Diary Of A Broken Leg

On March 25th, I fell and broke my left leg in two places. But I survived. As I did so, I kept notes as to how my recovery went. after all, it might prove useful to someone else going through something similar. Here, then, is the journal of my recovery.

The Day I Broke My Leg In Two Places

Saturday, March 25, 2017

I went to visit a houseboat at Garrison Bight Marina while house hunting. The real estate agent had removed the hatch covering the hold so she could show how much storage space there was. But she didn't actually mention that, and the lights were dim so I didn't see the hole and fell in with my right leg, which broke my left leg as it splayed off to the side. The agent was very apologetic and recommended an urgent care establishment nearby.

Getting off the dock was agony. I had two people helping me walk but I could put no weight on my left leg at all. We got to the urgent care place, but it was too busy (I was in extreme pain and they insisted on seeing people in order of arrival, despite the fact that no one ahead of me looked particularly ill.) So my grandson came to get me and drove me to the Lower Keys Medical Center Emergency Room, where I was seen immediately. They X-rayed me and found I had broken both the tibia and fibula in my left leg. They put on a splint and told me to see an orthopedist Monday.

At my daughter's, where I am staying, I was unable to get into the tent she had set up for me and have to sleep on the porch. Which I am okay with, but the pain in my lower leg is unbearable. Adding to my discomfort: I had flesh-eating bacteria in the same leg in 2011, and although that has mostly healed, I got PTSD from the experience and the splint is triggering a panic attack. Plus, the one thing that hadn't healed, swelling around my ankle, seems to be tripled by the breaks and the splint was so tight the swelling had no place to go so the pain was unbearable.

I had to remove the splint. That helped, but I am still in agony.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

So here I am in Key West, famed vacation spot, with my grandchildren, and I'm stuck on Jenny's porch, unable to do anything. I have crutches and in theory should be able to get to the bathroom. But it's so painful to move that Jenny bought me a couple disposable urinals so I can stay put. Little Gianna doesn't understand why I can't jump up and down with her like I did two days ago. They gave me pain pills and they help (especially with the side effect of constipation, since that means I don't have to visit the bathroom for days) but the pain is still too intense to allow for peaceful sleep. I tried putting the splint back on since the swelling has lessened, but as soon as I did the swelling returned, as did another panic attack. So I took it off again.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Today I had the appointment with the orthopedist recommended by the Lower Keys Medical Center. He showed me the "non-displaced breaks" (I would call them fractures) at the lower end of the bones, near the ankle. I tried to explain the PTSD and swelling to him but he insisted on putting on a cast from my knee to my foot. He also mentioned that he doesn't accept cases that are likely to go to court.

The cast is very tight and I don't know how much longer I'll be able to handle it. The doc gave me some anti-anxiety meds so I'm going to do my best.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Jenny cancelled or postponed my flight today, I'm not sure which. Keith took the tent down and flew home without me. I still can't get up to do anything. The ER people told me I could increase the dosage of my pain meds, and that has helped. So I've been sleeping all day.

Poor Jenny has come out to see if I need anything, but she's got the babies to watch and I hate to make her wait on my hand-and-foot.

I was surprised to learn that my daughter, Karen, is coming to Key West. I suspect the trip wasn't planned, and that Jenny paid for her ticket so Karen could wait on me while Jenny watches the babies. I try not to be a burden but I just can't walk anywhere.

I do have crutches and I know how to use them. I had to use them to pick up meds from the pharmacy. But they are uncomfortable, and moving is uncomfortable. Plus, when I am upright my ankle swells quickly and to impressive but frightening dimensions. So I am staying home. No beach, no restaurants, no playing with my grandbabies.

It's just as well I guess that I am sleeping a lot.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

By the time evening came I was in full-blown panic mode, practically clawing at the cast. I toughed it out for hours, but the swelling returned, crushing my ankle in the cast, so this evening I had to return to the ER to have them cut it off. They turned it into another splint, and gave me a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication that didn't really help much. Especially, by this time, in addition to the pain, I am worrying about how I'm going to manage on my flight home tomorrow. My leg has to be raised to keep the swelling down, and I don't know if Jenny will be able to change my flight to First Class where I might have room to do that.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Karen arrived today, and it has been very helpful to have someone dedicated to bringing me drinks and snacks between drug-induced dozing.

I just wish I could spend more time visiting with her.

First Week Report

Saturday, April 1, 2017

So it's been one week since I broke my leg. I am still at Jenny's, still sleeping on her back porch. I have crutches and make an effort to go into the living room and lie on that sofa while the babies watch television. Karen is still here and bringing me stuff otherwise. I am still drugged and in pain but am grateful that my leg was just fractured and not completely broken. I know it takes a minimum of six weeks to recover from a broken bone, so I'm hoping I won't need too much more than that. (I'm not imagining that, at nearly 66 years of age, I'll be able to heal as quickly as a kid.)

I am anxious to get back home to Keith, but I am also NOT looking forward to the long plane trip.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

So today I felt a little better and thought I would work on my web site. It's on my laptop, and I have all the photos I took before I broke my leg. I got the photos all punched up and the page all done and ran the program I wrote, Spider My Web, that updates the site database with the new pages. Unfortunately, that was an old version of Spider My Web, and it trashed the site database. And now there's no way I can fix it until I get home, and I don't even know when that will be. And no one trying to access my site (and the book promotions in it) can see anything at all until then. Grrrr!!!

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

It's been such a wonderful visit with my daughter in Key West (double-broken leg notwithstanding), yet even while I can't wait to visit again soon, I can't wait to get home tomorrow.

According to the Orthopedist, my lower leg is fractured in two spots with a third small crack. There's also a small but (hopefully) unimportant piece of bone broke clear off but doesn't support anything. He gave me a boot and permission to fly home. Already made arrangements to have airport wheelchair people at the ready, and Jenny upgraded my flight to First Class so I might be able to stretch out my leg.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Oh my god. Finally writing this as I wait to take off. Hours of delays; flight cancellation; but finally got put on my ORIGINAL flight. And forget the First Class upgrade. They stuck me in the front row of coach, and already I've met a dozen or more new and interesting people as they tripped over my leg-protecting boot. I'm hoping at least the next flight, from Miami, will have a First Class seat available. After all, this flight will just be an hour.

Next flight: No First Class either. And Jenny already paid for it! And I'm in the same seat. AND a wheelchair wasn't waiting for me when the flight landed, though the people in Key West swore there would be.

I'm trying to be a good sport but I'm feeling very put-upon. It doesn't help that the boot hurts (though nothing like the cast) as my ankle swells more and more since I can't get it higher than my heart so the fluid can drain. Plus my ankle hurts like hell, even with the pain meds (I might be developing a tolerance too, plus I haven't had a dump for days).

That was the longest trip of my life, at least, next to the 3-day one on a bus a few years back when all the flights were cancelled and overbooked. But I spent hours in pain, and now all I want to do is lie next to my fiancé in a completely chaste manner, because I'm in too much pain for anything else.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

It didn't take long for me to get my web site back up, after it was down for nearly a week. A good thing it took so little time, because 15 minutes in my desk chair and my ankle hurt to the point that tears came down my eyes. I had to lie back down and Keith massaged my swollen ankle. Thank the gods for him.

While I was publishing the new pages of my web site, though, I also made an appointment with my local doctor. I've never seen this doctor before (my old one retired or moved or something) and Tuesday was the nearest date for which I could get an appointment.

Second Week Report

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Today, in addition to being my 66th birthday, is my 3rd week anniversary of breaking my leg in Key West. I still can't walk or do much, due to pain as much as anything else. I can walk in the boot but it's so awkward that I find I do better without the boot and with crutches. Since my bedroom is on the second floor, I obviously try to keep trips between floors to a minimum. Keith brought me breakfast in bed, bless his heart. Later, we had a small birthday party to which Mike and Charles, Ron and Steven, and Michael managed to come. I couldn't get up but everyone seemed to understand.

Wednesday, April 11, 2017

So I had to get a new doctor because my old one at the VA is no longer there and anyway now that I'm on Medicare I'd rather have a non-VA doctor. So Humana, my plan, gave me the name of a doctor I could go to. The doctor, as it turns out, is no longer working there. The place is called Men's Vitality Center and apparently specializes in erectile dysfunction. (I suppose that makes sense since I am unable to walk erect.) AND I only got to see the PA. But that's okay. She renewed my pain and anxiety meds, and gave me referrals to an orthopedist and to physical therapy.

Third Week Report

Saturday, April 15, 2017

This is the third week anniversary of my leg's breaking. Still hurting. I haven't been able to walk Ella since I got back, of course; and she doesn't understand. Keith has been so good to take up the slack. He's also done some housework, enough to keep me from slashing my wrists. He's also had to do all the cooking, which I love on occasion but in general I'd rather cook. I went with Keith to pick some stuff up from the grocery store. They had a motorized cart so that was nice, but the walk on crutches from the parking lot took forever.

I am still waiting to hear from the orthopedist for whom I got a referral. And the physical therapy people called, but for just one evaluation appointment, next Wednesday.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

I had my first physical therapy session today. I chose the same therapy place that Michael has been going to since his car accident in December. Since I had to drive him there, I got to know the people and so asked for them when I got the referral.

Today's session was mostly measuring to find out exactly HOW disabled my ankle is. My left foot is very stiff, and it isn't all due to the broken bone. The swelling as well as weeks of inactivity have combined to make it almost immovable. But I will do the exercises the therapist gave me at home until the next session, which won't be until after they send the results of my evaluation to Humana and get permission to treat me further.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Keith's dad isn't doing well, and we needed to make a trip to Shiprock to see him while he's still around. Although I usually enjoy these trips, I am not looking forward to the 6-hour drive (longer, when Keith's twin Chris comes along, as he has today, because Chris takes time to shop at every stop) because of my leg. I got Chris to ride in front so I could stretch out in back, although stretch out isn't the right term because we are also bringing our camping gear. So I might have to trade back.

Fourth Week Report

Saturday, April 22, 2017

This is the end of the fourth week since I broke my leg. I didn't expect to be all healed yet but I must admit I kind of thought I would be at least 66% better by now, since my goal is to be healed by the sixth week.

Yesterday's drive to Shiprock left me cramped but not in much discomfort. Keith set up the tent by himself (for the first time, though he's taken it down a few times by himself). After he had the mattress inflated and the bed made, I apologized to Keith's family for not being able to stay up and chat more with them, and then went in to lie down until dinner.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Well, all of Keith's family were so kind to me during the visit, not insisting I come inside the house from the tent, but checking on me every now and then to make sure I was okay. The drive back was tiring as before and I am expecting to have to lie down for all of tomorrow and probably the next day as well. This is a short entry because I'm exhausted.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

I tried to walk Ella this morning. It's just to the end of the condo driveway. I leashed her up so that she couldn't pull me over. Put on the boot. I made it almost halfway to the grass before I had to stop and catch my breath from the stinging in my ankle. We did make it to the grass, but I won't be trying that again for a week anyway.

This was the first day I even felt up to it since the return from Shiprock. I've obviously got a ways to go yet before I can claim complete recovery.

Fifth Week Report

Saturday, April 29, 2017

This, the 5th weekiversary of my breaking my leg in 2 places, was the first in which I was able to cook dinner. My improvement, literally over the past two days, has been phenomenal. I no longer need opioid pain pills (good 'cause I used 'em all anyway), just using ibuprofen. I've been able to stop taking the anti-anxiety pills, as well. At this rate I have fingers crossed I may be able to start walking around the neighborhood within the next week. Or, at least, the house.

I still haven't heard from the orthopedist, but Humana approved my physical therapy so that should start up soon. I'm hoping it will help, that it isn't too late to do any good. I'm afraid that will be the case if and when the orthopedist ever calls me.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

I had to make another appointment with the doc to order more meds. That seems wasteful to me, since I saw them just a week ago. But anyway, I got the PA (I STILL have never met the actual doctor) and got a prescription for an anti-inflammatory that I hope might lessen the swelling a little.

The swelling is always there, but it ranges from a little when I get up in the morning to "cankles" in the evening. I've been trying to work on things like my website or photos or tagging music files, but I'm having trouble focusing on anything for more than a few minutes. She doesn't have any medicine for that, though.

Keith then drove me to the physical therapy place, where I had my first "real" therapy session. Left limping and hurting.

Sixth Week Report

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Sigh. Well, this is the day I hoped I would be all better from my broken leg, and today I actually feel worse than I have in a week or two. Yesterday I felt great, was able to walk Ella without a problem. But when I got back home, the swelling came up again. I hope I didn't overdo it; walking Ella really shouldn't be that big a deal. It's like 80 steps to the road and back.

I'm trying not to be too disappointed. I'm still doing pretty well, considering, I think. And I still have several physical therapy sessions ahead of me.

Seventh Week Report

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Today marks 7 weeks since I fractured the 2 major bones in my leg. I can walk normally for short distances before the muscles seize up. No cast, boot or crutches. I can do light housework (mixed blessing) and drive. I can walk Ella. I am thankful I was inspired to hike in the years before this, so that my bones would be dense enough to survive the fall with only 2 fractures, and to heal those fractures quickly.

I still have to take Ibuprofen most days, but not all.

I have found that when I go to physical therapy, the next day I can walk almost easily; but the day after, I am practically crippled and must spend the day in bed.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

I had another appointment with the PA (I still have never even seen the actual doctor) to go over the results of my MRI from last week. According to the PA, "there's no sign of a break". That's her, reading from the lab report. When I protested that I, myself, have SEEN the X-rays showing breaks, she assured me that what the report meant was that the breaks have healed and my bones are now whole.

But that means that my continuing discomfort must be from the swelling and stiffness. The PA also pointed out that the nerves around the break likely were damaged, and it will still take more time for them to recover. (They used to say nerve cells can't regrow, but I guess that's no longer considered true.)

Eighth Week Report

Saturday, May 20, 2017

I no longer need Ibuprofen most days, although once in awhile I do. I find I am fighting depression, spending a lot of time wondering about my own mortality. 66 isn't that old but when you can't move around like normal it feels like it is. A couple of days ago I decided to go by myself to Fry's for some groceries, while Keith slept in. Driving is no problem (though it would be if I lived in Britain, where my bad leg would be working the accelerator), but when I got to the store and limped into it, I found all the motorized carts were taken. I knew I just couldn't walk any farther, so I turned around, got back in my car and went back home. And did take Ibuprofen, plus anti-anxiety.

Ninth Week Report

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Wow, I can't believe I am still writing these. I really thought I'd be completely back to normal by now. I guess I'm doing pretty well, really, but I did NOT think I'd still have so much trouble walking. I remember the days when I took step after step without ever thinking how much, on that damned 1-to-20 scale, each step hurts. Because it's never Zero.

Regardless, I am on an errand of mercy today. My daughter's husband's sister's son died unexpectedly, and she (the sister, Dawn) has to fly to New Jersey to be with her family. But she's a mess and no one thinks she should travel alone (especially since she's in recovery). I'm the only person available to help, so, ankle or no ankle I have been elected Dawn's traveling companion.

Wow, so I had to walk through the airport because Dawn has plantar fasciitis and is in worse shape than I am. I had mixed feelings because I need the exercise; no one ever got better by sitting on their butts. On the other hand, by the time I got aboard the plane I was gasping and sweating with pain. Fortunately I'll have a few hours to recover before I have to walk again.

Landed, and found the rental car wouldn't work out. Had to take an Uber to Toms River. At least I didn't have to walk, 'cause I'm as bad now as I was three weeks ago.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Today Donald (Dawn's brother-in-law) drove me to Newark Airport for my return to Arizona. Since I was traveling alone, I was able to get a wheelchair attendant to take me. And Jenny was able to get me a first class seat, so that helped.

Finally back in Phoenix, wheelchairs all the way until Keith picked me up. I'm still limping but at least I'm not in pain when I don't try to walk.

Tenth Week Report

Saturday, June 3, 2017

It's been 10 weeks since I broke two bones in my left leg. That's 4 weeks more than I thought this healing business would take. I had another experience leaving a store (Costco) without buying anything because all the motorized carts were already in use. I can make it into the Circle K and back, but our local Costco is larger than some European countries and I knew I'd never be able to manage it.

Eleventh Week Report

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Some days I feel almost better; others, it feels like I've gone two steps backwards. I can make it up the stairs without a problem, but going downstairs is painful more often than not. I can walk short distances but still can't go shopping unless they have a cart. I mean, MAYBE I could but I don't dare risk becoming immobilized in the middle of a modern grocery or discount store.

Monday, June 12, 2017

This morning when I awoke my ankle felt fine. I mean, it didn't hurt at all. I was able to go down the stairs like I used to! This is pretty exciting but of course it might just be a "good day".

Later: I have walked Ella twice. The second time, my ankle started to feel tired but didn't really hurt like it has.

I still haven't managed to "walk around the neighborhood" as I'd hoped months ago. But I feel, maybe for the first time, that I might actually recover from this.

Twelfth Week Report

Saturday, June 17, 2017

It's been twice as long as I'd hoped to heal, and I'm not yet 100%.

I can walk normally most of the time. But I get tired quickly and then can't walk at all for awhile. The ankle swelling is continuing; Keith massages it every night and puts Arnica gel on it, which helps a lot.

The annoying thing is, when I walk, even when it's not actually hurting, my ankle still feels "funny" with every step. Like, I can't just walk; every step still reminds me I am recovering from a double-break.

I've also managed to put on weight, because I was (before the break) hiking 3 or 4 miles every day or so and of course, now I am not. Even if I could, it's now too hot to hike. So I won't be able to do that, assuming my ankle continues to heal, until fall when Phoenix temperatures drop.

27th Week Report

Saturday, September 30, 2017

It's been awhile since I posted any updates, so here's where I am now.

I can walk. I can hike. My ankle still feels "funny" when I walk but I'm getting used to what I supposed is my "new normal". The temperatures are lower so I've been able to return to hiking. Nothing too strenuous but I did manage 5 miles a few days ago.

I had a bout of depression and morbid thoughts that lasted several months, but that stopped when I quit taking the Gabapentin that was prescribed to help my nerves heal.

I still have trouble concentrating, which I am told is a symptom of the PTSD that was re-triggered by my being put into the cast in Key West all those months ago. But I think, most days, that I will recover from that, too.

My ankle still swells in the evening, but that, too, seems to be improving.

36st Week Report

Thursday, November 30, 2017

The physical pain of my ankle/leg is mostly over. It still swells, but Turmeric capsules seem to keep that at a minimum. It can still be pretty painful when it happens.

Scarier is the fact that I had another bout of my PTSD. Keith's (my husband's) father died and four of us had to drive to the funeral in Shiprock, New Mexico, about 6 hours away. We drove in Keith's brother-in-law's car, a little compact which left us nearly no space to sit and none to move. When I got in, I started having a claustrophobic panic attack. We had to stop, I had to get out to recover, and I found I could tolerate it if I did not wear shoes or socks. So, the PTSD trigger seems pretty firmly focused on the March accident.