#frankle

Day 13: I Get Knocked Down . . . but I Get Up Again

What I had been fearing most since I started relying on crutches happened today.

A crutch slipped out as I was trying to stand up and I fell, landing on my right (injured) leg.

After about 30 minutes of tears, I resolved to modify my current living arrangement. We shifted around the couch to create a better up-down access point for me in the living room.

This is how I live now.

Day 14: Let’s Get Physical

I had grand plans of doing some exercise today but turns out only 5 pull-ups were what I could muster before my stomach started getting upset. And since my big goal was to attend my league’s doubleheader games the next day, I didn’t want to over do it.

Still! 5 PULL-UPS!

Day 15: A Day at the Derby

A test day of sorts. This was a mentally and emotionally trying day. My home team was playing first and I sat in this lovely reserved area, complete with padding for my foot, which my teammates sectioned off for me with tape on the chair that said “Fright.” 

Not a bad view at all!

My team even came over to include me in our cheer right before the first whistle. Not gonna lie, I got a bit choked up.

Well, it was a hard-fought game. But it wasn’t easy to watch. Not because we had 11 skaters (they killed it). Not because we lost (we did, but it wasn’t a blowout). Not because it was a bad game (it wasn’t). But it was hard for me personally because I wasn’t able to play with them or even coach on the sidelines. Because I’m just not physically capable of it right now. Shit, I can’t even bend my toes let alone walk!

So I made the (probably poor) decision to consume a few beers and most of a small pizza. Call it an epic cheat day which I was bound to regret the following day . . .

Despite the emotional roller-coaster, it was great to be out and about. To see everyone basking in the BAD Pride, PRIDE-Pride, and roller derby. I even stayed for a bit of the second game!

For the second game, a co-worker’s raffle ticket was called as the winner for the VIP couches (which were right next to the section I had been sitting in). So naturally, we shifted to those because lush. Unfortunately, I was starting to fade halfway into the second game and had to leave these lovely Pirate City Rollers to enjoy the view alone.

Day 17: From Surgical Splint to Boot

For some reason unbeknownst to me, I thought going from the splint to the boot would bee a magical step in this recovery process that promised more relief and comfort. Hot damn, was I wrong!

But before the boot was put on and after the splint came off, I felt so much freedom and relief as my foot was greeted by fresh (questionable?) orthopedist’s office air.  Then I took a look at the 12 day-old incisions. . .

Not too much disruption to my Hyrulian Crest! Plus, chicks dig scars, right? ;P

And then we did X-rays. I had been looking forward to this part of the appointment because I wanted to check out what my hardware looked like. Well, it’s pretty clear I had some work done!

That long screw is quite menacing, however. I may need to find out why it had to be so big.

Alas, doc updated my timeline: 3 weeks more. Non-weight bearing still. But now I’m in a removable boot which I am not supposed to remove. 

I can take it off to shower - but can’t do that for another week.

After a couple more weeks, I’m allowed to take it off to start some gentle ankle flexing and exercises but only on my own.

I asked if I was allowed to take it off to sleep and he told me no. Which is definitely a bummer.

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Dual and I took a side trip to Target on the way home to get an rolling office chair which is intended to facilitate my kitchen activities. Excitement and more goals to achieve! This motor-cart was actually a bit of a pain to operate.

But trying to sleep and just get generally comfortable in the boot has been rough. 

I am constantly reminding myself this is not the hardest thing in the world, and it could be so much worse. But it really freakin’ sucks! I can’t recall a time when I’ve felt more helpless and useless than I have these past 18 days. On top of it all, my stomach and GI tract are in rebellion and haven’t been cooperating with me or each other. It’s really hard to eat all of the food I should be eating. At least I’ve been taking extra supplements to ensure I’m getting target nutrients and vitamins in addition to bone broth and green juice. 

There have been quite a few downs. But I’m in a “fake-it-til-I-make-it” mindset. I consider achieving my small goals as victorious ups. For example: Getting up to brush my teeth without someone bringing a bowl and my toothbrush to me. Achievement unlocked. Though my energy is substantially low by the end of the day/right before bed, I know I have the strength to push it just a little more to do these small things by myself.

Tomorrow is the first day I’ll be truly alone in the morning, so a new achievement will have to be unlocked: