Before I start, thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of you so much. I really missed the communication over the past couple of months.
As Anna has already posted, I have been a bit under the weather for quite a while. Of course, though I was unable to use it anyway, it has been frustrating not having computer access. The computer and the foot broke down about the same time, you see. Since Anna didn't go into detail, I will give a brief rundown as to the problem.
The story goes back to mid-June. You may recall that I had started taking down an old barn on my brother's place for the material which we need for out buildings and such. In mid-June, after delays with truck repairs, I was finally back to the demolition project. The end of a productive day of suck work found me tired and with the last board of the day still attached by one small nail. Did I do the sensible thing, take a few steps to get the hammer? Of course not. In true Dave-like fashion, I simply kicked it (just as I have done many times before with no ill effect). This time there was a twinge of pain but not serious.
Next morning, it was more painful so I decided to take a couple of days off work and let it heal. Two days later, I was in the emergency room with extreme swelling part way up my leg and lots of pain. The bruising in the foot had led to cellulitis (aka infection in the soft tissue). And yes there were a couple of chips and fractures, but nothing serious.
After a brief stay in the hospital, I went back to work, wearing a walking boot (most awkward, I might add) and using pain pills when it got too rough. Things were going pretty well until the antibiotics ran out.
A few days later, I was back in the hospital, a longer stay this time, with osteomylitis (aka bone infection) I got the standard informational pep talk that goes with this malady, which includes all the possibilities for treatment ranging from IV antibiotics to surgery to AMPUTATION or even death. There is not much in this world that still frightens me but, if you must know, I was terrified at this point. Not much of what I do in life works without feet.
So after a week or so, I was released from the hospital with a pic line for the antibiotics, instructions on how to use it and strict orders not to put any weight on that foot for at least six weeks. Please understand that I don't normally take doctor's orders too seriously, but having known people with this problem for whom the outcome was not great, I followed carefully.
A week later, I was back in the hospital, this time with a particularly nasty intestinal infection caused by the antibiotics. For this, they gave me lots of IV fluids and yet another antibiotic. A was also ordered to eat lots of yogurt and avocados (an enjoyable prescription at least).
After a couple more trips to the emergency room and weekly trips for blood work, they finally let me start putting weight on my sore foot. That was almost two weeks ago and I must say it feels good not to have to use a walker and hold my foot up, even though each step is still like walking on broken glass. Pain is something I learned to deal with long ago but being extremely weak and out of shape is really hard to tolerate. I just keep pushing to the limit and trying to be patient. Yes, there is that word. Patience is a virtue, unfortunately NOT one of mine, thank you very much.
Thursday, I go back to the doctor and hopefully, they will pull the pic line. I can hardly wait.
Poor Anna deserves a medal for all the worry and hard work she has endured through this ordeal. Not only has she been working hard in the garden and trying to hold everything together,while constantly worrying about me, she has also had to put up with my bummed out attitude the whole time. Even after all of that, she still loves me and is willing to put up with me. WOW!!!!!
As for the internet, they came and installed it Saturday afternoon. They told me it would be worth the wait, and for the first time, they told the truth. It really is as fast as they said it would be. Now if I can get to the point of having my foot down for more than a half hour at a time, I might get something done.
I best go prop the foot up again. Thanks again for the prayers.
Oh my goodness. I will be sure to advise Hubby to "not kick the board" when tearing down our big barn. Wow! Sending up prayers for the both of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the prayers and the comment, Kristina. Over the years, I have torn down quite a few buildings and kicked more boards than I care to count, with no problems. This time, it is letting me know just how fortunate I have been and how much caution is actually warranted in these situations. So much trouble from such a small event.
DeleteI hope all is well with you and yours and that it stays that way. Thanks again.
Glad to hear you are getting better! Fast internet is awesome...hope that means we'll be hearing from you more often! :) Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, and I hope all is going well for you. I am getting better, though it is a long road back to good. According to the doctor, it will be two months of physical therapy and see from there. There must be a lesson somewhere in all of this, if I am smart enough to learn it. Of course, that doesn't mean I'll be sitting around.
DeleteAs for the internet, I am really enjoying the high speed. Unfortunately, between recovery and trying to catch up on everything that has fallen behind, there isn't much time for the computer. At least what time I have with it won't be spent waiting for pages to load so I do intend to post and communicate more.