Category: ATR Journey

Achilles Tendon Recovery

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Hop-A-Long

Is my new nickname at school apparently. Man, I live up to that name. I should be called “Help-A-Long” as well, because I feel like I am “helpless” pretty much all the time. This is a new feeling for me, and submitting to it and allowing the aid is something which I am learning to adapt. Admittedly, I put weight (yes, weight!) on my left foot because I just couldn’t handle hopping over to my crutches. Plus, I just HAD to get to the other side quicker than I should have. My impatience got the best of me today in another instant when I decided to take the stairs on my crutches instead of going all the way to the elevator. Going down was a cinch. However, when attempting to go back up the stairs my brain got confused and I attempted to plant my crutch on the next step before my foot could elevate me, and KABOOM. Down I went…and in front of the 5th grade classroom. “Are you OK..??? Oh my..Ms. Knight..are you hurt?”..yada yada yada. Superb!

Was not I just blogging the other day about the idea of having patience? I was even sporting THIS shirt today (thanks to ATR)

I arrived home and just wanted to crawl in a hole. Not because I fell. No, it is because all week I just could not do it ALL. I could NOT be 100% for Tatum. I could NOT be 100% for work. I could not be 100% for God. I could NOT be 100% for me. It’s darn near impossible to do this even when I’m a bi-ped! So, why am I so frustrated? I am FINALLY realizing I cannot have all the balls in the air simultaneously. One will drop or they may all drop. What counts? What counts is my attitude. I do my best, and I pray for wisdom and guidance. After that, I have no more control. It’s in His hands. This injury has given me this lesson and it it one which I have HEARD for many decades yet chose to not heed.

The perception I choose to hold is up to me. My reward:
AND TIME with the one’s I cherish. This is HOW I see God’s love…through the amazing people He has put in my life.

 

 

 

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Week THREE: Squeeze Plant Squeeze

Crutches. The definition of a crutch is a prop or a support. Now, if I were standing still, this would be completely appropriate. However, crutches do not seem to be designed for movement or what we bi-peds call walking . The suction cups at the bottom of each stick seem to be as only as effective as the strength in which his/her stick is firmly planted into the ground. If I were to press the suction cup diligently on the sidewalk or pavement, it would be likened to me to attempt to glue my foot to the ground with each step. This means each attempt to move forward would take me…………(I’m counting….) A LONG TIME! So, if you are following my logic, each step REQUIRES me to have my crutch stick to the ground OR guess what? It’s NOT stable.

The next issue of stability stems from the ability to press the crutch pad into one’s side so as to erase any option of the top of the crutch to slide, hence becoming UNstable.

Now, one can see that each and every step requires much work. I feel like I’m swinging a golf club each time I take a step. Each little movement requires much deliberation. The process goes: Right, left, crutch pad squeeze; right crutch forward, suction cup plant; left crutch forward, suction cup plant, squeeze squeeze right, left, crutch pad squeeze, right crutch suction cup plant; left crutch suction cup plant; Repeat. And so it goes. And so it goes. To soften the “squeeze” part, I have wound some lovely pink and white thermal socks (to match my pink cast of course!) around the crutch pad for extra padding. Has it helped? Eh.

 

The bright side? The coffee solution.

Dilemma: How will I carry my coffee? The rest of my supplies fit nicely into my backpack. Even my water bottle. But my delicious hot cinnamon flavored coffee? This warm concoction cannot fit nicely into my backpack! Solution: My Starbucks coffee thermos mug ! Brilliant! It screws tight AND has a neat little plug for the drinking hole…Solved. It’s a beautiful thing.

For every cloud there IS a silver lining, even if under my arms are fiery red and singing, “oohch!” with every little step.

 

 

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The sea of faces

Today, I worked at my school, even though I’m not supposed to be there quite yet. Being on one foot definitely is so much more difficult when trying to work. It is amazing how little I can actually do, so it is good I am not full time quite yet. This is going to be harder than I thought, but I have to have grace with myself.

The kids loved my bright pink cast!

There are so many projects for which I must handle that I need to be there for a bit. This means taking Tatum to daycare, and this is when I truly struggle. On one hand, it’s so nice to have that time where you can just focus and not worry that her needs are not being met. Then the other side of me, the pride side, says, she is going to forget me. Hogwash right?

At least when I was crutching around campus, the 8th grade students were headed out to a field trip. All were seated in the courtyard, and they all noticed me at once. The sea of faces was right in front of me, and I teared up. I really have missed being there. I have missed learning with them and teaching them. So, the argument in my  head begins. Do I have guilt over not giving enough time to my daughter, or do I fret over not being a present educator? ….at least now. This seems to be the battle for which many face.

These next few weeks, I must make the most of my time while I am at school, and then at home, I capture every second with Tater (and Coti!). The Lord is my strength. He is in charge. I do the best I can do and leave the results to Him. He knows my heart, and I pray Tater will too.

At least she seems to be enjoying her time at daycare.

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Cast-ta-day!

Apparently, I’m in this cast for two weeks, but since Dr. Waz needs to go on vacation, (Whatever!!) I have to sport this pink boot for THREE! Then, DAS BOOT for ___ week? Not sure yet.

Tomorrow, I will attempt to work part time and enjoy the kids!

 

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TWO weeks down (and counting)

I think my dog misses me; I’m absolutely ZERO fun for him at this point.

The good news is that I am two weeks into this journey, AND I get my cast on Monday (3 days away). Bad news? Today was really hard. I wanted to have a “girl’s day” with my mom and go to lunch and Pottery Barn. The distance from my car to the front door was zero effort for a two-footed  individual. For a gal on crutches? Man, it was miles. After Pottery Barn, we needed to head back to the car to repark for Cheesecake Factory. Ugh…repark. The amount of people at Kierland trumps the amount of spaces for cars. Don’t these people know that I can’t walk? By the time we reached the restaurant, my underarms were on fire. Forgive me, but why do they call it a “crutch pad?” Crutch pad…my foot! Forget new outfits, I need underarm cushions. Finally, we reached our destination, and I’m ready to eat!

News? What I have noticed is that my splint is loosening (perhaps due to swelling decreasing). When this happens, the splint moves about and rubs against my stitches. Since I cannot see inside my bandages, I just have to wonder what is occurring on the incision. It is not only bothersome, but painful. I’m definitely ready to go back home to my comfort zone. I am NOT ready for prime time quite yet.

Monday…come soon! I hear the cast is much more friendly.

 

 

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Blogs to blog about

In my laid-up/leg-up position, I’ve been made me keenly aware of the world of blogging. Not only that, but I’m just hungry for  information, ideas, inspirations, ideals and interconnectedness:

So, I thought I’d make a list of some of my “found” blogs:

  • Achilles Recovery:

http://achillesblog.com

  • Sites discussing Christ

Tim Challies Blog: http://www.challies.com/about

Personal Finances: http://christianpf.com

Desiring God: John Piper: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog

Albert Mohler: http://www.albertmohler.com

Good Commentaries: http://www.easyenglish.info

  •  Fitness:

Serious lifting advice! http://www.leangains.com 

Overall health and fitness: http://fitbottomedgirls.com

Overall and just fun recipes too: http://www.pbfingers.com

  •  Recipes/Health

Well done and beautiful: http://101cookbooks.com

Beautiful site + a Christian with great recipes: http://www.eatliverun.com

Just like the magazine: http://www.eatingwell.com

Gluten Free and healthy: http://www.elanaspantry.com

Although I’m not Paleo, this is great: http://nomnompaleo.com

  • Mommy Blogs:

Local! http://www.scottsdalemomsblog.com/about/

Lisa Belkin/Motherlode: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com

Parenting Mag: http://www.parenting.com

Focus on the Family: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/spiritual_growth_for_kids/ignite_your_childs_love_for_jesus.aspx

  • Just love reading these:

Cup o Jo…She is just a great read..everything: http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com

Getting Things Done! http://lifehacker.com 

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One WEEK down! :-)

What a joy. This really is, you know. I never thought I would be grateful for this injury, but I am finding the positive in this. “In all things, God works for the good for those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28) Perhaps I’m pulling this verse out of context, yet this is my favorite verse because it reminds me that there is a blessing in all that happens to us. God allowed this to happen to teach me some lessons. Although He did not CAUSE it, He definitely blessed me with this obstacle.

I’m reminded of the tremendous pain I felt one week ago. Once the nerve block wore off, I was acutely aware of the tear for which overcame me. Slowly, I learned to alter my life and discover new ways to cope and adapt. This is truthfully analogous to His workings in our lives. There must be treacherous storms before beautiful flowers. There must be a piece of molded clay thrown into the fiery kiln before it can be shaped and painted into a masterpiece. It’s a LAW…His grace is sufficient and He always gives us a way out when the pain becomes unbearable. My perception and CHOICE to look at the blessings in this vs. becoming bitter and angry is part of His grace and mercy.

I happened upon a tremendous support blog, http://achillesblog.com/ which carries countless stories and information to encourage others. It encourages me!

Bright side of ATR

This is more of a “The Glass is Half Full” list, but it’s true. Let’s look on the bright side:

One things for which is shared is THE BRIGHT SIDE of ATR!

  • Your upper body will get stronger from using the crutch (SO TRUE)
  • Your healthy leg will get stronger from the hopping around (I FEEL LOPSIDED, though)
  • You’ll gain even more appreciation for your family and friends, if you are blessed with having good people around you. (MY SUPPORT SYSTEM BLESSES ME…PEOPLE HAVE HELPED ME BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS; ESPECIALLY MY MOTHER)
  • If this is your first major injury, then this will be a major learning experience all around.
  • Depending on where you live, you can qualify for a temporary diability parking permit. In NY state, you can get it for up to 6 months with a medical certification (You just ask your doctor to fill out part of a form MV-664.1 from the DMV). (HAVEN’T DONE THIS AND PROBABLY WILL NOT)
  • If you use your recovery time wisely, you’ll get things done that you’ve been meaning to do. (WOW…AIN’T THIS THE TRUTH. I AM READING, RESTING, WATCHING VIDEOS, AND JUST BEING BEING BEING WITH THE ONE’S I LOVE: TRULY QUALITY TIME)
  • Hopefully, you’ve gained even more appreciation for the importance of good health, and you will take care of your body: diligent rehab, regular exercise, stretching and warming up properly before exercises, being in shape, eating healthy. (NOW, THIS IS A TRUISM. I CANNOT REALLY WORKOUT LIKE I USED TO, SO I MUST REST MY BODY. EATING HEALTHILY HAS BECOME SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT)

Next week looks good for more rest and visits from friends. One week from Wednesday, I receive my cast! I’m counting down the days until I can swim again.