Having received a brief litany of my current state of fibromyalgia (frustratingly reluctant to improve), my husband grew quiet and then began, “It’s so weird. It seemed like when you had a broken leg…” his voice fading. “What? When I had a broken leg, what?” “I don’t know how to describe it. When it wasContinue reading “Color Me Pleasant”
Tag Archives: coping
Overdone
Do you overdo it sometimes? What do you overdo? Drinking alcohol, weed, or food? Time in your own imagined life, away from the daily grind? Running, biking, or tennis? Makeup, shopping, or handbags with their own bags? Writing? Gaming? My physical therapist fears I’ll overdo activities on my newly surgically-repaired ankle. It’s healed but IContinue reading “Overdone”
Deep in the Lilacs
My hometown is known as the Lilac City. The pretty bushes can be spotted all around the area in purples, pinks, and white. Each year in May, the main event of the Lilac Festival is the nighttime Armed Forces Torchlight parade. It really is beautiful with floats and bands lit up in creative ways. AnotherContinue reading “Deep in the Lilacs”
With Everything, Turn, Turn, Turn
I sense change coming. From this side of nearly six decades, a most profound lesson I’ve internalized is that we will always face new challenges. Sometimes the current season feels like trouble that’s here to stay. When you have a two or three-year-old throwing a fit as they work out exactly what they can controlContinue reading “With Everything, Turn, Turn, Turn”
Here, Birdie Birdie
A new hobby is bringing me joy! Earlier this spring, I ordered a small birdbath and a birdfeeder for my backyard. Birdsong seems louder and brighter this year, which says more about me than the population of birds in this area. I’ve long enjoyed watching all manner of hawks circling above my neighborhood, riding thermalsContinue reading “Here, Birdie Birdie”
Rambling Rows
Yes, I know they’re tulips. Following are some more of the stand alone thoughts that are in my head, not one worthy of a full post on its own. Good news! I am walking. It’s going pretty well. Of course, I want it to happen quickly, but I can feel that I overdid things yesterday.Continue reading “Rambling Rows”
WALK
After nearly three months off my feet, actually one foot, the surgeon who inserted a rod and a bunch of staples into my left ankle gave me the go-ahead to begin bearing weight on that side! This is very exciting! I’ve banished the knee scooter and, in its place, now there are a cane, aContinue reading “WALK”
Stress Be Gone
Apparently, my new mantra, “no need for flight or fight,” is only as powerful as the time and energy I give it. As usual, when I get new information or choose a new strategy to improve my condition, I’m so excited and sure this will be the “thing” that makes a difference. The first dayContinue reading “Stress Be Gone”
Mini Medical School
On YouTube, I came across a nearly-two=hour video titled “Mini Medical School: Fibromyalgia.” I’ve seen previous fibromyalgia videos but haven’t watched much because, after all, I have fibro and have been to multiple doctors regarding diagnosis and treatment. Over and over, I’ve been told that there is nothing to be done besides taking prescription medicine,Continue reading “Mini Medical School”
Neurological Condition
Research at the tip of one’s fingers brings a new understanding of fibromyalgia. The interested members of the medical community know what it is, where its origin is in the depth of the brain, and how it attacks the body. I haven’t heard anything new since 2009. As odd as it sounds, I’m so excitedContinue reading “Neurological Condition”
Fu@%&ng Fibro
Plans for today, nearly two months after my bone-breaking fall and still not weightbearing since surgery just a month ago, included a shower and going outside. Early in this injury-surgery-recovery process, I truly could not differentiate between anything that might be related to my leg versus fibromyalgia. In the past, I’d wished fibro was visible,Continue reading “Fu@%&ng Fibro”
Not a Molehill
Eight days from injury to doctor Nine x-rays Two fractures, fibular & tibula, the former requiring surgical repair One boot Two crutches One knee scooter One wheelchair One surgery Ten screws One metal rod Seventeen staples Five weeks injury to completing surgical procedures Six more weeks with no weightbearing on healing leg Years ago, 18Continue reading “Not a Molehill”
On the Other Side
Very relieved to be put back together, as Dr. Barrow described the results of my surgery to my husband post-op. Two nerve blocks for my ankle and low leg have me free of pain for the first time since I fell three weeks ago. Going to enjoy every minute until the blocks wear off. AContinue reading “On the Other Side”
Going Under
A metal plate along with some screws and pins sounds more like a shopping list at the local hardware store than supplies for surgery, but that combo is what I’ve been told is necessary if I ever “want to have a functional ankle.” My fibula has a complete break which changes into a spiral fracture,Continue reading “Going Under”
A Bit of the Bubbly
My husband has long advocated for the use of a bubble suit, for my safety, me wearing a bubble suit. I’ve fallen down stairs, rolled an office chair over my own toes, and I can injure my back by sneezing. On a regular daily basis, my life comes with sound effects every time I bump,Continue reading “A Bit of the Bubbly”
Boot Scootin’ Boogie
After hobbling around for two weeks, I finally got a boot! I’ve been trying to get one since the x-rays showed a broken fibula four days ago. Orthopedics took new pictures today, which showed a spiral fracture of the fibula and a probable fracture of the tibia. The physician assistant who saw me today saidContinue reading “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
Broken
X-rays revealed I have a broken fibula on the left. They couldn’t squeeze me into the orthopedic practice today. I’ve been muddling along so far but I really thought, if a broken bone was identified, my doctor wouldn’t just send me home with no added support. Primary doctor says ortho doc will decide if IContinue reading “Broken”
No Words
When time came to confirm my counseling appointment, scheduled for yesterday, instead of choosing “confirm” or “cancel” I left a rambling message for my provider. One bit about having two sprained ankles, explaining I literally didn’t know what to do. You’re supposed to talk to your support when you’re down, yes? I waited a fewContinue reading “No Words”
Where It’s At
I got two sprained ankles and a microphone. Can’t get that Beck song out of my head. It pops up every time I think or talk about my situation. Relevant pictures will follow the text, but they’re pretty gross, so this is your warning. I have two sprained ankles and two injured knees. The painContinue reading “Where It’s At”
Free Fall
If it didn’t hurt so bad, one might find humor in the continued plight of this person. Me. Guess I could call this an update but that would be too onerous. Tuesday, still having terrible fatigue with headaches from COVID, I crossed the room to open the slider for our blue heeler, who ended upContinue reading “Free Fall”
SurvivingSara 