No More Whining

So, the year I was sixteen, I tore all the ligaments in my right ankle, resulting in a cast for eight weeks--two in a plaster cast, six in fiberglass.  Did I mention I had an air cast on the left leg for a sprain suffered earlier in the track season?  No?  Well, yeah.  I was quite the sight hobbling down the halls at school.

That right ankle was quite the mess, and it's never been the same since.  It's the ankle I can depend upon popping, rolling and in general hurting.  I asked Dr. P before the surgery what was going to happen.  He told me he was going to screw the bones back together with screws on the backside and a plate on the front.  Then, he was going to look at my damaged ligaments and cartilage and and see what he could do to repair them. 

It would seem I had no ligament on the top side.  Huh.  I guess that makes sense since it's so damaged.  He told me he could do this one surgery and maybe have to do another down the road, or, I could just repair the break and definitely go back in for another surgery.  No thank you. Let's just fix it all in one fell swoop. 

He said with a cartilage repair, he typically likes for folks to be up and moving within three days, but given I'll have the broken ankle for six weeks...yeah.  Soooo, I'll most likely have some stiffness and tightness in the ankle and will need PT.  Super duper. 

But, I've been giving this a lot of thought.  This was the best thing that could have happened.  I can tell you I wouldn't have had those ligaments repaired and just would have dealt with the ankle as is.  I supposed I needed to slow down and take it a little easier, and given the state my ankle is in, I have to.  It's shorts season and NOT pants season, which is a good thing.  Ever tried to get pants over a cast?  I have.  It's not easy, nor is it fun.  And, it's summer which means tons of fresh fruits and veggies so my chances of gaining a crap ton of weight like I would if I were sitting on my duff in the middle of fall and winter going into hibernation mode. 

On top of all this, I think maybe some people in my life will have a greater appreciation of all I do around here to keep the house running.

Most importantly, though, I have some major control issues.  I like doing things that are my idea (such as taking a nap).  Being rendered unconscious and out of control is definitely outside my comfort zone.  Additionally, I'm super independent and right now, I can't be.  I think maybe I needed to be humbled a bit, and this is sure doing it for me.  

Now then, none of this is at all easy for me, but it's another life experience I'm learning from. 

My ankle hurts.  It didn't yesterday but sure does today.  I have a couple narcotics I could take, but since the 800 mg Motrin is doing it for me, I'm leaving the dilaudid for bedtime.  In addition, I'm really and truly staying off my feet, so that helps as well.  The doctor said I'd be in a splint for a couple of weeks until the sutures are out, and then a cast for 6 weeks.  Okey dokey.  Whatever it takes to get this bad boy healed, right?

Brien and my mom have been doing a wonderful job helping to keep the house clean and the girls busy.  Ellie likes to play on the "pink"--Monkey Lunchbox and Team Umi Zoomi are particular faves, although sometimes she likes to "read" "Gru".  If I've learned one thing from having Ellie, it's to never ever say "never".  :sigh:  Yes, my child plays on a computer and she's only two.  Oh well.

We were watching "The Sound of Music" and as we neared the end and the scene where Rolf turns on the Von Trapps, Lil needed a big fat snuggle from her daddy. 

That's another thing that has happened as a result of this bum leg.  Brien is now the one they turn to instead of me.  This is not all bad--especially in the middle of the night.  ;o)

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Sparklies:

1.  My ankle bones are no longer rubbing and popping against one another (sorry, TMI?) and it feels so much more stable now.  Whew.
2.  My view from the black chair:

Fred--he likes to hang out under the train table upstairs.

George--I think he was jealous of Fred.

3.  The giant bowl of fruit salad B made for me when I got in from the hospital last night.  Boy did that hit the spot.  The nausea went away and I was able to get good sleep.
4.  How about a mini Magnum bar:

I know it's hard to see, but they are so cute and they really hit the spot.  And, at only 100 calories a pop, it's not bad.
5.  Mom and Brien and Lil and Nana and Pop all taking care of me. Thanks, guys! Y'all are truly the best! :o)

No milestones.