Friends, I have unfortunate news to share today. I can’t even really believe this myself, after a day of letting it sink in, but I had an accident yesterday that has left me with a broken knee cap and in a full leg cast.
Ay Dios Mio.
As the health nut and all around active lifestyle advocate that I am, you can only imagine my shock of suddenly being reliant on crutches, and, not insignificantly, to Mr. 2ChiliBreadBowl himself. I have a very hard head (you can take the girl out of Texas…) and am having to let my do-it-myself attitude rest for a bit.
What happened? Something so fast, I didn’t have time to brace myself. I was leaving the locker room at my Community Center, off to go run on the treadmill early in the morning, when I slipped on some water that I didn’t see on the polished concrete floors. BAM! I hit the deck, and, my kneecap decided to take a detour. Somehow, someway, I managed to summons help in this concrete bunker (it is built out of board formed concrete walls in the locker room) and, was off to have a life-changing experience.
You see, I have never broken a bone before, and as 2Chili told the surgeon, rarely even break fingernails (score one for a healthy diet). Thankfully, we live in an area with excellent medical care, and I cannot thank the docs and nurses at both Overlake Hospital and Group Health Medical Center in Bellevue more. They are simply amazing. And, my EMTs from the Bellevue FD were fast, extremely competent and very wonderful themselves. The thing they kept reiterating, which I completely appreciated, is that because I’m in great physical shape, I will have a much easier go at recovery than I would if I wasn’t so fit. That meant so much, they don’t even know it!
Here’s a picture of my current situation – Fiberglass is not really my style. As you know, I prefer technical apparel because I’m always on the move out!
2Chili has decided to do some of his artwork on it later, so, I’ll share pictures if he indeed gets all creative on my gimpy leg. Living with an architect means I will probably end up with house designs and floor plans on my cast, but, you just never know!
So, now what?
Well, it is very clear to me: Heal as fast as possible. I have been doing some research, and will keep you posted on what works and what doesn’t, as clearly I am not the only one in this world that has ever broken a bone. One of my nurses told me she had the exact same injury, and she is back to good after lots of PT.
Swimming, biking, running, hiking, and my other outdoor passions are off the table for a while, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to turn into a couch potato. No-siree! I am experiencing what you might call a speed bump, but, this too shall pass. The doc said I may never run again. My mission is to prove him wrong. It may take a year, but, I hope to report back to you next triathlon season that I’m back at it! What he doesn’t know is my “run” is really more like speed walking. Ha!
I really think attitude is everything in these scenarios, so after giving myself a little time to mourn my old self for a while today, I dug right in to figure out exactly what I’m going to do with this new challenge.
Here’s my current planned protocol. Keep in mind I am self medicating here and just sharing for informational purposes – this isn’t advice!
- I want to get off the major pain meds ASAP (but only when it’s manageable – hopefully in 3 days or so), and will switch to a more natural option called Phenocane, which is also an anti-inflammatory. Strong pain meds are not great for your liver, so I don’t really want to stay on them long. When I’m done with them, I’ll add in some Milk Thistle Extract for a while as a liver detox.
- Vitamin C. From what I’ve read, loading up with vitamin C can really help with healing in surgery patients. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, but, reckon a little vit C can help as well.
- Collagen to help heal the nerves and ligaments. Importantly, this is Type II collagen, which seems to be more effective than Type I. Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support bone and joint healing in addition to the collagen.
- Fish Oil, which I take already, to help with inflammation. Since we live in the Northwest, I take a fish oil with Vitamin D3. The thing about fish oil is you need to be careful to get it from a quality source (you get what you pay for) because it seems a lot of store-brand fish oil can be worse for you than not taking it at all due to rancidity. I love Nordic Naturals for this. It does not taste fishy!
And, lots and lots of organic fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafies and berries that are so wonderfully in season, some verified free range organic eggs (I finally found a supplier), beans and legumes in moderation, nuts, seeds and avocados for healthy fats, and coconut oil as a natural anti-viral to help stave off any potential infections. In other words, my normal diet, but kicked up a notch to make sure only good stuff gets in. I’ll be going off gluten again for now, since it can cause inflammation, and avoiding any sugars not found in whole foods.
And, in a few days, I’ll start up some upper body weight training and some gentle yoga moves. I got the all-clear from the doc to do upper body as soon as I wanted, but was rightly informed, “you won’t really want too that soon.”
That’s my story, and, the reason why I may be a little quieter than usual around here. Or, I may be more active. I’m motoring around pretty well on my shiny new crutches, so it may not be long before I’m whipping up all kinds of new “recovery” smoothies.
Thank you all in advance for your support and understanding!
View Comments (31)
Healing vibes & good wishes being sent!
Thank you Beverley, I need all the vibes I can get!
Wow Angela that is a serious bummer. Your attitude is definitely an inspiration though. Praying for a quick and full recovery and I am in agreement with you that you will prove the doc wrong about running!!
My dearest g/f is going through recovery from a serious concussion from a car accident back in February. She is learning to love new things because the old things she used to do are not possible right now. Her attitude is also an inspiration as well.
Thanks for all your posts, reviews and recipes, as well as posting supplements and things like that which work for you.
Janis
Thank you Janis, and, for the info about your friend. Sounds like she has it figured out – attitude makes all the difference! After I went through all the emotions of being upset, in denial, mad, etc., I realized it’s just an opportunity to experience some different things.
I’ll keep you all posted on the foods and supplements as I go through this new journey back to health!
Angela, your attitude is wonderful! Yes, this is just a little rock in the road; I know with your diet and your determination, you’ll heal up and return to your active lifestyle, probably in record time. Thanks for sharing your adventures in living with others.
Thanks Doris, I am glad to have a venue to share, and appreciate your note!
Reply
Bravo on the healing game plan! Sorry to hear of your accident but happy, amazed and inspired by your attitude. Be well.
Thanks Toni, I appreciate it!
So sorry to hear about your accident. Angela, you have inspired so many of us and I hope you continue to do so as you heal. We are all here in the background cheering you on!
Thanks so much, Carole, I really appreciate it!
Thank you so much, Carole! I appreciate it!
OMG, here I am talking to you about coconut whipped cream, and I didn’t even realize this happened. Wow, I’m so sorry, and feel so bad for you. But I know you’ll be okay. You’re a fighter and you’ll work hard at coming back.
Big huggs
Ha, Debbie, please no worries at all. And, I’m glad you found the answer about your KitchenAid – I was going to tell you, YES, go with the KitchenAid. That will work great. Just be sure to chill the bowl and mixers ahead of time. Enjoy!
The Curran attitude (stubbornness) is certainly a blessing at this point! Talked with your mom last night, she is keeping us informed on all the medical issues family wide. When Kris broke his knee cap he was wheel chair racing (dually style) within a week, although I don’t see you doing that I know you will be up and at em in no time. Tell Dan to “hang in there” !!
Wishing you a quick recovery!
Hugs and love
Aunt Debby
Haha, yes, hardheaded Curran attitude is coming out, for sure. My poor mom has a lot of stuff to keep track of right now, but, out of all of it, I will be fine, so she doesn’t really need to worry. Dan shares her same attitude about R&R — must be their shared Capricorn nature — and is keeping me in check as best he can.
How did Kris break his kneecap? And you’re right, no wheel chair racing for me, but I am hopeful to be much more mobile in a week!
Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery. Get well soon.
Thanks Angel!
Thank you all for your very kind words and support! I’ll keep you posted and will continue to share!
I also have lots of time upcoming to think up new recipes, so, this may prove to be fruitful downtime!
I also use organic turmeric capsules for inflammation I know you know how good that is. Seemed to work better for me than the Phenocane. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Thanks for the tip, Frances. I was just thinking about turmeric’s (and ginger’s) benefits this morning as I put it in my green smoothie. I’m going to grab some capsules as well – smart!
Frances, thank you again so much for the pointer on the organic turmeric. I ordered some right away, and started using it a couple days ago. I have managed to wean myself off the heavy duty meds and onto just a bit of Tylenol with the turmeric. So far, it is working great. It makes sense that it would work better than the Phenocane because the curcumin ratio is much higher/more concentrated. Anyway, thank you again – great tip!