I was taking a break from a huge experimental hoopla when the news arrived. My Outlook Express inbox displayed three new e-mails, one of them being an invitation to another school for an interview.

I have an e-mail account that i have been using for 'official' business that I dread opening. This morning, I checked the account, and got a delightful invitation to one of my top schools..

For the first day, das boot was uncomfortable to wear. I was also afraid, because I traded a comfortable, secure and sturdy fiberglass cast for a soft, feeble, heavy boot. I felt like I took a step back because I was not cleared to put weight on it, and it reminded me of my previous plaster splint. But after further observation, I found out that while my foot is still in equuis position, but I can rest my foot on the sole with the boot. Also, I am doing some ankle exercises twice a day.

Putting on the boot was painful, but it slowly became comfortable. I'm willling to take it slow, so four more weeks of NWB doesn't scare me as much. Unfortunately, I have to wait to schedule an appointment, because my orthopedic doctor has a packed schedule and no openings. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Its actually quite crazy. No more blue cast for me. Instead, I have this soft, feeble, absolutely heavy boot. And I'm non weight bearing for 4 more weeks. Go crutches.

I'm still propping it up, because the ankle is still swollen. Gahh... go away, swelling. The orthopedic nurse said that my Achilles' Tendon was healing nicely, though.

My heel started stinging when they removed the cast. And then when the technician put the boot on.... OH MY GOODNESS. Even though I read about the experience, I still wasn't ready for it. OWWWW.

So, I'm trying to get back into school after four years of working as a research assistant. Initially, I applied to four schools, with hopes of getting into at least one.

Goals are good to have, right? They keep you motivated and focused. I was never really much of a goal setter, but we'll try.

Pick Me Up

Actually, two.

Our 44th president was sworn in today. I want to catch the inauguration clips online, and I plan to do that when I get home.

If you notice on the left hand side, I placed a counter to track how many days left I have until I get out of this cast. It was originally scheduled for next Thursday, January 29th. I received a phone call at work today from my orthopedic surgeon's office. Someone canceled their appointment on Friday, and they wanted to know if I wanted to come in on Friday. I gave a resounding yes, as my cast was now horribly overrated. The day at work was pleasant and I was hobbling around nicely around the lab. So, this "Pick Me Up" just made my day a lot better.

My brother and I kid about how my cast is a parasite. I've developed a ravenous appetite early on after the surgery, but I blame that on being able to eat whole food after recovering from the effects of anesthesia.

Today, I tried to massage my left calf. I cannot get a full assessment of it, because most of it is in a cast, but from what I was able to feel seemed like my calf did indeed decrease. It is kind of disgusting to touch, because what used to be muscle there is no longer there. Just... fat and. skin.

Ewwwwww.....

WIP. However, my tablet broke. :( Calling Wacom on Tuesday...

My mind has developed this strange ability to make every negative comment about my injury positive.

My friend wrote to me after I got the Handicap Placard:

"okay here's the story you got hurt saving your buddy back in 'Nam, it was a reinjury from your original injury that you got playing for notre dame back in the days of the good old fighting irish."

I like that! I'll save that for the next time someone asks me what happened.

Day 20, PS:
Got my handicap parking placard today at the DMV! I now have the power in my hand! Its actually really nice to be able to park right in front of the store you want to go to and not trek the extra few feet. Of course, those extra few feet make a huge difference when you are in crutches.

Day 19 PS (Post-surgery)

Upon discovering other blogs dedicated to Achilles' Tendon Ruptures, I've decided to change the format of this blog a little differently. For the other entries (fencing related and doodles), I will not adhere to this structure.

Yeah, I've become a little obsessed over this injury. Perhaps because it has been affecting my life...

I was intrigued to see that there was video on the web of an Achilles' Tendon Surgical Repair. Its not for the faint of the stomach...

http://www.revver.com/video/119736/ruptured-achilles-surgery

I've also found a lot of blogs that keep track of other individuals progress as they deal with this injury. Its good to hear that I'm not alone in this. :D

Some practice drawing with a tablet and coloring on Photoshop. I bought a tablet for Christmas and every night or so, I try to do a quick sketch before I go to sleep. The coloring technique I was trying out got a little tedious, and I decided to cap it at that. Not the color scheme I was looking for, but practice practice, right?.

During my appointment with the Orthopedic Nurse, I remembered to ask if I was able to exercise. I'm a pretty active person, so lying down is not my idea way to spend my vacation.

Hope your New Year started on the right foot. I know I did, seeing my left one is in a cast.

Ha Ha. w

Mine was a safe and comfortable stay at home with family.

It wouldn't be a blog if I didn't whine once in a while.

I had my staples removed yesterday. I rather not dwell on the details on the removal. Now, I have a blue cast that feels very secure. Hopefully, people will sign it. When I was growing up, I wanted to have a cast just to have people sign it. It amused me to have a wearable collection of autographs, or a piece of canvas available to design. Although, this is fiberglass and not plaster.

Although I like my fiberglass cast, since it is very sturdy and light. My previous cast contained some plaster, and I found that it impaired my ability to balance. I'm becoming a little more reckless, but my crutches serve to remind me of my disposition.

I will be returning to work next week. I'm a little scared but aching to get back to work.