Sunday, February 6, 2011

8 Months Feels Like a Long Time

It has been 8 months now since the accident. I thought I'd follow up with the healing process.

I went to Jamaica in October and at that point walking around an airport was painful. I had to get a wheelchair and I think on the way back from Jamaica they thought I was trying to conceal something by going handicap because I got searched three times, even when I was supposed to have early boarding. They stopped me getting on the plane and let everyone else pass as they searched me again. I explained to them that that defeats the purpose of early boarding and now I have to stand around in the aisle waiting for everyone to get situated before I can take a seat. I was so so very angry. Not to mention through all the searches, a piece of jewelry was lost out of my bag. Nothing valuable, but it is to my face as it was my continuous nose ring. They just shouldn't have singled me out so much. There's nothing unusual about me except for the fact that I was flying handicap and I look perfectly normal if you don't know what happened to me. So you single out handicap? That's beyond f'd up. Anyway, I wasn't really able to enjoy Jamaica or my brother's wedding due to the injury, but I can at least say that I went. After all, you only get married once, right?

At this point I was going to physical therapy 2-3 times a week. It really seemed like a big hassle. I had to leave early, unpaid, cause I didn't have time off due to the medical leave and then I had to pay all my co-pays. The hot and cold treatments made me feel like I was constantly getting a cold. I stopped going once my ortho said I could walk without the boot before I left the country.

The sick feeling didn't stop though. For three months, I went every day feeling feverish and tired. I was completely wiped out. I finally decided to see an endocrinologist thinking I had a thyroid problem. After the blood tests, it turned out I have a severe Vitamin D deficiency. Something like this can cause osteomalacia in adults. There's no knowing if that was why I was so severely injured. I think it's possible, but then again I did roll my ankle completely. I saw it bend. How could there not be damage from something like that? Surprisingly, is the fact that I was healing so well with this deficiency. I had to start taking 5000 IU of D3 daily. After the first week I noticed myself feeling a lot more awake. I still go through periods of feeling feverish and sick and I'm not sure why. It has been suggested that my immune system has been weakened due to the amount of stress I've had. The only thing I can do about that is to try and limit my stress, but really it's like I reached my cap and now every little thing bothers me. I'm still a very strong person, but my patience has been whittled down to nothing.

Physically, I walk practically without a limp now, but I have to wear good sneakers. If I wear flats or anything else, I will be limping. This isn't very fashionable. I still don't think I'll ever be able to wear heals again. I can walk my dogs down the street and back and go shopping for about an hour without trouble. My only real obstacle is stairs. I'm capable of going up and down them slowly, but they scare me because I feel like I'm going to trip all the time. I don't want to go up more than one flight and I need to have my hands free for the railings. Needless to say, I avoid them at all costs. The range of my ankle hasn't changed. It's still at about 5 degrees bent upward and my ortho thinks that will probably be as good as it gets. I really hope not. I have 4 more months before it's been a year.

And now, here is an updated photo of my scar. It looks pretty good now!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Progressing Above Average

So I had a follow up with my surgeon and he said that I have healed exceedingly well, thus he wanted me to start physical therapy to get my range of motion back and then in three weeks start putting weight on my foot.

I started physical therapy this week which, at this time, consists of 20 minutes in a whirlpool tub, some minor stretching by the PT, and then electro-stimulation with an ice wrap for 20 minutes.

My physical therapist can't believe how good my ankle looks. She said that normally people have twice the swelling at this stage and half the flexibility that I have. She is only going to see me once a week until three weeks is up, at which point we will start weight bearing three times a week.

I have decided to go back to work. I had my doctor write me a note and I have to see the doctor at work for clearance, but it looks like I will be back after Monday. I will be using my new Free Spirit Knee Walker to get around until I can walk with a cane.

I finally got my handicap placard so I can start parking close to buildings and stores.

So with all that said, I am very happy with my body. I am happy because it has healed so well. There are a few contributions to this that I think are very important to mention. Right away, after the accident, I ordered Wobenzym - a natural supplement that reduces inflammation and supports healing. I took it only at the minimum dose because I don't like taking that many pills a day. So I took three pills twice a day (i.e. morning and evening). I also stayed home from work on a leave of absence. It's been about two months now. It seems like a very long time when you're gone, but in the long run, it's hardly any time at all. The reason for this is because my injury was very serious and it was critical that I do all I can to reduce further stress on my injury. I was asked to keep it elevated and not walk at all. Last, but not least, I had lots of people "praying" for me. I am a Nichiren Buddhist, so my fellow district members chanted for the quick healing of my ankle. That's a lot of people focusing their energy on my ankle.

Here is a link to Wobenzym, but I got mine on Ebay for a really good price.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Knee Walker Rentals!

Right in front of our faces was, Rent a Knee Walker. It is still a lot of money, yes, but it is a fraction of the cost of buying one. My mom might rent one for me. I looked at reviews of the walkers online and the Free Spirit Walker:







At rentakneewalker.com, the price is $120.00 flat. No shipping costs unless expedited.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Stitches Surprise!!

Well I had an interesting thing happen today. It started a few days ago. My scar started to open up. It developed three little holes. There wasn't any pus or sign of infection so I treated the wounds and bandaged them daily. They just wouldn't heal.

Today, one of the holes was white. I thought it was my new skin growing over, but it just didn't seem right... then I realized... it wasn't skin.

I pulled on it.

Out came a fully intact stitch. I'm guessing my doctor did sub-dermal stitches before he stapled me closed. My body rejected them before they could dissolve because sure enough I found stitches in the other two holes and pulled them out. It hurt a little, but I think the holes will close up now.

I warn you, the following pictures are graphic and quite frankly gross.









The stitches are completely in tact, knot and all.

Amazing, huh??

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Yay! Money!

I finally got my first disability check. It came right on time for some bills. The only thing is that it's half of what I normally make - so I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to swing it. I'm going to see if I can freeze one of my credit cards so at least that is one less bill. Hopefully this Friday I will have a paycheck from hours donated to me. I'll probably be good because I don't have much longer to go. I should be back at work by mid September at the latest. Still no handicap placard, however. I do need that.

Friday, July 16, 2010

In Limbo

I am still in limbo. I am waiting for money, handicap placard, and food stamps. I know that my Catastrophic Leave period ends today. Catastrophic Leave is a donation program established by the County (where I work). If you qualify, the department sends out a notice for you that you are on it and people donate their hours to you so that you're not off the books and you get some money. It's anonymous so these people get nothing in return. The donation period ends today. If I have received 80 hours from people, they will cut me a check. I'm crossing my fingers, but I know that in this economy, people need all of their time and money.

It has been really hot here this week - in the mid 90's. Because of that, I haven't attempted to get to my car at all. My mom is still looking for a knee walker for me via craigslist so I can get to my car and GET TO WORK. Those things are really expensive though. I'm tired of all the money that's getting thrown into this injury with no actual money coming in.

Patience...