. . . and I am, truly, starting to move along!
I have graduated to a walking boot, which allows me to move about without the walker or crutches and can be removed for showering.
We should take joy in the small things, and this is most certainly one of them.
The orthopedic specialist confirmed the fracture on Friday. A well-defined plan of action has been established. It has me staying off the injured foot as much as possible for the next several weeks, then gradually using my foot a bit more, followed by physical therapy; all of which will take me right up to Christmas.
A very good goal post, indeed.
I have been able to master the five steps which lead up and down to our family room and entryway. The boot allows me to slowly roam the main level of our home. I am able to be self-sufficient while the Antler Man is Up North; a commitment made long before my fall and one that I am thankful he was able to keep. The refrigerator and pantry are well-stocked and our dear, dear Jennifer has been checking in on me. The neighbors are “on call” in case of emergency. Encouragement, offers of help and support from friends will carry me through.
My friend, Donna, shared medical equipment, a shower stool being the most appreciated one. If you have ever been injured or had surgery, you know the pure joy of taking your first shower and the ability to take regular ones.
Thank you for all your kinds words, comments, emails, thoughts and prayers. They carry me through.
I am looking forward to the Durells on Masterpiece on Sunday night, and enjoying my books group’s selection, “The Shoemaker’s Wife” by Adriana Trigiani. I was able to see the first three episodes of a new television series, This is Us, and have been inspired by more cooking shows, and recipes, than I can name.
What have you been reading, watching, making, baking, cooking, doing?
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
I truly know that feeling of being able to take your first shower-after I broke my ankle 3 years ago I appreciated too the small things and also the assistance of my loving husband and kids!! Praying for you, Penny!
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I truly have more respect of the healing process as I recover from this, Laura, and even more so for you, healing while tending to active children and activities. I think we are blessed with our Toms , for sure.
Thank you, Laura. I appreciate your words and your prayers.
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Penny, how I wish I could drop by and have a nice chat with you while you rest your injured foot. Gute Besserung, that means “get well” in German.
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Oh, Gerlinde, that is something I would most definitely love. Just the thought of it makes me want to put on a pot of coffee and bake something sweet. Danke.
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Penny, what good progress. The first shower must be bliss, and being able to move around. How wonderful to have such good support. An accident like this certainly brings in a new appreciation of small things, doesn’t it? Sending you love and healing.
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The shower was so therapeutic, Juliet, and the walker was a bit of trial. The ER techs/nurse really didn’t get us enough instructions, which made it more difficult. All’s well that ends well, though, and this boot is working well.
Such accidents certainly do bring new appreciation.
Didn’t you have a fracture in the recent past? You wrist?
I’m healing and I am very grateful.
Thank you, Juliet. That means a lot.
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Yes I broke my wrist in a fall, and discovered all the things I do without thinking that actually require two hands. But all is well now, as I hope it will be for you.
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I saw your boot and had to fire up the old computer to reply to you. Hopefully my computer doesn’t quit before I am finished.
I had a love/hate relationship with my boot. I was told very sternly by my doctor that even though some people would tell me that it was a walking cast, that I should not under any circumstances put weight on that foot. That thing gets heavy when you hold it up. Let me caution you to go slowly with the amount of walking you do. It makes you walk differently and makes your balance different. That, in turn puts your back out of whack so everything hurts. Just be careful. I also had at the time 3 dogs and a cat in the house. That thing can attract pet hair like crazy. Ha ha…it was a mess.
It is good to know that people are checking on you and that you are all set up to take care of yourself. One thing Jim insisted on after the first few days was getting me out of the house. He would take me to fast food places or anything just to get me out. I think that helped because I went back to subbing soon. I couldn’t drive the whole time because it was my right foot. That was hard.
Just take this time to slow down, enjoy the views from your windows, get through a stack of books, watch some good movies, etc. I am praying for a quick and easy recovery for you.
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Oh, Janet, thank you so much. I’m sure just seeing the boot brought memories of your own healing. Thank you for firing the computer up and taking the time and finding these words of advice.
The walking boot is very heavy and I have been taking it slow. I tried to cross my legs and, oh my! I can put some weight on it, but, need to limit that. I’m doing my best not to, in part because it isn’t flat on the bottom and rolls a bit. First, I had some aches and pains from the walker, now, I am feeling it from the boot. With some back issues/sciatic, I really appreciate reading this. You are such a good friend.
The past several days haven’t been too bad. It was worse when I was banished to the upstairs bedroom and bath. haha Poor Tom was running up and down the stairs to tend to me. Just going to the doctor on Friday felt good, but, I was sore and tired when we got home. Jim is so thoughtful and was wise to get you out of the house. I know that by the time Tom gets back from MN, I will be stir crazy. It is my left foot, so, I will be able to drive, but, the doctor warned to take that slowly and try to wait a few weeks. I can imagine how challenging it was for you having it be your right foot.
I wish could hug you for your kind words and efforts. Thank you.
I’m already missing my long walks, not to mention that weight was coming off. It is what it is and we are so close to so many preserves that just driving through them, maybe finding a solid bench to sit on, will be good.
Love you – and hey, you have a birthday coming up.
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We’re coming home tomorrow from our son’s house up north and I have “The Durrell’s” taping tonight and waiting for me…or let’s just say it had better be recording. 🙂 I’m looking forward to it. I’ll have to think about some other things I’m reading or watching to possibly suggest. As I think of anything wonderful I’ll pass it along. I’m so glad you’re doing better as far as having the boot, but being slow and off your feet for this long has to be a real “shocker” to you. It’s times like these when you realize how important it is to be a part of a community of others, friends and family, who care for us and are glad to just make sure we’re ok! I am relieved your injuries are temporary, and I suppose on a difficult day, that will be the thing you need to keep telling yourself. Hopefully it won’t be long before you can manage a little more ease and mobility. I can’t help but continue to say, “I’m just so sorry!!” ox
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I hope it recorded for you, Debra. I am going to enjoy it. You know how first episodes can be as the different characters are established, but, it is going to be quite interesting.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
This has been a bit of a shocker. I miss my independence and roaming around. I did do a marathon day just a few days before this happened. Looking back, I’m so glad I played hooky from life that day.
I am, Debra. Fortunate for sure in my wonderful friends. I know as this time lengthens, I am going to be a little stir-crazy. If you hear a primal scream coming from the east – it’s just me. 🙂
You are a dear – and I thank you.
Safe travel as you head on home. Hoping you have some more interesting California posts.
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I’m so glad you have your walking cast, Penny and are well stocked food wise. Still praying for you and hoping I can see you in the near future. I’m glad you have your TV show to look at and great books to read. Though I can understand the stir-crazy feelings. 🙂
I’m glad you’ll be okay while your husband is away. You have such a lovely community of friends. 🙂
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That would be great, L. Marie. Time certainly gets away from us. We will make it happen. 🙂
I have appreciated the visits and especially our daughter, have actually kept busier than I thought I would and have been resting as well. I’m really doing pretty good, have everything I need, though looking forward to Tom’s return.
Thanks, L. Marie. I appreciate your comment.
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Such good news about the situation, if there can be such a thing! Those boots are fairly nice looking these days. Back in my day, there was only the white plaster cast and it had to be changed frequently. Those things got just plain dirty fast. I know you will mind the doctor’s orders about activity carefully. That little bone in your foot is like a tiny bird’s egg that must not crack! It’s easy to be tempted to overdo.
While I was busy telling you that sometimes things happen for a reason, I broke out in hives. I hadn’t done that since graduate school. I was trying to keep too many balls in the air! I have slept a lot while I wait to get steroids from the doctor. I will take my own advice and slow down!
We are watching season 2 of Poldark and I am tempted to read some of the books. The acting in this PBS drama is first rate and Mr. Poldark is very easy on the eyes-LOL.
I am too obtuse to understand all the writing styles and back and forth in the events with “The Girl on the Train”. I became bored very fast, put it down and won’t pick it up again.
I am so happy you are healing…and appreciate your thank you to me. Let us know how it’s going and take lots of naps!
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I have said more than once how grateful I am that I have this boot instead of a plaster cast. Casts are thinner and more manageable, and this boot, while heavy, allows me to do more. The doctor impressed upon me how important and fragile the bone is, and now you are reinforcing this. 🙂 I’m spending a lot of time with it elevated, and off of it.
Oh, no! Sorry to hear this. I hope you will be on the steroids soon, Marilyn. I’ve had allergic reactions where I broke out in hives and know that it is not any fun. Those balls were juggle can sure get us tangled up! Rest well.
At least you gave “The Girl on the Train” a try. I hasn’t appealed to me. Life is to short and there are too many books to be read to be stuck in one we don’g enjoy. I’m sure you will pick up something that will grab you, Marilyn – if you haven’t already.
I loved the greeting and have saved the image. 🙂 Thank you, Marilyn. Now one more comment and I’m off to bed.
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You sure know how to make the best of things. You’ve lined up good shows to watch, a book to read, and maybe some cooking. Many of us could learn from your positive attitude.
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I don’t always succeed in being positive, but, I try. 🙂 I have my negative times as well, but, for the most part, it is what it is and might as well make the best of it. As to cooking . . . looking to make something sweet tomorrow. 🙂
Thanks, Susan.
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Good thoughts and empathy (though I had the Tom role in this family) coming your way. I do remember Bill’s joy in the boot and the shower! And the shower seat — which we finally gave away along with the crutches (with fingers crossed) after years of keeping them in the back closet! Do take it easy — you have to build up your strength for the phys therapy (at least according to my husband).
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I appreciate your thoughts and empathy, Sallie. Thank you.
I’ve also been on the other side as caretaker and know how trying that can be.
Tom has been taking such good care of me and then our Jennifer when Tom went out of town, and friends who have come by.
There is something so therapeutic about that first shower and being able to shower, isn’t there?
I know what you mean about cleaning the closet of all these devices. 🙂 We have crutches in several sizes, as well as a cane, now a walker. haha
I will heed your advice, Sallie. I had not thought yet about phys therapy. I keep my foot up as much as I can and Bill is right about needing strength for PT.
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