Well this sucks...

If you listen to the podcast, you already know that last month, I slipped on a patch of ice and shattered my ankle. Awe later, they performed surgery to put some plates and screws in to fix me up. I'm happy to report that the surgery went well and the recovery is on track, but it's a loooong process. My doctor says I will be in a cast and unable to bear any weight at all for at least 6 more weeks (on top of the 4 that have already past). I have not been allowed to return to work and the only times I've left my apartment for the past 4 weeks has been to go to an appointment once per week. I live on in a small apartment...on the second floor. It's getting a little old.

Happily, I do have a good support system and people willing to help me. I don't know what I'd do without them, but I know I'd be in big trouble if they weren't around. For the two weeks after my surgery, my doctor wanted me to avoid moving my leg as much as possible to make sure the stitches didn't pop open and get infected. They even recommended I use a urinal instead of hoping into the bathroom when nature called. On the one hand, I like not having to get up to go to the bathroom; on the other it's rather upsetting to have to ask a loved one "hey, could you empty this for me?"

That's one of the hardest parts of all this: needing so much help. Again, I'm VERY thankful to have people in my life who are willing to help, but I think it does create a little friction. I don't like that I need to ask for help and in the back of my mind I worry that if I ask for one more thing it will be the straw that breaks the camel's back and my helpers will resent me. And for those helping me, I'm afraid it's getting old and their good will is getting worn thin. Now that the stitches are out, I can move a bit more and shouldn't need as much help so hopefully that will relieve stress for all of us.

The good news is I will be allowed to return to work (though in a limited capacity) next week. I'm excited about this because I'm going a little stir crazy in my apartment and  it will give my wonderful caretakers a bit of a break. The damage is on my left ankle so I can drive. The only hard part will be getting up and down my stairs. It's not fun, but I think I've got a handle on it now. 

Process on the podcast has slowed a bit and I hope you will all understand. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and I'm doing pretty well with that, but I do get bummed out at times. But like a friend said to me "The good news is this will end."

I will still keep doing shows during my recovery, but they might not be released weekly. Again, I hope you all understand and I thank you for your patients. Now who wants to see fun/gross pics of my leg?