I’m sitting here writing this, looking at my knee scooter, as I am recovering from my second ankle surgery in the past 3 years. Luckily, this recovery has been a lot less challenging than the first, but to tell this story I need to go back to the beginning.
Growing up, I was always an “athlete.” I played all the sports I could most of my life growing up. I had seen teammates tear ACLs, MCLs, get head injuries, and even tear off nails, but I was pretty fortunate. I rolled my ankle once in junior high and sprained it once in high school. After these injuries, I never felt the effects in my daily life beyond a week.
Fast forward to 2014, I was up in Lake Geneva for the family’s annual 4th of July celebration. My grandparent’s house had a main house with a pool and hot tub and then a pool house in that order from front to back. Around the pool leading up to the main house, there were huge slabs of rocks as a path. These rocks had gaps between them, but usually too small for anything to happen. As you entered the main house, there was a carpet to prevent anyone wet from the pool from slipping (how ironic!). One morning I was walking out to the pool on the carpet and hit the perfect divot. The force of that misstep brought me to the ground. My ankle immediately hurt and I thought it was a bad sprain. Well it turns out that day from the imaging results my orthopedic took, I had actually broken my ankle and torn ligaments. I should have known from the level of bruising that I had for weeks, but in true fashion I walked it off as quickly as I could and never saw a doctor.
Now, how did this lead to 2 surgeries? Fast forward to late 2018, I noticed that my ankle was starting to roll consistently and pop every time I walked. Gradually, it started to become painful and I did a quick google search. I actually diagnosed my injury correctly in retrospect, but I knew it was time to see a doctor. I remember the day I finally visited the doctor so clearly. I quickly explained what I was experiencing and let the doctor feel the pop. Immediately, I was told I needed surgery. They did an MRI and scheduled me for surgery. The first surgery recovery was rough. 6 weeks non-weight bearing with a massive splint and cast. I would never wish that upon anyone.
After surgery, I spent 6 months in physical therapy, but never got to a pain free point. As I was starting to begin working out and wearing heels again, the pandemic hit. I tried to go on little walks here and there, but it never felt completely normal. I still experienced some swelling and pain, but just attributed it to the fact I wasn’t moving nearly as much. Once I was vaccinated, I started going to the gym again. Similar to my other experiences, my ankle didn’t feel right. At first, it was a little pain and soreness, but it quickly turned into pain after 5 mins of walking. The turning point for me was a road trip with my mom. We were at The Biltmore Estate which was set on beautiful scenery with rolling hills. I couldn’t even walk everywhere because the pain was so severe and my ankle looked like a baseball. I knew it was time to go back to the doctor.
I returned to my original orthopedic and was immediately asked to get an MRI. He seemed perplexed as to what was causing my pain and as I have seen, my MRI wasn’t super clear. I knew that I couldn’t continue to deal with this and changed jobs around this time so my first task in 2022 was to see an orthopedic with the top practice that services professional athletes in Chicago. Again, I was met with an initial diagnosis of surgery. I went through another MRI. It turns out that a piece of bone aka a loose body was floating in my ankle causing my pain.
Surgery was scheduled. Then, the day before surgery, it was cancelled at the last minute. Those emotions preparing for another surgery to have it pulled off was incredibly difficult. It took me 2 days to really get over it. Two weeks later I was able to get on the schedule and go through my arthroscopic surgery to remove the loose body. It turns out I had multiple plus a ton of scar tissue that was cleaned out. I even got an injection to help prevent the arthritis that was beginning to show (lucky me!). I am fortunate this recovery is just 2 weeks of non-weight bearing time, but it’s still incredibly challenging.
While these experiences have been tough, I have identified quite a few lessons.
Go to the Doctor
If you something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out! There is a chance I could have avoided both surgeries if I had gone to the doctor originally and let it heal properly. At least, it would have been just one. I hesitate at times going to the doctor, but after this, I am going to always play it safe. Plus, this year I have already hit my out of pocket max so getting things checked out will be free!
You Never Know How Strong You Are Until You Are Put in the Situation
I have always considered myself “strong” in my ability to deal with tough situations. I was naïve before my surgery on what recovery would actually take. This was the closest I have ever felt to breaking. I live alone and truly had to rely on the help of family and friends to do so many things like showering. Quite frankly, these experiences have redefined strong. I am proud for getting through and even finding some humor. I think the majority of people show up in tough situations. What doesn’t kill us make us stronger, right?
Helps Identify the Strong Relationships
The past few years I have really focused on investing into relationships that have a positive impact. Quality of quantity in my book. There is nothing better than a surgery to identify where to continue investing. Some of those realities are hard, but I can honestly say with this recent surgery I have never felt so loved and my apartment has never been so full of fresh flowers.
Makes You Appreciate the Little Things
I have always enjoyed living in the city. I can explore so many places on any given day. Considering the fact I have barely left my apartment and can’t walk, I have really grown to appreciate the independence I have. I am looking forward to living life to the fullest. I am going to, in quite simple terms, just do more. I want to value my health, my privilege, and keep my outlook positive.
While I would never wish ankle surgery on anyone, I truly believe everything happens for a reason and I am pleased with the lessons I have learned.
Xoxo
Janelle
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