Showing a Little Leg

 

Well, today is the day! In the hospital I was informed of the steps they would take to get me back on my feet again. Today should be another X-ray, and if all is well in the healing process, a cast with a small heel would be put on. My last step will be a boot cast that I can take off to shower, to sleep, and for comfort. I'm so close and yet so far. 

Terry came in and awakened me, as I didn't sleep well last night, so I was snoozing for as long as I could. Climbing into my chair, I began the run across the house to choose my clothing for the day, to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and get washed up in the sink as best I could. I had one hour before the next phase in my process would begin. 

My daughter Dawn was on her way from Springfield. She shot me a text informing me she was about a half hour out. That would put her here in perfect time. Terry placed the metal ramp outside the front door. This was going to be our first time of using it. Dawn let us borrow it, but we had not tried it out yet. I was remaining in the house since I moved back home. 

Dawn arrived, right on time. Terry had the ramp ready to go, and I was dressed and ready to roll. Off we went to the doctor's office. Once there, we checked in and had a seat. Wait time here always gives a chance to chat and catch up on the events in the family. As we talked, I looked down at the little purple cast that would be removed today and a new replacement would begin the next phase of healing. This means more signing of the cast by the family and friends. And yes, the magical fibers of love from our husky, Togo, and cat, Kit are with us as well, even though we changed clothes before we left. 

I think I'm going to miss my little purple cast. But then again, maybe not. It matched the bling on the wheelchair and all the clothing and fashionable accessories the girls bought for me to adorn the chair and me. A fresh start in a new cast might be good though, in another way. This cast had a tightness to it, around the toes especially. My small toe was always going numb from being "squished" between the other toes and the side of the cast. Poor thing. Let the blood flow!

Finally my name was called. Terry, Dawn, and I walked back with the nurse. I love this nurse. Since I've been going to this office, she has been the attending nurse. Always kind, full of smiles, and sweet. I really like her. My other cast was put on by her. 

She invited me to put my foot on a stool with a handle and out came the cast removal saw blade. Giving me her pre-designed plan, off we went. My entire leg and foot was tickled as the saw cut through the plaster. This process was making me giggle, leaving me with the feeling of wanting to yank my leg back.  

She cut the cast up one side. 

Then up the other ...

After a few spreading movements with a pair of claws, the cast was open and my leg was free. Yes, I see the dry, nasty skin and all of the orange Trump-looking tan on the leg from Betadine used in surgery. That still needs to be scrubbed. But, my foot is out. Free at last! Free at last. Bless the cast Gods, it's free at last! It's wonderful to have my ankle out of the enclosure if only for a little while. It still feels like the best day ever!

 Next it was off into the abyss, better known as the X-ray room. The technician is a tall man with broad shoulders. But today he was sniffling and sounding as though he wasn't well. That was disheartening. I don't want his illness on top of everything else I have going on. But, it is what it is as they say. 

He took two X-rays of my ankle and took me out of the room, handing me off to Terry. We went straight to the casting room where we began the next part of our adventure. Dawn, Terry, and I chatted for a few moments longer, when the nurse appeared. She looked at me with curious eyes. My stomach flopped and I swallowed hard. I was terrified as to what she may say. She broke into a smile and asked, "Do you have a boot?" I told her I didn't because I had no use for one and I believed that was what the doctor gave you when needed, like a cast. 

I received a reply that had tears flowing within minutes. She told me the doctor still needed to come in and talk to me, but that she was preparing a walking boot. They didn't see a need for another cast, as with the time that had passed and the X-rays showing good things, I would forego another cast and I could pass "Go," without paying another $200 for the new cast. Surprisingly, tears began to stream down my cheeks upon hearing this great news! She left the room to prepare for my next step. 

I looked behind me to see Terry's face. He saw the tears, squeezed my hand tighter, and said, "Great news, babe!" Dawn sat beside him, saying, "It's okay, mom. It's good news." I confessed to both of them that these were tears of sheer joy. I was expecting to have another cast for at least three to four weeks, and then graduating to the boot. But this was coming now instead of then. I was ecstatic! 

I had graduated. I was finished as far as I was concerned. There is the fear of trying to walk on it now, but I am at that final stage. So much joy. Many hours of boredom, difficulty in getting comfortable, and sleeping in wonky positions had finally paid off. In terms of casts, I am done. 

Just then, the door opened and in walked the beautiful man who put me back together. I can't stand the thought of having to be pieced together again and yes, I was told I would possibly feel arthritis in the area later down the road too, but let's get real - the idea of having metal in me, holding my foot to my leg completely grosses me out but it is miraculous that it can be done. I'm disgusted, but happy and feeling blessed at the same time. 

Doctor K. greeted us with a smile. He pulled out his trusty little pad to show me what he sees in those X-rays. I closed my eyes and looked away, as usual, but he displayed his work proudly to Dawn and Terry. 

The three fractures were gone, meaning they healed well. The ankle was still in place, with two screws holding the ankle to the bone and 10 screws holding the other side of the ankle, along with a metal plate that sits vertically against the leg to ensure stability. 

Bottom line is, I'm good to go. He told me I could not leave the office by running out the door, but ever so slowly I can finally begin to put weight on that foot. I have more physical therapy, for sure. In fact, I have another physical therapist coming to the house tomorrow. I have another visit with Dr. K. in two months. Two months! Then, if all is well, I can say goodbye to Dr. K, his staff, and this entire nasty glitch in my life. 

(Warning! There are sensitive photos coming up. No, this is not a joke. X-rays that may be objectionable to some follow this warning. Now, back to the gross photos).

As seen above, a total of 12 screws and a metal plate hold the ankle in place and keeps it connected to the leg. Lucky me. I told Dawn as soon as I got better, I was heading for the airport to see how many alarms I can set off there. Terry in tow, as his cochlear can do the same. Hmm. We could have some real fun. 

We thanked Dr. K. for all of his hard work, and immediately the nurse returned. She had a boot in hand. The boot is much heavier than the cast, so it is a bit awkward. However, the great part is, I can take it off at night when I sleep. I can actually get into the shower without any leg shower protector. I can scrub the dry skin and yuck off of my leg and foot! That leg can actually breathe now!

To celebrate, Terry, Dawn, and I went to Denny's for some lunch. Terry ordered a fajita omelet with toast and hashbrowns. Dawn ordered a nice looking club sandwich with fries, and I had a country fried steak, mashed potatoes with country gravy, broccoli, and some garlic toast. We were all so stuffed when we left!

Dawn took off from the restaurant. She was such a doll, driving the hour and a half to go with us to the doctor. I hugged her, Terry hugged her, and she left. With old cast in hand, and boot planted firmly on the floorboard, we drove home. 

Hubby Mac pushed me into the house again, where we were greeted by a "dancing" Togo, the Siberian husky. He does a "happy dance" when he's excited. Jasper was barking in the nook area, and Kit was walking around, getting in front of us, trying to figure out what was going on. 

It felt great to get back home. Things immediately got back to normal. I was on the couch, and Terry went out to smoke a cigar. I took the boot off later, to relax my foot and test it all out without a cast. A couple of hours later, the boot went right back on so that I could go to the bathroom. I continue to wear it until I decide to crash for the night. There is a lot to put together and take off. I'm going to keep my leg well protected as the doctor suggested it's healed a little more. The best part is though, is that going to sleep without a cast is going to be heavenly. 

Just wanted to get this post in the memory pile that sweet man and I have created. We do hope you join us for more during the weekend. We are looking forward to once again being able to head out to places where we can experience life and explore what life has to offer. Wildlife Safari again? Maybe. 

Until our next post, be kind to others and to yourself. Shine your light brightly, lighting someone else's path along with yours. Hugs and love sent to you as you continue to walk your walk.