There are some things we take for granted.
The ability to walk without pain, for example.
I've always been a walker. Miles and miles have been put on these feet of mine. But back at the beginning of the year, I began having issues with my ankle. It began with a torn ligament, and though it got a little bit better through physical therapy, and I pushed through the pain during my time in Europe, it finally reached the point that I could no longer put off medical care.
I visited a foot-and-ankle specialist this past week (he was awesome!) and was diagnosed with Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. To make a long story short, the tendon that goes from behind my shinbone and wraps around my ankle lifting up my arch, is ruptured.
The good news: It's a partial rupture and can be repaired
without surgery.
The bad news: I have to stay off my feet entirely for two weeks.
I was injected with cortisone (ouch!!!!), fitted with a bulky brace to immobilize the joint, and sent home to sit around with my foot up for two weeks of bed rest. The challenge is that the immobilization and injection make my ankle feel better than it has in a year. I'm dying to be up walking as the weather has begun to cool off.
But I'm going to behave because, more than that, I really want this to heal completely. I refuse to stubbornly damage it and not listen to a doctor that I'm paying a fortune to see, one who specializes in issues like this.
So, I grabbed some historical fiction, outlined a few projects, picked up some embroidery supplies and adult
coloring books, and parked myself on the chaise of my sectional sofa. I'm still planning to attend Prepper Camp (as per the doctor, it should be possible) at the end of the month, and to do that, I have to comply with the instructions.
You don't really think about walking until you aren't supposed to do it or until it really hurts to do it. I will never again take for granted my ability to enjoy walking for miles. Sometimes, we need a reminder of how wonderful our bodies are, and this is mine. I'm lucky - my wake-up call is temporary and will completely heal. And I am determined to make the most of this time with learning, being creative, and healing.
Life has cycles, and this one is my time to rest, retreat, and come back stronger than ever.
I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
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