Nine months in, fall has arrived

It's definitely fall as the leaves continue to change color and drop. Temperatures have been warmer then normal, but you can feel the cold coming

That being said I am not troubled by my foot telling me a change is in the air---yet. I've been told it will take a couple of years for arthritis to set in. I say "Arthr" is not invited.

I've finished physical therapy, but continue to do the exercises here at home. I have good days and bad days, but feel I'm heading in the right direction. Sometimes I feel if I could just have a chiropractic adjustment everything would fall into place.

I walk mostly without a limp, but have daily pain. It just varies from 1-10, although it's usually in the low range. When it's bad seems to be when I'm on my feet all day or working in the garden too long. Mostly on the outside fibula and ankle area. I am trying to listen to the pain and quit while I'm ahead.

I am finally walking down the stairs with both of my feet pointing forward. I have to hang on to the railing and wall, but at least I don't have to take one step at a time. I must go heel first, so it's a bit strange, but I'm getting used to it. Try it out, it's very different.

My yoga practice seems to help and I can finally do tree on my left foot at least for a short period of time.

The therapist would like me to be able to balance on my foot for one minute. I keep trying. This is an uphill battle. Warrior helps too! ;}

Stay warm and cuddle!

Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

Those days of peanuts and pretzels and beer. Bob and Rob are having some at the Nats game today. Great day for a ball game.

Foot update: Insurance for physical therapy has run out. My therapist put in for more and says I need about 4-6 weeks more. I've been going three times a week. Will resume when I return from Rhode Island.

I will be going to Rhode Island to help Steph out as she prepares for baby #3, Vincent. While there I hope to keep Sam and Bella occupied so she can rest a bit more.

I went back to the YMCA a couple of weeks ago with Bob and did some of my therapy there. I found they have props similar to my physical therapists, so I ride a bike and do stretches and other contortions. I went yesterday and did a few balances on the half ball and think I over did it a bit.

This past week I was almost walking without a limp. The therapist wants me to use my full stride on the left side and so I have to remind myself, as I've come to rely on my right side too much. Full pronation she says.

I still must take one step at a time going downstairs. My foot just doesn't want to bend that far yet. This also prevents me from squatting, as you can imagine, so if I need to get down on the floor I bend my left leg and place my right knee on the floor and then lower myself. Just reverse to get up.

It's funny how you learn to manage when you can't do things----and then the therapist says, "do it" and I really have to switch gears in my mind because it's been so long since standing on just that foot for instance.

This is my fifth month.

I am progressing and find I don't need ice every night anymore. My arnica cream is helping and I recommend it to anyone suffering from muscle pain.

All for now!

Fibula--you've got to be kidding

So my next hurdle in my recovery seems to be my fibula. This is a small bone that runs from your knee area and forms your outside ankle. Mine is like a red hot poker and bee sting all in one, right in the ankle area. Not all the time, but mostly after physical therapy.

Don't get me wrong I love my physical therapist. The problem is I was feeling soo much better. I haven't had pain like this since the first few weeks after the accident. I know it's all part of the process, but I really am literally taking two steps forward and one step back. At least that's what it feels like.

I am very thankful to my friend Lisa--she's a physical therapist in another county--for giving me a gel ice pack I can wrap around my foot. It really helps. ;)

Going down stairs is the hardest and at this point I turn my injured foot side ways and step down with my good foot. One step at a time. I just don't have the flexion in that foot. Sometimes I feel like my leg is doing all the work.

I took Tad to pt in Friday and he charmed everyone there, as he always does. They found a toy golf ball and he was in heaven, but when it rolled under a curtain separating patients, he knew he couldn't go there and just looked. The pt inside kicked it out. He's so funny!

I have another session today and continue to pick up marbles, stretch and do the runners stretch, my favorite NOT! I keep thinking work through the pain and my yoga breathing really helps me there.

Continue your prayers as I think about my future with this foot.

Love you all!!! And thanks for letting me vent.

Spain

We arrived home from Spain yesterday. I can report that we had a fabulous time and my foot was cooperative for the most part.

Upon arrival we did a walking tour and the tour company provided me with a wheelchair. Bob pushed me most of the way, but our friend Michel as well as two younger gentlemen helped. I was able to walk stairs and one day went with my friend Margie into town to shop without the wheelchair. Of course, upon returning to my room ice was in order.

My last visit to the doctor was good and he wants to see me in six months. Most of my pain is on the outside of the ankle. I will continue with physical therapy to strengthen that part of my ankle.

On my last visit my physical therapist really put me through the works. Runners stretch for a minute and then with bent knee really did me in and was quite painful. I am also now standing on a thick sponge as well. She wanted me stand on one foot--my bad one--. I could not so she just had me rock back and forth trying to keep weight on the entire foot, not just the heel. Again, painful.

While in Spain I took my stretchy band and did my exercises, even the runners stretch. I really think it helps an am thankful for this process. I am able to listen to "My Left Foot" and stop and ice it when needed. I also purchased a cream with arnica that helps with the pain. I feel more normal everyday and am soo, thankful I'm heeling.

We met a young lady while in the airport. She and I shared a wheelchair ride in an elevator. She had been pinned to a wall by a motorcycle in Spain and had hurt her knee. The Spain docs couldn't do much for her because she wasn't a citizen and so she was coming home early from a study tour to be treated. She couldn't even get pain medication. Keep her in your prayers. It had been several days since the accident. I really felt bad for her.

Back to a normal routine today. Good to be HOME!

My two new shoes

Finally purchased new shoes for my feet. The physical therapist said they must tie, so no cute sandals for me this summer. The two that I chose are made by a company called "Sensible". Made sense to me ;).

My friend Sara and I headed to Fredericksburg for my physical therapy. She went shopping while I worked out and then we had lunch at Wegmans from the mediterranean bar. Yum!

We shopped a Comfort One Shoes in "the burg" and the first pair I tried on made me float and I almost had no limp at all. This pair is black and dressier.

The second pair I tried on, not so much... The third pair I thought I'm not sure about this and then I tried them on. They are walking shoes and I felt like my heal was floating. I decided to get them both. The second pair are grey with silver trim. I call them my s

Super Hero shoes.

The physical therapist cut my orthotics to fit the Super Hero's and I am off and running. Well not really running, but moving much easier.

I ice my foot every night before bed and sometimes during the depending how I feel. If I wake up with pain I take two tylenol, ice the foot again and usually sleep 'til morning.

I can't tell you how thankful I am with the progress I am making and I know it has alot to do with all the thoughts and prayers from all of you. Thank YOU!

Our trip to Spain will be much better then I thought. I just know we'll have a great time.

Sammy Two Shoes

When Rob was a little boy Bob called him all kinds of nicknames including Sammy two shoes. Who knew we would one day have a granddaughter Sam! I thought it was appropriate to use the name as the title of my blog today. Rob and Bob are driving from Arizona to Virginia as of yesterday, today and tomorrow, and as of today I am wearing two normal shoes. YAY!

The left shoe is tight and I still have my boot if it gets to be too much, but things are definitely progressing. I've been walking inside this morning without my crutches as well. I'm still hobbling around, but...

Yesterday at physical therapy I stretched my foot in varying ways, some not sooo pleasant, picked up 90 of those marbles again, had ultrasound and for the first time rode a bike. It felt weird and getting on was interesting. I couldn't decide which foot to put on the peddle first.

You see I'm left handed and I like to start everything on my left side including walking. You really wouldn't understand this unless you were left handed. We left handers live in a scarey world.

I continue to ice the foot and stay off of it when needed.

It's to be in the 70's today and I am looking forward to spending time outside.

One Crutch

So today was the first day I felt good about using one crutch. I had tried it before, but too painful.

That is until I went to my physical therapist. Joanne is my therapist and she is so sweet. Until she tortures me. She gets me talkin' and then she starts manipulating the foot. Luckily we were talking about something I love, Gardening, and River Farm. So she just kept on going. I'm paying for it now. Back to two crutches, but I know this is helping.

Last Wednesday was my first day and I received ultra sound and electro stimulation. She measured my movement, massaged my foot and taped it for support. Felt good. She said we'll be easy on you and the hard stuff will start.

The second day was last Friday. Same routine, but she started to manipulate the foot. Pulling and moving it in varying directions. At one point I said, " that hurts." She looked at me said, " I know" and continued for a short period. Stopped and iced the foot. Thank God!

Today I went in on one crutch and was feeling good. I stretched the foot with a strap and used the stretchy band to bend my foot forward and side to side. I then picked up 90 marbles with my toes, one at a time and put them into a mint julep cup. It didn't even have a mint julep in it for me before I started. Oh joy! After that it was put the feet flat on the floor, lift toes ten times and then lift heels, ten times two sets. I could really feel the muscles I haven't used for two months. As a matter of fact why don't you try these and see how good you are.

So back to two crutches tonight, but hopeful to be out of the boot and in shoes (tie only) by Thursday.

We leave for Spain two weeks from Thursday. I'm seeing Joanne three times a week until then and after twice a week.

I took the stretchy band home and will continue to do my exercises.

The show must go on!

Looking out on the Garden

I've spent almost two months at this table, most morning all morning working at the table a gazing on our backyard.

Two years ago Bob designed a garden in our backyard. I don't think my rehabilitation from this break would be going so well if I didn't have this glorious view.

Right now I am watching the goldfinch's eat their neijer seed. Listening to their gentle song. I am also watching the wind blow the small grasses and crepe myrtles. The fringe tree is blooming and I will take a walk to smell it's wonderful fragrance.

While recovering I watched the fothergilla bloom. The witch hazel bloom. The amalanchier bloom and the hosta and day lilies come up.

The ferns are growing as are the solomon seal and epimedium. The river birches have leafed out and our very large willow oak still has healthy leaves even though it's being treated for borers.

The sun rises on this garden and as it comes up, shines through and casts beauty onto our stained glass window...

I am comforted.

Sore, sore, sore

Went to my regular exercise class today and then with my friend Dixie to water aerobics. It felt really good to be able to move so freely.

Came home had lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon planting pots and watering them. Of course, Bob had to do all the moving and emptying of bags etc.

I can see this injury is really taking a toll on my poor husband and I don't know what to do. I tell him I'm thankful, but I see the frustration and sometimes anger when I am unable to perform my "duties". I'm trying to stay positive, but.... It's difficult to talk to him about this, because he just keeps saying--you'll get better. I don't think he knows just how difficult this is.

Sure wish I could talk to someone who's had similar experiences, but also thankful I don't really know any.

I continue to meditate and pray to keep things in perspective. Tomorrow, yoga and I will try downward dog. It's been too long.

Sore Today

It was a beautiful day yesterday. Sunshine and 70 degrees. Bob was able to take his new sailboat out and I took pictures.

Was able to walk around on one crutch, so spent some time hobbling outside yesterday and cleaned out all of our pots so they are ready to plant. We have about 15 pots to fill and I hope I can get it done.

Today, I woke up very achy in the location of the injury. Feels like I'm walking on bruises. Bummed. I try to keep my chin up, but with the lack of sun, once again I'm not a happy camper. I've decided I can have a bad day here and there. I am just not going to let it consume me. I just want to be well again.

Bob and I did go to the nursery and picked out some plants for our pots, so that was a bit uplifting.

Will soak in the tub tonight and watch a new Masterpiece on PBS.

I'm hopeful tomorrow is a better day and I will start water aerobics. Wish me luck.

The Next Step

So I saw Dr. Cutie Pie (Ellison) today and after looking at my xray told me I could begin to walk on my foot. He wants me to spend a couple of weeks in the boot and then I can go to shoes.

I've been walking on it and finding it difficult. I have some pain on my outer ankle and rear heel. I'm hoping this will be helped with physical therapy. I also hope to begin water aerobics soon.

Dr. Ellison told me I could drive in town, but that on the highway my reaction time might not be quick enough. We have only manual vehicles.

As you can imagine, Bob and I are quite relieved. This gives me more independence and I'm praying I can keep moving forward.

I try to meditate every day and find this really helps with my attitude.

OMG He's so Cute

So I ended up at Capital Orthopedics in La Plata, Maryland. Filled out all the long forms and waited. A cute girl, around 12 came in with her crutches all covered in colored tape. I told her I was going home to do the same. I just put scarves on mine though.

The doctor came in and took a look. He explained what had happened and said if it had happened that day he would have done surgery, but since it had been a month the bones were healing and he would recommend a boot and come back in a month.

We had lots of questions and I'm glad Bob was with me because I couldn't stop looking at those beautiful eyes and lashes as well as his curly hair. I had to keep reminding myself to pay attention. I'm sure he isn't much older then my children, but I just couldn't help myself.

When I asked if he thought I could go on my Spain trip he said he didn't see why not, but that I would tire easily. Bob chimed right in and said that's ok, we'll just set her down with a bottle of wine and come back for her later. HA!

He did say I'd probably end up with a wider heel. I am just hoping that doesn't mean two shoe sizes. We'll see. He also said this would be a long recovery with swelling lasting about 7-8 months and maybe up to a year to fully recover and even then I may have a limp. I am just soo anxious to get rid of my crutches.

The following week I received my knee walker and it has truly been a life saver. I can do much more as it locks in place and I can turn to the counter, sink, etc. I am not comfortable with it at the stove, but boy am I able to do much more.

So, tomorrow on Day 60 I will be returning to see Dr. Cutie Pie and hopefully the next time I write here I'll be walking on both feet.

Well here it is April 26th day 58.

Lots of catching up to do on this blog.

The day after my CT scan I was seen by an orthopedic assistant at Fr Belvoir. She is one of the most conscientious and comforting people in the medical field I've ever met. I wish I could remember her name, because she deserves to be recognized, but that info is upstairs and in order for me to get there I have to crawl up the stairs, hoist myself up on my crutches and try to find where that green folder has landed.

Anyway, when we went in and I was petrified, visions of surgery stuck in my head. We sat down as I watched corpsmen cast two young people.

She asked for my history and I told her the whole sorry story. Bob and I then saw the xray and CT scan. I had to catch my breath as I saw my heel in multiple pieces, I stopped counting at seven. I could not believe I was feeling no pain. This kind woman said she too would have reacted the same way. She took time to point things out and I was thankful Bob was with me. All of this was too much!

I was told I would need to see a specialist as the break was very bad. Unfortunately, all of their foot specialist are deployed, as you can imagine. Thank God they are taking care of our troops. I would need to see a civilian. We talked for a very long time and she answered all our questions as best she could.

She asked if I had anymore questions and I did. As I teared up I asked if she thought I'd be able to go on our trip to Spain the end of May. She said the doctor would have to make that decision, but made me feel much better as she talked about special exceptions for flying etc. She then said, "you know what we are going to order you a knee scooter." It will just make your life easier. "I'm putting in a 72 hr order".

She gave me some numbers to call and told me people would be calling me to set up appointments and then gave me her personal phone number so I could call her with an update after I saw the doctor. She pointed out that I was only the second patient she had ever given her phone number to and that I would have to destroy it after calling her. ;)

We headed home and on the way received a phone call that a specialist in La Plata could see us that day. And so........

The Value of Friends and Family

So to this day I continue to pray. I fell again today. Slipped on a wet spot in the bathroom. Didn't hurt myself, but thank God for the air cast. I hate my crutches, but the knee scooter doesn't fit in the bathroom.

Anyway, today I'd like to talk to you about the wonderful people in my life.

First and for-most I must tell you about Doctor Bob. He's earned his stethoscope multiple times now and I've told him our lives are different now and he's picked up where I left off. What a wonderful man I married. In sickness and in health.

Secondly, I can't say enough about my dear friends who clean my house, cook and cook and cook, spend time talking to me, take me to lunch, craft with me, sit and have game days and always make me laugh. Especially Dr Frankenstein and Nurse Ratchet who actually came with a saw on one visit.

I must give a special shout out to a special friend. Joanne Verdin. She took me to the doctor that first day. She continues to pick me up three times a week to go to exercise, (you see we have only manual vehicles). She also has taken me to the grocery store where I am quite good with the seated shopping cart. Good thing it beeps when I back up. What would I do without her?

My family has been keeping me amused with phone calls cards and gifts. All wishing they were closer to help out.

But most of all I thank you all for your prayers. I truly feel they are helping me get through this and heal. God Bless You All!

Now I wait for Stephanie and the girls to arrive for their visit. They, I am sure will help me heal. They should be here within the hour, so all for today and maybe awhile.

Next up--The ortho visit.

The CT Scan

Ok so I can't count, or maybe I'm just ready for this to be over. It's day 45. Sorry about that.

So, two days later I have a Cat Scan scheduled for Sunday at 9 a.m. The scan is painless and we decide to have breakfast with a friend while we're in the area.

As I get into the car to leave I get a phone call from radiology. The woman on the other end identifies herself and then says to me "are you in pain?" I tell her no and she tells me I have multiple fractures to my ankle. She again asks me about pain. She says I have an appointment the following day in orthopedics. One last time she says she's contacted emergency and they know about me should I arrive for pain meds.

Now I'm upset. I'm thinking multiple means surgery. Bob settles me down as he always does and we go home.

At this point I am done. I just want my life to be normal again. I realize this isn't going to happen, so I pray.

Back to the Doc I Go

So after the first day I unwrapped my foot and noticed a quarter size blister on the inside of my ankle. Now this really scared me for I did not know why I would have a blister, since I did not scrape my foot in anyway. I decided I needed to see my primary care physician and let her take a look at things and tell me what was going on.

Bob drove me to Ft Meyer Radar Clinic and my doctor took a look. I explained what had happened and she seemed to agree with the clinics initial findings of a sprain. She had no idea what the blister was from. I went home with gauze and paper tape--I'm allergic to latex--to put on the blister. I was bound and determined that I was not going to get an infection from this blister on top of everything else. Especially since Mom had spent a year dealing with MRSA.

At week two the blister started to itch. Good sign of healing. Week three I crawled up the stairs to soak in the tub. By this time I was putting pressure on my toes and trying to write the alphabet--Caps only--with my foot. I had looked up some physical therapy ideas on the internet. I figured a soak in the tub was good. The blister had turned a dark color and the skin was wrinkly--healing. In the tub this all fell off and everything looked good. I was happy to be rid of one of my worries.

When week four was about to begin I thought I should be progressing a bit further. There still was swelling and I couldn't put my full weight on my foot. It felt like someone tied a tight strap around my foot at the ankle and was pulling it tighter when I put pressure on my foot. Very uncomfortable, but no pain. I hadn't really had pain since the first week. I was also very numb in the heal area and when I touched the top of my foot it felt like I hit my funny bone.

Back to the doc I go. She agreed the swelling should not be there. She asked me to walk to her and I couldn't. Same tightness around the ankle area. She had another xray done and she and the radiologist saw a tiny line. She scheduled a Cat Scan. This was on a Thursday.

Today is day 58 of my fall on February 28th. I filled a watering can with water and was thrilled at the idea of watering my outdoor plants once again. I headed for my back door, opened the door stepped down and with the watering can in my right hand turned to close the door with my left hand when down I went. I heard/felt things tearing/breaking.

I had just walked Tad and tied him up outside. He was now barking at me laying on the floor and I was in agony not knowing what happened. When things like this happened you get out of breath. I pulled from my yoga practice and took several deep breaths before deciding what to do.

Bob was in DC working, and my neighbor Pokie was home, but was also recovering from foot surgery. So I thought I'd try to get inside and call my friend Joanne. I was able to do so and she came right over. We decided to stop at the rescue squad and ask them what I should do. This is an advantage of living in a small town. They gave me ice and suggested an xray. We proceeded to King George Urgent care where they did an xray. I had a difficult time keeping my leg still as it shook when I turned into the postions needed. While coming down off the table I cried. The technician consoled me and I was grateful.

Doctor said it was not broken, but that I had torn almost every tendon, ligament and muscle in my ankle. She wrapped my foot and game me an air cast. We took my prescription for pain pills to the drug store where I also purchased crutches. On the way out I slipped on a wet spot and landed on my left foot causing excruciating pain.

I went home put a bag a frozen green beans on my foot and laid on the sofa all day. Joanne came and walked Tad in the afternoon.

Bob and I decided it was best for me to sleep downstairs. It was an awful night as I could not get comfortable.