I first posted this snapshot in 2008. In my attempt to participate in this week's Sepia Saturday I was racking my brain for an image that might fit the theme. Then the lightbulb went off and I remembered this one. Now I find I already posted it once before for Sepia Saturday. Apparently my lightbulbs are a bit old.
The man on the left is Mr. Roberts who was a member of the US Coast Guard in the 1930s. Click on the label "Mr. Roberts" to see other photos of him. No idea who the fellow on the right might be.
What really comes home to me right now about this shot is the stare on Mr. Roberts face. Since yesterday I've had the same stare, but not for the same reason.
My doctor finally said my ankle has healed enough to stop wearing the damanable boot all the time. While I'm at home I can use a lightweight fabric brace and a sturdy shoe. I just need to wear the boot when I go anywhere. Now, I thought "YES! I'm free of the boot!" Rushed home and took the boot off and for the first time since March 17th I stood freely on my left foot. I was not prepared for what followed. I imagined it would feel awkward to suddenly put pressure on my leg since the muscles have wasted away these past months. I knew that would happen, add in the fear of falling and rebreaking it, and you have the sensation of confusion I've been dealing with. But I wasn't prepared for the nausea. It's not nausea caused by pain, more of an equilibrium thing. I just know I feel dizzy when I'm vertical and find I tire out easily. My steps are very cautious and I know I'll be relying on my cane for the foreseeable future. I'm left thinking about the Bill Murray film "What About Bob" with the saying "baby steps." I'm now taking baby steps. It is my new mantra.
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Repeats are good for us newcomers!
ReplyDeleteWow, almost 3 months, that's a long time to heal. That bout of nausea must have been a bit scary!
The weird nausea continues. I'm hoping as days past it will disappear. It's not a side effect I expected.
DeleteI'm glad the iron boot is off! But goodness... it doesn't sound like you are doing so well. I wish you a speedy recovery now that things are starting to mend.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think my brain is just having to rewire itself after so many months. My balance is off and I'm geared towards one way of standing and walking, and now I have to go back to a normal way. Amazing how the brain resets itself as necessary.
DeleteNice photo!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's in a very interesting album.
DeleteI don't remember your photo from before and it fits well. It's hard for me to remember if I used a certain photo before because we get the same prompts sometimes. I try to save some pictures back for next time.
ReplyDeleteI hope your nausea goes away soon! Sounds like baby steps are what you need right now.
Yup, sometimes I realize my best choice is one I've already shown.
DeleteMy brain does seem to be getting a bit better. It is an odd sensation. When I put the boot back on it all goes away. Go figure.
I'm guessing that you have "long life" bulbs fitted, and hopefully that will stand you in good stead with the foot recovery.
ReplyDeleteSadly my bulbs tend to sputter every so often. The light dims a bit and leaves me in a room wondering why I'm there. Then I just have to hope there is a jolt of electricity to help light my way.
DeleteMy brother-in-law has had a similar experience (in terms of being off his feet for about 3 months) - he's about to come home - I might give him a gentle warning.
ReplyDeleteYes, do. For me it's been 2-1/2 months in the boot. This morning I'm not in the boot and I'm right back to the dizziness and nausea. It is a strange situation.
DeleteWishing you a Speedy Recovery!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think we've all used photos we've posted before & probably more than once. I figure if they suit the prompt, why not? Sure sorry about the dizziness. If you were wearing a boot I assume you were up & walking around during recovery? If so, the dizziness & resulting nausea now that you're getting around without the boot is a bit strange. I assume you're going through physical therapy as part of your recovery. What do the therapists say about the unwanted side effects?
ReplyDeleteI thought I was going to get PT, but now my doc says no. Have no idea why. I might push for it. And I'm beginning to think maybe the nausea and dizziness might go back to the arthritis in my neck from an auto accident in '83 when I got a severe whiplash. I'll give it a week before I go begging for help.
DeleteVestibular therapy will do wonders. I had it after having an acoustic neuroma treated and it was very helpful for recovery of stability. The brain has to adjust. Good luck with your recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will look into this. Never heard of it.
DeleteJust like Mr. Roberts I've tried to keep the world from spinning when motion sickness came over me on a small boat in choppy water. Same again when I rode the tilt-a-whirl at a carnival, so I hope you soon find relief. Ginger ale was my therapy.
ReplyDeleteAs a child I never got car sick, but after an auto accident and severe whiplash I have problems. I'll have to look around for ginger ale. I haven't had that in years, but used to love it. Of course that was before corn syrup.
DeleteThe photo is new to me - I think. Even if I've seen it, it "feels" new. (By the way, I never know how to express that -- the light went off? the light came on?)
ReplyDeleteYsorry to hear about your foot and dizziness problems, but on the lighter side, I saw a cartoon earlier today that sort of relates here. It was of a man staring intently at a glass of orange juice, with a caption saying something like "Lenny always treat the word 'concentrate' as a verb".
ReplyDeleteI love it!
DeleteYes to baby steps. So sorry your balance is off, and hope you do get some physical therapy...perhaps a call to your doc office to explain the symptoms you're having and asking for his advice too?
ReplyDeleteThe balance has gotten better. Things keep improving. Baby steps.
DeleteI’m very happy you re-shared the photo as I’ve not seen it before. Mr. Roberts is certainly concentrating. That game of chess really mattered to him.
ReplyDeleteKeep taking those baby steps and get well soon.
Yup, baby steps.
DeleteClick on the Mr. Roberts label link to see a lot more images from his album.