Sunday, February 12, 2012

Where I Stand Sunday

(left leg elevated on pillows)
Welcome to my view of the last four days.  On Wed., it was cold and icy outdoors.  I had been on the backporch in my slippers watching the dogs do their morning thing.  G had gone to feed the chickens later, reminding me that it was icy right out the backdoor, on my way to work...knowing this, I so carefully and gingerly stepped on the mat at the door, which as near as I can figure, broke loose from the ice, sent me flying.  I felt my ankle twist - seeing (in my mind what I was feeling) it twist similarly to those NFL replays of football ankles twisting to the side the wrong way. Once I landed, I KNEW without looking and was afraid to look thinking I would pass out...laid there for a second...as my future several months flashed before my eyes.  Started screaming in pain...took a look, to see my left ankle dangling from my leg bone. 
Now we live in the country..and at best, you are on your own if you want things done quickly...so the 'crew' at the elevator were summoned and between three guys I was quickly placed in the back of the Jeep.  I called 911 from my cell to tell them I would be arriving at the ER in a short 8 miles.  From there it's kind of a blur. 
Broke two of the three bones you can break in an ankle break.  They had to put me out to 'reduce' the bones back into their socket...no 'bullet biting' for me.  Was sent on to a specialist in Kearney, Ne. and hour and a half away.  They said they wanted the swelling to go down before they 'plate and pin' it ~ surgery tomorrow...in Kearney, with what is deemed one of the best sports med/orthopaedic doctors going in the area. I tried to upload the X-rays, but couldn't find where I could copy or save them on the disks we were given.  The doctor drew a picture, maybe I can scan it later so you can see. 
Pain?  Yes, unbelievable!  I can see a long recovery here.  I am determined to do everything I need to to get back to having a normal gait after it is healed. They say that is the only way you will get it going unless you want to walk with a limp or cane.  Not me! 
I think my busy life has been put on hold for right now. Only one focus - to get this taken care of.  I hope to get back to painting or some type of art, as soon as I can sit up without the swelling going on. 
That will be awhile, but please check back.  I have my iPad in the bed with me.  I would love to hear from you.  I need some cheering....
Thanks to Kelli, Don and David for helping take care of me while G and I struggled with this unexpected emergency - there are such good people in the world!!

10 comments:

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

My goodness, Pattie...I have to tell you that it made me sad to see your traditional photo with only one foot...and that one not 'standing'.
This is dreadful news, but you seem to be taking it all in stride. Hope that the surgery to 'plate and pin' goes well, and that from there you start a speedy recovery.
Hopefully you can set up a mini art station around your chair so that you can keep doing art work once you are able. That will take your mind off the pain(hopefully) and get your mind focused on happier things.
Take care - I will be checking in to see how you are doing. {{{Hugs}}}

Pattie Wall said...

Thank you so much Claire. I so wish this wouldn't have happened and believe me it has taken until today to get my mindset changed from the doom it seemed to present to taking it more lightly. My husband is so taking care of things. He is a real saint and my strength. I can't imagine what I would do without him. I like your idea of a min- art station...he also says he will wheel me out to the studio..so I can play there as long as I can during the days ahead after surgery. This really stinks...

Kim Rempel said...

Oh Pattie...how miserable : ( Thank goodness there were people there to come to your aid! The mini art station is a good idea and what I was thinking of too - sounds like your husband's got it covered : ) Good luck with surgery and of course, recovery. Thinking of you.

Dana Cooper said...

Oh Pattie, I'm so sorry to read about your accident!!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of art time in the meantime. Sending hugs...Dana

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Dana - spending time reading about the recovery reality of this type of injury...isn't the most promise for future plans for some time. I will do the best I can.

Leann said...

It is amazing how all your plans and ideas change in the blink of an eye. I'm hoping one result will be (once things improve a little) lots of time for painting and creating. It is the thing that will keep you sane!

Barbara Pask said...

Hi there Pattie, I am so sorry this happened to you, not fair! You do sound like you have a good attitude but I'm sure it will be an up and down ordeal. Please let us know how things go tomorrow, I'll have you in my prayers and continue to check back. Hugs. Barb

AnfinsenArts Alive said...

Boo hoo! I'm so glad I found your blog, but sorry to hear you had a spill.

I lived almost 18 years in Kansas City. I've camped and hiked in Colorado, too. Your work reflects this beauty!

Pattie Wall said...

thanks leann and barb...being a "shut in" when the weather is nicer now, stinks...i will come out ofnthis on the other side, no worse for the wear i hope

Pattie Wall said...

thanks also Kim and Carol...i have my email tweaked down pretty tight due to some recent hacking...i wonder when you know you have enuff protection these days...anyway, thanks for your comments they are certainly appreciated!!

More NEW art pieces

  Lukki - watercolor 9" x 12" acrylic done from Unsplash ph ref, thanks C Deluvio!