Ankle Musings & Questions

Maybe sometimes little  set backs, like this broken bone thing,really have the potential to be growing experiences or perhaps putting many things in perspective, maybe it just a big mind fuck, who knows. But I will tell you, that you don’t ever think about injuries like this ( at least I didn’t, and I do worry from time to time) until they hit you smack in the middle of the forehead and take you for their roller coaster ride.

Looking back now almost two weeks ago I knew when I went down playing tennis that I broke my leg. I could feeeeeeeeelllllll it breaking.But I didn’t want to give it any thought as THAT brought on fear and worry. I had the strange “time and space being one” sensation, of me being IN my body and totally ONE with my body that I could feel and understand what was happening from the inside out. Only one thing got in the way of me staying totally calm and that’s fear of course that I just mentioned. I screamed when I went down but did not cry in font of the guys that came running to my universal sports call off true distress.I had to take off my shoe, even though I was told not to, in hindsight I’m sure glad I did. I had to look at my sock and check to see there was no blood as I had the sensation my bone came through my skin. Thank gd that wasn’t the case (I would have passed out). My good samaritans asked to call the ambulance, but I wanted to drive home. yea yea go ahead. I just wanted to BE HOME. My first call, after letting out a warrior scream in my car, was to my wife, I simply said “baby I got hurt, I need a bucket ready with ice and water when I get there. At first she thought I was kidding, but I simply whimpered a bit and said, I just really hurt myself I think, I’m on my way.

My next call was to my best friend George, the moment I heard his voice, I cried into the phone and said “I just got really hurt George playing tennis….. I think I broke my leg…… I hope I didn’t scare you George and thank you for being there for me. He said ice right away and than told me the story that he broke his leg when he was 13 and his mother didn’t believe him and he was home for a week until they took him for X-rays. My father and brother in law were there waiting with my wife when I got home. My father in law saw my face of agony and at first thought I was just screwing around. But than he realized I was in a bit of trouble. My BIL, helped me in the house, it was great to lean on him and say a few choice words as I cried into his shoulder.

I waited for 2 days to get the X-rays. The pain steadily increased and I saw no real crazy swelling like I had expected. (often a sign of a break if there’s a lot of pain also). This was me on the first night after the incident. My wife and I had to attend a fundraiser for an upcoming 5K we were involved with. I was in pain, but figured a few margaritas and some appetizers might be good for the soul.

I was in a lot of pain that night from all the hobbling around and not having my leg elevated…but it was worth it. the appetizers were exquisite and the drinks stellar and we supported our best friend who had dedicated so much time to the cause.

Per my other post you know the xray showed fractured fibula and tibia. I took effort to quickly get into a good Orthopedic facility. After much pushing I was still left to wait for about 9 days before my scheduled surgery, The surgery was uneventful and the only thing I remember is telling the anesthesiologist that I wasn’t particularly drowsy as we headed towards the OR (operating room). His words; “don’t worry it works quick and it’s strong” Those were literally the last words I heard and my last memory before being waking up in the recovery room about 2 and a half hours later.

Even though I’ve broken many things in my life and have been stitched up quite a bit, I had never had surgery and never made it past the emergency room in a hospital. So I will tell you that I was a tad nervous before the surgery…..Best to park all those unneccasrry thoughts somewhere far away and focus on “good thoughts”, which is what I did. I think my wife could tell I was a little scared But her love and encouragement kept me focused and calm. Basically I got a small plate and screws on the fibula and the tibia which looked to need the same from the CT scan, only needed some “cleaning up” , but did not end up with a plate on the inside of the leg.

The whole vibe is just uncomfortable in the hospital settings/world. I wonder if that will ever change….

My wife drove me home and we tried to relax a bit when we got home. That was easy for me to do. I was one drunken sailor. My wife tells me I was cracking some funny ones. Between the general anesthesia and the pain meds they put in my IV, I was literally feeling no pain.

That no pain party was over quickly the next morning. HOLY SHIT did my leg hurt when I woke up. The unwavering never-ending pain lasted from Tuesday morning till it hit its crescendo Wednesday afternoon. I cried several times because of the pain. I’ve never experienced that before in my life. And just like that, it simply dissipated. Around 7pm Wednesday evening I told my wife that I had turned a “pain corner”.

It is now Saturday, the true pain has stayed away since that Wednesday night. I’m trying to ease myself of the pain meds, and only take it when I’m just really uncomfortable, no so much from pain, but from all the sitting around, transferring, hobbling etc.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate how everyone has been helping me. On crutches, you can’t even carry a glass of water. My in laws have been so sweet and supportive. They are true “real honest to goodness people”. For anyone that’s been in this type of situation, you can attest to the fact that gratefulness takes on a whole new meaning when you truly need some help. My gorgeous wife has been simply amazing. To have someone kiss you at 2:30 am when you’re busy tossing and turning trying to get comfortable, and to tell you everything is going to be ok, is some of the worlds most powerful medicine.

It’s now been long enough, that in my mind I’m well on my way to 100% recovery. So much so, that at times, I just want to stand up and go cook dinner or get myself a glass of water, but then the weight of the “boot” my left leg is in, reminds me to pick up my crutches.

I have one more full week ahead of me of sitting on my behind and putting my foot up. Then perhaps another week and I will get working. I travel A LOT for work, so hopefully my estimation for the time schedule is accurate. My type of job does not allow me to do a lot from home….virtually nothing, so that’s been a blessing and a curse.

As such, leave me a comment or a question. I’m practically online all day long so if I can help you with anything, please let me know. I would be happy to dedicate a post or two on it for you these next 7 days.

Well, thank you all for reading and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts.