Sprained Ankle

I have finally started doing something healthy with my life....working out & eating better. I've been walking & walking & walking...and it's paid off. I've lost 7 lbs. I walk every single morning (who am I???). Yesterday I got up & walked when it was just 40 degrees outside. And wouldn't you know it...just as I'm about 2 blocks from my car, I stepped on some debris on the trail & sprained my ankle...as well as scraped up my knee. *%#)#$(!!!!

I don't think it's an extreme sprain as I am able to hobble around. There is no bruising that I can see. Some swelling of course...but I have been following the RICE treatment pretty much....rest, ice, compression & elevation. Since it happened yesterday morning, I had to call in to work because no way could I walk like a nurse needs to walk during her shift. I tried to picture myself in a wheelchair, but don't think my patients would have liked that...not to mention the rooms are so small, I doubt I could even get near my patients while in a wheelchair. I hate calling in though...even when it's 100% legit. I have to rest though. I called in again for tonight...because if I want to get better, I have got to rest it. Hopefully I don't get in any trouble...since I just went to the weekend option & we're only allowed 3 weekends off a year. Oh well, we'll see...but seriously, no way can I walk around for 13 hours.

I am walking to the bathroom & to the kitchen...it hurts, but I know it's good to move it if I can. I woke up this morning & it was all stiff & swollen, but I put some more ice on it & it's a little better. I'm planning to get more rest this week...as long as it takes. Luckily, I have nothing planned & I went grocery shopping last week...so I can last awhile indoors.

I'm frustrated though. I want to get back to walking. I want this pain & swelling gone. I guess in a way it's showing me how I take walking for granted. It was feeling so good walking every morning. I want to get back to that.

It's been about 20 years since I've sprained my ankle...so I ask those of you who are reading this....how long does it take to heal?

Work has been going ok. I am really liking just working 2 days a week. It gives me time to focus on me. I find it easier to get back to a normal sleep schedule. It's nice to be awake during the daylight hours!

I have to go study now. We have a nursing skills lab & this year they are insisting it be hands on & we have to teach them. Ugh. It's one thing to know what you are doing, it's another to have to verbalize it step by step.

Hope everyone is having a better weekend than I!!!!