out.

Forcefully putting all of my weight on my bad leg a few days after surgery was not a part of the recovery plan.

Tl;dr ignored medical professionals telling me to be careful; wasn’t careful; worst pain imaginable.