Go titanium or go home

For those needing to know or for those bored at work here is an update on the ankle situation.  My surgeon has scheduled the surgery for next Wednesday and today we got to do all the tests and paperwork.  When I was asked about allergies I gave the nurse the usual list.  Then I realized that I have an allergy to nickel which is not part of the usual allergy list as its relevance is limited.  I was then informed that the surgeon would be using titanium screws/plates.  I feel very special now.  I suppose I could look forward to many, many, secondary searches in airports now.  Sigh.

Eventful month

I just realized that it has been a month since I posted. I would like to say that I haven’t had time but that’s not true, I have just had other priorities. It seems like the longer I do my job, the longer it takes me to prepare to leave and even longer to catch up when I get back. My two weeks of holidays have now been extended due to an injury. For the last few years I have attended Folk Festivals in Canada, either in Calgary or Edmonton. A little over a week ago I went to Edmonton for the Folk Fest there and I was very excited as I was going to see Blue Rodeo, one of my favourite Canadian bands which I haven’t seen in at least seven years. Unfortunately, on my way down the hill on the first evening I slipped and my ankle twisted under me and I heard it go “crack”. For future reference, that is not a pleasant noise. I am quite sure that I provided much entertainment for those nearby as I managed to do this on a slippery section of a steepish hill. My first thought was “how the hell am I going to get down now?” My second was, “Owwwwwwww!” My third was, “I am going to miss Blue Rodeo, sob.”

Thankfully, there were competent people volunteering for the festival who immediately perceived the problem. My thanks to the very kind (if not necessarily gentle) administrations of Dr. Tom G., an orthopedic surgeon who just happened to be working the First Aid tent. He reduced the ankle which aligned my foot and leg again. I truly wish that I had gotten the name of the lovely woman who sat beside my head and held my hand until the ambulance arrived. Thank you so much for your kind words and actions. My friend, Duncan, was also amazing as he joked and helped me through a long night in the emergency room. He did get to ride in the ambulance so I figure he got a semi-cool experience as well.

This is getting to be a longish post so I will update when possible. I still am waiting for surgery in Houston and I am currently suffering a mite from cabin fever.