Tuesday, October 18, 2016

The News


Yesterday I was taken to the orthopedic surgeon so he could assess how my injuries were healing.


On the whole, the news is encouraging: the broken ankle seems to be healing nicely; cast and stitches were removed and I was fitted with a boot -- which is only marginally less cumbersome but can come off for baths and PT. He gave me exercises for the dislocated shoulder-- still must go cautiously there for another four weeks. 

The big (8x3 cm) laceration on my right leg --  has been a bit of a concern because it had a big patch of dead skin (eschar) in the middle that needed to be removed. ("It's dead; it won't hurt when I pull it off--(insert howl of pain) oh, sorry, didn't realize there was a stitch in it.")

When eschar and stitches were all removed, the doctor declared the wound free of infection. (Yay!)


The unhappy news is that the ankle is non-weight bearing for six more weeks. At best. After which I return to the doctor for x-rays and further assessment. So it seems I'm stuck  in this facility for at least that long...


Happy news, if you'll excuse my mentioning it, is that I've graduated from the bed pan to the bedside commode. I still need help to make the transfer via sliding board; nonetheless, it's a bit of a victory.


I enjoyed my outing -- the autumn colors advancing, and being able to see the mountains . . .

But best of all was the magnificent Peregrine falcon I saw from the van. He was perched on a guard rail just outside an underpass, waiting, no doubt, for one of the pigeons that roost there. He was a gorgeous reminder of the Wild Things out these. (N0, not my picture -- from Pinterest. The others are mine, of a waterwheel in Cherokee.)





16 comments:

Ms. A said...

Oh, no, stuck there for six weeks! Yikes!

Unknown said...

Yikes indeed. Although I can't imagine trying to hobble on one leg and not cheat for that long at home. We have tried to make changes to our home for the eventual time that we can no longer manage the stairs. We can now drive to the front door instead of up a narrow, cracked, steep walkway with steps. When we remodeled and added on, the laundry came upstairs, and the master bedroom is on the same level as the main living level (which is on the second story). I seem to remember your bedroom is upstairs. I know you have lived there a long time. Thought about an addition??

KarenB said...

Oh lordee, six more weeks is a long time to not be in your home with your people and animals and things! Maybe you could do a project while you're there? A quilt? Knit? Write a new book (hint, hint!)?

I'll continue good thoughts for quick and complete healing!

Vicki Lane said...

Our bedroom is on the main level -- the laundry is downstairs. The main problem is my shoulder which prevents my using crutches or a walker. Our house is not exactly wheelchair friendly. And I REALLY don't want to risk a fall.

I have some pillow tops here with me to quilt and , of course, I can write.

My main difficulty is the constant light and noise all night long. But I'm learning to deal with that by snatching sleep where I can and listening to audio books when I can't.

This, too, shall pass.

Stella Jones said...

I'm glad to hear you are doing reasonably well and very well in some areas Vicki. Perhaps you could use the time to write another mystery? I've read all your books and I'm looking forward to another one please!

Frances said...

Dear Vicki...it's good to hear that your body is steadily recovering from that truly freaky accident.

Yes, it is bound to be be annoying to know you've got six more weeks at rehab; however, as those weeks of additional care help to return you to full action, I expect you will experience steady pleasure at the improvements. Gosh, it must have been great to get out and about into the autumn beauty outdoors!

Thank you for these reports from the front. xo

jennyfreckles said...

On the whole that all sounds like good news, provided you can cope with the enforced stay in hospital. Much better than falling at home and doing even more damage though. The tortoise and the hare come to mind. Thinking of you, and hoping for you a steady stream of those little, pleasant things that help us along the way.

Barbara Rogers said...

Well, you got a message from that falcon, I'd guess. But don't try flying quite yet! Glad to hear you have no infection. I can't imagine even turning over in bed with limited foot use and one bum shoulder. You are one tough cookie! So stay in the oven and bake a bit more (after all, this gestation period is much less than your first one was!) Sorry for all the garbled metaphors...I'm just happy that you can get off the bedpans! Every little bit...etc.

Jime said...

Damn Vicki I am sorry to hear of six more weeks but it will be over by thanksgiving I hope. Maybe sharing some of your wonderful stories with others there will make the time go faster and lift their spirits

Carol Crump Bryner said...

Limited mobility is the pits. But six weeks will hopefully have one improvement after another. Rest and gather strength and keep in touch with all of us who are cheering you on. Would those eye covers they give you on international flights help for nighttime? And earplugs? Or maybe even a little "white noise" machine.

NCmountainwoman said...

You are in the right place, noisy and light-filled as it is. If it were only the leg, or only the shoulder...but since it's both...

My big hope is that the TV is never turned to Fox News, or even the 24/7 "news networks." It's dismal. And it seems we haven't reached bottom yet.

Hooray for audible books and music. Hope you have some noise reduction headphones or ear buds. If not, it might be worthwhile for your husband to get some for you.

Vicki Lane said...

Alas, my roommate's TV does spew forth DT ads now and then. But it's mostly tuned to sitcoms, judging by the laugh tracks. It's kept pretty low -- I suspect it helps her sleep. And I'm growing used to it. I keep my Kindle with the audio books on in just by my ear in bed and it pretty well drowns out the other noise.

Bernie said...

New goal - Thanksgiving
going to be a great celebration this year. Every bit of good news is great, all will be well. Rest now and enjoy if you can a few days of peace. xx

Anvilcloud said...

It must be so hard, but you seem to be handling it as positively as possible.

Ellis Vidler said...

I'm sure it seems like forever, but it's a great season to sit and enjoy the scenery--and of course, write. Be good and don't take chances. Cheers!

Thérèse said...

Oh no!
You sure know how to find a way to learn what Patience is... but I am sure you are receiving visits and are full of resources.