My First Fall

I have been taking a nursing course on Monday nights to help pass the time and add to my nursing certification.  Ty couldn't drive me this past Monday so for the first time I attempted the TTC alone.  It was the King Street car to Jarvis.  It was raining but Niagara and King now has a bus shelter so it was all good.  The streetcar was stopping at Church due to track work so I had to get off early.  After 2 and a half blocks on the crutches I made it into George Brown school and wiped out.  Both my crutches slipped from under me and down I went on my knees and then face.  I was quick enough not to fall on my bad leg.  But did it hurt.  People came to help which was super nice.  

A Weekend Away

For our second anniversary I surprised Ty on a trip to Tobermory.  He had no idea where he was driving.  It is 4 hours away so it was a long trip for just a weekend.  But the perfect thing for me.  I sat in the back seat (its more comfortable) and Ty drove.  We checked in to our cute B&B and had a long nap.  I told him the trip was going to be slow paced and like we are senior citizens.  After our nap we headed to the lake to hang out and watch the sun set.  Then we had dinner at a local restaurant and it was delicious.  We went back to the B&B for wine and sleep.  The next day was beautiful so we headed on the boat to see the islands.  And then we made the long drive home.  Ty loves those kinds of vacation.  Slow paced and relaxing.  Since Japan is postponed and I can't walk we are thinking of booking a slow paced trip to Vermont.  Rent an apartment for the week and relax.  He'll need that vacation cause next year we will be going on two big adventures: Japan and hopefully Chile/Argentina!!!

Getting out

Marisa and Ty got me out of the house post re cast and we headed to The Drake for quiz night.  Fun time were had.  I love Marisa for putting me in a good mood and making me laugh.

Doctors Visit

I can't say it was a good day.  My 3 week appointment involved a cast change and flexing my foot to 20 degrees.  It was the most painful experience ever.  It hurt more then the accident.  I knew my leg would look small but it looked under nurished.  Its like my left leg doesn't eat.  I started to cry.  And then the jerky doctor told me I had to stay in a cast for 8 weeks.  I argued it saying most protocols I've read are must faster then that.  Getting into walking at 4 or 6 weeks.  He told me to trust him.  So then the casting tech flexed my foot and I started screaming.  Ty was helping out but had to sit down mid way cause he was feeling faint (he was pale).  That is love!  So five more weeks off the feet.  I have no idea when I'll be back to work.  But I've managed to get myself a schedule.  I wake up at 9, workout, shower, watch the news, eat lunch, watching a tv show dvd or read, make dinner and hopefully have evening plans to hang out with someone.  Japan is POSTPONED but we will go right!

I've lost 4 pounds?

I was silly enough to weigh myself yesterday while at the gym.  I know I've lost muscle but I'm wearing a heavy cast so you think they would make up for the lost muscle.  I'm down four pounds and feel maybe a tad more fit then before (not cardio, but strength).  And since I do about 30 min of abs a day I finally have a flat stomach.  Goodbye Creighton Belly.  I don't know if I am allowed to do all the exercise I do but I'm not stopping now.  Here is a selection of Wallmart DVD's that have stopped putting the weight on.

The Evidence

Stationary Bike

I was sick and tired of the usual pilates and weight work out so I jumped on the stationary bike today.  My good leg did most of the work but it was a low cardio work out and it felt good!  Yay!  T minus 4 days until I see the doctor!

Spending a day with Nath

Nath came over to "get me out of the house".  It is such a treat to get out of here.  We went down to the Foggy Dew for beer followed by some time in Trinity Bellwoods Park.  It was a perfect day: 23 degrees and sunny.  My favourite kind of weather.  I am in a good mood these days as my new cast is to come on soon and I think my tendon has reattached.  Hopefully I am right!

What you don't use, you lose

A day in the park

Marisa was kind enough to take me out for the day.  We bought lemonade, magazines, and lay out in Trinity Bellwoods Park.  Being pushed in the wheelchair is a bit strange and people stare but it makes it easy to get out and about!  I'm hoping to return to work sometime next week.  Fingers crossed my boss finds me work to do.

2 weeks and 2 years

Tyler and I celebrated 2 years together.  It was a bit of a frustrating day for me as I was in a lot of pain and feeling sorry for myself.  We ended the day with dinner at home and dessert.  I can't believe it has been two years.  It shows that time goes fast and I will be walking again soon!

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Wallmart

Shopping can be a bit tricky with one leg but not if you shop at Wallmart.  I have been 4 times in the last two weeks and I think that is more then I have been in my whole life.  They have these scooters that allow for easy shopping!

Week One

The first week was about adjusting to one leg.  I quickly realized that if I use my computer chair to get around I'll have my hands free to actually do things.  I made a trip to Wallmart with my mom and was put into a scooter by a 70 year old employee.  It was slightly embarrassing but made shopping very easy and no crutches  I normally don't like Wallmart but for the time being it is my new favourite store.  I bought a plastic stool to shower on and some Pilates DVD's to do everyday so I don't lose all my muscles.  I got to keep the rest of the body strong.   And Mom found me a loner wheelchair to take me to the Ex!

I saw my family doctor who recommended I stay off all work until I see the specialist on Sept 15th and get the lighter cast on.  I know I'll be eager to get back to work when I'm allowed.  Thank you to all my friends/family who took me out and brought me dinner to keep me sane: Audrey, Roxy, Jen K, Jen L, Mom, Doug, Kyle.  And thanks to all who sent messages of encouragement. 

The next 2 months

After a couple hours in the ER on Tuesday night I got an appointment with the fracture clinic for the next morning.  The ER was amazing and diagnosed me immediately with a full tear.  He hoped he was wrong.  I met with my doctor on Wednesday and the plan was to get an ultrasound to determine if it was a full or partial tear.  It was a full tear and the plan was to cast it for 8 weeks (3 weeks in a hard cast, 3 weeks in a light weight cast, and the remaining weeks in a removable cast).  And after that months of physio.  Luckily with my benefit plan I get unlimited physio so I will be abusing that benefit.  After I left the hospital I had to rearrange my life for the next little bit.  I am an RN and therefore, require my feet work.  I had to get in touch with work to let them know I would not be in and would need to return at some point on modified duties.  My husband and my second anniversary is in a week and a half and we planned a camping trip which needed to be canceled.  And we have a trip to Japan planned at the end of October that we may need to cancel.  Thank you to Roxy for all your help.  You are an amazing friend!

Here is a picture of my hard cast:

Injury Day

I ruptured my achilles tendon during a ballet class on Tuesday August 24, 2010.  I've been taking adult ballet classes for the last six years and dancing for the last 20.  Maybe I didn't stretch enough, maybe I'm getting old, but like most people this injury took me by surprise.  Now the recovery begins.  Most people take the surgical route so here is my conservative non-surgical story...