ARGH!!! Stress fracture!!!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 03-18-2008, 05:19 PM

Ok, I'm having a giant hissy-fitt!!! I am SO frustrated!!

My foot injury that I thought was just a little sprain (about 2 weeks ago) hasn't gotten better...actually gotten worse. Yeah, was still walking on it, but not even remotely as much as normal and had been icing frequently.

So, yesterday I tried going to the grocery store and the book store...not much walking, right? In and out trips, slow walking, no more than 15 min in each store... I came home with a VERY hurting, swollen foot. Ok, time for help...

And the diagnosis is... Ta-dah! Stress fracture!! Stay off it for 6 weeks!!!

WHAT?!?! :surprise:

How am I supposed to keep my house clean while I'm on crutches? I am WAY clumsy with them!!! And it uses both my hands!! I wanna SCREAM!!

Not to mention...uh...NO WORK!!! NO INCOME!! ARGH!!! We aren't dependent on my income so it's not like it'll sink us...but STILL...I wanted to make a dent in the bills!!!

My frugal dreams for the next 2 months are crushed!!!

Ok, how was that for a pity party? I need to do laundry...anyone know how to carry a laundry basket while on crutches? (C'mon, it's kinda a funny image...esp if ya all knew how clumsy I am). hehehe

Thanks for letting me vent!

Guess this means I have extra online time, huh?

(Trying to find the positives).

**cissylu** · 03-18-2008, 05:38 PM

I sure am sorry this has happened to you. they`llhave to help you.

**M55FF** · 03-18-2008, 05:40 PM

at least now you have a good excuse to not be jogging 2 miles every morning

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 03-18-2008, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by M55FF

at least now you have a good excuse to not be jogging 2 miles every morning

Me trying to jog 2 miles at all would be funny!!

My arms and tummy muscles are already getting a workout from using the crutches!! Hmm...guess I should've been exercising before this happened?

**Ceashels** · 03-19-2008, 10:21 AM

Laundry solution. Lay a large sheet on the floor, pile in the clothes and drag it to the machines.

Do you have a chair with wheels on it that you can safely negotiate on your floors? It will come in handy for little things like working at a kitchen counter.

Your bones need the time to heal.

And no one would dare say anything if you don't dust this week.

**chewawalove** · 03-19-2008, 11:10 AM

If it is ok with your doctor, you might have better luck with a walker. You will still be off the foot, but a walker just seems easier. I had to do this when I had a foot injury as well as a rib injury. It was still painful, but not as unbearable as the crutch under my arm.

You might be able to borrow or rent one, but I have also seen them quite often at the thrift stores. It is fairly easy to hold a bag or attach it to the front of the walker.

The only other idea I can think of with the crutches is to possibly carry some laundry in a backpack or bookbag. Just make sure it's not heavy enough to affect your balance.

Can you tell I've dealt with this a time or two??

Good luck and prayers for a quick recovery!

**PrairieRose** · 03-19-2008, 11:19 AM

Aawww I'm sorry. It's the pits to have something like that as it really does infringe on your life. Gotta take care of it though, so you can get back to bein' your' ol' self soon

**prairiewife** · 03-19-2008, 03:01 PM

Kathryn - you don't mention your age. My mother recently suffered a stress fracture in her right foot. The diagnosis was it was from osteoperosis. She also thought she had just sprained her foot until it got to the point she couldn't take a step without a sharp pain.

The doctor gave her a velcro type boot to wear that keeps her ankle and foot from bending. She has been doing well with this and she can still get around to do her housework. Can't drive with it, but still fairly independent.

Hope your foot heals quickly.

**M55FF** · 03-19-2008, 03:11 PM

Look at the bright side, you don't live alone and married your best friend.
I've known old people living alone who break a bone and they lose all their independence over one health issue because they do not have anyone to help them while they recover.
You are blessed.

**Edna_E** · 03-19-2008, 07:50 PM

I SOOOO sympathize, being in a similar boat myself. Mine actually was x-rayed again on Monday, and does not have a break, but whenever I do too much it gets worse again - ALOT worse. I am dependant on my income, so I have to go to work, and live alone so I have to take care of some things, but GEEZ have I re-prioritized what I think "has" to be done. I am sleeping and eating on the couch because I can elevate my foot effectively on it and it is close to both the kitchen and the bathroom. If they gave you one of those blue-ish squishy splints, try sticking it in the freezer for a while and then putting it on - very relief-inducing to me (but don't let it stay until it freezes hard or it just gets painful to put on because it is like strapping a board to your swollen ankle). Good luck!

**fernykins** · 03-19-2008, 08:32 PM

Be Thankful they found yours........ They never found mine even with an exray until a year later........ So now mt ankle will stay swollen and if I am on it to long it swells up like a ballon. and hurts like heck........ The exray could not find it..........
Fern

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 03-19-2008, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies! I knew I could count on ya for a "pick me up".

I'm 31 and take 3000mgs of calcium every day (not to mention milk, yogurt, cheese, and other food sources) so I'm fairly sure it's not an osteoporosis situation... I think it's just plain "clumsy girl".

Unfortunately, I have a serious case of that!!

The walker is a FABULOUS idea!!! I think I'll ask if dh or mom will stop by the second hand store to look for one.

I was advised to pick up one of those walking casts at the pharmacy/medical supply as soon as I could... Was told absolutely zero weight on the foot for the first two weeks so to make sure to have it before then. I was looking online at them...what an ingenious idea...with the "rocker" bottom! Bending the foot in a walking motion is WAY not do-able!!! OOOOOOUCH! :surprise:

Nothing showed in x-rays...the old "tuning fork" trick was how the pesky bugger was revealed. OUCH. I guess it takes 3 weeks or so of "healing time" before stress fractures usually start showing up in x-rays. And the "purple foot" is evidently a dead giveaway, too...whole top is a lovely shade! Erf!! It wasn't really doing that until more recently...hmmm...

I am very, very thankful to have my dh and mom to help take care of me!! I know I'm blessed!! I have no clue how I'd do most of this on my own. My dh set up a little table next to the couch...with books, hand lotion, TV/DVD remotes (so I can watch DVDs of my choice

), my laptop (he even moved the charger plug)... I think I'll keep him.

hehe

Now...has it been 6 weeks yet? I want to go do some spring cleaning...then go for a walk - it's nearly 40* out! Maybe a bike ride? I hate sitting still!!

**Darlene** · 03-20-2008, 07:55 AM

When I hurt my foot & couldn't get around ( kids were babies & I hated the crutches ) Hubby went out and got a chair on wheels (rented from a drugstore) that I could propel around with my good foot & freed me up to use both hands. Helped me to be able to do things around the house & care for the kids without having to have my mil come over & help. Was funny watching me go up the stairs to get to where the bathroom & the bedrooms were... I just went up a step at a time on my butt, lol. Mark was a baby & I'd put him in my lap & we'd go up together, lol. Nicole was walking by then and was my helper with getting things.

Where there is a will there is a way.

Hope your up & around soon!