Diagnosis: torn ligaments (Day 39)

I have torn the ligaments on the outside of my right foot and now have to wait to see a specialist who will determine when I can run again.

The diagnosis wasn’t as simple as it sounds, if it does indeed sound simple. I left work early because not only was I in pain, but I was also distracted from completing the four Hall of Fame bios that I was working on. It might have been the earliest I have ever left the office, though it was once again the time that I was designated to leave in the hours I was given before I came to North Carolina. I probably took off around four, the same time I left the day before Thanksgiving.

I had already looked up the location of the nearest urgent care centre, so I knew where I was going. I had my insurance cards, my health card and my identification, so I thought I was good to go.

When I arrived at the urgent care centre I explained my ankle situation and also that I am Canadian, and I was given forms to fill out. When I took them back to the woman at the desk, she told me that they could not accept international insurance and she asked me if I wanted to pay $75 USD up front and be billed for the rest, or pay half of my fees and not be billed. I didn’t really understand, but I figured I wouldn’t have enough money to pay half the total, so I opted for the payment of $75.

I also didn’t even have enough cash for that on me, so I asked her if she could direct me to an ATM. The desk lady informed me that there was a bank next door and that they should be able to help me. I hobbled over to the bank, as if I weren’t in enough pain already, only to find out that their cash machine was down and they couldn’t take my Canadian debit card at the desk.

The people at the bank gave me directions to some place I knew I wouldn’t be able to find, so I went back to the urgent care centre. They told me that the next closest ATM would probably be at the Walgreens down the street. I drove there and the cash box was right inside the door. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t accept my Canadian card. I asked a cashier where the next closest one might be and she directed me back the bank where I had started.

I knew I had seen a gas station on my way to the doctor’s office, so I went back in the direction I came from. I found it and sure enough, it had an ATM. It also took my card, and gave me my cash, so that worked out well. By that time I was pretty frustrated, and in more pain because it was all I was thinking about, so I bought myself a bag of mini muffins. They didn’t solve all my problems however, so they did not meet my expectations.

When I got back to the doctor’s office I figured I had lost my place in line, and even though I had, it was still really quick between the waiting room and the nurse’s station. I guess that’s what happens when you pay for your own medical care.

I tried to explain what I did to myself when the nurse asked about my injury, but I really didn’t know. I told her that I woke up on Sunday morning and my ankle was sore. I stayed off it for the most part that day, but yesterday I ignored the problem and went running. This morning I woke up unable to put pressure on my right foot without a lot of pain. My injury was a mystery to me, and that was really all I could tell her.

The nurse took me to another room to wait for the doctor and said that it might be 10 more minutes, as if that were a long time. Obviously she didn’t understand that I am from Canada, where waiting times are always long, but there are no bills at the end of visits.

When the doctor came to see me she asked about my level of exercise and I told her that I am training for another marathon. She checked out my ankle and told me that it wasn’t broken but I had torn the ligaments on the outside of the foot. She also said that I should be going to see a specialist so that I can find out when and if I can start my training again. I believe the kind doctor also made my visit with the specialist a priority so that I can back to my running regimen as soon as possible. The marathon and a half are only a month away now, so I appreciated her efforts.

She brought me crutches and wrapped my ankle, letting me know that I have to keep it on and keep using the crutches until I at least see the specialist and hear what that person has to say about it. She gave me pain and anti-inflammatory medication and I was on my way.

From there I went back to Walgreens where I learned that it is possible to hold a box of pills, a box of cereal and a wallet, all while using crutches. It is a tough task, but not impossible. It definitely made some people feel sorry for me though, because one person let me go ahead of them in line and another person held the door for me. People are nicer when they take pity on you.

I made it home from there and realized that I had to carry the stuff from my car into the apartment, including using the flight of stairs up to where I live. That was a little tougher, but I made it, leaving some stuff in my car, and half-limping, half using the crutches up the stairs. As soon as I was at the door to my bedroom, Thing 2 came into the apartment. She asked what happened and felt sorry for me a little bit too I think.

I wanted to work on the bios I didn’t finish but found it really uncomfortable to sit and try to work in my room, so I didn’t get much done. I suppose I will have to work on them tomorrow. I should be able to find a more comfortable position at work I think. I am hoping I can get to the office before anyone else though, so I don’t have to deal with the questions about the crutches until at least lunch, or whenever I first have to use the bathroom, and in turn, have to walk by some of the people I work with.

So instead of working I settled in to watch TV. The last episode of The Biggest Loser before the finale was on tonight, and it’s my favourite because the final four contestants run a marathon. I think it’s fantastic and it also helps me with my running. If they can do it, then there is no reason why I shouldn’t ever be able to run one...minus perhaps torn ligaments in the foot.

During my television-watching I iced my ankle according to the doctor’s orders and emailed my mom about the show. I also whined a lot about my minor injury, until I realized how much worse off I could be. I just really hope I am okay to keep training for the Goofy Challenge. It’s in a month and I can’t afford to lose too much time.

I want to run!