Two Screws, a Plate and a Rope
What happens when you break an ankle
Last Friday when I woke up, I felt super lightheaded.
Decided to head to the kitchen to get something to nibble on.
I started to feel myself fainting.
As I went down, I tried to catch myself…
… but my ankle was like: Nah, son.
Thinking I was lightheaded because I hadn’t eaten, I hobbled around my kitchen and made myself a nice breakfast before heading to the hospital.
Since I was headed to George Washington University Hospital, a level one trauma center, I knew I might be in for a long wait.
Hospitals are cold. I packed my winter skull cap, a lightweight sweater, my laptop so I could still attend class, chargers and… of course, multiple snacks.
I called a Lyft and hobbled down the stairs.
I was still lightheaded and wobbly hobbled into the car.
My driver asked what was up.
As I explained what was going on, he told me that back in Ethiopia he was a nurse and that I was dehydrated.
Glad I brought my water bottle too.
I hobbled up the ramp into the ER.
(Stairs were out of the question.)
Shocker! They took me back really quickly to check vitals, etc. Then I was sent back to the waiting room where I settled in for the long wait to be seen.
I had barely settled in the waiting room, prepared to hunker down before they called my name… I mean it was quick.
In that short time, I couldn’t even hobble and they had to take me back in a wheelchair.
I was told one of two things would happen… depending on the severity of my injury after they took x-rays.
1. They ask for more x-rays, wrap my ankle and send me home.
2. The medical team comes to talk to me.
I got #2.
It looked serious.
I had to go for two more rounds of x-rays before the team came back and said that the ankle was broken and I was scheduled for surgery first thing next morning.
There are four stabilizers in the ankle. I managed to damage three.
(Hence the two screws, plate and rope.)
I am completely non-weightbearing on the ankle.
I am not confident on the crutches.
A friend loaned me her walker, which was a game changer in how I feel getting around the apartment.
Since the ambulance brought me home on Monday (I’d have to be carried up the stairs), I’ve been in the house.
I’m pretty much incapable of doing much for the next four to six weeks…
Laundry, taking out trash, general chores: All on pause.
Trying to build up my strength and stamina so I’m not so tired when I move around the apartment… Which means I could manage the stairs to get outside.
(PS: Did I mention that Spawn has a torn ACL and also has limited movement? So much for my plans to help her… and she can’t help me.)
Hot girl summer!
