The "Bowling Trauma" Story

It was an ordinary day. My son Tad and I decided we were going bowling. Hadn't been bowling for quite a few years. I used to be in a league and really enjoyed bowling. I talked him in to going with me to Leisure Lanes along the Columbia Pike to bowl a few games. Got there and headed to the front counter to get our lane, shoes and select a ball. I took a medium weight ball for the night. Found our lane and practiced a few times. Never know how many times they will let you practice before they expect you to start your game. Planned on bowling three games if we had the energy tonight. First game was pretty even and we were just getting warm. I did notice that my thumb was fitting into the hole in the ball a little bit tighter at the beginning of the second game. About the fourth frame my thumb started to "pop" when I released the ball. Didn't seem to be a problem though. But, then the popping was over! I went to bowl the ball in the 7th frame and my thumb stuck in the hole as I tried to release the ball. Almost knocked me over from the forward motion. Boy did it hurt!! Looked at my thumb and......it wasn't the same shape it had been. I dislocated my thumb when I tried to release the ball. I was lucky enough to get my thumb out of the hole, but I also started to get sick to the stomach from the pain. Managed to realign the joints and rested for a short time. Decided to return our shoes, pay and head home. Made an appointment for the doctor the next day and after examination, he made an appointment for me with a physical therapist. I ended up with a few trips for hand therapy. Last time I ever went bowling!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.