Tags
breakfast, copper river grill, crutches, Dark Chocolate Dreams, dessert, dinner, greek yogurt, Lara Bar, lunch, oatmeal, PB & Co., salmon, stress fracture, trader joe's, Vita top
*Sigh* Let me start this post off by saying that when your body tries to tell you something, listen! I have had this gut feeling, if you will, for weeks that something was not right with my body and my stress fracture. That these pains I have been feeling were not just the pains of healing. And I was right, unfortunately. The one time I don’t want to be right…
I’ll just come out and say it… I’m on crutches for 4 to 6 weeks. With orders to move only when necessary and rest (a.k.a. sit on my butt) as much as possible. And no work for me (for the most part).
Let me back track to this morning… the doctor’s office (my 2nd doctor) called me and told me that my request for an MRI had been denied and that my doctor wanted to just wait a few months and see if the pain went away. I tried to convince them that I was in PAIN, that this was not normal, but they would not listen. I then got off the phone and called my mom (while sobbing hysterically I might add) that I knew something was wrong and I HAD to do something about it. So she called my 1st doctor’s office and told them what was going on and she absolutely demanded that something be done and that this was an emergency. *thank you mom!* So they managed to squeeze me in and I saw my 1st doctor. And after talking with him, they did an x-ray and what do you know… I was darn right. The fracture was still there, I saw it with my own two eyes on the x-ray. And then the doctor proceeded to apologize and admit that it was entirely his fault, that if he had put me on crutches like he should’ve in January I would probably be healed by now. Am I angry and pissed off at the doctor? You bet. I wanted to punch him, to be quite honest. He said that he did not listen to me as he should have. You think? If looks could kill…Anyway, he says that with crutches, I should be feeling better within a couple of days. And then after 30 days of ZERO pain, I am free from crutches and should be on the fast track to recovery. That’s the plan anyway. If I’m still having pain one week from now, after using crutches, I will go back and there will be lots of bone testing and whatnot to see why I’m not healing. So please, dear God, let these crutches work.
Suffice it to say, there have been lots of crying, tears, screaming, etc. going on today. I am not a happy camper. And you better believe I had my little pity party. I was upset because:
- This should’ve happened 3 months ago!! Why did my doctor not listen?
- I can’t work. Therefore I won’t see my kids for at least 4 weeks. And some of those kids mean the WORLD to me. And the thing is, they have NO idea what is going on and my sudden disappearance is going to upset several of them. My heart literally hurts just thinking about it.
- Not to mention, no work = no money
- 4 weeks. I have to stay home (for the most part) for FOUR WEEKS!!! I’m going to go insane. What in the world am I going to do…
- Weight gain – thank you ED. I’m terrified, no I’m PETRIFIED, of gaining weight due to my lack of mobility.
- I SUCK at using crutches. And how the heck do you carry anything when you are on crutches?
- Going out in public with crutches is embarrassing, everyone will stare at me!
I could go on, but I will stop… Anyway, that was all that was going through my mind today. But then… I realized that it was pointless. I can make myself miserable and think about all these things over and over and over.. but it won’t change anything. It will not change the past or change my current circumstances. So I can choose to be miserable or choose to make the best of this situation. How to make the best of this situation, I am not sure yet. But I have determined the following…
- After talking with my boss, who I love, I still may be able to work, some. Maybe one day a week and do something that just requires sitting (a.k.a. probably paper work). But I will still get to earn a little money and see my kids. And, when I’m off crutches, my job will be waiting for me. Thank you dear LORD!
- I have no school to worry about right now. This happened at a time where I don’t have classes and don’t have to worry about how I’m going to get to class and stay off my feet. So the timing of this could have been much worse.
- I can still cook. It may take me more time and be more challenging, but I can still do so. I am not completely shut down.
- This time gives me the chance to do a lot of blog work…
- At least I am doing something that will hopefully FINALLY heal me once and for all. Yes, it sucks, but it’s worth it if it works. I can get past this and come out stronger than before. I WILL run again. I WILL exercise again. I WILL walk again.
- This gives me time to catch up on my reading and my DVR…
So I am trying as hard as I can to be positive and not give in to the negative feelings and emotions. I just feel so… helpless and useless. But moving on… Ironically enough, this lovely lady posted this comment on my last post and it really hit home with what was going on today. So I will share…
So I was just thinking about the quote you posted and how it relates to your injury, my (previous) injuries, and anyone that is suffering from something. Imagine an alcoholic, he/she drinks to numb the pain, and therefore doesn’t *feel* the real emotion. When we (runners) run to free ourselves from our problems, are we doing the same thing? Obviously running is a healthier way of dealing; however, there might be some aspect of the pain we are not experiencing because we aren’t just sitting there, thinking, and experiencing them. I guess what I’m trying to get at is: Maybe this whole process will train/teach you to cope with daily stressors, emotions, etc. on your own so that when you are healed and can run again, you will not *need* to run to deal with the emotions
And she hit the nail DEAD ON. Running and exercising was my way out, my way of de-stressing and doing something to get my mind off my problems and issues. But like she said, it only numbed the pain; it didn’t solve it. These 4-6 weeks, this immobility, forces me to face my ED head on. I thought it was bad these past couple of months but as much as I’m ashamed to say it, the first thing I thought of when my doctor told me about the crutches was “oh God, how am I going to stop from gaining weight?” I seriously freaked out inside (a little outside). And it still freaks me out. I’m trying to get past it but it’s hard, it’s like a road block. I know that this gives me the opportunity to finally overcome it for good. I just don’t know how. Which brings up the following questions for you, my readers…
- Have you ever used crutches? TIPS? I am awful and am having a hard time with them. How do you manage to carry anything?
- What can I do with all this time on my hands??!! Can you recommend any books, movies, TV series that I can get on DVD, recipes, ideas, projects, ANYTHING?
- If you are in recovery or have recovered from an ED, how do you manage to deal with the weight gain?
- How do I manage to not eat the entire contents of my kitchen due to emotional eating?
Honestly, anything anyone can offer, any advice, I would LOVE to hear! Especially about ideas to kill time and make these weeks go by faster. I’m open to anything…
I am going to try to be positive with all of this and not bore you to tears with my negativity and boring days. I will try to keep things interesting and keep up with the blogging but I ask that you bear with me for a couple of days as I get the hang of these darn crutches (makes carrying plates of food quite difficult). I am going to continue blogging, of course, because it does take up a lot of my time (which is actually a GOOD thing now) and keeps me entertained, especially reading all of your lovely blogs! 😀
As for the eats today, it started good and then went downhill (with lack of pictures). But breakfast was nice..
I had a bowl of PB & J Oats.
I had my usual base of whipped banana oats that I topped with melted Crofter’s North America Spread and TJ’s creamy salted almond butter.
Yum yum…
And then for lunch, desire for comfort food set in (based upon my feelings of impending doom of my doctor’s visit).
I had this container of yogurt (sounds awesome right?) that I mixed with Chia Seeds and then topped with Mighty Maple Cereal.
YUM!!! Maple goodness 🙂
And a Pink Lady apple on the side.
I also had half of a PB & J Lara Bar on the way to the doctor.
And then some dry Kashi Heart to Heart once home from the doctor (total emotional eating right there)
And for dinner, we got take-out. I had a salmon salad that was supposed to include salmon fillet, mixed greens, tomato, artichoke hearts, and green onions.
Ummm… it was pretty bad. Ok, the salmon part was delicious. But the lettuce was wilted brown iceberg lettuce (I tried to pick out the good pieces), a few bites of tomato, and some canned artichoke hearts.
You win some, you lose some.
And after that dinner, I needed some dessert. Ok, so I just had a huge intense craving for chocolate but if I don’t deserve it after today…
No picture but it was plain Greek Yogurt topped with a Chocolate Vita-Top and some Dark Chocolate Dreams. YUM!
Thanks for the Ask Me Anything questions, I’ve gotten some great ones so far! Expect answers very soon and keep the questions coming!
And I loved the responses to the America’s Next Top Model… you guys are so smart!! I think we can all agree that she was NOT plus size and that Tyra needs to learn to say and do the same things, rather than preaching about the dangers of eating disorders and whatnot on her talk show and then calling a girl like that “plus size.” It’s a step in the right direction BUT there is a lot of room for improvement… a LOT. I’d love to see some REAL women on America’s Next Top Model!
So anyways, I hope that you will continue to read my blog and follow me through this journey. And I will try my best to keep things interesting and not bore you with daily updates of my boredom 😉
Good night loves!
Danielle said:
Ohhhh HUGS to you my girl! I know nothing I can say can take away your frustration. Try to take it day by day, it is all you can do. Good job trusting your gut and pushing for what you needed! ❤
Melissa S. said:
oh honey, i’m so sorry you’re back on the crutches and having to heal AGAIN without being able to move much!!! but you know what, it’s amazing to see that YOU SEE how this is going to help you heal over the next month and come out a more solid person. you may hit bumps along the way with recovery from and ED and such, but we’re always here for you!
as for keeping you occupied, maybe take up a new hobby! crocheting? i like to cross stitch when i have a lot of time…or knitting? i don’t know, just throwing it out there. oh ,but if you haven’ read anything by jodi picoult i totally suggest her books! all freak’n rock!
Kelly said:
Oh man, I am SO sorry! At least you realized something was wrong and you pushed until you got a result! I feel so bad for you. My advice with crutches, add extra padding to the armpit pads, those things hurt like a bitch. I completely know how you feel how fearing gaining weight. That is EXACTLY how I feel right now and am even more afraid with my impending doctors apt. Keep your head up, 4 weeks will fly by!
theprocessofhealing said:
I’m sending good thoughts your way with your doctor’s appointment!!! Best of luck dear!!!
And yes… you are SO right… they HURT!!!
Love ya girl!
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self said:
I am so sorry to read about your situation!!! But just remember that you WILL get through this, as difficult as it may be. I totally understand the fear of gaining weight – gosh, EDs are annoying, aren’t they? I guess try to remind yourself that our bodies are not meant to stay the same all the time; they are meant to change as our lives change. You might not gain any weight in these 4-6 weeks, but if you do, it will mostly likely come right off as soon as you’re back to your regular routine. And even if it wouldn’t, you’d still be as beautiful as ever. 🙂
Regarding emotional eating, my only suggestion is to make a long list of stress-relieving actions to take besides eating and then tape it to your fridge. When you get the urge to eat emotionally, insist on doing at least one of these things first to see if the urge passes. (I am going through a round of emotional eating at the moment and am currently putting this plan into action myself!)
HUGS!
theprocessofhealing said:
Big hugs to you!! Thank you!
Jenny said:
I’m so sorry!!! We are all here to love and support you whenever ya need!
kbwood said:
sweetheart i am so sorry about this trial!! God is sharpening you BIG TIME!! you are so amazing-this is going to be such a part of your testimony girl!!! you will NOT gain weight-you will only kill ed even more, and thats awesome! love you sugar!
Amanda @ . seek . said:
Aww, hun, I’m so sorry to hear about what happened. Doctors… I absolutely hate them; they’re good for nothing for the most part. I completely understand today must have been hard for you, but it’s good to see you at least trying to see the bright side of things. Don’t even worry yourself over gaining any weight… that’s just an ED fear. Just because you’re not moving as much as you’re used to doesn’t mean you’re suddenly going to ballon up. Trust me on this one, I’ve experimented 😉 Just please make sure not to start restricting your food; you need to eat properly so your body can heal. ❤
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) said:
Oh no girl! I am so sorry to hear that you are on crutches and the ordeal that you had to go through. *Hugs to you.*
greensandjeans said:
Oh girly I am so sorry! I have had a few stress fractures and I know that they are ZERO fun! I definitely ditto the wrapping of the top part of the crutches- I would always chafe so bad in my armpits! Backpacks are definitely better than regular shoulder bags (more even weight distribution) for carrying things. I’ve been plowing through some old CW shows on Netflix recently (Felicity, Popular, Dawson’s Creek) and totally enjoying the blast from the past!
britchickruns said:
Oh hun I am so so sorry!! *BIG HUG* at you! I’ve never had crutches so I can’t help you there – but at least you’re finally getting the proper treatment you need!
I probably can’t be a huge amount of help in the coping with weight gain thing, cos I’m still trying to gain – but I can say that if you keep eating good, whole foods, it’llhlep – just think, you’re body NEEDS proper protein, carb, fats to heal right. So it’s important to keep eating properly. And just keep remembering that in 4-6weeks it’ll all be over, and you can run again. Imagine the joys of getting fit after a long break!
Keep your chin up girl and we’re all here for you and love you lots 🙂 if you ever need to vent/talk, you know where to email 🙂 xx
theprocessofhealing said:
Awww girl thank you so much!!!!! 😀
Steph (@ mediterraneanmiss) said:
Oh no, Oh no oh no 😦 sweetheart I am devastated for you. I understand how horrible you must be feeling BUT I’m also so proud of the way you’re handling it.
Don’t worry about the weight – I know the ED will laugh at that and try to make it a primary focus, but think about it: you’re looking at a month, maybe a little bit more. You’re already a ~very~ healthy eater so I doubt you’ll gain anything. If you do (and honestly, you’re so slim as it is that that ISN’T a deal), it’ll melt right off as soon as you can start exercising a little again – the body remembers, and it’ll remember how well you two get along ❤ Weight is a completely temporary state and in being so is nothing to define yourself by. Focus instead on keeping yourself happy and giving your body what it needs to finally heal.
This is your big battle against the ED and we're all behind you. We may not know you in person but we love you and are rooting for you from all over the world!! You've got this lady. Be strong!!
If you ever need anything you know where to find me ❤
*huge hugs*
livelaughloveandrun said:
Good luck with your leg!!! I’m so sorry that you have to be on crutches!! On a good note, all of the food you made looks SO good, especially the salmon and the oats.. yumm!
*Get some rest so you can kick butt when you come back.*
Mae said:
I am so so sorry honey! Doctors are awful, I feel like the same exact thing happened to me. One doctor screwed up….. ugg.
Look into knee scooters! I got one and I was still able to work with it. http://www.alegup.biz/ It was so much better than crutches.
But you will get better soon. I know it!
Tina said:
I’m so so sorry to hear this!! It saddens me how doctors won’t listen to their patients. Anyways…I am glad that you are trying to focus on the positive. That is all you can do. Try your hardest to do that and eventually you will truly feel better about the situation.
Anna said:
Oh, girl, I am SO sorry to hear that you were right. Talk about trusting your gut instinct– you must have been SO mad at that doctor. And rightly so! I know it seems like forever now, but four weeks isn’t so long, and before you know it you’ll be OFF the crutches and completely healed, FOR GOOD. Just stay strong!!! You’ll beat this thing!
Have you ever tried knitting? It can be a fun way to pass the time.
gateauxbellehelene said:
oh no, i can’t believe your doctor missed it at first and wouldn’t listen….that’s so bad. It must be so frustrating for you. I have no idea how to walk on crutches as (touch wood) I haven’t broken anything….yet! I bet you’ll be a whizz at carrying plates whilst using crutches after 4 weeks though!! Is there anything that you really want to do: write a book, learn a language, paint (!), create a scrapbook….I’m sure you will be fine! Re the weight gain, if you continue to eat healthily you will be ok. Remember that your body needs fuel/calories just to get itself through the day, even if your not moving around too much. I know it will be hard though not to comfort eat or nom on chocolates all day(!), maybe clear out your cupboards and only have a few treats in there. You never know, you may be really busy for the next few weeks with new projects to even think about treats!! I really hope you are ok though.
theemptynutjar said:
– jessica, i have been “off” for a year — ZERO exercise, all sitting….productivity? …reading? writing a bit on a blog? wtaching some silly movies? grocery shopping?
– i have had to rent a place with other people
– i am 28 years old and hate my profession and forced to work at it 40 hours per week…eat, sit, eat, sit
– one tiny short walk a day…that is all
– and i am shoving food in me…most people exercise + eat…i just eat….never hungry …do it anyway
i FEEL horrible for all this…trust me, put it in perspective and your situation could be 100x worse
– i hate doctors…i have basically given up on them
– jess, i hope u start to address all your food fears more….u said u “don’t deserve chocolate”…so i sat on my bum all day and felt sorry for myself…but i still ate lots of chocolate AFTER my snack at bedtime (a.ka. mini-meal.)….u have to eat MORE honey….u are injured
– my body is arthritic…i will be lucky if i can walk ever again for the rest of my life….not just ‘ed” though as i am stereotyped as other things plus mental stress…
anyway….keep eating up….have a big cheesey pizza 🙂
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine said:
Ugh, I am so, so sorry to hear this, I can’t imagine how frustrated and angry you must be. I was on crutches pre-ED, and I have to admit I’ve often thought about how upset I’d be if I had to use them again. The funny thing is though, that when I was on crutches, it barely bothered me, just a fact of life!! It shows just how far ED reaches, how he can turn healing into such an anxiety-ridden process. As far as weight gain goes, I did gain during that time, which was one of the factors leading to my ED. However, I also sat around stuffing my face with absolute junk (we’re talking a 400 calorie M&M cookie, an Italian hoagie and a bottle of Snapple every day for lunch). Just continue with your healthy habits, and you’ll be fine…your body needs good fuel to heal!
One good thing about crutches is that your upper arms will start to get super toned…I had amazing triceps by the time I was done with them!! Hang in there beautiful!!
MelissaNibbles said:
Oh no! I’m so sorry sweetie! I would go insane with boredom. I would stop by with tons of books and magazines if I lived near you. If you aren’t on Nexflix, sign up now. You can watch tons of stuff right online!
Don’t even worry about gaining weight! You eat healthy and follow your hunger signals so I’m sure you’ll do fine 🙂
Big hugs!
Laura said:
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and this is one post that I really related to. I’ve been on crutches three times, due to a similar mistake by a doctor. I really admire your positive attitude going into this, and I’ll admit, crutches are no fun. However, I think that it takes a few days or maybe a week to get used to them (and it takes your arms a while to adjust, too), and then things get a little better. To answer your questions:
1. Don’t try padding the upper part of the crutches with towels or anything. It only irritates your skin more. Also, give yourself time to adjust, and above all, don’t try putting any weight on your injury if the doctor told you not to. Watch out for slippery surfaces like puddles on the floor, because if you put your crutches in one of those, you’ll fall. Carrying things with crutches is hard, but I usually had a backpack, or carried smaller things in my hand while holding the crutches, too. Or I hopped around without the crutches, haha.
3. I’m in recovery for an eating disorder, and I’m still dealing with the weight gain. I try not to let myself obsess about it, I remind myself that it’s just something I need to do. For you, I think it might help to tell yourself that if you’re still having trouble thinking about weight gain, then it’s a fear you need to face, and an obsession you need to let go of. It says a lot that it was your first thought when the doctor told you that you were going to be on crutches. I know that it’s so hard to face weight gain, and I’m sorry I really don’t have any good advice about it. Take it one day at a time, and try not to think of one pound of weight gain as a sign that you’ll gain a million in the future.
Good luck with the crutches, and I hope that I was able to help you in some way.
Can You Stay for Dinner said:
Jess, I’m so sorry about this crutch situation! It must feel really really frustrating and sad after all you’ve gone through. It’s completely understandable to be scared and down about it. But you will get better. My biggest piece of advice is to sit with the emotions. Do not just try to distract yourself from feeling any of the emotions that come up from this setback. If you can just let yourself live and embrace the process of healing fully, I believe with my whole heart that you will emerge a stronger person. You have so much insight about your injury and yourself and I know that you can do this. The only way out is through. And don’t worry about the weight gain. I promise, it’s not going to be a problem, your body knows how to process the food. It will compensate. Trust yourself. Love and all my good thoughts to you, Jess.
theprocessofhealing said:
Aw girl, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. You are so, so right. I have to face this and plough through it. You’re a sweetheart 🙂
Lauren @ Eater not a runner said:
I’m so sorry to hear that. I have had similar problems with doctors not taking me seriously and it is SO frustrating. Honestly, don’t worry about the weight, that should be the last thing you worry about. Resting and getting better is #1! Also, I know it seems like a super long time, but in the grand scheme of things, it will be over before you know it.
thewhatkateateblog said:
Youre wonderful & strong and I know youll get through this! Luckily you have a bunch of time to spend on you & you can do all the things that youve had to put off!
Heather said:
yikes, i understand your pain! the thing is this is something that could help heal you for a lifetime, so in the grand scheme of things 4 weeks isn’t that long. you are such a strong person, and this will be a great time of reflection for you! just stay strong and we’re all here to support you!
Naomi (onefitfoodie) said:
I am so sorry about all of this. I totally understand your frustration, but try to think of it as a positive thing. You are listening to yoru body and healing the proper way. I KNOW you will be strong and get through this. If you think about it its only a few months out of your whole life! it will go by fast, and you can pick up some other hobbies! not to sound dorky. but I have always thought it would be cool to knit!! you could learn to knit hats, scarves! just stay positive 🙂
kace @ no guts no glory said:
Yikes, sorry to hear about this! However, I’ve had plenty of experience with 4-6 week recovery periods so I can help with killing time:
Books- Harry Potter, Twilight. That’s 11 GIANT books that are also great reads!And if you’ve read them already, read them again! If not, don’t knock ’em till you try ’em.
Movies- I also agree about getting Netflix and rewatching old shows, but also trying some new ones. I recommend Glee, Mad Men, & True Blood. Also just get some dvds, I’m really enjoying watching the movies I was too cheap to see in the theaters!!
Also, watch the Food Network a lot, or go on their website or recipezaar for new recipes to try. I love cooking when I’m bored!
OK hope I helped : ) Feel better!
theprocessofhealing said:
Great idea!! I love both Harry Potter and Twilight but I haven’t reread Harry Potter in forever.. will do! Thank you!
balancingfoodandlife said:
So sorry to hear about this but I’m glad you’re trying to sta positive! You’ll be up and about in no time- stressing wont help anything
Wishing you all the best,
xoxo
Vera
kelli! said:
Hey I have never commented before but you are inspiring!
you can do this!! so when I was a senior in highschool I missed a month of school being in treatment for my eating disorder…. the NIGHT before I was going to return to school what do you know I was running from the car into the house and broke my leg!…so I went back to school with a broken leg and people wondering what the hell happened! I was not worried about gaining weight because crutches were hard work [also I was never an over exerciser]…I eventually became a pro (and my then fellow highschoolers alot were not so helpful…) But it will allow you to be normal and not think about making food 24/7. Also just do crafts,read, watch movies or tv ddo things to get your mind off ed and yourself. Another thing in common with you is I was taken to the er by my parents and they but a bootie on me and gave me a podiatrist to see a week later [only available appointment] when we went he said my foot was broken why didnt i come sooner I needed a cast. I was on and off a cast for a while, basically lived on crutches for like 2 months. fun stuff. Definitely put padding on your crutches. Hey even decorate them to make yourself feel better! But I agree it was so hard carrying books/bag and no one would offer to help when clearly I was in need.Also it made me realize how weak your bones get if you are at a severe weight [even though i was done with treatment, bones dont get strong overnight!]
sorry this post was so long 😛
also I wish I was cool enough to blog…maybe someday… but I know I am the worst photographer ever…and also I love cooking..went to culinary school..now am going for nutrition so wooot
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learningtocookeatandenjoydeliciousfood said:
I am so sorry that this happened to you. I have had my problems with orthopedic doctors aswell. I went in for surgery to remove a piece of bone that had shattered of the ankle bone and in the process, my doc broc my ankle (accident). This left me on cruches for 2 months and then I had to go through physical therapy. So, while cruches arent fun at least you will have time to rest and you will be back exercising before you know it!! 🙂
eatmovelove said:
I just read this! And I have to agree with alot of the above…you eat soooo healthy and not much as is….you and your body doesn’t eat KNOW what it’s missing. I ate a whole pizza late late tonight..and I have to get up in 5 hours. will i restrict myself – no. not at all. it’s a stupid pathetic cylce and I eat chocolate EVERY DAY – and not just a ‘square’ of dark either…listen – if your second -guessing yourself – think “well it can’t be NEARLY as bad as that chickie eatmovelove – she eats like a pig”…;)…sad, but true….
bless this time. Biochesmha said it right. I did a post before on Ayruveda and exercise – if you look it up maybe…- about the “cycle” – you feel like crap , go for a run, “think” you feel better…but your feeding the obsession …what you should REALLY be doing is the opposite…something relaxing…your creating more stress on your poor body..
Jennifer said:
I know that these are not the results that you were wanting, but as I have learned and I’m sure you realize, everything happens for a reason. This is all just another test of patience and I think you will go through it beautifully. You have everybody here cheering you on and will be beside you all of the way. If you are having a bad day dealing crutches or fear of weight gain, write about it. Because so many people make the mistake of trying to take on their stressors completely on their own, which only leads to a break down. You are beautiful and strong and I know that by the end of this process, it will all be worth it and will have taught you so many life lessons.
FrayedLaces said:
Hey girly— sorry to hear the bad news. Definitely a bummer. But the one thing I learned through my healing process was that you need to allow yourself to psychologically heal as well. If you keep having self-defeating feelings, it can interfere with your healing. We’ve all heard it before: the power of positive thinking. Envision yourself healing, running strong, and finishing a race. Here are some tips I have:
1) Find small victories every day. The healing process is long. Some days are good, others are bad. I would sometimes have one day of no pain only to be in excruciating pain the next. But I learned the savor the small victories: the first time I slept through the night without waking in pain, the first time I could lift up my leg to put it inside pants, the first time I could normally get in and out of the shower.
2) Use your crutches properly. Crutches are not designed to put weight in the armpits. This can actually hurt you in the long run because it makes you less stable and can damage nerves in your armpits. Although it’s uncomfortable at first, in the long run it’s better to keep all your weight on your hands. You will get some seriously smokin’ arms!
3) For carrying small things around the house, I had this purse/sling that I kept around my neck and could throw small items in. Works like a charm.
4) Do not keep yourself holed up inside or you will go crazy! A week after my injury I had a friend come and visit. I rented a wheelchair, which turned out to be a great idea. You totally get VIP treatment if you’re in a wheelchair!
Oh yeah, and be careful with the booze. Drinking and crutches don’t mix 😉
theprocessofhealing said:
Thank you for the tips girl!!! I REALLY appreciate it! You’re a very wise woman 😉
KneeScooterDude said:
I’m very into health foods and keeping myself as fit and mentally / physically healthy as possible. I’m definitely going to give this stuff a try for a few weeks and see how I like it. thank you!