Sunday, October 26th, I fell down two (yes, 2) stairs at church. I ended up with my left ankle severely sprained and my right ankle broken in three places. A plate and 10 screws were placed during surgery the following day.
The bones in my ankles are now healing well. The plate and screws are in place and "look good" (though I think it doesn't look so hot!). The Steri-Strips are still on the right side of the right ankle and stitches on the left side of that ankle have been removed. I am now able to be in a wheelchair. I can sit for an hour at a time before my feet and toes swell and turn colors. I started therapy on Tuesday. The biggest focus is on moving the ankles up and down and wiggling toes. In therapy today, they had my try walking 10 feet with bar support and the same distance with a walker. It was very painful. I see the doctor on Tuesday to see how well my ankles held up to that. Going on 12 hours later, they are bruised again and swollen. I will be honest and say I seriously thought walking with the bars would be a piece of cake. Right up until I took the first step. It's harder than almost anything I have ever done. I basically have to learn to walk all over again. The muscles are very stiff. I would appreciate prayers as I go through therapy and for the bones in both feet to stay where they should. The doctor has not ruled out my left ankle needing surgery yet. The more I walk on it, the more likely it will be for the bones to shift. It will take 3-4 months before I can walk unassisted.
I'd like to tell you all something. Even though this has been incredibly painful, I really believe the fall is something I needed. For years, Darrell has been telling me I need to slow down, I am involved in too much and try to do too much, we need to stay home more and we'd like to spend more time with some extended family. He had been praying about that. I was at the church getting sheet music for yet another thing to be involved in when I fell. Now, I am at home all the time. Since the fall, I have gone to the doctor and therapy twice. I pretty much can't do anything. The family we wanted to spend time with is happening. My father-in-law comes over every day to check on me. My mother-in-law and her sister take turns spending the day with me. The kids are home enjoying all the toys they have. We read a lot together, play with Play-Doh, and have movie time. The relationship between Darrell and I is much stronger. He is at a point where he does things like washing my hair, cleaning me in places I can't reach, taking care of my bedpan (how fun!), stretching my muscles, and making sure my needs are met. He helps me get into my wheelchair, pushes me up and down a very steep ramp, helps me in and out of the car, and helps lift me at therapy. I have never been on the receiving end of service like this before. I feel loved, cherished, and appreciate him so much more. My hubby is to be the head of our home, yet, looking back, I was trying to be. I think God was showing me that by my fall. I have learned a lot these past few weeks and am incredibly grateful for that chance. I should have taken my own advice. As I say to my kids "slow down before you fall down!".
By the way, since the day I fell, Darrell has not had ANY back pain at all. None. That's something I've been praying for.
I'd like to tell you all something. Even though this has been incredibly painful, I really believe the fall is something I needed. For years, Darrell has been telling me I need to slow down, I am involved in too much and try to do too much, we need to stay home more and we'd like to spend more time with some extended family. He had been praying about that. I was at the church getting sheet music for yet another thing to be involved in when I fell. Now, I am at home all the time. Since the fall, I have gone to the doctor and therapy twice. I pretty much can't do anything. The family we wanted to spend time with is happening. My father-in-law comes over every day to check on me. My mother-in-law and her sister take turns spending the day with me. The kids are home enjoying all the toys they have. We read a lot together, play with Play-Doh, and have movie time. The relationship between Darrell and I is much stronger. He is at a point where he does things like washing my hair, cleaning me in places I can't reach, taking care of my bedpan (how fun!), stretching my muscles, and making sure my needs are met. He helps me get into my wheelchair, pushes me up and down a very steep ramp, helps me in and out of the car, and helps lift me at therapy. I have never been on the receiving end of service like this before. I feel loved, cherished, and appreciate him so much more. My hubby is to be the head of our home, yet, looking back, I was trying to be. I think God was showing me that by my fall. I have learned a lot these past few weeks and am incredibly grateful for that chance. I should have taken my own advice. As I say to my kids "slow down before you fall down!".
By the way, since the day I fell, Darrell has not had ANY back pain at all. None. That's something I've been praying for.
