forced to be daring

Great post from Workisnotajob about never giving up.
Well, I suppose I inadvertently found my way to be daring this month. It's not my ideal way of pushing myself to greater limits, but I suppose The Universe had to find a way to smack me in the face and say "slow down." And this time I have no choice but to listen...walking with crutches is very solid reason to slow waaaaayyyyy down.

Last Wednesday I fell. Walking through a hallway, headed up a couple of stairs, I slipped on the first step up and fell. Mortified by the moment I sat up and turned to the person walking next to me to admit I was hurt. I wasn't getting up to shake this one off. Shortly after, a trip to the ER, a visit with the orthopedic surgeon confirmed...I am broken.  I have been diagnosed with a 2nd metatarsal fracture in my left foot

Now, for various reasons I won't talk about the details of the injury or the incident, but I will say that I am dreading the inevitable next step of surgery. While the procedure will depend on the outcome of CT scans and my own gut instinct reaction, I am bracing myself for what will likely happen. (Tonight I can thank Google for a few freak outs, but mostly some reassuring words from medical studies and many bloggers out there who have tracked their own experience with this rare, but challenging injury.)

At this moment I have to be daring. I have to get out of bed each day (knowing that there may be 180 more just like it in my future) balance on my crutches and carry on.

While daring is normally reserved for those who choose to go one step further than bravery...those who seek out risks and adventure...I am choosing to apply it to my situation. I need to harness this situation in someway. I need to take back control of what is happening and be bold. I need to stand on my own two (metaphorical) feet in order to face the next challenge before me and simply carry on. It would be way to easy to just lay down and quit (and I'll admit...have another crutch-throwing fit), but I don't want to go out like that. So it has been decided...I will be daring.

I WILL be daring.

I will figure it all out as I go and be daring. I'm even rocking a teal knee scooter with a basket on the front and a cup holder at work so I can still do my job with freedom and not literally be attached to my desk. (Big step today as I travelled to the ladies room alone - through 6 doors - and grabbed a soda on my way back without assistance or the use of a backpack!) At the least it has been entertaining for my coworkers to see me rallying around today - the first day on my scooter - slinging paperwork from my basket and bumping into office furniture left and right. Soon my wheels will be tricked out with handlebar streamers, a bell, and some cushion covers. (Yes, I'm serious.) So, look out world! I've got my sassy scooter ready and I'm on a roll!

So without deliberation and planning I will be daring this Daring September. I will set aside reservation and fear and keep moving. Of course, here in this little space of mine, I'm sure you will learn more about the challenges I face during the healing process, and I sincerely hope those words are inspiring to anyone else facing injury, illness, or challenges in their life.

Until next time, plant your feet firmly, slow down, and take care of your lovely self.


6 comments

  1. So sorry to hear about your accident! Don't freak yourself out too much with WebMD and Google and such things. I myself recently had a minor medical malady and started to work myself up, no thanks to Google.

    In any case, please get well soon and know that my positive thoughts are with you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

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    1. Thanks SR! I appreciate the well wishes and positive thinking!

      I agree about WebMD and Google, but for once the information I found online provided comfort rather than chaos. I am thankful for other bloggers out there in the world who were daring enough to share their stories.

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  2. Update: I spoke with the doctor today and would like to clarify that they have not yet confirmed that it is a lisfranc injury. It presents with similarities, but a scan and further investigation is needed to determine for sure.

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  3. I thought I would check back to see if you had an update and I am glad to see that there is and that it's not bad! I had never heard of lisfranc injuries before so of course I looked it up and it certainly doesn't look like fun but at least they won't have to amputate your foot.

    I'll still be hoping it's less serious than a lisfranc injury, though, for you. Keep me updated! :o)

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    1. Hi SR - Just heard from the doctor today. The CT doesn't show any signs of lisfranc (very good news), but there is not 100% certainty unless they can test for it during surgery. I have the option to either not have the surgery and heal as is, or have the surgery and decrease my odds of post traumatic arthritis down the road. I am pretty sure I will have the surgery. The bigger picture? It will really only add 2 weeks to my healing time and I will have more peace of mind knowing that I took every step possible to repair my body. I look forward to sending several more positive updates!

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    2. So good to hear! Much appreciated on the update. I know I'm just some guy on the internet but I randomly found your blog months ago and quite enjoy following it. :o)

      I have to congratulate you on going through with the surgery, I think that if it were me I wouldn't want to do it and just hope for the best but I think the way you are doing it sounds like the more responsible choice.

      In any case, keep healing up and I'll look forward to even more positive updates, and perhaps some music recommendations when you get up to it. :o)

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