Today it is gloomy and raining outside. I’ll take the gloom because we so need the rain.
Yesterday I went to the orthopedic center. I’m now back in the big steel boot. I knew something was wrong, but not exactly sure what it is yet.
(Gifts from Carol)
I do feel like I’m going backward instead of forward. First I’m told to do my therapy and exercises. Now I’m told it will aggravate things, as they believe this to be an entirely new injury.
The female doctor/PA was one I’d never seen before. When I questioned how this could happen, a whole different injury right around my ankle, I wasn’t entirely happy with her response. “Ma’am, you’re 55 years old. You’ve had a very bad fracture. This stuff is just going to happen.”
(Gifts from Carol)
I’m a little down right now. I’m trying to make things to put in my Etsy shop, since I can’t use the sewing machine to make pillows. I am having to cut back on something. So for now I will not be posting on my other blog for awhile. If anyone needs help, all they need to do is email me. And I’ll be happy to help if I can.
The beautiful stoneware pitchers I’m highlighting, the smaller ones in front, are two my very good friend and faithful reader Carol so generously sent me the other day. A great addition to my collection on the mantel. She couldn’t have chosen better if she’d been looking at the ones I already had.
Aren’t they gorgeous? And that wasn’t all. Look at the chicken and rooster salt and pepper shakers, and the very dainty teacup and saucer. I was blown away by the beauty of it all.
Please know I am ever so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers. I really hope I can get this injury under control before I lose my Cobra coverage in May. Right now I’m not betting on it.
Please cross your fingers for me. I need all the good karma I can get right now. And you, my dear friends who have always supported me when I needed you, give me hope and light at the end of the tunnel. And I’m ever so grateful.
Brenda, I would love to see your other blog. You are so good at vignettes.
Rebya
If it’s not one thing, it’s another! I feel for you, Brenda, and pray like the dickens things turn around for you soon. Keep your chin up! {{hugs}}
Oh, Brenda! I’m so sorry to hear this about your foot. Praying you heal without any more complications. Now what sweet gifts you’ve received. Now I was going to say – don’t turn your back about those chicken – but since you’re not yourself, I’ll keep it to myself and just covet them!
be a sweetie,
Shelia
Brenda,
You give good karma so some good karma is heading your way! We never know why these things happen. It is disappointing to hear about another injury. Love what you did with your mantel and Carol is a doll for sending you the beautiful gifts. You’re in my prayers! Love all your boards on Pinterest and really, really like the hoop art you’ve been doing.
Well, THAT was certainly all you needed. What an encouraging doctor (sarcasm). I think you need to find someone else. That is NOT true at 55! I hope things improve at your place and I love your sweet treasures. xo Diana
I agree, that remark was uncalled for! I wonder what she would say to a person in their 80′s??? I will pray for you, I don’t know what else to do. I wish I was closer so I could be of help! I too am alone, and I am very blessed to have good friends!!! Get well soon and hug your pups for me!!!!
I wish you well with this, Brenda. Your health is everything and I hope this doesn’t get you down. I’ll keep you in my prayers and I know many others will, too. Stay strong and thanks for posting such a pretty one today. I love the whites.
I am sorry you have had this setback. Sure hope things improve for you soon.
Brenda hang in there good times are coming !!! You have our support
I’m so sorry you’ve had a setback with your foot. Hope you get better soon!
Your mantel full of white pitchers took my breath away! Beautiful!
Smiles,
Carp;
I’m keeping you in my prayers sweet friend. Beautiful gifts from Carol…what a sweetie! Get some rest, dear one! Hugs!
I’m praying for you Brenda. I know you are discouraged and tired of all your setbacks, but you ARE going to get better. The white stoneware on your mantel looks gorgeous!!
♥
Thinking of you, Brenda, with love & concern over this latest development! Your doctor
has a lousy bedside manner, such comments are no help!
Love your mantel! Such a lovely way to display your pitchers! Your gifts are so nice.
I really think the little teacup & saucer are beautiful!!
Take care, many hugs & prayers are winging your way!
Well, I don’t even know what to say. It’s kind of rude to remind people of their age (I will be 60 in June). Yes, my joints are aching from the rain and I walk stiffly and moan when I get up out of a chair, but nobody stays young and fit forever. It’s sad when you try to follow doctor’s orders, then find out you might have been doing it wrong. Take it easy. Work on your crafts, love your dogs and listen to the gentle rain and be thankful. All of us out here are praying for you.
Lovely gifts. Those sweet hens are so cute. I always keep you in my prayers. Have you had a bone density test done? Take calcium and Vitamin D? Nutritional support is very important with healing. The PA wasn’t very sympathetic, needs to work on her bedside manner a bit. xo
I meant to tell you I got a strange email from you a day or two ago which I didn’t open, looked too weird. Was your email account hacked?
Cute gifts! I hope the physical therapy didn’t hurt you! Some PA’s are not very smart.. sounds like you found one without a very good bedside manner at all. I was wondering, could you use your other foot on the sewing machine? Feel Better!
Hi Brenda,
I’m so sorry to hear about the set back with your ankle! Here’s hoping the light at the end of the tunnel gets a little brighter each day:) I look forward to seeing what goodies you add to your Etsy shop!
Xo,
Charlotte T
Brenda, I would definitely try to see a doctor that you’ve seen previously and get a second opinion on your ankle.. The female doctor sounds kind of “hokey” to me.. I am so terrible sorry that you’ve had a set back with your ankle~~~from what the new doctor tells you. No matter what, you just have to keep your chin up and a smile on your face. I know that I and all of your reader-friends are wishing you well and keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.. .
All of your white stoneware is beautiful..I had a “peek” at the mantel runner that Judy has made for you. Your pitchers will be gorgeous on it.
I love your new pitchers and hen and rooster. The sweet cup and saucer with the petite rose looks like it’s just waiting for a cup of tea to be poured in it from your new teapot.. Carol is a wonderful friend !
Aren’t friends wonderful ? Just think how many you’ve made over the years and especially since you moved into your cozy little house.. We’ve all visited you in one way or another. I know we’re all hoping that this new news is just a minor bit of information that can be fixed in no time.. Know that I’m thinking about you and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers..
Keep your thoughts on being creative. This is a new year and new creations need to be made for your Etsy shop. Just think how well you did with your pillows.. I have mine out to enjoy and think about you each time I look at them.
Take care and give Charlie and Abi a hug for me.. I hope the meds are helping Abi.
The new kittens we adopted are having the time of their lives with us~~~investigating, eating lots of small meals a day, playing with all kinds of toys, napping and watching the birds and squirrels that are outside feasting on sunflower seed. The things the brother and sister pair like best are cardboard boxes and pieces of paper crumpled up. They sure have given us a lot of laughs and entertainment..
I know better times have to be in your future.. As usual, I’m sending my best wishes and a warm hug for an ankle that will heal.
Hugs, Charlotte in Va.
Brenda, like others have said, you spread so much happiness to others that you’ll never know how you boost people up and support them in their times of trouble. Karma has a way of biting others on the butt, so that PA better watch out due to her rude comment. Cripes, I wish I was 55 again! I’m jealous. I know how depressing this must be. Is there any way to have the COBRA extended at all?
Noooo! The steel boot? Not the same injury? They have no idea what they’re doing! My friend always says, “The reason they say doctors “practice” medicine is because that’s all they’re doing … practicing.” I can’t believe they’re saying this, and what is 55, that’s totally not old in this society. On a different note, the pitchers are really gorgeous, and the roos are just perfect! Mary
Ooooo, I love all the white stoneware pitchers….l.o.v.e. I’m sorry you’re back in the boot, get better soon!
I think that is an expression used by medics when they don’t know. My sister had vertigo and the Dr said it was her age. I think something else has to be wrong besides being older. What do they tell younger people?
Geez Louise. I am just guessing but I would guess that this is the same injury that hasn’t healed or an injury caused by the first injury somehow. I would disregard that comment. Hopefully you can see one of the doctors that you had before. i bet they will raise their eyebrows to that comment. More prayers and more ((((((HUGS)))). Being back in the boot won’t hurt you. I know with my injury and then injuring it again, think of it as a safety net…..extra healing time. I just talked to a lady that has had a back set in her thyroid surgery. So hard to accept sometimes.
I have alot of foot problems. I went to a new doctor . A young fellow. You know what he told me……”You are just a big girl with little feet.” Yep, that’s what he said. And I paid him money for that. I didn’t go back to him.
We will be there for you. Do what you need to and tell us when you need help. This will have to be a better year for you…….we won’t let it be anything but that. (((((HUGS)))))
I am guessing the doctor must have been very young to act like 55 is so old. It would have been a help for you to know what may have happened to cause the new injury, so you could avoid unknowingly doing whatever activity it was again. I hate getting bad news at the doctor, not just because it’s bad news, but then I can’t think straight in the few minutes allowed to be able to ask any questions or really take anything else they say in to my brain to be processed. I wish they would stick their head in the room and say whatever bad news they have, give me a few minutes to absorb it , and then come back in and talk it over. I’ve had bad news at doctors offices and they really don’t even give you a minute to compose yourself (quit crying, blow your nose, take a breath). The next thing I know I am seeing their back going out of the door! Makes me mad. I am paying a lot for those few moments they spend in the little room with me. I hope you will be recovering quickly on this second go around. On a brighter note, I love your little white pitcher collection, and the new ones you just received and those little chickens are just the cutest.
A positive attitude always helps…. but so do prayers and good thoughts, and they are coming your way from Kansas.
Sending healing vibes your way, Brenda.. and oh, how I love that mantel!! …. beautifully done.
Brenda…. since you have the Cobra until May…. get on line and find another orthopedic group in your town. Verify they will take your ins and then request an actual MD to evaluate you. Have the first DR send all of your radiology pictures to the new dr BEFORE your appt. This situation is unacceptable. The Dr who did your surgery should be seeing you since there are so many complications. NOT a PA with a snippy attitude. If you have re injured your ankle and now have to go back in the steel boot, they should be able to EXPLAIN why this happened. I am so frustrated FOR you! DONT take this PA’s word for the only treatment available.
I went to a well recommended ortho Dr here in Ft Wayne for my Left knee. $1200 mri and he told me it was just arthritis. I hobbled around for another month eating 3 aleve a day. I made an appt with the other Ortho group and got the MRI I had done from the other Drs office. I met the new Dr and within 3 MINUTES he diagnosed me from the MRI that I had a torn meniscus!! I asked him how in the world I was suppose to know who to believe!! One Dr is telling me its arthriti,s and then this new Dr is telling me I need surgery!! He asked me to hang on and then he opened up the door to the exam room and asked 3 other Ortho docs to come in and look at my MRI. It was actually pretty comical. 3 surgeons walk into the room and literally GLANCE …. NOT study the MRI and say ” torn meniscus.” SO!!!! I had the surgery and all is well!!! And by the way… I wrote a letter to the Practice manager from the first Dr. I explained what had happened and how aggravated I was with this particular surgeon. I received the $ 750.00 back that I had paid out of pocket towards the MRI their DR obviously misread.
So PLEASE dont just accept this situation as the final answer. A second opinion wont make anything worse…. and it might be the answer to this ankle nightmare.
MJ
Im praying for you Brenda and for your ins. I just spent $358 on glasses and office visit. It is raining here too and that makes things look worse. Please hang in there. Kendra
Brenda I am so sorry to hear that you have another injury! I am praying and sending you lots of hugs and support!
xo
Linda
Hi Brenda! I loved seeing the gifts I sent you displayed so nice…you sure have a way of decorating…I will say they look so so nice in your cozy home and I am so happy you like them so well..I knew the 2 pitchers would fit right in…the Mantle is just BEAUTIFUL!! I agree with Mary Jane…try to get in and get a second opinion from another Doctor..the PA probably has NO CLUE what is really wrong with your ankle…being rude to you was so uncalled for too!!!I would NOT trust anyone who could talk this way to someone like she did to you…Take care! Love ya! Carol
I aso got a strange email that I didn’t open. I know, what next.
When Margaret was in her 80′s the doctor said her left foot problem was, “Just Age.”
She immediately replied, “My other foot is the SAME AGE and just fine.”
How stupid do they think we are?
Now in her late 90′s…….
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
love the stoneware, such lovely gifts to lift your spirits.
I too would question the new doc- 55 is not old enough for them to assume your bones are brittle and prone to spraining. calcium magnesium and vit. D will go a long way toward your healing. and NOOOOOOO dont ask the docs if you should take it. just to do yourself some GOOD and take it:)
I hope you are feeling better soon!
xx
Anne
I have been a follower of your blog for a very long time. I’m so sorry that you are facing a set back in your recovery. I did have to chuckle at the PAs explanation to you. I’m also 55
and I always joke about: since when does AGE have to come into play with EVERYTHING?? I wish you the very best in your continued road of recovery. Keep up with your lovely blog. I look forward to reading it every day!
Dear Brenda, How incredibly frustrating and discouraging for you; I am lifting you up right now in prayer. I guess this is one time where a machine that has a push button for speed would be helpful. Hope they figure out quickly what has happened; as for the age comment, I probably would have hit the PA. Just kidding but the gal needs to learn some tack.
Hugs, Noreen
So sorry to hear that you’re STILL having problems with your ankle. I would feel irritated too if my doctor was so “matter of fact” with me. It seems (according to your doctor) that no matter what you do, your age determines how quickly you recover. How frustrating! I wish you the best during your continued recovery period. I know you must be SO eager to get back to normal. Love the white dishes you received. They look pretty displayed all together.
So hope you get better soon Brenda…please hang in there! Love, love all your dishes and those little salt and pepper shakers are great…collect them and they are wonderful!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
hi Brenda….I broke my little toe a few years back. I thought I’d stubbed it at first and about 3 days later it dawned on me that I’d better go to Med Express since it was getting more and more painful and about 3x the size.
ANYWAY, went to ortho specialists ( a well respected group ) had to wear a boot then some sandal sort of thing etc. FINALLY all better and I go back for the last visit. A new doctor ( to me at least ) sees me, must not read my file, carefully examines my xrays and informs me that my BIG toe has healed nicely. Whoa..scary. When I told him that I was here for my LITTLE toe he proceeded to explain that surely I’d broken my big toe as well at some point in my life.
Don’t you think that I’d have KNOWN that.
Point is, take this latest newest doctor with a grain of salt!!!! MAYBE she came from the same planet that HE came from!!
I am so in agreement with what Mary Jane said. I know it’s a hassle, but work the heck out of the system while you still have it. Yes our bodies take a little longer to heal now that we are older, but that should never mean that we have to accept sub-standard care. There has to be someone out there who will jump through hoops to help you recover before you lose your insurance.
Me Again :
oh and LOL Brenda…when you go back…if you see that doctor again…can you find a few celebrities around 50* or 55 like Demi Moore that are Cougars ha ha and inform the doctor that 55 isn’t exactly all finished up yet / she sounds like a MORON, frankly. Maybe she needs glasses and didn’t read your chart and thought that it said NINETY FIVE or something
Give “em hell
Brenda…
Good luck healing. Stinks to have an injury.
Well wishes to you!
Sorry to hear about the boot Brenda, I remember being in one myself for a few months and it was a total drag! BTW 55 is not old and you should not expect a problem because of your age!
Susan
I know you could have just screamed! What happened to a bedside manner, or lacking that, some answers! It was just the time you needed most to receive such lovely gifts and I know they couldn’t have gone to a more appreciative home. They’re so lovely and pristine, all lined up. I bet it rests your eyes and spirit to look at them.
Ugh. Sorry to hear about that. Bummer.
Sending good thoughts, prayers and positive vibes your way!
Hi Brenda,
Also, who thinks 50s is old these days? Maybe it was years ago, but now 60 is the new 40 with all the improvements in our lifestyle and health. At 83, my mother-in-law sustained a major bleed in her brain from a fall. Doctors said she wouldn’t recover and would never leave a nursing home. Ha! She’s alive and well and enjoying life at home with her husband at the ripe age of 90! Sharp as a tack, too! Just try to stay positive and patient in the healing process. It may take time, but this too shall pass!
Love your beautiful gifts and interior shots!
Your foot will heal. I believe that. If there is any soft tissue damage, just remember that it will take longer to heal than bone. But it will heal!
Some people experience reactions, or allergies, to surgical pins. Pins can also cause bone infections. At 55, you should not be experiencing the degree of osteoporosis the PA suggested. And if you do have some condition that causes accelerated osteoporosis, you would have already known that before your ankle fractured. I had a friend who had two pins in her ankle. The pins had been in place for 12 years. In theory, pins should never have to be removed. However, her ankle always bothered her. She finally saw a new orthopedic surgeon, who said her pins were actually keeping her ankle from fully healing. They were removed, and she said that “finally, my ankles match!” Sending you all the best! (psst — my first post!)
So sorry to hear about your foot and having to wear the boot again. Keeping you in my prayers.
hugs,
Cindy
Oh my gosh, this ankle stuff has got to be so frustrating! I agree with some of your other readers that you should see another doctor – or maybe your original one? This PA sounds like a know-it-all witch. Terrible to talk to you like that. I will be keeping you in my prayers.
On another note, those stoneware pitchers, roosters, and teacup are all just gorgeous. What an amazing friend.
Saying a prayer for healing! Guess we’ll all have health insurance a year from now! I’m planning on retiring early and hope I can afford to buy it!
I’m trying not to waste energy being angry with that doctor! There is a better explanation than that and you have a right to know it. Goodness! Gracious! Sakes alive! Praying for you, right now.
I am so sorry for all you are going through! I wish I could give you a big hug, you poor sweet girl. Sending good thoughts, prayers and love your way.
Oh Brenda, you poor thing, I can’t believe how your ankle problem just goes on and on. Was the woman you just saw really young? Good heavens, fifty-fity isn’t old! Maybe you should go somewhere else and talk to someone new…find someone who cares. When I had Lyme disease it took finding the right doctor to finally get a diagnosis. The first guy was so blah and just acted like the horrible way I was feeling was no big deal and that I’d probably get better soon…um, hello?! what? Anyway, I’ll say a prayer for you that some answers and healing come your way soon. By the way, the pitchers are beautiful…what a nice friend
I agree with Mary Jane, Brenda. I think you need a second opinion. I am here for you.
Hugs,
Laura
I’m so sorry you are dealing with all of this. It’s hard, both physically and emotionally to have the normal in our lives taken away. I am also 55, and it felt weird to read what your doc said. It’s like he is just thinking it’s an age related issue instead of digging deeper.
Oh, Brenda, I am so sorry to hear this about your ankle. How awful for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could give you a hug.
Brenda, I love your white stoneware collection. You have that touch! connie
c.teasley@yahoo.com
I’ve read most of your comments Brenda, and I agree, get the second opinion. With everything we’ve been going through with my husband’s illness I know the value of getting another doctor’s opinion. And that comment about 55 really is not a good excuse. Hang in there, we’re all praying for you!
((BRENDA)) You have so many wonderful friends! who have given you such specific and wonderful advice! that I simply wanted to add – I’m praying to St. Vincent (patron saint for fractures) for you +
so, what….we fall apart at 55? I have one more month then;-) lousy, stupid remark. Good karma, fingers crossed, and prayers your way Brenda. Hang in there.
So sorry, Brenda, that your injury doesn’t seem to be healing well. I know it must be very discouraging. You have an awfully lot of people pulling for you and sending prayers and positive thoughts — including me!
Carol
Oh, that must so frustrating, Brenda. Thinking of you and praying for healing.
Who is training these health professionals? Where’s the bedside manner? When I began therapy after breaking my wrist last January, the therapist told me not to expect too much at age 51 after I articulated my goals – I wanted my right wrist to work like my left wrist. She was lucky it still hurt and was mostly useless as I felt like slapping her! Happy ending – 11 months later and it is almost 100%. A few more months and it should be. Agree that if the doctors can’t get to the bottom of the problem, maybe it’s time to find a new one… time consuming and expensive, but you need to get back to your sewing machine. Positive thoughts heading your way.
So sorry to hear about your ankle. For what it is worth, what the PA told you is probably true. My friend in Utah, who is our age, had major surgery for a fallen arch. She was down for months. When she was able to start walking again she noticed her foot looked funny, and then it started to hurt really bad. One of the screws in the tiny bones in her arch had splintered the bone!! Yes, she had to go back to surgery. She is up walking again, but has to wear hiking boots to support her foot and ankle….probably forever. She carries on, takes piano lessons, works at her sewing machine, cooks everyday, and spends a lot of time with her lap top in the recliner!!
So far Brenda….God has looked out after you all the way. He is not going to stop now. Keep praying and you will see light soon. This is just your winter to stay put. I had one of those years last year. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Darn it. I was hoping you had seen the last of that stupid boot! Maybe if you get this taken care of you can be walking around outside by Springtime. I miss your gardening posts.