(continued from Part One: The Fall)

After the Denver blizzard on Sunday, Monday was a pretend school day (remote learning) instead of a snow day. They decided to do the same Tuesday for no reason at all. The weather was warm, the roads had been safe and clear by the end of Monday.

So after we got the kids ready, we swung by the grocery store for a scheduled pick up then over to an urgent care, me still in my running clothes… base layer (tights) and all .

Though they said they were busier than normal, I didn’t have a wait. Soon I was back, saw a doctor, got xrays, and was told I had a break and needed to call a orthopedic surgeon today. They would decide if I need surgery. They put two stints on my lower leg and the paramedic who wrapped me up showed me the xrays.

My fibula was broken and my tibia was not where it should be, there big gap below and beside it. And we were on our way. Everyone there was great. Great experience.

We texted a few friends and family and got an orthopedic specialist recommendation. A place I’d heard of multiple times before. They got me in at 2pm. My wife was running an errand and was headed home when the police shut down 25 south. I had 2 kids at home and drove myself, with a broken right leg to the orthopedic office so I didn’t miss the appointment.

And I left the xrays at home.

I filled out paperwork while my wife got the xrays from home and sent a kiddo into my appointment just a few minutes after I got in there. All the kids left while they reviewed my xrays and recommended surgery, to put a metal plate in, screwed to my bones.

They assured me this is the best and really only way for recovery. This is a common break and surgery, and 3 months after surgery I should be able to run again. Surgery could happen the next day, or we wait 2-3 weeks.

I opted for next day. Why recover for 3 weeks that re start recovery again after surgery? Why delay when I can put weight on it and start running again? I am registered for the Colfax marathon in October and they’re pretty confident I can do it.

I woke up at 4am in intense pain. It felt like 4 sharp daggers were stabbing my ankle from different angles. Having been with my wife through multiple labors, I knew how she had breathed through the pain. So I loosened my jaw and I breathed through the pain. She got me some Tylenol and I waited for the day to come.

So early Wednesday morning, only 26 hours after my break, I was at the surgical center. 28 hours after the break I was under general anesthetic and 29 hours after the break I was headed home. This time, not driving myself.

Before surgery I had several questions. I assumed the plate and screws were permanent, but some people get them removed later, after recovery. Of course that means another surgery, which isn’t recommended unless the hardware is causing problems, but this made me feel hopeful. My body is expected to heal and not need permanent metal attachments.

Continued in Part 3: Post Surgery