Well, I'm in a pickle, I just have to whine

[Trailrider1951]

And you, my dear Lounge Lizards, can help me by just listening....I'm not looking for medical advice. Here's what happened: On Thursday evening I tripped over my cat and really injured my right ankle. I may have broken it, as my ankle and whole foot is now swollen to twice regular size. So, I now cannot walk because it is way too painful to put any weight on it, or even move it. We pause for a Public Service Announcement:

***The time to buy crutches is BEFORE you need them. DOH!

I don't know my neighbors well enough to impose on them, and my daughter and her family are out of town on vacation until sometime next week. And because this is my right ankle, I cannot drive my car the 12 miles to the hospital. I live out in the middle of nowhere, Texas, about 50 miles NE of Austin. When I called into work on Friday morning, my boss suggested that I could 1. bother the neighbors, or 2. take an ambulance ride. Well, the ambulance ride is out because I do not consider a battered ankle to be life-threatening, and because of the cost, and also, how would I get back home afterward?

So, now I'm stuck here at home, scooting around in my office chair. The cats look at me like I'm nuts. Thank Goddess this house has laminate and tile floors, instead of carpeting. And I have plenty of food and water within reach. Also, I have ordered crutches from Amazon, but they won't be here until Wednesday. Thanks, guys, for letting me vent.

[AtomicKitten]

1. Elevate and ice the ankle as much as possible.

Also wrap snugly with Ace bandage (if you have one at home). That will help with the swelling. If after a few days your symptoms are not improving, you probably need to seek medical attention.

Best of luck.

[Trailrider1951]

5. Yep, I've done that.

It's still very swollen, right down to my toes. Sucks to be me. Thanks for the Luck, I'm going to need it.

[AtomicKitten]

15. also if you have it and can tolerate it

take anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) as directed

I do some work for an orthopedic group. These are the best conservative measures I can offer.

Wishing you a speedy uneventful recovery

[NYC_SKP]

2. Oh drat! You've already ordered the crutches, so I guess suggestions are out.

I can relate, however.

I fell off a ladder last summer and broke four ribs, wouldn't call for help and drove myself to the clinic.

I regretted it but I'm stubborn that way, won't ask for help.

Maybe you should get to know your neighbors just a little better, enough that they will feel OK asking you for help if they need it and vice versa.

Take care!

[Trailrider1951]

6. Thanks for the thoughts

Yes, I guess I need to get to know my neighbors better. Also, I, too, have had broken ribs. They hurt worse than any mangled ankle, because while you don't have to walk, but you do have to breathe. And sneeze. Yikes!

[ZombieHorde]

3. Heal well, Trailrider1951.

I hope you see some really funny movies this week.

[Trailrider1951]

7. Thanks ZombieHorde

I've been trying to figure out what to watch next. Thank Goddess for remote controls!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. are you really sure that you don't want an x-ray of that ankle, just to be on the safe side.

wishing you peaceful vibes and healing energy that you recover quickly and are back to normal ASAP.

[Trailrider1951]

10. Thanks for the vibes, they are much needed

Right now I have no way to get to the doctor's office for the x-ray. Until the crutches arrive, I'm reduced to scooting around in my wheeled office chair, or on my butt on the ground. Once I get the crutches, I'll go get an x-ray and perhaps a cast. My daughter should be home then, and she can drive me. Right now I cannot drive because I would have to use my left foot for the gas and the brake, and I'm not sure that would be safe. Man, this sucks!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

14. if it is broken, it would be best to find out ASAP -

don't you think?

that bone could start knitting back together by the time your daughter arrives and it may not be in proper alignment ...



on edit: just saw below where calling a cab is not feasible.

[cliffordu]

8. Call a cab. Much cheaper than an ambulance.

You REALLY need to have that looked at.

[Trailrider1951]

12. Hi, Cliffordu! No taxis here

I'm in rural Texas. The nearest town with doctors and a hospital is Taylor, 12 miles away. I'll just have to wait. Besides, if it is broken, they have to wait for the swelling to go down before they can put a cast on it.

[RebelOne]

9. I hate to say this, but from what you have said,

it seems to me you have a broken ankle. The same thing happened to me years ago. I tripped on a stair, and as I went down a heard a crack. So then I knew it was more than just a sprain. I think you need to get to a hospital as soon as you can. Crutches will help you walk, but they will not heal the broken ankle.

[UtahLib]

11. I had a similar injury a few years ago.

Nothing was broken but I had a badly torn tendon. The doctor provided a special supportive shoe. You should have an xray to determine the damage, though. Ice really does help with the soreness, swelling and bruising.

Good luck.

[Trailrider1951]

13. Yes, I suffered a bad sprain to this same ankle when I was 9 and jumped out of a tree

I was on crutches for about a month. I really don't know if it is now sprained or broken, all I know is that I need to stay off it until I can get medical help. Not much fun.

[No Vested Interest]

16. Call neighbor anyway; explain your situation and ask them for best options.

Whoever they are, they would likely feel badly knowing you didn't feel you could call them.
After all, the same scenario could happen to them sometime.

Maybe they're going into town anyway, and could drop you off, etc.
Best wishes.

[digonswine]

17. If it is not broken-

try an aircast for the ankle.
I have been through three of them--they take a beating and completely prevent further twisting of the ankle. Once you can put any weight on it-these are great. They got me on my feet at least 2-3 days before I would be otherwise.
My ankles are crap, so I have used them a bit.
My guess is a very badly turned ankle-no break. Problem is, once this happens, it makes it VERY easy to happen again.
Good luck.

[Bertha Venation]

18. I wish I could do something for you!

I was going to ask where you live, then re-read and saw Texas. I'm in Maryland. Dammit.

Is your boss generous and understanding? Perhaps he could ask around among your co-workers, find someone willing to take you to hospital. It's all I can come up with.

You will be in my thoughts. Keep us updated.