It's been a while since my last post, it seems I am always busy now that my leg is practically back to normal. As you have probably guessed from the post title its a whole year to this day since I had my accident, fractured my tibia and fibula and ended up with an Ilzarov external-fixator frame. Its not been an easy past year for myself, my family and friends but it has definitely been an experience I wont ever forget. Although it was a very upsetting, painful and difficult time in my life there were some positives that come out of it.
I have now graduated from university with a 2:1 degree in nursing which I am very proud of. Looks like those grueling hours of dissertation work whilst being laid up with my ex-fix paid off! It was a difficult challenge to complete university work while enduring the joys of an ex-fix and I'm sure anyone going through the same thing would agree. The simplest daily tasks become the biggest challenges, that's something I will never forget and now that I have my independence back will never take for granted again!
Social life most certainly went on hold in the past year. I remember going to the supermarket for the first time with my ex-fix, that was a HUGE accomplishment. So to be able to go out with my friends to the shops, bars and restaurants is like winning the lottery! My social life has improved by far however I am much more conscious about the risks of having another accident which does make going out to places a bit nerve racking at times. Not to mention I always wear flat 'sensible' shoes these days, NO high heels for Rachel! Never again may I add!
Thinking back to my time spent in hospital and when I first returned home with the ex-fix to how I am now really makes me realise just how dependent I was on my family. I mean right now I am able to sit here and type this post while enjoying a cuppa without feeling nauseous, severe pain in my leg and being completely out of it because of strong pain killers. Just that in itself is a massive difference!
Looking to the future I am very hopeful my leg will pretty much return to its normal self, bar the scars. Which in actual fact I don't mind to much, they tell the story of my 'sexy leg' & as you can see from the picture below they have healed quite well.
At my last appointment in December 2013 I was told my fractures had healed at the top of my leg however some of the fractures around the ankle area were still visible on x-ray.
The professor informed me that I would need to take extra care as my bones are at risk of re-fracturing in the next 18 to 24 months. So although I am getting my life back on track and enjoying myself as my leg returns to normal I am still unable to do certain things. I was told not to do any running or gym exercise within this time period as this may cause re-fracturing of the bones. I am therefore taking it easy with exercise and focusing on walking correctly at present. This has improved since the ex-fix was removed however the muscles, especially around the ankle and foot areas need re-strengthening, I was told at my appointment the best way to improve this is by walking.
The last year has been full of challenges I never imagined I would be facing. Just goes to show you never do know what life is going to throw at you!
