Thursday 26 December 2013

Online Shopping

I'll admit, the downtime has been nice. It has also allowed me to save money due to forfeited evenings out and the social meetings I just can't be bothered attending. I don't need to give any excuse as the inconvenience of crutches seems to be widely accepted as a reason for my absence. My fear is that this level of reluctance to socialise will eventually carry on even after I am able to walk.


The cash flow hasn't been all one way. One problem that I have developed is that Ive been doing a lot of online shopping. I mean, a lot. This started off with online delivery of groceries and has since spread to supplements, clothes, books, anything really. My two recent purchases have been a new laptop as well as the the Optimum 9400.


Wednesday 25 December 2013

Christmas on crutches


First time I've been out on crutches. Merry Christmas!

Friday 20 December 2013

My left foot

The fractured ankle has been both an interesting and frustrating experience. I've learnt a great deal of patience and have finally accepted the slower pace of life attributed to only having one leg and being denied the use of hands whilst on the move. The first two weeks were incredibly frustrating, having to factor in extra time for showering, changing, preparing, planning any logistics. During this time I had developed a reliance on Hong Kong cab drivers which have allowed me to commute anywhere further than 500 meters. Learning to use the crutches, agonising over staircases, dealing with a fatigued right leg and having to battle the tribulations of trying to keep the cast dry and clean whilst showering are all challenges that frustrated me to no end.


The concierge staff at my apartment, Grandview Gardens were particular helpful. Holding doors open, often with reassuring words of "Slow down" and "be careful" as well as helping me take my dirty laundry out to the local laundromat. My disciplined house cleaning had disappeared with my lack of mobility and after almost two and half years living in Hong Kong I finally succumbed and enlisted the help of a cleaner to come in and clean and tidy my apartment on a weekly basis. Another service that was employed was online home delivery of groceries and supplies, this meant that everything I needed was delivered to my door (My first order was a calcium rich invoice full of milk, yogurt and cheese).


A lot of time was spent horizontal, with the injured leg raised above the head to reduce swelling. Given the bulkiness of the short cast there are a limited number of activities available to an injured person in that supine position. For me, that meant a lot of time watching TV series (Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Scrubs all featuring heavily on my TV). Reading, managed to finally finish up on Confederacy of Dunces and Gladwell's Tipping Point. The unfortunate thing was that my internet had been canceled and I was rather disconnected from the outside world. It was a recluse lifestyle and despite the lack of physical stimulation (update: I have started going to the gym) I managed to keep myself relatively sane and boredom free. Still I enjoyed the forced downtime and afforded my body the much needed rest that i've been longing for.


The biggest disappointed was the cancelation of the end of year trip to Europe. I had planned a Paris and London trip between Christmas and New Years and due to the severe swelling and my incompetence on crutches the thought of being in Europe during the winter made the cancelation an easy decision. Despite protests from my friends, as well as the forever battle with 'fomo' I decided to cancel the trip and spend Christmas in Hong Kong. To date I have only taken a 3 days of annual leave, with work continuing unaffected aside from the odd physiotherapy and specialist morning appointments.

From my point of view, there are things that I am thankful for. There are certain advantages to being in Hong Kong - despite the frustrations of uneven footpaths and the high crowd concentration, the short distances and relatively affordable taxi system has allowed me to remain quite mobile. So far, there's no itch or irritation with the cast and I believe that has to do with wintertime. 5 minutes on crutches and the perspiration starts even in 10 degree weather, I can't imagine the inconveniences in summer. Finally, the constant support from family and friends. Yes, there have been raised eyebrows when people discover that yoga was the cause of my fracture but the messages, emails, calls and Oolaa lunches have made it a lot less painful.


Wednesday 4 December 2013

I'll let the doctor explain ...


Turns out that loud "pop" was the sound of my medial malleolus breaking (right hand side x-ray). Upon waking to an ankle the size of a grapefruit I hopped (literally) over to the medical centre only to find out that I had fractured my ankle. I had two options: (a): Put a cast on it, (b): cut it open and stick a couple of screws inside. I went with option (a). 

The recovery time for lower limb fractures was 2 months. The end of year Europe trip is looking unlikely; devo.


Tuesday 3 December 2013

Adho Mukha Vrksasana

There are certain cues that help with a handstand. Squeeze your shoulder blades and lock your scapula. Spread the fingers and keep your weight evenly distributed under the top knuckles. Look slightly in front, between your hands. Keep the hips above the shoulders. Squeeze your core and buttocks. Slowly pull your feet off the wall. One foot. Two feet and there you have it, Adho Mukha Vrksasana aka the handstand.

If at any point in the pose you hear a loud snap, it's safe to say that you've probably done something wrong. In fact, a pop sound in any facet of life probably mens something is not right. Unless of course you break joints and ligaments for a living.

It started with a handstand. Ended with an ankle eversion. I'm going to be sore tomorrow.


Monday 2 December 2013

New phone!

I'm honest not too sure how I last ten whole months with a busted up mobile phone. In any case, I finally have a new phone. I'll admit, it's strange using a phone that doesn't have a splintered screen.