The Green Horseman

As the summer draws to an end I am continuing to recover from the injury that happened before it even began. The world is a little surreal to me at this time.

While I was laid up I made two or three noteworthy journeys away from home. Zac also brought me to the barn once a week to see Stanley and Tiger and to bring food and supplements. Besides that, I didn’t get out much. I couldn’t bear any weight for 6 weeks, getting in and out of a vehicle was a process that I needed help with. It was a hassle. I also withdrew. I was sitting a LOT. Eating too much. Feeling like trash. Showering required both Zac and myself to get the protective waterproof bag on my leg. So I sat at home for most of those 6 weeks.

It’s surreal to me. I had my cast removed and now I am able to bear weight. It’s easier to get around and I’m happy to go out more now. I was able to walk on my heel for 2 weeks, after which full weight was allowed in my medical boot. As we head down the road I look at the trees with amazement. There are reds and yellows taking over the green leaves. Fall is here. It’s real. Summer is over.

I’m not saying that to complain or to gain sympathy. Really. But imagine going to sleep one day. It’s springtime. Summer is just starting. You wake up. The leaves on the trees are beginning to change. That’s how it feels; a complete time warp.

On the positive side. I got my cast removed! I can bear weight! I’m getting out more!

I can even drive now! Limited distances.

To start, I drove Zac and I to a local gas station to see how it felt. A few days later I drove to the barn. All. By. Myself. It felt weird…I was instructed to break using my left foot…but I did surprisingly well.

With help (lifting), I was able to get some building done. The painting was a lot easier since I didn’t have to walk so much.

Last week I got on Stanley for the first time in over 2-3 months. I think he was just as happy as I was. He hadn’t been ridden while I was out but he was getting an attitude in the stable. He even moved stalls. Last week I already noticed a change in his demeanor. He was calm and attentive. Proud to be working again. Happy to have Mom back.

Later my foot told me I did too much. It began to swell a lot. I soaked and I iced. I may need to step back because I hit the ground running once I was allowed to bear weight but my soul is replenished after this week.

For my protective momma bears…I’ve been very very careful not to do anything to jeopardize my recovery; prolonging my downtime is certainly not my goal. I’ve listened to everything my doctor told me and most importantly I’ve been listening to my body. I’ve been very fortunate that my doctor insisted I work from home and that my company allows it. This has allowed me to gradually get myself stronger and to better health without taxing it beyond what my body can handle.

I still have a ways to go. I feel the screws with every movement. I have a sharp pain with every deep inhale. Parts of my foot are still completely numb.

But I’ve made so much progress.

It’s all baby steps. …if there’s anything training horses has taught me it’s to celebrate every little baby step you can.