Little did I know that after kicking my heels up last weekend at the Gala days “Evening with the Deputies “ dance , I would wind up in the hospital.

Last Sunday evening was just beautiful, after starting to unpack, from the weekend I chose to escape to the outdoors. I sat on my front porch for awhile, then decided to go to my deck and then down into my backyard.

Small tree limbs were scattered about and I proceeded to pick them up, placing them in a small pile near my fire pit. I thought “ These will make great kindling for my late night fires.

After communing with nature for about an hour I decided I better head back to the house My stomach was sending my a message “ feed me” and I needed to finish unpacking.

Instead of walking back across the deck to return to the house, the thought popped into my mind to walk along the outside fence.I made my way out the back gate and along the hedge line. All of a sudden my left foot went down into a hole, created by some critter and I went down.

I rolled myself over, looked down and observed my left ankle protruding out. I felt only slight discomfort and was actually able to pop it back in place by rotating my ankle to the left.

My trauma training kicked in and immobilization came to my mind. Only problem was, I had absolutely nothing to immobilize the ankle.

I called Erin, my daughter, as the ankle started to swell. She arrived after 20 minutes, and we were headed to the ER.

Knowing how things go, anytime I have to go the ER, knock on wood, it hasn’t been many, I always inform the staff that I am a retired RN.

I was in triage 10 minutes after I arrived, x-rays were done and I was informed my ankle was dislocated and my fibula was also fractured. I had diagnosed the ankle, but the fibula??? I had no pain at all in my lower leg.

I saw the orthopedic Dr, after one of his residents had reduced my ankle and he informed me of the diagnosis. The plan was to admit me, work with PT ( physical therapy) and have surgery on Wednesday.

Unfortunately the hospital beds were full and I ended up waiting on a gurney for an ortho bed to be available. There were 12 other patients lined up waiting to go to their respective units.

It would not be until 11pm Monday night when I would be awakened by a voice “Janet?”He stated his name, “ I am here to transport you to your room” I felt estactic I would be able to sleep in a bed that night. I got to my room and was surprised and pleased to see it was a private one.

The usual folks made their rounds through on Tuesday, more X-rays, Chaplain, pharmacy, social services to evaluate my home environment and needs on discharge, and the nurse manager of the orthopedic floor to see how I was being treated.

Remarkably the food was decent and I was able to choose between two choices for each meal. The downfall was I was on total bed rest and had to use the bed pan. I now know how bedridden patients feel when depending on someone else to be toilited.

My Daughter stepped up to the plate and brought what I needed, cleaned and straightened up my home, and even ordered a shower chair, bedside commode, and walker. I am so very proud of her. She took charge and handled everything .

I had a few other visitors , my friend Rosalie brought me her tablet and grapes while I was still in the ER. She also came on Weds morning to bring me a pair of PJ’s and other items I needed. Other friends Elena and Dottie came to visit.

At 4pm OR transport showed up to transfer me to my main event. I had to wait about 15 minutes for my surgeon as he was finishing up a case. Anesthesia came out to ask if it was okay to do a nerve block on my left leg. I rapidly agreed since that would significantly reduce any pain after surgery.

I was wheeled into the OR, scooted to the OR table and the last thing I remember was anesthesia saying, ok I’m going to give you something to help you relax.

I woke up in recovery and shortly thereafter was back in my room. Erin, my son Charles, and Rosalie were there. I was pleased to find out a tray had been ordered for me as I was starving. I had been NPO ( nothing to eat or drink) all day. I quickly consumed my food and was out like a light.

I woke up at 1:40 am having to urinate. Feeling a little lightheaded, having no pain, the block is still in effect.

I want to thank all my family, phamily, friends, and FB friends for all your messages and calls. It really warmed my heart to receive so much love.

All of the staff, even when they were short handed and overwhelmed maintained their professionalism and performed their duty. You are all greatly appreciated.

I especially want to thank the staff on the orthopedic floor. They all were attentive and took very good care of me. Patty RN, thank you for always reminding me that I am not Super Woman and to request my pain med before the pain really gets bad. Amanda RN and Shawnna RN , thank you both for consistently checking in on me and always asking if I needed anything.

In all my years of nursing, 52 years, I never had a job that I had to work as hard as these ladies. What was impressive to me was they did what was needed, with a smile, and never complained. You are all my Sheroes and will hold a special place in my ❤️.

Oh by the way, sometimes the nurse who self diagnoses is right. I only had a dislocation of my ankle, my fibula is just fine.

God is so good!

Until next time,

Much Love, Peace, and Blessings 💙💛🤍💚❤️