2024: That’s a wrap
Time to ring in the new year by having more surgery! You may recall me having my hip replaced in May (2023) and how it changed my life for the better… I got into fitness, big time, and have reached new heights in terms of capability, health, you name it. The sky finally became the limit - until I was taken out by a mysterious injury.
Rock radio announcer calls orthopaedic surgeons at The Ottawa Hospital the true rock stars, published October 2023.
It was a few days before we moved out of our Hintonburg house when I experienced a very intense, searing pain in my right ankle accompanied by swelling. I came home from work, sat down to take off my sneakers and BAM - I was out. I had to keep going though; we were moving. We have two kids who were about to be on summer break. I also work full time. ‘Not moving’ is not an option, no matter how much it hurts. This happened June 21st (2024). Some relief came within a few days when I felt (and saw) my tendons ‘pop’ and ‘snap’ near my ankle after forcing it to bend. It was later revealed through examination (by three doctors), ultrasound and MRI technology that I had some bony spurs growing along the back of my right ankle. They have likely been growing for decades but had become so large, they were now forcing my tendons out of place. The relief I felt came only after my tendons began to stretch to accomodate the new bones.
For someone who’s literally never been IN GREAT PHYSICAL SHAPE until this year, I can tell you that it friggin’ sucks falling OUT of shape. I had to change my routine from walking/weight bearing activities to doing a lot on the floor. The cool news is that I now have a pretty strong core - but the crappy news is that I am struggling due to this injury. To anyone reading this who has fallen out of shape; IT SUCKS SO MUCH both mentally and physically.
Per usual, though, there is hope. The light at the end of this tunnel is coming on January 9th; six months post injury, I will be having my bone spurs evicted (debridement) and right toe corrected (fused) at the Ottawa Hospital.
What went from a curious new ailment to ‘we know exactly what that is and how to deal with it” proves that we have world class doctors at home in Ottawa. I have been disabled since 1988 and have, over the years, been very lucky to have assembled a care-team of geniuses with heart. I don’t have surgery because I’m asking for it; I have surgery because my body will not function without it. Surgery is the last resort.
That said… 2025 is going to be brighter. I get to experience getting back into shape. What feels like a mountain to climb ris my focus. Falling out of shape for 6 months has inspired me to get back into it in 6 months, so let’s aim to catch up in June: a year post injury? Watch this blog space for progress reports.
You can also follow along on my instagram account. That’s where I’ll be sharing updates more frequently.
Reminder: I am not a fan of social media and I do not have a Facebook page/profile, nor any presence on Twitter/X. I am not very active on LinkedIn. Instagram remains the only spot where you can follow me: @amyvolume.
Personal Post: New Baby Incoming
I spent the last few days away from the city to spend some quality time with Everett before the new baby comes. We returned on Thursday to some news that baby might be in a weird position (keyword: "might") making things tricky for a natural delivery. Therefore, I will be laying extra low over the next week doing everything in my power to not trigger labour.
The plan is for a scheduled C Section. Everett was an emergency C in January 2015. It was a shocking and scary situation for me and I have increased anxiety regarding new baby's arrival. I'm doing my best to avoid stressful situations. We had a lot of visitors (family) with E's delivery and, in retrospect, I was not ready to socialize at that time.
This post is to let you know I might be unavailable over the next few weeks or months. I really enjoyed my down-time when we brought Everett home. Granted, life is busier now (career, building a house, rambunctious toddler) I ask that you respect my wishes surrounding said down-time.
Major concerns...
Major concerns for me include the health of baby during and post delivery, my physical and mental well-being and the transition home to our new family dynamic. I don't know how this new addition will impact Everett or how handling the stress of a toddler, newborn and rheumatoid arthritis (which tends to flare post delivery) will affect me and my relationship with Ryan and the kids.
People want to see the baby, especially family. I understand the desire to have a first look. As it stands: I, personally, will not be having visitors in my room at the hospital.
Here are some guidelines from the Ottawa Hospital regarding visitation in the Maternity Unit. If you are a family member thinking of visiting, you absolutely must read this: CLICK HERE.
“We know how exciting it is to have a new baby. Remember that the new mother is recovering from giving birth and learning to take care of her new baby. Make sure she has time to rest and enjoy her baby.
Consider visiting the new family when they get home instead of in the hospital. Some mothers ask the nurse to limit their visitors.”
If you are a family member hoping to visit at the hospital, I also request that you make Ryan your point person. I will not be taking calls or responding to messages for the first couple of days.