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??

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.

The Golden Chariot of Knee Walkers

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...

Finances

I've been seriously worried about my finances. I don't know if I'm going to have any money by the end of the month to pay my mortgage. I've been trying to think of creative ways to make money while I'm stuck here, but I can't really come up with any that don't involve me being mobile. I do still have my etsy site, but I haven't sold a single mask since I made them in February. They're cute... and more of an art pieces I suppose. Ideas?

Staples Removed

I just got my staples removed. That stung! Stitches don't have any pain with removal. This felt like little stabs. She did it quick so that it'd be over. I talked to my doctor about my hives and asked him if there was any way I could get something other than a fiberglass cast. He said he could put me in a cam boot. Basically your foot is wrapped in a microfiber sock that is velcro'd together in the front, then your leg is put in this hard plastic boot that closes by velcro straps. I was worried it might be heavy, but it's no worse than the splint. I guess the old fashioned fiberglass casts are pretty weightless. I just had to promise him I'd wear it at all time. He took x-rays and said that my foot looks great. I saw it... I think it was a total of 8 screws, but the bone does look great. It's all where it should be now. He signed my dmv placard request too so I put that in the mail on the way home. I called his disability vendor and she said she got my disability papers out to the insurance company as well. Now I just wait and hopefully get some money coming in in time to pay my mortgage. The social worker I spoke with said I could apply for food stamps so I'll probably do that. I'm just so proud of myself for today. I got dressed like a normal person and even put on a little make up (I got a young doctor ;)). I even picked up a prescription on the way home. And my arms are getting strong!

My Incisions (Warning: Not for the faint of heart)

I cleaned my leg yesterday. I was never told I could do this, but I can't imagine just leaving it as is. I've only done it twice... nothing excessive. This is why I want an air cast. I can't stand being all wrapped up.

Here are the gruesome pictures:

This is the first time I've ever had staples. They're scheduled to come out tomorrow, but I'm not sure if they're ready. We shall see!