Wow - That Was A Very Hard Month ... And More To Come!!

[debris4spike]

Last time I posted I was getting back into regular posts here again after work had taken over.  Now, it's about a month on, and I am getting my first chance to return her.  I know there are some unanswered comments, but I would feel a fool replying to "history" ... however if you did give me a vital question, please re-send it.

Anyway ....

Over 3 weeks ago, now, I went to the dentist and as I was walking back to the bus-stop ready to head home and get on with the day, my right calf felf quite achy.  No worries ... by the time I was on the bus, the calf was throbbing, and I ended up hobbling back home.  As I was home I realised the leg was super sore, so decided I would get it checked out at the emergency department on my way to work.  So I messaged my colleague to say I should be there OK, but if not, I was on my way.  Because of time, I decided to get a taxi to ED, and hobbled in.

Yes, I was seen on time, examined, and a few basic tests done, all the time my legs were resting on the gurney ... and, yes, they said I had pulled muscles, and needed physio and got me a referral, and discharged me.  And all with enough time to get to work.

Then, as I went to move the right leg ....

PAIN  PAIN  PAIN  PAIN

I screamed so loudly I must have deafened half the hospital!  And the leg started to swell.  It actually was about twice it's size within about 5 mins.  All of a sudden my treatment was escalated, and I was put on a drip in case I needed a surgery.

On that day 1, I was on full paracetamol & ibroprofen & morphine and gas & air ... and it still hurt!

Eventually I could move my toes slightly and there was a pulse in my foot again, so I was admitted as there was still a high probability of surgery.

I spent 5 days in the main hospital and then was referred to another hospital for rehab.  For about a week of that time I was totally off weight bearing despite the heavy splinting on the leg.

I came home 2 days ago ... and now am "only" on paracetamol/ibroprofen 3 times a day and morphine once during the night.  It's a battle to walk without crutches, and still can't put my foot to the ground without the splint.

While in the main hospital I had a scan, and it turned out I had torn my main calf muscle, and the internal fibres ... and was left with an haematoma that was 15.5 X 5.8 X 2.2 cm in size (and that was 2 days on after the injury, so the swelling was slightly reduced by then)

So, yes, I am now off work while I try to get my life back to some sort of living.

I have found it so hard to accept, as I literally was doing nothing ... now, I have to rest with the leg up as much as I can, and wear the splint if I need to take a step.  Earlier today I walked about 100 yards ... so, yay, a win!!!!!

Right, that's me.

~~

I am not going to attempt to ctach up with you all at present, as I need to get the splint off and the leg resting easier.

I will catch up with you all soon, I promise.  However if I missed some vital news this last month, please let me know

~

Comments

[spikereader.livejournal.com]

Goodness Deborah, that all sounds horrible. I'm glad you got yourself to A&E in the first instance, and that you hadn't left the hospital when the real pain hit. I'm glad you're home now,and that you can get around a little bit, take care and take it slow. xx

[debris4spike]

I felt such a fool when I went into A&E, with no specific injury ... but, as you say, I am so thankful I was there when the leg "exploded"

Thank you x

[beloved4always.livejournal.com]

oh dear girl, what an experience! I'm so sorry that you're going through this. Our body has ways of adding 'excitement of the not-so-pleasant kind' to our lives, for sure. Don't need to tell you to rest (HA!, what choice do you have?) but, perhaps, this is a great time to re-read all your old favorite fics out there. Get some enjoyment at least. Hope you continue to improve faster rather than slower <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[debris4spike]

I am actually planning a weekend of readin. I have loads of books I want to read, but will probably end up reading some fan-fic to totally unwind!!!

Thanks very much

[shirebound]

I had torn my main calf muscle, and the internal fibres

Oh my goodness!! :o

Wow, let's get October behind us. I know recovery is tedious, but may it go smoothly.

[debris4spike]

Thanks very much ... it's amazing how much damage was involved!

Still, as you say, October has gone now!!

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

OMG - how scary! So glad you got quick medical attention, but how awful that it doesn't seem to be fixable (except, I presume, with time?) I hope you're pain free as quickly as possible, and with no long-term repercussions.

[debris4spike]

Thanks

I am so glad I had made my way to ED, despite not having a specific injury. Yes, surgery is not needed, so it's just a case of time. However, I suppose if I had neened the op, then I would have been left with deap scar tissue, which might also cause major long-term problems.

[blue-by-you.livejournal.com]

It's crazy how we can injure our limbs without even knowing that we've done it! I recently tore the meniscus in my right knee, and I feel you. The hobbling and wobbling around while trying to reduce the pain is a game I don't enjoy playing. I hope you heal well and quickly!

[debris4spike]

Ouch - I tore a maniscus fencing (I was determined to wib the final point!!). But, as you say, it just takes over your life, doesn't it!

Thanks very much

[trepkos.livejournal.com]

How awful. I hope you feel much better soon.

[debris4spike]

Thank you - the whole process has been a total shock, on top of everything else.

[trepkos.livejournal.com]

Do you know what caused it?

[debris4spike]

No - and I think that's super scary!

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

My goodness! Glad you were in the right spot when it got really bad and are now on the mend.

[debris4spike]

Thanks

Yes, I am glad that I had made my way to ED, so I was actually in hospital when it all "exploded"!!

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

Ack — as you were describing the symptoms, I was thinking blood clot — I'm so glad it wasn't that, but haematoma and torn muscle fibres must have been excruciating!! I'm glad you are resting. I hope it continues to heal.

[debris4spike]

I suppose because I had pulled a muscle in the opposite calf I had somehow presumed that is what I had done. So my brain didn't panic ... until they couldn't get the pain under control, and then removing water in case of surgery.

It's going to be a long road, and insome ways I am still coming to terms with that

And, thank you

[jerusha]

Oh, ouch! That sounds horrendous.

[debris4spike]

I can't believe how much damage occured ... super scary

[cordykitten]

Wow that was luck in bad luck that you were in the hospital when the other leg got worse.
Sending get well wishes!

[debris4spike]

Thanks very much - it was a very scary time ... and I am still coming to terms with everything

[missus-grace.livejournal.com]

I’m sorry this happened to you, but glad you were in the right place at the right time! Sending wishes for quick healing!

[debris4spike]

I was so thankful that I got treatment, and pain killers, rapidly.

Thank you

[deborahw37.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness! Just catching up, you poor love !

[debris4spike]

Yes - it was a real shock ... and something that I am still coming to terms with (as I said to you)

Thanks

[deepseasiren.livejournal.com]

I am glad you are better. I don't envy you in the least!

[debris4spike]

It's a slow prognosis ... and scary that there was so much damage for no reason at all.

But, at least I can see progress

[deepseasiren.livejournal.com]

I thank God to be able to live without injury of any kind for years.