The Cripple in the Tower

Guess what? Inspired by HBO's "Game of Thrones", I will be writing my own fantasy series! No, actually that's my lame attempt at a joke after two weeks being laid up in my apartment.

Technically, it all started back in February when I fell on ice. But the bad screaming pain built up to unbearable June 14. Even more alarming, the pain was on my left side which has muted feeling thanks to my stroke. This is the same side that I have burned, cut, and pinched because my nerves took the long way to my pain center. So, having constant high level pain was NOT GOOD! I couldn't sleep because my knee hurt no matter how I lay down. I was next to tears at work. One of my co-workers, who was officer in charge covering my boss' vacation, instructed me to get an emergency doctor's appointment and take the time I needed to get better. Which is exactly what I needed to hear since I was in my martyr, stiff upper lip, only a temp mode.

I was able to get an appointment the next day with my orthopedist by explaining that it was either the appointment or E.R. From the appointment I got pain meds and an order for an MRI. I went to one of those open air open 18 hour places. I got to get a CD of my scans. It wasn't like I could understand what the scans meant but I had fun scrutinizing each dark spot! I diagnosed knee cancer several times.

My doctor called and told me that I have severe bones bruising and barely any cartilage under my kneecap. See all that white stuff on the picture below? That is bruising. My doctor told me it's like I broke my leg without the actual breakage. Recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks.



It was great to have some kind of explanation after dealing with knee problems for five months. But that was pretty awful news. My first concern was keeping my job. Luckily, I have amazing co-workers and a decent company. So, a plan was devised that would allow me to work remotely for at least two weeks on a trial basis. After a couple kinks, it has worked out fairly well! But again I was concerned about keeping the job so I'm going back to work July 5. My physical therapist said it's doable if I go in on crutches.

Being stuck in my apartment with only two cats to keep me company has been pretty tough. I do get out a couple times per week for PT or a quick run to Dunkins. But those trips land me on my couch icing my knee and popping pain pills. I have got to say, thank God for Peapod grocery deliveries! I put in my delivery instructions that stairs are difficult due to an injury. Every order has been brought upstairs to my floor by extremely helpful people. Prices are good too. I don't know how I'll go back to regular shopping now!

Belated Update

Well, it has been a while! A lot has been going on lately so it has been tough to find time to write.

The first thing is a combination of good and bad. A department member left the team at the end of May. So, I assume you are thinking what I was thinking – job opening! Unfortunately, the department head refused to place a new hire requisition. Guess who wound up with all the exiting analyst’s work? Me! On the up side, I am making mad money through overtime. Plus, I am making myself essential to the team. On the down side is that I am swamped and not doing my best work. Plus, if I can handle all this, what else are they going to dump on me?

I also started doing physical therapy last month. I think it has been going really well. At my first assessment, my extreme flexibility was noted. That has been the problem all my life – I am bendy like Gumby but not strong like Arnold so I fall really badly with limbs going wrong ways. The cool thing is I am doing new PT exercises now. It’s not all using a towel stretching or lifting a purse with your leg. There is a cool variety of routines! I like one therapist. The other I haven’t met with as often but he bad-mouthed my rehab physical therapy for my stroke. That didn’t make me feel too great. It’s like “Gee, thanks for pointing out what I should do when I get a time machine. My shoulder will thank you for being in its socket.”