It is lovely to be home from hospital! Everyone at the hospital was great. The nurses were endlessly patient and efficient and never made me feel anything was too much trouble.
I love to be independent, but sometimes you just have to let other people do things for you, particularly when you are in traction.
Shortly after being x-rayed in hospital and it was discovered that I had a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle, a doctor appeared with an instrument that looked a bit like a drill. He then produced a sealed packet from which he pulled a thin steel rod. My foot was anaesthetised, he said “Don’t look” and he shot the steel rod through my heel. It was cut to length, screws were attached and a 5 kilo weight was added to put my foot in traction where it stayed for 3 days. I did shut my eyes.
On Monday morning I was wheeled to surgery, given an epidural and my body from the waist down seemed to float off into the distance. With both arms spread out beside me I imagined myself to be floating in the sea at Noosa and let everything go by. I did hear a few buzzing noises which I suppose were screws being put in place. I could hear quiet conversations but is was all quite peaceful.
Once the surgery was over I could gradually feel my legs returning and I was wheeled back to the room. There was not a great deal of pain and painkillers were freely available if I needed them.
I was able to come home on Wednesday. The ever wonderful Filippo collected me from the hospital, picked up my drugs and brought me home to Casa Debbio.
Lucky me! I have my friend Sarah here to help me. She is extremely efficient and caring and is an excellent cook. My left foot is to have no weight put on it at all until the 6th May when the cast comes off and a screw is taken out of my ankle.
I have learned to navigate using crutches that Vittorio appeared with soon after I got home. With those and strategically placed chairs I can get around. I go up the stairs backwards on my bottom. It is easier coming down.
This morning I got to sit outside on the terrace in front of the house.
The cherry tree has blossomed in the 6 days I have been away.
Wisteria is about to bloom.
My first sewing job was to make a sock to cover the white gauze on my foot or it will be grubby in no time.
It is good to be home. Tuscany is most likely a red zone until mid April, so I wouldn’t be going anywhere anyway.