The Boot and The Back

Friday was a normal day.  I didn’t have a lot to do (bored).  I’d been sitting in my chair reading when I got up to let our dog out.  I got about a two feet and I ran into this:20170718_112901

again…..and did this

broken foot

happened…..again.

About 4, or was it 5, years ago, I tripped on my walker and broke my foot.  At least that time I was using it.  On Friday it was just sitting beside me.  I haven’t needed it lately, but I keep it close, just in case.  A little too close to my foot as it turns out.

It hurt, like it does when you stub your toe, I didn’t think it was broken.  It just didn’t hurt enough.   I had this discussion with another chronically ill friend and she said the same thing about when she broke her foot.  It really speaks volumes as to how differently we feel pain.

Stuart talked me in to going to Urgent Care to get it checked out since I’d broken it before,  and was told it would be easier to break again, I decided it’d probably be a good idea.  (I hate to say it, but knowing we have met our out of pocket maximum for the year, made it an easier decision.)  I hobbled in Urgent Care, got checked in and was seen right away.  I had an x-ray and the attending physician said my x-ray showed irregularities.  She couldn’t tell if what she was seeing was all from the last break or if it was a new break.   She thought it was broken, but a radiologist needed to read it to be certain.  I was sent home with The Boot, and the radiologist would call on Monday.  They did, and it is broken.

This time it’s not as bad as it was the first time.  I didn’t twist my ankle or anything like that.  I’ll be in the boot for 4 weeks instead of 12.   It’s hot and heavy, but it is taking good care of my broken foot, for that I love my boot.

On the other end, I started physical therapy (PT) for my back last week.  What’s wrong with my back you ask?  I’m not exactly sure.  I did fall, so I might have wrenched it then. (that was over a month ago).  I had severe akathisia (the need to keep moving) for over a month.  This caused me to constantly tense my muscles.   It’s possible, my back just never calmed down.   I also have arthritis in my neck, this is causing a lot of pain recently.  PT will hopefully help that as well.

So far, I feel like the PT has been aggravating my arthritis.  I discussed this with my physical therapist yesterday and he did a few things differently.  Hopefully, these changes will improve the pain and still help me get stronger.  If not, I know I can talk with him about it and we will work to make it better, to make me better.   I’m so impressed by this office.  Appointments are supposed to an hour long.  As most of us know, that normally means you are actually seen about 45 minutes, sometimes less.   My normal amount of time at this office is 1 hour 15 mins.  Yesterday I was there for an hour and a half.  I hope I get the results I’m looking for, it won’t be for lack of trying.

I’m happy to say that my migraines are still much, much better.  I’ve had a few, but nothing like I was.   I haven’t had a lot of vertigo.  This past week I’ve had a few times where I’ve had really fast spins that last for just a couple of seconds, or very slow movement that I can barely see (but it makes me very nauseous).  Overall, I’m feeling healthier than I have in years.  I don’t know how long this will last, so I’m trying hard to make the most of this time.

13 thoughts on “The Boot and The Back

  1. Yes, make the most of your feeling better — but don’t over do. That’s the problem with chronic illness. When we feel good or better, we try to make up for “lost time,” and can end up doing something that sets us back a bit. Still say “Go for it!!!!” but like everything in life, in moderation. Think of your feeling better like your daily dark chocolate — something to savour, but within certain limitations. Be well, my friend.

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  2. Yikes. As someone that has fallen down the stairs 4 times now and spent my fair share of time in the boot, at least it’s preferable to a cast?

    gentle hugs and yay for the progress. Booooo for the owies. (and the akathisia! I think that might drive me a little mad!)

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    1. Thanks Xunae!
      4 times down the stairs, oh my goodness. Yes, I think a boot is preferable. Can adjust with swelling, and can bathe. Kind of.
      I seem to break a toe or something every couple of years. I didn’t tell about the other foot! Hahaha

      Good to hear from you. Pleasant days.

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  3. Hello Wendy! Oh your poor foot! Hope you can rest and feel better.
    I am happy to hear you are feeling healthier though, this is great news 🙂 It also sounds like you have got a really good physiotherapist. It’s so important to be able to talk to them and be honest, and it sounds like he really wants to help you. Lots of luck with this.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend, and hope the boot isn’t too uncomfortable.
    Carly xxx

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    1. Oh my goodness Mo! That had to be quite the fall. I hope your pain lessens quickly.
      I’ve broken my right humerus a few times. It can really ache.
      My foots a little blue, but as long as I keep the boot on my pain is very minimal.
      Take care of that arm.
      Love ya!

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