D
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It has been a tough two days. The question keeps popping into my head, “Why does it seem that I can more easily handle physical pain, than severe disappointment?”
Three summers ago, my huge Black Lab/ Giant Schnauzer mix ran smack into me while we were playing ‘fetch’. Full speed and head on. The resulting crash and fall caused a bad ankle break which required open surgery for the reduction and realignment of the bones. A plate was installed with slightly less than a gazillion screws.
At the last post-operative visit, I was advised that after full mending, the plate could be removed, but that unless the plate actually started creating problems, that it was just fine to leave it in. In most cases, it would never be noticed. And such was the case, even when doing the Pacific Crest and Colorado Trails --- thousands of hard backpacking miles, not to mention uncounted hours of conditioning hikes and walks in between and since.
Ten days ago, an unusually aggressive and hard ache in the past-broken ankle started occurring while I was out hiking. Over the last week, the ache became very persistent and the site was very tender when palpating the area. So, I made an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon who is now evaluating the issue after a physical assessment and a series of x-rays. Although trying to be encouraging, he also stated that, depending on what he sees, I might need to have surgery to remove the plate.
If I had surgery today, I might be able to get through with recovery and therapy in time to keep the September date for my Camino. But after reviewing the Doc’s calendar, the first available surgery time isn’t until the last week in August. My place on the triage list of his patients doesn’t warrant immediate intervention, and my unbiased self agrees.
By tomorrow I should know whether surgery is needed. In the meantime, heavy-duty anti-inflammatories, applications of ice and heat, keeping a wrap on the ankle and staying away from working out are the order of the day.
My worries and potential for disappointment are not equivalent to the many severe problems in the world. Regardless, it is still a personal struggle to accept what may or may not occur. It is still a personal trial which will require an internal response to the, as yet, unknown. It occurs to me that this is one kind of spiritual exploration and strengthening that I hope occurs on my Camino. Perhaps this is a mild Spiritual pre-conditioning workout? About an hour ago I listened to a song by one of my favorite artists, Lauren Daigle. As I sat trying to prepare myself for a doctor’s decision which is unknown until perhaps tomorrow, things began to be put into perspective. I am still a bit scared, though.
I did a Google search and found the Lauren Daigle song. I thought I might share it for those who might be interested.
Three summers ago, my huge Black Lab/ Giant Schnauzer mix ran smack into me while we were playing ‘fetch’. Full speed and head on. The resulting crash and fall caused a bad ankle break which required open surgery for the reduction and realignment of the bones. A plate was installed with slightly less than a gazillion screws.
At the last post-operative visit, I was advised that after full mending, the plate could be removed, but that unless the plate actually started creating problems, that it was just fine to leave it in. In most cases, it would never be noticed. And such was the case, even when doing the Pacific Crest and Colorado Trails --- thousands of hard backpacking miles, not to mention uncounted hours of conditioning hikes and walks in between and since.
Ten days ago, an unusually aggressive and hard ache in the past-broken ankle started occurring while I was out hiking. Over the last week, the ache became very persistent and the site was very tender when palpating the area. So, I made an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon who is now evaluating the issue after a physical assessment and a series of x-rays. Although trying to be encouraging, he also stated that, depending on what he sees, I might need to have surgery to remove the plate.
If I had surgery today, I might be able to get through with recovery and therapy in time to keep the September date for my Camino. But after reviewing the Doc’s calendar, the first available surgery time isn’t until the last week in August. My place on the triage list of his patients doesn’t warrant immediate intervention, and my unbiased self agrees.
By tomorrow I should know whether surgery is needed. In the meantime, heavy-duty anti-inflammatories, applications of ice and heat, keeping a wrap on the ankle and staying away from working out are the order of the day.
My worries and potential for disappointment are not equivalent to the many severe problems in the world. Regardless, it is still a personal struggle to accept what may or may not occur. It is still a personal trial which will require an internal response to the, as yet, unknown. It occurs to me that this is one kind of spiritual exploration and strengthening that I hope occurs on my Camino. Perhaps this is a mild Spiritual pre-conditioning workout? About an hour ago I listened to a song by one of my favorite artists, Lauren Daigle. As I sat trying to prepare myself for a doctor’s decision which is unknown until perhaps tomorrow, things began to be put into perspective. I am still a bit scared, though.
I did a Google search and found the Lauren Daigle song. I thought I might share it for those who might be interested.
