Keep the Streak Alive

 Twenty-two days…although it feels a little like 84 years…Some people have Run Streaks where they run at least a mile every day for as many days as they can. I was on a good trajectory for the first 5 days of December with 17 miles already logged and was feeling good. I was thinking about doing some winter backpacking, and day hikes in new places and I was also getting some miles in on the treadmill (you know, to avoid the icy weather…)

So much for avoiding the slippery snow…now I’m in the beginning stages of a different sort of streak: I am on Day 22 of NOT walking or running at least a mile a day. I wish I could say it doesn’t bother me, but I miss it. The sunset walks on the driveway. The quiet treks around Mount Davis. The random Sunday afternoons exploring New Germany, Laurel Hill, Kooser, or Herrington Manor State Parks. Searching AllTrails for a trail I’ve never tried or getting onto my favorite Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

 

Miles of rocks…no injuries.
 The driveway did me in. 

At the end of my first 70 mile solo hike. 
I’ll be back. 

How was this past week? Last weekend was rough. I started with calf pain on the injured side on Friday. It was mild, on-and-off, and I wasn’t too concerned. Then on Saturday, it progressively got worse and more frequent. Calling the doctor on Sunday, we were directed to go to the ER. Once there, they did a D-Dimer lab which if elevated, can indicate a possible blood clot. Mine was elevated, so I got a Lovenox (a blood thinner) injection, the cast was removed (just two days ahead of my ortho follow-up), and I was scheduled for an ultrasound the next day.

 After a restless, painful night of sleep, we went for the ultrasound and thankfully that showed no issues in the main veins. The pain in my calf shifted from a more specific area to what would feel like a 45-60 minute labor contraction that would not let up for anything. After seeing Ortho on Tuesday, I increased the magnesium glycinate I was already taking, and they started me on aspirin 162 mg twice a day. I was X-rayed again and things looked like how they hoped: The bones that broke are still in good placement (yay!) but they need more time to be stable, so I’m back in a cast for 4 more weeks (not so yay). This time it’s green. It reminds me of the forest. Leo might say it’s for “John Deere.” 

Then the family arrived home and I’ve had some wonderful snuggle and giggle times with the grandchildren, some laughs and conversations with the adults, and a new appreciation of what it means to graciously accept help. I want to be able to be independent as much as I can, but I’ve had more than a few near-falls and some harder-than-should-be touchdowns of the left foot as I try and save myself. 

Twenty-two days. Maybe I need to think about what else I can do to have a streak that feels better than focusing in on what I can’t do. 

• Nutrition: hitting my protein, fiber and calcium goals. 
• Reading at least a chapter a day from any book. 
• Doing something for my education, even just 30 minutes a day. In a week, that’s 3.5 hours towards my continuing education for massage therapy, nursing, and personal training certifications and licenses. 
• I can hit at least 1000 steps on crutches. Maybe go for 2000. 
• Maybe not a daily streak, but I can keep getting the 3x/week of upper body strength training in. 

Twenty-two days. It’s not so bad. I’m figuring out a plan to be able to work some, hopefully my end of year bookwork and taxes will be done in good time, and I’m learning how to be at peace with where I’m at. Not always perfectly, but I’d rather be a work in progress than not at all. 

Onward. 

Love, Dianne

The Fracture Chronicles: The “Adventure” continues

 Fifteen days. I’m headed into Week 3 of this newest adventure of breaking an ankle and trying to heal.  Whilst it isn’t as exciting as hiking the Appalachian Trail, or exploring new trails, it’s an adventure nonetheless. What defines “adventure”? Without looking it up, here’s my thoughts: 

• An adventure is about exploring something new.
• …or revisiting somewhere or doing something with a fresh perspective. 
• It’s about gaining knowledge and experience. 
• Who wouldn’t want an adventure without having some fun along the way? 
• It can be either solo or shared. 
• Food should be included. I mean, why not? 

What is the “official” definition of adventure? Let’s look it up ! 

From the Oxford Languages: 

It is a noun meaning “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. Similarly, it is a “daring and exciting activity calling for enterprise and enthusiasm”.

As a verb , it is to “engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.”

Okay, I can get on board with a little daring, and for sure the enthusiasm, but hazardous? I’m not sure I particularly like that word. Although, I think the definition of hazardous should include “walking leisurely and randomly slipping on ice and breaking your ankle”. 

How was this past week? Does it count as an adventure? 

Every day feels like something new as I figure how to go about the ordinary tasks on one leg,  but I really did explore something new by trying a new recipe (Sticky Toffee Pudding- I can highly recommend!) We ate this for the first time in Sheffield UK and I’ve wanted to make it ever since. I also learned how to properly make a pour-over coffee. Lovely! 

I’m revisiting the gym, getting out with assistance from Leo and it has me looking at a familiar place and routine with a fresh perspective. I might not be able to do all that I want right now, but I can do something and I need that right now.  

In the knowledge realm, I’ve learned more in-depth about ankle fractures, what non-weight-bearing really means, and why elevating about the heart is important for healing. 

Having fun? I’m trying!! Sometimes you have to just make it fun even when you aren’t feeling it, and somehow it helps. Play some music. Listen to a book. It’s finding the humor when you’ve spilled coffee for the 14th time, overturned a pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, spilled a mug of hot water, poured freshly ground beans on the floor, and hit your good ankle on the scooter yet again while trying to navigate a 3 (or 8) point turn. 

Many days I’m solo, but I’ve had friends offer assistance on just check in to make sure I’m okay and I know I’m not alone. Leo helps without being asked and finds ways to make me smile. 

And the food? I’ve had a much decreased appetite, but I’m doing what I can to get the protein, calcium, and vitamin D in for healing. Leo made a venison roast that was one of the best I’ve ever had. Sticky Toffee Pudding with ice-cream—that has to count as nutrition right? It’s got lots of dates. 

Adventure. 

Life. 

Is there a difference? 

We wake up. 

We go about our day. 

We can view it as “just life”. 

Or we can turn it into an adventure. 

Minus the hazardous, if you please. 

Surviving. Thriving. Always Living. 

Onward. 

Love, Dianne

The Fracture Chronicles: Week One ✅

The saying goes “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  Whilst I’m not having a terrible time, I will say this past week has been one of the longer weeks of my life. It was a week and a day ago that I slipped, fell, and broke my left ankle. A lot of people have said, “Maybe things like this happen because you were supposed to slow down.” Hmmm…maybe. Or maybe it is that I have something to learn about being content when things are slow, when it is too quiet, when plans are disrupted, and I have to live each day just as it is. 

If I’m being honest, today has been a rough one mentally. Most of the week, I would say 95% of it, I have been able to stay positive, optimistic, accepting of where I’m at right now.  I have had those 5% of moments where I just shake my head in disbelief that this happened, and I feel like I’m never going to get back to my level of “normal “. Usually, it is when I feel like I need to ask for help for tasks that I normally do for myself, when everything that I do takes so much longer, and I just find that I am drained of my energy much quicker than what I would like it to be. 

Today has been hard. Somehow, I think I have always thought that once you put a cast on a fracture, the pain goes away. I am not sure where that thought ever came from, but I can tell you that the pain does not just go away. It feels more stable, so I feel like I can get around a little better, but the deep aching, burning feeling, does not just go away.  When I am up and about more than an hour, I start to feel heavy in my lower leg and ankle, the pain increases, and my emotions and tears are closer to the surface. 

My body is telling me to rest today. I need to listen and so I am resting, my leg propped up on my Leaning Tower of Pillows, writing my emotions, adding to my story.  And here’s why I blog: The process of writing helps me put things into perspective. It helps me remember that even when life doesn’t feel positive, if I look for those things, they are there. Writing helps me be intentional. 

So here we go: The positives ➡️

• These fractures could’ve easily been so much worse but they are in place and no surgery was required. 
• I didn’t hit my head. I didn’t mess up my shoulders again. 
• I have a healthy body and my bone health is great! I am getting plenty of protein and all the other good stuff in my nutrition. 
• My family is here to help. Leonard is amazing. Adrienne helped me all day last Saturday. We’ve had 3 hour video calls and she keeps me company. I’ve gotten to talk with my grandkids ❤️. 

• 
  

  

  My personal Chauffeur 💙 

  
  

  

  Waiting Room. There may have been some laughter. 
  I may have nearly peed my pants. 

• I’m crushed that my strength training was going so well and now I’ll have to adjust my focus, restarting after I heal.  BUT I’ve got an amazing coach who is going to help me figure it out and we have already started. 
• The knee scooter is fantastic. I can’t say this enough. If I was limited to crutches and crawling about, I think I’d go crazy! Trying to carry anything from room to room with crutches is like asking to fall again. The scooter has a basket. A basket 💜. It really is the little things that make me smile. I am beyond thankful for this piece of equipment and a friend who brought it over so willingly. 
• 
• I had the ortho appointment on Tuesday, the day after I called. It didn’t take as long to get in as I thought it might. Western PA Ortho has been fantastic this far.  
• -All the upper and lower body strength that I have built over the past 3 years is helping me now to manage. I can get up and down using one leg relatively well. 
• I’m looking at being non-weight bearing as a “challenge accepted” moment and with creativity and strength, I am getting it done. 
• Overall, I have been able to stay in good spirits. I’m researching future hikes. I’m still looking at potential competitions. I’m organizing some projects to complete that I am usually too busy to get at. 
• -A cast for 2 weeks is doable. One day at a time. And I got to pick the color. It’s blue because my squat rack is blue, my backpacking gear is blue, and my massage room is blue. It’s a reminder to behave myself now so I can get back to those things that I love. 
• I remembered I had some Color Street 💅  

•  I have an incredible community who have reached out to offer support and help. People genuinely care.
• Last night I finally had a good night of sleep. 

Already, even just writing these down, I’m feeling brighter. I’m telling you, it works. It doesn’t change my circumstances but it helps me remember that I can have an impact on my attitude. I could still cry, but  it’s okay because I know I won’t get stuck there. 

Onward. Always. 

Love, Dianne

Broken in Peace(s)

 

In a season of gift-giving, I can promise you that gifts I never asked for are an air-cast boot, crutches, a knee scooter, and as of yesterday, a beautiful blue cast from the foot to just below the knee. I especially did not ask for a broken ankle. Somehow, in a matter of seconds and a slippery driveway, I have found myself blessed with all of the above.  

Last Friday, 5 December, I was walking out to my gym in the barn, fondly referred to as The PumpHouse, and my mind was on the deadlift session I had ahead of me. I look forward to training and being out here is one of my happy places. In one hand I carried my training journal, my iPad for music, my phone to record the session, and my water bottle. In my other hand, I had a new and beautiful Christmas mug that was gifted to me from friends. I had a steaming cup of coffee that I was looking forward to sipping at. It was Friday evening and I was feeling fine! 

Then….

I stepped from the bare sidewalk onto the snow-packed driveway and my footing slipped. I knew the second that my ankle bent to one side in a 90 degree awkward sideways position to my leg that this wouldn’t end well. As I continued to fall (I’m pretty sure it was in slow-motion), the coffee left my mug, the electronics left my hands, and my water bottle dropped to the ground. Once I stopped falling, my first thought was, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m still holding the mug and it didn’t break!” My second thought was, “Ohhhh something hurts. I don’t think this is just a sprain.”

After that, it could’ve been 1 minute or 10, as I held my left leg behind my knee and rocked and groaned, trying to breathe and ignore the waves of nausea and light-headedness. The cold air felt good and as my breathing normalized, I knew I needed to assess the damage. There was swelling along with an abrasion, but no bones. Whew. Okay, could I find a way to stand? I tried to maneuver myself to get up and the pain was searing. I found my phone and called Leo and somehow rather calmly asked for help. 

After an attempt to get upright, which we did, I quickly vetoed the idea of hopping back to the house. Any jarring felt terrible and I was lightheaded again. He got the car and drove it next to me and I got in. He went to the attic;  I’d told him where to find the crutches we’d kept from another ER visit and we left for Meyersdale. I just knew it was what we needed to do. 

About 30 minutes later we got the X-ray results: a bimalleolar fracture of the ankle.  Basically the bottoms of the leg bones (the tibia and fibula) both sustained a fracture, but were thankfully non-displaced. No surgery, but I needed to be non-weight bearing until I saw an orthopedic doctor; I would call them on Monday. 

It was a rough first night of little sleep. And yet, even though my world just felt like it came to a crashing halt, I felt peace. I felt a sense of “it’s good to be okay.” I wanted to worry about my massage business and income. I wanted to fret about winter hikes I might not be able to do. I wanted to cry about not being able to train deadlift and squats. But, there was peace. An undeniable peace that defies all logic. 

Maybe this “gift” of a broken ankle along with all its accessories isn’t all bad. Who knows what life lessons I will learn through this experience? 

So as this time of healing begins, I may be writing more. It helps me process my thoughts, and gives me a place to look back on when I want to remember. My coach Sam reminded me that this is part of my story. He’s right. And I have a choice in how I approach it in my attitude. Let the healing begin. Onward. 

Love, Dianne

Savoring Life One Bite at a Time

 At a recent bed-and-breakfast experience in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, we looked forward to breakfast as we made our way down a beautiful old staircase, wooden and creaky in all its glory.

Stepping into the dining room, we were met with the blended  aromas of coffee, hash browned potatoes, and quiche. Now I have never thought of myself as someone who eats particularly fast, but as Leo and I both were finishing up about 20 minutes later, our host stepped into the room and with a look of surprise, says “Wow, that was fast!”. I’d like to think he was in awe of our mealtime speed, but I think he was genuinely shocked. I wanted to crawl under the table. Although it became a bit of a run-on joke after that between Leo and I all weekend, it made me stop and think. 

Do I really enjoy a meal, savor each bite, taking the time to make the meal more than just food going in? 

Or do I shovel it in, ready to get on to the next task at hand? 

 I have come to realize that quite often I eat on the go. When I was working at the hospital, I ate food in the car all the time as I was driving. I do not recommend doing that with a hot bowl of Ramen noodles. When they spill onto your lap, trust me when I say it wasn’t worth the extra minutes I thought I was saving. Now, I schedule the people that I see with a half hour in between and I am often eating in a 10 minute span whilst standing up or doing things at the same time. Always busy, always with the next task in mind, and never really taking time to make meal time what it could be. 

For the remainder of our time in Niagara, I wanted to be intentional about the meals that we had. We went to the Skylon Tower and we had a 90 minute reservation. Some of that included ordering our meal and waiting, but we both enjoyed the incredible view, and the atmosphere. I made it a point to put down my utensils as I chewed rather than having my fork ready to stab the next bite. We conversed, we laughed, we were silent, but we were present for all 90 minutes. 

Breakfast the next morning at the B&B? Oh, I was ready. As we sat down across from each other in the dining room, I poured a cup of coffee, breathing deep and enjoying the morning. Our host came in and turned on a vintage record player in the corner, and soon the vinyl was spinning and Nat King Cole was crooning. Atmosphere matters. Setting the tone, the intention makes a difference. We didn’t linger at the table for an hour, but we were there for 30 minutes as we enjoyed another thoughtfully prepared meal. 

This morning, I was ready to rush out the door with a cup of coffee in hand to go do my training, but I stopped as I realized how easy it is to fall into a habit. I put everything down, took my coffee outside and sat in the cool morning air, the aroma of Autumn filling my senses and I savored the time and space. 

In a world where everything is fast and chaotic, I am thankful for time to slow down and breathe deep. To be present. 

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf

Love, Dianne