Work Injury Update

Warning: The past couple of posts contain descriptions of my work injury, its effects on my week, and an overall tone of self-pity (Hey, I've gotta tell it like it is!). While this may be therapeutic for me, this entry may not be your cup of tea. Depending on your taste, feel free to scroll down to one of my more typically optimistic posts.

Since the painful work accident that I detailed in my post last week, I have been mostly confined to my bed or living room couch for the past week. My left ankle is still a bit tender but mostly healed.


However, my right ankle has now swollen into a "cankle." My right foot often turns beet red or purple, freakishly warm, and swollen to nearly ¼ bigger than the size of my left foot at times (the swelling was reduced when this photo was taken). Kathy almost drove me back to the E.R. tonight, but the on-call doctor didn't share her sense of urgency.

After my initial ambulance ride to the E.R. last Sunday, I scheduled a follow-up with my primary care physician on Friday. He examined the X-Rays and concluded that my injuries were worse than the E.R. doc had diagnosed. The indent in my right leg looked pretty dramatic, and he explained that the membranes inside my bone were compressed (this explains why the pain shoots through my entire leg, not just around my ankle).

To make matters worse, it turns out that my body has an unusually high tolerance for Vicodin and Percocet. The amped up morphine-based medication that he gave me on Friday isn't making a dent, either. Aside from occasional fluctuations, my pain level hasn't dropped since it peaked last Wednesday. I look forward to walking without crutches, sleeping through the night, and experiencing any sort of lasting relief.

My students (and even some adult friends) are still mystified by my complete nonuse of my Playstation 3 during my home confinement.
A couple of my high schoolers stopped by the house and wanted to play my PS3, only to discover that the few game titles I own hadn't even been located or unpacked yet. Aside from time spent with my students, I never have been much of a gamer. When my very active lifestyle is interrupted by illness or injury, I tend to prefer music, books, and prayer to keep my mind occupied. Of course, I'd rather be out doing something instead.

Update: Shortly after I posted this, Kathy found my games. As long as I have students, my PS3 will be in no danger of being neglected.

The bigger bummer is that I am not even mobile enough to exercise, go outside, visit students, or do much unpacking from our recent Memorial Day weekend move in (moving day pics will be posted here soon). As a result of being taken away from PDX in an ambulance last Sunday, my Jeep is still in the airport employee parking lot. I'm in no condition to drive, anyway… Kathy picks me up for each rare occasion that I can leave the house.

I cherished the opportunity to attend church this morning (especially since Michaela was being baptized!), although I didn't have the pain tolerance to stand for more than a couple minutes at a time. Fellowshipping with our church family was the top, if not the only, highlight of my week.



Unexpectedly, some of my ministry meetings and mentoring sessions are being relocated to here in my living room. I am grateful that people would drive a little further to accommodate me, but I try my best to not feel like a burden. I never realized until now how challenging it can be to serve in ministry and yet allow myself to be ministered to.