Sunday, August 1, 2021

My Injury Bingo Card

Coming home after a fun vacation away is tough, wouldn't you agree? I also had this past week off work, but with the broken leg, there wasn't a whole lot that I could do. I did my best to get some activity in almost every day. Mentally, that helped a lot. On Thursday, I saw the orthopedic surgeon for my follow up.

He was fine with everything that I'm doing and agreed with the strategy to let pain be my limiting factor. He was also pleased with my progress and re-xrayed my foot and ankle. There wasn't much change in the images because it is early in the healing process. 

However, the orthopedic surgeon thinks I may need surgery on my foot.

Surgery was not on my injury bingo card this year. Of course, neither was a broken leg. Actually, I don't remember signing up for injury bingo at all. I must have clicked on one of those phishing emails or something...

The fracture in my foot is displaced and he says it's unlikely that it will heal on its own. If I wasn't so active, he said he would allow more time for it to heal before deciding on surgery. He said healing could take up to 6 months and that doesn't come with a guarantee. Even if I have surgery, it will be a minimum of 3 months before I can think about running again. In the meantime, I can continue to do non-weightbearing exercises.

As you can imagine, I was pretty devastated by this news. After seeing the ortho, I needed some time to process this information. I spent much of the day on the couch, foot on a pillow, and Cocoa by my side. As the day went on, I was feeling better and ready to move forward. I do have my moments of melancholy, though. I sure miss running!


Weekly Rundown
Monday: stationary cycling
Tuesday: walk 4 miles
Wednesday: stationary cycling
Thursday: pity party to process the bad news
Saturday: back to work
Sunday: TBD

Stationary Cycling

This isn't the most exciting recap here, but I did cycle 3 times this week with my bike in the trainer. My old Trek needs a tune-up, badly, but now that I need to ride it, I'm going to have to do my best to make it work. Shifting from high to low gears doesn't always work and the chain fell off during one ride. Still, I'm getting my heart rate up and my legs and glutes are feeling the effort, so I call it a win. I've been riding along with the Global Cycling Network (GCN) videos on YouTube. I used these well-produced videos the last time I was injured. Since I don't have a spin bike, these videos work better with my set-up. and they feel more realistic to me. I did one ride in the Swiss Alps and one in the Italian Dolomites. I also did a class 'in the studio'. 

Walking 

I took my boot to the retention pond, determined to get in 4 miles, which is 2 trips around the lake. I felt pretty good for the most part. I did get a lot of amused smiles and even was stopped a few times by a few curious folks. I enjoyed the movement. However, my SI joint did not like it. Even though I wore my running shoe, there is still a leg length discrepancy between the booted leg and my other leg. When I got home, I had a fair amount of low back pain. I got down on the mat and did some of my PT exercises. The next day, I felt much better. I'm a little reluctant to walk that far in the boot again.

Strength

I've made the decision that I will be taking a sabbatical from working out with Sammy Jo and going to the CF gym. This injury has rattled my confidence and I'm just not in the right mindset to go back there right now. In addition, I can't reliably do heavy strength while I'm wearing the boot. For now, I'm going to do upper body and core strength training at home. On Friday, I dialed up Marcia's Strong for Summer Arms and Shoulders Workout. This was a 15 minute interval workout that made my arms and shoulders burn! I used 8# dumbbells and by the end, I was struggling. This was a nice change of pace from what I've been doing at the gym; a few of the moves were new to me--steering wheels anyone? 

While I heal, I continue to do my best to stay positive. I'm staying healthy by eating lots of fruits and veggies, as I always do, to keep the inflammation down. I'm grateful that my RA has not flared during all this. I'm looking into aqua jogging classes at the local pool, something I've done in the past when I couldn't run. I will continue to ride my bike in the trainer. I went back to work yesterday, which made me happier than I thought. The time on my feet was a challenge, though. Still, it was good medicine. 😜

A sense of humor sure helps!


How was your week? Is anyone else playing injury bingo this year? My ankle fracture warriors, what did you do to pull yourself out of that dark place? 

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 











43 comments :

  1. I'm sorry; I know this is going to be a very difficult few months for you. Sending many healing vibes. Still hoping (as I'm sure you are) that surgery isn't necessary!

    It's a tough road to "walk".

    Seriously, though, when will the medical community come up with something that doesn't throw your whole body off???? Maybe you need to start inventing something!

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    1. Truth! I thought my running shoe would be high enough, but apparently not.

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  2. I can only imagine how tough this is to process. I love how you are really seeking out ways to stay active and that will keep your mood up. Those pool running classes are a great option. You know I love my Peloton strength classes and their upper body classes have done wonders for me. It is ridiculously cheap right now. Check it out if you need inspo. Hang in there friend

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    1. I will definitely keep those Peloton classes in mind! Thank you for all your support. Means a ton.

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  3. Well I've got the CBD Salve square covered with this calf thing, let's hope that's all for me. I love that you're keeping a sense of humor about all of this. It all does suck, but what can you do. Who knows why stuff like this happens. More hugs coming your way.

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    1. In between my dark moments, there's always something to laugh about and that will keep me going! Love you!

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  4. I’m so sorry about your foot. I was lucky that the fracture in my hand that I was ignorant of for a few weeks was not displaced. My MIL had a fracture heal incorrectly that required “re-breaking” to fix and that just sounds horrible. It sounds like you’ve found enough YouTube rides to keep you entertained on your bike, but you can always join me on the Peloton app. ;-)

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    1. Since I'm riding my road bike in the trainer, these GCN rides seem a little more fitting. For now at least...

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  5. I've never broken any bones, but have had 2 ankle sprains, so I can only imagine how difficult this is. I'm a fan of GCN cycling videos - some much more than others! I'm amazed at the workout I can get watching videos. This year I committed to strength training and I've actually stuck with it. I tried a new one last week for glutes and was reminded how much I hate lunges. I did it for a second time yesterday and wasn't nearly as sore, so I'll take that as a win.

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    1. I miss my lower body strength work! The cycling videos definitely push me, so hopefully I can maintain what fitness I have.

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  6. There was absolutely no way I would have considered a 4-mile jaunt in my boot. Walking just around the house (and at work, before I got the scooter) did not play nice with my back, at all. I totally rocked the bike, though, on the daily, and did a lot of seated leg lifts to keep the legs strong as things healed. A positive attitude and a sense of humor were paramount for me as well. Stay strong!

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    1. Everyone's situation is different and I'm glad you found things that worked for you.

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  7. Unfortunately I can relate - both broken foot and broken ankle.

    I wish surgery wasn't an option but in my case, with surgery although the recovery time was longer, I knew that it would heal correctly and would not have problems in the future. My hubby made me do the surgery because he did not want to live with me if I couldn't run.

    You are strong - mentally and physically. Sending speedy recovery prayers.

    No real advice since I think I just sat on the couch and knit and read books. And cried!! This will not be you. Also mine was in the winter (not much to do).


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    1. Actually, Darlene, sitting on the couch and crying has been me. No knitting tho. Instead, I'm doing lots of reading. I know you get it.

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  8. I should mention that my foot was not displaced so no surgery and I broken tibia and fibula in my ankle and then I had surgery. But I could have decided to let it heal on its own.

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    1. I'm definitely going ahead with the surgery--I do want to run again after this is all over with.

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  9. I'm so sorry Wendy. This will be a tough road and I feel so badly for you, as such an active and strong person, it will be hard. I'm hopeful you can get the surgery soon and start the recovery right away. Thinking of you!

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  10. I think coming away from the stuff with Sammy Jo is a good choice right now. I'm sorry this has happened and I am sending you strength! I hope the surgery will be soon then you can work towards recovery xx

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    1. I have a trip planned to see Holly in 3 weeks-then the surgery can happen. I think it will be good to see her and spend time on the water!

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  11. I think I've been playing injury bingo for so long that most of my card is already filled up. Thats not to say I can't keep playing, I'm just grateful to have had a bit of a break. I'm so sorry you got such disappointing news this week! Hopefully you will know the plan for sure one way or another and can at least have a clear timeline to work with. I think the hardest part of my injuries was having no idea how long they would take to heal. Its always nice when a dr can finally say you can start running again in X amount of weeks. Hang in there! Hopefully some pool class and home workouts will help you get through this.

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    1. I forgot that you had an extended time off of running prior to the pandemic! It's just so hard for me to manage my emotions since I've been running so well this year.

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  12. Ha ha... I'm definitely playing injury bingo this summer (and I don't recall signing up for it either.) A sense of humor helps a lot.
    Your diagnosis definitely sucks. But... if you have the surgery, those three months will pass by. You'll get through it. It might take some creativity! About the walking... my first thought was that it could cause some issues with your low back/hips. Be careful with it! Aqua jogging would be great for you, and what about swimming? I've been thinking of re-joining my old gym with a pool so I can swim again.
    I'm going to check out Marcia's arm workout... but I think I need lighter weights. I only have ten pounds and it sounds like I'll never get through it with those!

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    1. Not a fan of swimming! But aqua jogging--yes. I'll be going this week, hopefully!

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  13. I'm sorry Wendy...three months is a tough blow. I'm sending you all of the internet hugs right now.

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    1. Thank you! I've been pretty down this week and yeah, I'll take all the hugs!

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  14. Oh Wendy I was so sorry to see your IG post about needing surgery. You are doing a great job staying active and you're so right about keeping a sense of humor. I know it sucks...I'm sending you lots of hugs my friend.

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    1. I love those hugs. Yeah, this week was hard for me. I'm trying to stay positive!

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  15. I am sorry. I know, for experience, how long 3 months without running are. However I notice that you are a positive person and you will succeed in spending this period with healthy activities to stay fit.
    When I broke my femur in 2007 I needed 2 surgeries: the 1st to reduce the fracture and the 2nd to remove the "irons" inside.

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    1. Trying to stay positive is definitely my biggest challenge right now. I appreciate your support and empathy!!!

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  16. Oh, Wendy, I am so sorry to hear the news about your foot. I do wish he would have given you better news. I do love your sense of humor and staying positive. I guess at this point there isn't much to do but that.

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    1. I keep trying to make myself smile, because I am having such a hard time with this right now.

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  17. I will continue to say it Wendy. This sucks. There's no way to sugar coat it. And by the way, it's ok to feel bad about this now and again because... it sucks!! But I know you and I know you will get through this and find ways to move and feel good while you are recovering. And you know, I have had my fair share of being out of the running, so you know where to find me if you need a big ol' this-really-sucks-vent. I can really relate to it.

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    1. I so appreciate that. I keep circling the black hole and I'm forcing myself to stay focused on healing and maintaining fitness as best as I can. It's tough.

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  18. Have you ever seen the EVENup shoe balancer? I've been in the boot a couple of times and have considered it but never got around to trying it. It might be just the thing for you though, if you're going to be in the boot for a while. https://www.amazon.com/Original-EVENupTM-Shoe-Balancer-Leveler/dp/B074DM5K3R

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    1. Heading over to check it out as we speak!!! Thank you!

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    2. And it is coming tomorrow! Thank you thank you thank you!!! Maybe I can walk?

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  19. Oh no :( I'm really sorry that you may need surgery on your foot. i know this sucks and was not in your plans this year at all. I appreciate that you allow yourself to feel sad and then move forward.

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    1. And sometimes I move backwards, too. I've commented to others that I do have to force myself to get off the couch and move. I know I will feel so much better if I do.

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  20. I know it might not seem like it to you, but you are coming off so positive, pragmatic, and mentally healthy about this. Crying on the couch is TOTES normal, by the way, and doesn't mean you aren't still approaching this with an overall positive mental attitude. Your response is impressive and inspiring to read about, to me.

    FYI I'm the one with the broken arm, who is about to hit 8 weeks and thus can FINALLY get back to Marcia's YouTube arm workouts. After 8 weeks, I'm sure it will be comical... whatever the "steering wheels" are, I'm sure they will slay me and my newly weak Olive Oyl arms. :)

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    1. You are just so kind. Writing this blog forces me to put on a positive front and that translates to my attitude off the blog too. It's really amazing how that works. I do have a lot of sadness and there's' no denying that, but I just force myself to move my body. To write these posts. To eat healthy. And to not drink too much wine. I don't want to fall into that vortex of depression. Thank you for reading and for all your support.

      I'm pretty sure you will be fine with Marcia's upper body workout. But it is humbling, even after doing all that stuff at CrossFit. The steering wheels are RIDICULOUS!!!! What kind of car is she even driving? :P

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  21. Sorry to hear you'll need surgery, Wendy! I'm praying for a speedy, strong recovery for you! Glad to hear you have other activities you're enjoying. Walking 4 miles with the boot is pretty impressive!

    Now I want to check Marcia's arm exercise..what is the steering wheel, I'm curious now:)

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