I broke my leg.
It’s strange how one minute my life is full of plans for the summer and near future – swimming with the kids, sewing clothes for myself, home redecorating ideas, gardening…. – and then the next minute all those plans are shot.
We were away from home for the holiday weekend visiting family, the kids in heaven running around my parents little farm. Then Vinny flashed his naughty smile and started running away from me down the gravel driveway. I took off after him as per our usual game, but then it went wrong. A dog leash… A porch… I landed funny on my right leg. Pain. Hours later in the ER, I learn I have a “medial tibial plateau fracture.” It was bad, I needed a trauma surgeon, but it had to wait for Monday.
Last Wednesday, I was admitted for inpatient surgery to bolt me back together with some metal plates and now I am at home recovering, riding the roller coaster between doses of pain killers and blood thinners, frustrated with the pain of the post-trauma swelling, and unable to do much of anything for myself. I’ve got 7 more weeks of not putting any weight on my foot, and then some unknown months of partial weight. Apparently, as far as leg breaks go, this was a rather crappy way to do it, and it was a totally freak accident.
I am frustrated and sad. I pride myself on my ability to do – to care for my family, to make things happen. Now, I must simply accept. Nothing is in my control. It’s humbling and it’s hard.
It will get easier. I will heal. I’ll start doing hand sewing projects, and after I recover from surgery, I’ll figure out how to sit at my machine again. I’ll sort out what this all means for this blog. In the mean time, this summer is going to be weird though.
Please don’t be too hard on yourself, You are young and will heal much faster. Take this time as an opportunity to plan your projects, and like you said, do small things that will keep your mind off the pain. Praying for a quick recovery.
Oh man. I feel for you! I broke my tib/fib in several places while tobogganing as a uni student… had surgery bc my foot was pointing backwards! I”m so glad they did plates the bones together, because my healing was actually quite quick in the end. Cast for 8 weeks or so, walking cast after that, and 5 months after the accident I was on a place heading to live abroad with no crutches in sight! This first part is the worst by far – you’ll be in less pain soon. Hope you are being well looked after – as I’m sure you are! Hugs, and feel free to complain online if you need to vent! 🙂
Dannnnnng. That sounds like a nasty break. I can’t even imagine what that would have been like to see your leg look like that?!? My leg looked pretty normal when we went in to the ER but the pain was unlike anything is ever experienced. I was completely shocked when they started explaining what was wrong.
The doctors are throwing around “5-6 months” as the time to full recovery for me. I am just hoping because I am young and healthy it will heal faster. it is slower process because it is a critical load bearing area, and I had a fully displaced fracture. Blah.
Oh, I was in total denial too. Was sure it was just sprained… didn’t cry or freak out until the doc walked in, took one glance at my leg, and said “oh yeah, you need surgery!”
For what it’s worth, I remember finding forums for similar injuries quite helpful – nice to know I wasn’t alone! I think that was the first time in my life I really felt depressed – like I was someone else. I’d be fine all day, and start bawling at 8pm on the dot. That ended after the first month or so, when it hurt less and I was more agile (Did I mention this was mid-winter in Canada? Ice and snow everywhere!) Now, I’m not trying to be depressing… just want you to know that if you find yourself in a similar state at any point, you aren’t alone and you aren’t weak in any way. 🙂 And if you don’t get blue, well, that’s great!
oh so sorry for you. I hope you are not too much in pain and I fell for you especially as I am also someone who is very active. Thank god for hand sewing.
Sorry to hear about the broken leg 🙁 I once spent 6 weeks with both legs in a cast and I sewed the entire time for something to do! Just put the pressure foot between your thighs and press…..worked great for me.
LOL! Now THAT is determination. 🙂
Gosh this sucks so much. I wish I still lived in the area so I could help out. I hope church ladies are bringing meals for you guys!
Jodi!! I saw on social that you had a broken bone—how did I miss that it was your LEG?? Holy smokes. Wishing you the speediest of recoveries, and some fantastic projecting accomplished while you’re sitting (laying?) around waiting for it to hurry up and heal.
Hi, so sorry to read about your broken leg! I hope your recovery goes smoothly, and that you are back to your sewing table before you know it!
I am so sorry about your injury. I guess this is God’s way of slowing you down!
Hi Jodi,
I am so sorry to hear about your accident and am wishing you a super speedy recovery! Is it just me but I think Jennifer C’s ‘Thigh Master” sewing solution comment is hilarious, creative, resourceful and inspiring!
Eewww! I’m so sorry to hear about that! I DO enjoy your blog so much..maybe more than any of the others I subscribe to. Please don’t stop! Maybe you could work on some Hexie project? And of course embroidery. Heal well and quickly.
So sorry to hear about your accident. I’m sure you’ll become a pro at embroidery and handwork (as if you weren’t already!) Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Oh so sorry to hear that. Take it easy and no weight on your leg at all… It is the best way to ensure a good and quick recovery (I’m sure your doctor insisted on that, but I’m a doctor myself, I feel the need to emphasise it) Anyway, get well soon and I can’t wait to read your blog to see what you’re going to come up with! Take care
I am trying to be good! I will follow doctors orders to the T.
So sorry to hear about your accident Jodi; I hope you have a smooth recovery. I also hope we get to see whatever that embroidery project becomes… it looks ambitious and really cool!
Hi! Toooo bad! I did the same, crazy what you can do with your left leg, foot vs right! I drove on the highway until I decided was too dangerous.
I suggest: lots of dairy calcium, even skim milk, ie fat free will have lots of calcium, try for 1000 mg calcium per day, and add vitamin D3, helps with the calcium absorption!
Also get a little bumb bag or half apron to wear around your waist, works wonders to carry cutlery to the table for meals, a pen, paper for reminder notes, sewing project, Kleenex, phone, etc. All those little things we take for granted we can take a few steps to get. Also, try those big foam pieces to insulate pipes, cut to size, but on your crutches where your hands go… Will really help your hands and wrists until you can toss the crutches!
Good luck, it will seem like forever, but will only be weeks, LOL!
Take care, leslie
This is not a good summer for broken bones! My 10 yr old son just broke his wrist. He completely separated the radius from the wrist and fractured his ulna. I hope you start to feel better soon and I will say a prayer for a speedy recovery.
Oh Jodi, I am so sorry! Of all the family members and of all the times of year, it had to be the mom in the summertime. My 5 year old son broke his tibia last February and it was the worst. I believe his complete recovery took 7 months (walking & running without limping). He & our family made adjustments and they seemed to work and I’m sure you’ll come up with a hundred and one new ways to do things. The first 2 weeks were the hardest because he was in so much pain. Because he was so young, the initial coordination to get around on crutches was difficult so he was in a wheelchair during school (where they have long hallways) but at home, once the bones had knit back together somewhat & he was in less pain, he preferred to scoot around on his bum or hop everywhere (it got to be pretty impressive). We’re outside people, but had to spend a lot more time inside. Before he was mobile, he slept on our pull-out couch on the first floor because it meant less movement & therefore less pain. I agree with the person who suggested lots of milk or calcium in other forms. This was priceless advice from a good friend who is a P.T. who said it would aid in healing. I hope you have a lot of help managing your family & endless day to day tasks. Best wishes for fast, complete healing! (I have a feeling we’ll be reading some posts about thigh master sewing).
I am hitting two weeks tomorrow and I do feel like I am turning a corner. Thank you for your encouragement!
I can’t imagine how painful, frustrating and confining that must be. Hang in there and take care of yourself. Enjoy the hand sewing time. We’re all here for you xx
Three years ago I broke my foot. Freak accident too. I had a screw put in and spent 2 months on crutches non weight bearing. When it came time to start PT I was in constant pain. It took 2 more months to be diagnosed with a nerve disorder that causes pain and swelling as if I had just injured myself instead of being fully healed. At the time of my accident my three boys were 2, 4, and 6. I can relate very well to your feelings. It is not easy (or fun). At least I can empathize and offer encouragement. You’ll be in my prayers!!!!!!!!!! (And tell you’re kids to get really dirty every day. Folding laundry makes you feel accomplished when you can’t do other stuff!)
I have discovered laundry folding already. It’s amazing how a once dreaded chore becomes more pleasurable when it is the onto one you can do.
Sending hugs Jodi …so sorry!
So sorry to hear of your change in summer plans! Lots of hand projects you can do, even some small hand quilting. Try writing stories for your children. Catch up on your reading. Pinterest! Plan your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. You’ll be surprized how many things you can find to do.
I’m so sorry to hear that! The frustration from the boredom was the worst for me- I knitted a cozy for my cane
I don’t even know what to say to a broken bone, so just know that I’m praying you will heal so quickly the doctors will be astounded. ♥
Get well soon !!
I am the world’s worst patient and I can never sit still. I feel for you on this because I cannot imagine what it’s like to be an active person with kiddos to care for and be told to sit. I’d probably have a nervous breakdown. I saw that you stopped having to take pain meds a much…so that’s a bonus.
Fingers crossed for quick recovery for you! I’m just down the river, let me know if you need anything!
I hope your recovery is going well Jodi. On the bright side you finally get to do some embroidery that you are too busy for usually, right?
I’ve been traveling, but saw that something had happened via Instagram. I didn’t know the full extent of it until reading this, though. I really hope your recovery is quick and not too unbearable! Sending prayers your way.
I’m way late to this party but that’s terrible news! I hope your recovery is going smoothly and that the frustration is easing up a bit. I knit, so an excuse to sit and do that for hours wouldn’t be too bad, even though I’d be climbing the walls not being able to do the little daily things. Not sewing would really bug me! The machine I learned on years ago was in a cabinet and the presser foot was mounted to the inside wall for using your knee to control the speed. Worked pretty well though marathons would leave me with a bit of a sore thigh from moving my knee sideways all day.
Keep taking care of yourself and remember that fractures heal better when loaded up with calcium, which is plentiful in broccoli, yes, but also in cheese, cheesecake, ice cream…. 🙂