Crutches, Boots and Scooters Part 9 (Not The Last Stand)

This past week may be the last one that I'm appointment free or off for a while but I am still standing physically and my ankle is doing well. I am walking around more and more as my body continues to adjust. 

I felt more normal this week as I could do more things physically while still being careful and cautious. Submitting paperwork is still a slow process. FYI: if you're ever injured and are out of work for a while, be prepared for the mountain of papers you will have to submit. Doctors, hospitals, insurance and of course your place of employment. I see the process is facilitated somewhat but is still cumbersome and tedious. Ironically this keeps me sharp as I return to this type of work. 

I was asked if I was mentally and physically ready. I feel like I am but I won't completely know until I begin my first shift back, which is this Friday night. 

I may do a final installment next week and then take two weeks off for the Super Bowl for my next segment. I really do hope this does/has helped someone else. It's one thing to be quarantined in your own home. It's definitely another when you are limited physically. I definitely don't take physical mobility lightly. 

Crutches, Boots and Scooters Part 8 (Balance!)

I don't think I could have picked a more perfect 2023 word than balance. It not only applies to me walking with a healing ankle on 9 toes. It is also applicable to not doing too much on said ankle, resting and eating right.

I was able to have more fun this week and even clean up some more. I have made a list of things I want to feel comfortable doing before I return to work and I have crossed off half the list. 

I enjoy my Fridays for sure but my best day hands down was this past Saturday. I got to do more of the things I normally enjoy and the weather was great. I love seeing more people, talking and interacting. I have noticed that my lighter brace tightens up my ankle after a while. I can literally feel it healing also but I try to take off, readjust the brace and even rest and elevate immediately. 

There is also a debate which is more annoying, crutches or the boot. For me it's the crutches although I'm glad I didn't have to wear the boot 24/7 at any point. 

This week upcoming is week 9 which is my last free week for a while as the next week I have my next doctor's appointment, my incarcerated uncle is a free man after 20 years and I return to work that Friday! I will continue to allow myself to have fun, heal and do as much as I can.

Crutches, Boots and Scooters Part 7 (Brace Yourself, I'm Outside!)

Overall this was a good week for me outside of obvious adjustments and trying to get paperwork completed. 

First off, my healing continues to go well although the earliest I'll be able to return to work is 2/3. I have now been approved to wear a light brace and to drive. I am walking more unassisted and only have a cane. My crutches and boot are in my man cave and my cousin is using the scooter. 

I have been trying to transition slowly so I don't wear myself out and risk long term injury. I returned to the coffee shop and to two social outings. It felt so good to be able to see folks in person that I haven't seen in over a month. It feels even better being able to transport myself and carefully go into places. I can even shower now. These are small things that I took for granted and didn't realize would be hard to transition to. I'm just not the type of person that tries to be the focus of the attention but wants to stay safe. 

I can only say so much on this next topic but in short there is a disconnect between my doctor's and the leave team regarding the rest of my paperwork. I will be more hands-on in ensuring my paperwork is in on time but I just had a delay that was uncontrollable from my standpoint. I am using what the company has taught me and am being more proactive here. 

I am still not finish recovering and rehabbing but this is the week I finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I just have to continue to press through to the finish line. 

Crutches, Boots and Scooters Part 6

This was another appointment free week and one that I could see myself healing even more. I am still wearing the boot and have the crutches handy but I walked more inside as the week progressed. My step count has went into the 1000s again when it would say at around 250-400 previously. I did go outside and move my car to its usual spot but I have still yet to drive outside of my home. I am hoping and praying I get into a different walking boot and am able to drive shorter distances after this week's round of appointments.

I'm also having to ensure my leave and accommodation paperwork is current. I may be ready to return the last week of January or the first week of February. Either way, I've been mentally preparing myself as I have a personal list of things I want to feel comfortable doing before returning to work. Getting used to the 3rd shift schedule is on that list.

I had some major disconnect this week with the relatives that typically transport me to the doctors, grocery store and other place. They are currently staying near city limits and haven't been in touch with me as much. I am going to ensure going forward until I am cleared to drive that they know and understand my appointments. Otherwise I will find someone else to transport me. Fortunately I lined up options years ago. I have a method to my madness.

I certainly hope to have different adventures to write about in Part 7 but the main thing is I want to continue to heal and be healthy. DaMar Hamlin nearly dying on 1/2 has reinforced that being healthy and being a human being comes before anything else. It's given me a lot of reassurance as well.

Crutches, Boots and Scooters Part 5 (Walking Tall and Slow)

Happy New Year, my 13th one in the blogsphere! 

The last week of the year was slow and relaxing per usual but it took on new meaning. The orthopedic surgeon was extremely pleased with my healing process and overall progress. I am cleared for the next two weeks to bear weight with my heavy boot and crutches and walk some. I have been doing my best to work my legs and feet again as my left foot hadn't been able to be planted in a month. I still have my scooter around just in case my ankle gets too tired or I've went too hard. I'm just thankful for movement and I can't wait until I can do more. 

I do miss making simple trips even to the gas station and coffee shops. New Year's Eve was festive but quiet as I stayed in, ate pickups and watched college football bowl games. I'm confident by next week at the latest as I have two appointments with each surgeon that I'll be able to have a different boot and at least drive more. 

This is long (and if you're like my mom, you already stopped with the last paragraph lol) but I was talking to my case manager and I really want to make a full recovery before I return to work. Mentally, financially and emotionally, I need it. Physically, I want to be fully healed as I stated in part 4. I will still have restrictions and accommodations to help me transition but I have a list of things I want to be able to do before I return back to work even for a half shift or half of a week. Top 3 is to be able to walk from my car to my desk comfortably in safety shoes that will work with both legs. I have noticed that my right leg is getting tired from bearing the brunt of the force while I have walked short distances. 

This week is another that's appointment free. I will continue to rehab, make small preparations to return, (my sleeping pattern is not where it needs to be), have crushed run replaced in my driveway and in front of my home for those days that myself and my mother struggle with a sinking, wet hill. I did see the light at the end of the tunnel as 2022 ended.