<Begin Rant>
This has not been the easiest year for me. Back in December, a major life-changer happened to me, which slowed me waaaay down in many, many ways.
But it’s seven months on now. I should be back up to speed. I should be dancing in the streets, getting fitter than ever, and having parties. Right? Well…
The dizziness is still there, but the latest MRI shows no reason for it, and I’m in limbo until the docs at Neurology decide where I really belong. In the meantime, I’m not sure if my surgeon’s office managed to get the paperwork back to disability on time – if it’s not there by tomorrow, I’m off disability which really sucks. Why? A job I went for, that I really wanted, was given to another person – and truly, it should have been given to that person, so there you go, but the steady income would have been nice. And then, on Friday, I broke my fibula, way down by my ankle.
This is about where I broke mine, on my left leg.
Say what? How? Um…would you believe, walking? I didn’t trip over anything. I didn’t stumble. My ankle just refused, went POP! – and down I went, in absolutely the most pain I can ever remember being in. Of course, I was alone in the house. Isn’t that always the way? Hopping everywhere HURT like hell. Crawling was good, but slow – and hard to carry anything when you crawl. Seriously. So I suffered, with an icepack on my ankle, propped up, and watching the news until one of my sons came home.
An early trip to the doc on Saturday proved it to be broken, when I had been sure it was just a terrible sprain. No such luck (but then, terrible sprains are known to be harder to heal than broken bones…so…?). They gave me an airsoft cast, crutches, and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Everything I’m seeing on the internet tells me it’s a 6 to 8 week recovery time, with NO WEIGHT on the foot. That’s totally rubbish and I refuse to follow this advice what I expected; but now that I have crutches, I hate them. HATE them.
Seriously? You give a girl, who’s already dizzy 85% of the time, a pair of crutches? Someone who’s not totally sure where the ground is at any given time, and you want me to take BOTH FEET off the ground and rely on TWO STICKS shoved into my now-aching armpits? SERIOUSLY?!!! Are you DELUSIONAL, or is it just me?
Yeah, there’ve been some falling issues. As in, using the damned crutches, I’ve totally lost my balance and fallen flat on my face. More than once. Luckily inside and on carpet, but still. Oh, and I’ve fallen into the bathroom sink, and sideways into a doorway…you know, now that I think about it, that’s a lot of falling for less than 24 hours. So I use the damned things but it’s crutch, step-step. Crutch, step-step. Not ideal and I recognize that.
I’m hoping against hell that the docs next week give me a walking cast of some sort. I am DESPERATE to keep both feet on the ground, and a wheelchair WILL NOT WORK in my house. It was built in the 1960’s – narrow hallways, 30″ doorways, and all. Not to mention the 16 years’ worth of clutter we’ve piled around the house. It’s all a trap for the unwary. (Why, suddenly, do I feel a need to get rid of 50% of our furniture?)
So while I’m in full pout mode, I’m trying to be a good girl. Getting up infrequently. Using my crutches properly most of the time. Keeping the leg elevated, and blah blah blah.
And I’m writing. It’s the only reason I can think of that I broke my ankle – the Universe wants me to sit on my ass and write instead of, oh, get a steady-paying job. And if disability is out the window? I keep telling the Universe that threats don’t make a writer more productive. At least, they don’t make THIS writer more productive.
I’m trying hard not to snarl and bite at my family, especially my poor hubby who did NOT need me crippled at this point in time. He’s feeling quite put-upon, even while he realizes I feel the same thing a thousand times more than he does.
So I’m saving snarling and biting for my work. Since I don’t get fancy cable (at almost $70/month, oh come on – it’s a time-wasting luxury), I only watch a couple soap operas during the day. The rest of my time (since I won’t be cleaning house any time soon) will be spent writing. I’m a captive to my work.
All in all, I’m okay with that. I just wish I didn’t have to go through the pain process. I’ve had more than enough of that this year.
I guess there’s only one thing left to do today…oh, hubby….could you please pour me a glass of wine? </end rant>
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Have you read DEMON SOUL yet? You can find it at Crescent Moon Press or Amazon.com. Happy Reading!
AAAAARGH!!!! I am so sorry! You so didn’t need this. 🙁
Ah, but I’m getting the ballet book written. So there is that!
I’m so sorry! The writing time might be wonderful, but what a way to get it!
*gentle hugs*
Thanks, Teresa. Miss you! Are you coming out to RWA next year? Hugs back at ya!
EEOOOW! Sorry to hear of your injury. Your probably much safer sitting at the computer writing. Hope you heal fast.
Donna, I can’t even go into my office – it’s too dangerous (books and papers on the floor). I’m writing on my laptop in the living room, in front of the fan due to the heat. I, too hope to heal fast…but I’m no spring chicken anymore! Thanks for dropping by!
Well, you went and got whacked by the Cosmic 2×4, big time! Sorry that you are having the twelve months of hell… As you pointed out, this gives you no excuse for not writing, so maybe it’s a backhanded blessing!
Have you thougt about trying a walker? At least it would have 4 feet on the ground to your one, and lend stability. If I were closer, I’d loan you mine, left over from the bionic knees’ insertion.
Hang in there – the universe’s sense of humor can be wicked, but we usually learn something important from it…
I know, right? Seriously. I would LOVE a walker (shades of my mother!!!), but if there’s a “no weight on the foot” restriction, there goes that. Just have to wait and see what the ortho says. Thanks for commenting, hon! Hugs!
Poor thing 🙁
Wishing you some super-fast healing, Christine.
Thanks, Amanda – all super-fast healing wishes gratefully accepted!
I am so sorry to hear about this! I wish you a super, super fast healing. And I hope it does give you the opportunity to finish your book!
As long as I keep looking on the bright side, and keep writing, I’ll be doing okay…thanks Sonia!
Oh Christine!!! I’m soooo sorry! I know that must suck! They are a little expensive, but have you ever thought about a little slim scooter that has a pad that you place your knee on and then you push yourself around the house using your good foot.
It’s kind of expensive… but if you’re desperate… They are $35 a week to rent and $299 for a refurbished model.
Here’s the link: http://www.goodbyecrutches.com/products/knee-scooter/
One of the gals at my office had major surgery on an ankle she shattered after falling out of an attic. She used this puppy all around the office for 8 weeks. She got real good at it. She started rolling down hills for fun and we timed her… lol
I’m so sorry this happened to you, but secretly so exicted it’s going to force you to write more. I seriously can’t wait for your next book! I really mean it. Hurry up!!! lol
Christine, you are always a bright spot in my day! For you I will focus on book 2 for the rest of the afternoon. Hugs honey!
Oh, Christine, I am SO sorry to hear about all of this! I admire your courage in the midst of all this adversity and your ability to see the silver lining in this big, black rain cloud. Please know there are lots of us sending positive thoughts and warm cyber hugs your way!
Thanks Pam…it never ceases to amaze me how supportive and encouraging the writer’s community is! Hugs back at you dear…
oh no! Hope you get off the crutches soon!
Christine!!! This is awful. So awful I feel really guilty for chuckling throughout the story. lol. Actually, I chuckle because I relate to the frustration you feel and you expressed it so vividly.
I’m sorry you’re in such pain, and I know how heavy the burden is on you. I love the way you’re looking at it, though. As a time to write. The muse might have other plans, but if you can use the frustrated energy you have to wrestle her into shape, you just might have a masterpiece written by the time those crutches are no longer needed. Here’s hoping. <>
Aw Debbie, thanks! I’ve been letting self-pity get in my way this week, but as the pain lessens and the bone heals, I’m getting more writing done on both my main projects.
Glad you chuckled – that was kind of the point! =)