Update on the Broken Ankle

11/12/2022

Two weeks ago today, I broke my ankle. I followed the Doc's directions for the most part, but also listened to the intuition of my body, and frequented my TCM doc for acupuncture and other treatment. I wasn't supposed to walk on it, but I knew better. At home, I walked slowly and gingerly from room to room, sat a lot and kept it elevated, used ice and arnica, and also made poultices/compresses using bone knit (comfrey), which has been used in many cultures--from China to Europe to the Middle East-- for hundreds or a thousand years to heal broken bones, sprains, and skin conditions. I also pressed common acupressure points for ankle injuries and pain. I can tell it is healing. Luckily, I've been able to do some yoga since I can't hike or do much else except hobble about on crutches, which is exhausting! One-legged yoga! My left leg and hip and lumbar are super-tired because that side is doing all the weight-bearing. I need a massage! But acupuncture to the rescue, too! I am beyond grateful that the bone remained articulated (connected), so I did not need surgery!

I'm still on crutches (at work and outside my home) for a few more weeks, but what was supposed to be a 6-8 week healing process will only be 4, thanks to acupuncture, bone knit compresses, my healthy body, and resilience. In fact, I am so grateful:
- to be here in South Korea, where I have inexpensive health care*
- that I had the opportunity to heal mentally, physically, and emotionally after all that went on in China and then during the pandemic, to be in a place now where this injury was a minor inconvenience, rather than a traumatizing, life-paralyzing event (emotional resilience! healthy body!)
- to teach at a school where both the team and leadership are supportive and caring, telling me: take time off if you need longer to heal, leave early if you need to go to acupuncture, let us know how we can help you so you can stay seated in class... and more!
- a healthy body
- emotional resilience
- living in Jeju
- friends here who have been helpful and supportive
- this amazing school with a great team, excellent leadership, and great kids!

*my National Health care expired when my contract started, and I have insurance through work, where costs are reimbursed. Yesterday, the follow-up visit to the orthopedist for x-rays, a new brace, and consult cost $70 usd, because I was "uninsured". In other words, it would have cost about $10 usd with insurance. (The $70 will be reimbursed by my work policy).
...Yeah, socialized medicine is soooooo awful 'Merikuh... aka Ameridumb!