All American Surgery Update - Five Months

I will be honest with you, friends and random internet strangers. The last few weeks have been some of the most difficult I can remember. I am so frustrated to be nearly half a year out from the surgery and to be struggling this much, and it is 100% because of the screws in my ankle and heel. Anytime I do much beyond barely walking all day, there is swelling and a lot of discomfort.

That wouldn't be so bad if this wasn't the busiest time of year for me at work combined with what is about to be a very busy time in my personal life. At work it is my favorite season. We have 3-5 school programs each week, with as many as 110 fourth grade students learning and exploring my museum. It is the reason I am in this profession, and there is nothing that makes me happier. Added to that, in June we have 2 major events, plus I'm planning an exhibit, plus a number of smaller events. so there is a lot happening!


On a personal note, if all goes as planned on June 11 we will have a house of our very own. I am very excited to have a place to call home. We've been living in an apartment for the last couple of years, so it will be a big transition.

Unfortunately, all of this means that there pretty much could not be a worse time for it to be really painful to, you know, walk.

What I Would Have Done Differently - Called the Surgeon ASAP
Right now, I am playing the waiting game. I have an appointment on May 27th to go back in to see the surgeon to schedule getting the screws removed. I am on a wait list to get in any sooner, but at this point I am not holding my breath.

What is Frustrating - I WANT TO RUN
Seriously, that's how you know things are bad. Things have cooled down a bit (as opposed to mid 80's and humid), the river looks gorgeous, I just want to go outside and run. Add to that the fact that we have a wedding to go to at the end of the month and my usual solution to feeling crappy includes copious bags of goldfish crackers and I am really missing physical fitness.

What I'm Looking Forward To - Pain Relief
Honestly at this point, the swelling and irritation in my ankle is keeping me up at night. My whole being seems to be centered on May 27th, and I know that will shift to whatever date we can finally schedule this surgery. It really can't come soon enough.

What is Working - Support Network
I'm grumpy enough right now that part of me wants to say nothing is, that everything is frustrating, but I know that isn't true. I have a wonderful group of people, at work, at home, and even at my PT office, who really are doing everything in their power to help me. I am so appreciative of what they're doing, I wouldn't be nearly this held together without them.

What I've Accomplished - Field Trips
It isn't easy, and I'm going to sleep at about 9:00pm every night, but so far I have managed to successfully navigate two weeks worth of the field trips to my museum. It is my favorite time of year, but also one of the toughest physically. But, so far, so good!

This Week's Goal - Be Kind
Because I have field trips every single day at work, all I can really do right now is be as gentle to myself the rest of the day and try to keep my emotional health in an alright place. Now that I say that, I'm going to call and have a massage scheduled, maybe get my nails done before we head out to the wedding. It is going to be a fun trip, and I want to be as relaxed as possible!