Rollerblading is TOTALLY easier than rollerskating. Trust me, I am no athletic she-woman, but rollerblading is much easier because on skates if you lean forward or back a little too much you're scarred (literally). You have much more leeway with rollerblades.
Way not to bust your ass: learn how to brake at lower speeds, by turning your whole body or at least one leg to the side a bit, sort of like how you would stop if you were skiing (and no, I do not know how to ski, but the move looks similar enough). Or go rollerblading with someone who has perfect balance and won't kill you if you grab their arm.
Well, I think the proper way to brake is to use the front or back brakes but for some reason I can't handle that.
Please tell me you weren't on the bike lane by like 13th Ave, where it's in the middle of the road...either way, scary stuff and hope you feel better.
And kudos for trying to bring back skates!