rolanni | When last we saw our intrepid heroine…

When last we saw our intrepid heroine…

. . .she had sprained her ankle.

Since that time, she’s been spending a lot of time on the couch, with Mozart on duty as nurse/therapy cat. I’ve been writing, in-between naps, and Steve’s been writing, too. We’re on schedule to hand in Dragon Ship on January 16, and may even have time to pack before we leave for Chattacon.

(Apologies to those who have read much of this before; this is in the way of a catch-up post for those who read at sharonleewriter.com.)

So, the jury’s still out on whether I’ll be wheeling it at Chattacon, or be Mostly Mobile™. The doctor’s appointment on Thursday may clear some of this up. In the meantime, yes! we will be at Chattacon, and looking forward to seeing fellow guests Laura Anne Gilman, Rachel Caine, John Picacio, Toastmaster Mark van Name, and YOU! So, do come; it’s going to be a blast.

* * *

In other news, here is the Lee-Miller schedule for the first half of 2012, as currently understood:

January 16 — Dragon Ship (due November 15) turn in
January 17 — leave for ChattaCon
February 15 — tax stuff due to accountant
February 17 — leave for Boskone
March 9 — talk at Limestone Magnet School
March 15 — Necessity’s Child (due January 15) turn in
March 20? — turn in short story for Baen website
April 5 — talk at Rockland Public Library
May 15 — Trade Secret (due March 15) turn in
May 22-ish — leave for ConQuesT

. . .we’ve just been asked by a colleague to participate in a project; not sure of the deadline for that, yet. Plus, we intend more stories for Splinter Universe, and we’re still kicking around the idea of a Kickstarter Project — obviously, that’ll be something for the second half of the year.

* * *

And now?

You’re all caught up.

And I’m going back to work.

Originally published at Sharon Lee, Writer. You can comment here or there.

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Has the Dr given you a walking cast? That makes all the difference in the world with speed of recovery from a bad sprain.

I have here an "air cast," which I have today for the first time used with my sneakers. Unfortunately, my foot is still so swollen that the sneaker is. . .uncomfortable, even (as it must be) unlaced. I managed about an hour -- most of that sitting down at the kitchen table for breakfast.

I am seeing my own doctor for a follow-up on Thursday and hope for, I dunno, a miracle.

There are a lot of different "aircasts". From your description of putting it in a shoe, it sounds like what you have is the white or clear one that is kind of like an oversized stirrup, may or may not have air bladders that you can adjust to tweak the size and pressure. (picture at: http://www.aircast.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/1/id/6 )

For people in need of of walking and moving, Aircast makes a "walking" cast that is much larger, kind of like an oversized boot. This comes in short, medium, and tall lengths depending on what needs to be immobilized and why. One does not wear a shoe with it: it has it's own walking base built in to it. (Picture of the short version at: http://www.aircast.com/index.asp/fuseaction/products.detail/cat/2/id/14 )

If your clinician finds it appropriate, this type of device might be a good choice for your trip: wheelchairs and train aisles don't sound like a good mix to me! It might be worth discussing this option at your visit on Thursday and mentioning the need to transit from chair to restroom on a moving train, for many hours....

If you end up with the aircast and they want you to wear socks inside it, I would suggest investing in a couple of pairs of ski or sports socks that do *NOT* have cotton in them. You want "wicking" fabric like polypropylene, or something like "smart wool" brand. {I love smartwool, myself.} This is because at times you can sweat inside the air cast and cotton socks will just hang on to the sweat, getting wet and stinky; performance athletic socks will wick the moisture away, yet will also keep your foot warm when walking outdoors. You want the sock to be taller than the cast, which is why I suggest ski socks, and they are fairly easy to find at this time of year.

Oooh! Almost forgot: if you do end up with a splint, cast, or other such things, it's worth asking your clinician ahead of time about what you should do about any issues that come up while you are out of state. They may be able to give you documentation that could expedite any needful care.

Disclamer: I'm not intending to give you medical advice, but suggestions to bring to your own medical team.

I do have some relevant personal experience with this...I am a volunteer ski patroller, as is my SO and housemate, and I've supported him through a long stint in the large-style AirCast for an on the "job" injury. He's an engineer by trade, and one of the first things he did was rig a cupholder on his crutches so he could "carry" a coffee cup. I've got picture of that somewhere but don't remember how to post 'em on LiveJournal.

Thank you; that's very helpful. And it looks like the boot would be the answer to my trepidations regarding the train, and the problem of have independent motion at the con.

*makes note for doctor*

Badger him about a walking cast. A guy where I worked did in his ankle within days of my sprain. He was fitted with a walking cast and was on his foot 5 weeks later with no aftereffects. I was on crutches for 3 months and limping for a long time after.
When I went to an orthopod for a consult a month in I was told I should have had a walking cast, but that it was too late!!!

Doctors still seem to think that females can put their feet up and not do anything. Men *have* to do real work and are treated accordingly.
And if they knew you were a writer well....

Edited 2012-01-10 15:56 (UTC)

I will badger re walking cast. Now that I've seen it, it looks like what's needed for the upcoming train travel, with its various station transfers, not to mention trying to move around in the train itself.

Thank you for mentioning it. I had no idea such things existed -- well; I have seen them, but I assumed that someone would have mentioned it, if I might need one.

I see that I'm gonna have to get used to asking doctors Very Stern Questions proactively, just in case somebody along the line forgets to tell me something Important.

Speaking of needful things -- if the sprain is going to be ongoing and make showering difficult (standing on one foot in a slippery shower, yeah right) has anyone told you about shower chairs/shower seats?

Lowe's in Augusta may have one in stock: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=337728-1471-DN7064&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3309920&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1 . There are fancier ones including "transfer" styles with wider benches -- but they cost more. (A "transfer" style generally extends past the edge of the tub so you can sit down on it and slide into the shower, instead of having to get into the shower and then sit down). Here's a pic of a transfer style: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=121298-1471-DN7105&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3009995&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1#BVRRWidgetID

They can also be obtained from medical supply stores; some states allow them to be rented, but that's a bit of a pain.

....y'know, you might want to ask the concom to see if you and Steve can be put in a handicap room for Chattacon. Such rooms should have grab bars and a built-in shower seat; probably much easier for you.

I got Mom's shower chair at Rite Aid.
Not as much selection but maybe more convenient?
Lauretta@ConstellationBooks
PS Mom had had 2 different back operations

We had bad luck with drugstore chairs -- not stable enough for unassisted transfer (someone had to hold the chair/stool while the other person got in and out) and they retained water in the legs, which became a mold problem later...ick. After that I've always gone for the better quality ones.

I also suggest asking for a walking cast. I had one when I had a major sprain, and it was indeed very comfortable and alleviated the need for crutches. just never tell my orthopedist I drove myself all over in it.

What is Necessity's Child? I was confusing it with Calamity's Child and thinking it was a reprint. Novel? Novella? Short story? Liaden?
Bev Abney

Necessity's Child is the Book Formerly Known as George.

And from the glitter and glints we've seen slipping under the workroom door, it's great! A little bit o' this and that, some characters and elucidation of Surebleak hysterical times, lots of fun and fancy. Just wait!

{{{Sympathies}}} on the ankle. Ankles have to be among the most annoying types of sprains because of the way they inhibit out ability to Get Things Done, as well as being prone to re-injury when one gets frustrated and overdoes things. Here's hoping yours heals quickly.

Also, I am contemplating attending ConQuesT this year, and I have to admit, seeing your name on the GoH list is one of the reasons I'm thinking about it. It would be lovely to finally meet you in person after so many years of interacting online. :)

ConQuesT is a lot of fun; I'm really looking forward to getting back. The last time I was there was ConQuesT 32? So, we're due to get back.

It'd be great to see you. Especially since we managed to be in Florida as GOHs when you were living in California.

...and yeah. Sprained ankle sucks. *glares at ankle and tries to scare it into getting better*

It will be my first time attending. I'm quite looking forward to it, assuming I can make it work. Will be sure to keep you posted. :)

Good idea the walking cast. I see that you are a person who trusts only the MD and the Western type medicine. However, I'm now being very tedious. You still have some time before you go to.....ask for some physical therapy at the hospital your MD is connected with. Or, even better, find a good experienced massage therapist to treat The Ankle. You will have to go for more than one session.

I once had a sprained ankle. A talented massage therapist massaged all the pain out of it whereupon I could walk when before the treatment I could not. Granted my sprain was not as bad as yours. I fear damaged ligaments in your case which take quite a while to heal. Ask your friends too besides just us out there in Live Journal Land.

Alternative therapies: Yay!I suppose mentioning acupuncture is too scary. But a good acupunturist is worth his or her weight in gold. One needs the real thing, by the way, not the not much experience type treatment one receives by a chiropractor. The real thing involves I believe going to school for four years plus memorizing around 20,000 acupuncture points. Plus the knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine. A lot of the master teachers are still Chinese. Our Western doctors are by and large coming to accept acupuncture as a valid alternative treatment.

Barks to Mozart the therapy cat.
C.

Much sympathy to the ankle - especially if ligaments are torn.

Back in, oh, it must have been '51, I tore the cruxate ligament in my left knee. If that had happened today, there would have been surgery. Back in the dark ages, none, and as the years went on, the upper age at which surgery could be performed for this has risen, but never up to mine. I had physical therapy in the '90's, and a brace for a while. That leg is now stronger than the right, but still subject to slipping partially out of joint. Have never tried the Chinese system, but will swear by good therapy!

Joan C

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The Ankle

Sprains