Leonard’s return to Bowls

WE often hear of season ending injuries in the AFL, but not in lawn bowls.

It was May 2023, and it was the usual Monday Social Bowls at Yea Bowl’s Club.

Things were going well until 84 year old Leonard Sheahan lost balance as he turned and fell awkwardly on his left side.

Leonard realised he was in trouble when he couldn’t move his leg. The ambulance was called; other bowlers did their best to reassure and keep Leonard comfortable while waiting.

The ambulance proceeded to take Leonard to the Box Hill Hospital where he spent the night in Emergency, as there were no beds available.

The next morning, Leonard was transferred to the Avenue Hospital Windsor, where 20 years ago, he had had both hips replaced by specialist Dr Young.

An ensuing X-ray found a shattered femur, from the hip to the knee.

It was also discovered that Leonard’s sodium level was too low, and he had to be placed on a liquid diet for a few days before they could operate.

Finally, the operation took place, once again by Dr Young. The result was a 25 centimetres long by four centimetres wide plate with 16 screws.

After a few days, Leonard was placed on an exercise machine and after 10 days was transferred for rehab at the South Eastern Hospital at Noble Park; where he would spend the next four weeks.

Then Leonard moved to assisted living and rehab at Parkville until the middle of October, where he returned to Yea living independently and getting back involved in community activities, including bowls.

In December, following a check up with his surgeon, Leonard had to return to…