:: 6 weeks ::

How long does 6 weeks feel when you are rendered immobile on one leg, and have to be dependent on other people.

A fall that seemed harmless initially, continued my usual run & swim, & shopping spree at Bangkok with my gal-frens.
But when it started to hurt after a run, and the swell persisted after several sinseh visits, I started to get worried.

Finally decided to go to the (western) doctor, after x-ray, diagnosis is a fracture on the 2nd metatarsal (toe) bone on my foot.

Doc said, ‘I recommend to put you in a cast’
‘For how long?’ ‘6 weeks’
Suddenly I couldn’t process and think clearly .. how long is 6 weeks
‘When to do the cast?’
‘Now, immediately.. you have been walking in pain for the past 3 weeks right?’
‘erm…’ Now??!! I was totally unprepared. I was expecting the doc to say it’s nothing serious.
‘What if I don’t put cast?’
‘Then there is a chance that it will not mend back straight. Don’t worry I will cover u for leave from work.’
Don’t think I have much choices.

I was wheeled to put in the cast. Doc refused to let me walk anymore.
What a strange feeling to be wheeled around.

My very first time getting a cast, and I was expecting the white cement type seen on tv. Turned out that is already old-fashioned. Its now somewhat like a bandage, hardens when dried-up. To top it all, it has color! The nurse was feverously selling me a hot-pink cast! And I got convinced.

Nurse said, ‘Keep your cast dry, and don’t let ants in(??!!)’
‘If your foot seems to be sweating, use a fan to blow into the cast(??!!!)’
OMG, what am I getting into?

Next, I’m supposed to learn how to use crutches from the physiotherapist. My cast is not weight-bearing, and I’m not supposed to step on it.
A short distance and I was already panting.
Then I need to learn how to go up N down stairs. I told the PT there is no way I’m going to go near stairs.
How wrong I was. There is no way I could have avoided stairs. They are everywhere, even at home.

Reality struck when back home.
Every task seemed more challenging without mobility of a leg – in showering, taking/doing stuff.
Appointments had to be cancelled/re-scheduled coz its simply inconvenient to travel, and I need assistance wherever I go.
No more run/swim – byebye to SCM half marathon.

I realized that some handicapped toilets are simply not user-friendly. They have a door catch that shuts back automatically, however, I have no means to push the door when my hands are occupied with the crutches.
I’m sure most people didn’t think about it when designing the door.
Neither did I, until I’m in the situation.
I do hope to feedback this.

Also, some tiles used for public grounds can quite slippery when wet, and these days have been pretty rainy.

Boredom drove me back to work, since social activities including jog/swim is not possible.
I have too much free time on hand.
People say take a break, ya sure.
Honestly how much tv/reading/net surfing/sleeping can one do.
So I’m quite glad to be working, and hopping around colleagues, though with much inconvenience to them :P
Give a break to my mum at home.
Luckily I still have friends who came visiting on weekends, and fetching me to places so I won’t turn into a couch potato, though I’m nearly there.

On the other hand, I’m quite glad I’m not too old or too heavy to be using crutches. At least I still can move around albeit slowly, otherwise I’m truly stuck at home 24/7.
My arm muscles did ached like hell on my 2nd day in crutches.

I’m reaching end of my 6weeks ‘foot confinement’ soon… finally started counting down.
Wednesday marks my review day and hopefully everything goes back to normal soon.

I have met strangers who wouldn’t give way to me, or hold the lift for me. But I have met more who offered help along the way.
Thankfully this is temporary. Learnt to appreciate my mobility, it is not a given.
And be aware of the disabled people around me and pay it forward.
You should too.
^.^