I went to the doctors’ and had my MRI today, but I’ll get to that in just a couple minutes. First, I just gotta share with y’all something crazy.
Can you see what Javalina, our kitty is looking at?
Yep. It’s a mouse.
But how did it get up there?
If you guessed that maybe a hawk carried it up there and dropped it off, you’d be thinking what I did, too. This is the front of our house, and our front porch. The mouse was perched on one of those double ridges on those columns.
It looked kind of scared and I almost felt sorry for the cute little critter, believing that it was stuck up there.
Well that was until I discovered the little beastie rock climber was scaling the stucco column.
Ok……..so when did mice start climbing walls? Ewww…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that your skin is crawling, back to the doctor appt and MRI results. hah!
My Ortho doctor is in Albuquerque, about a 30 minute drive away. The MRI, including wait, only took about 30 minutes. But the Doctor appointment started in the waiting room (wait: approx. 1 hour) and continued in the patient room (wait: approx 1 hour). Sheesh! You leave the waiting room thinking that you’re In-like-Flynn and the doctor will be ready to see you, and you basically end up in a different waiting room. Don’t you just hate that?
We were getting hungry, especially my daughter, so the assistant was nice enough to give Jenna a granola bar to hold her over. I usually bring snacks, after learning the hard way, but I had switched purses and left the snacks at home. sigh.
Part of the reason the wait was so long, was that the doctor was trying to sort through some confusion regarding my MRI results. Seems my original MRI, showing the severed ACL, was the only scan that kept showing up on the screen. He was shocked and unhappy, thinking I had destroyed the integrity of the ACL allograft during my fall last month.
When he finally walked into the room, he had to explain what had taken so long, and the confusion that had been going on in his office, while reading my MRI. I have to admit, it scared me at first. And then I felt a huge sigh of relief when he told me that my new MRI scans showed my ACL allograft as being intact. whew!
But the news was not all sunny either.
(photo taken near White Oaks, NM)
It seems that the impact caused by that metal pipe slamming me onto the ground when my mare pulled back, caused several serious injuries that require quite a bit of time to heal.
This is what the MRI report said:
- Impacted mildly comminuted fracture of the lateral tibial plateau with mild depression along the posterior margin of the posterior tibial plateau.
- Mild nondisplaced impaction injury anterolateral femoral condyle
- Medial meniscus: small peripheral longitudinal tear posterior horn extends to the tibial articular surface
- Mild bone bruise posterior and medial margins of the medial tibial plateau
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Low grade sprain injury
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Intact and unremarkable
All that medical jargon basically means that the top part of my tibia has fractures that are broken into a number of pieces, but those pieces are ‘jammed’ together and not broken apart, so the fractures don’t require surgery. There is also some bone marrow swelling that shows injury caused by severe impact, on the ball of my femur. And I have some small meniscus tears. I also have a bone bruise on the space just below the area where my tibial fractures are. And my PCL is sprained.
Well that would explain why my knee still hurts, eh?
(photo taken from my tower...zoom..zoom!)
So, while the news is good that my ACL allograft survived the onslaught, it’s also not so great, in that my doctor insists I stay off my knee has much as possible, use my bionic leg brace and at least one crutch always, and give myself another 4-6 weeks just to heal from this second injury. gah!
I felt silly asking him if I could still plan on getting back in the saddle by August, especially after he gave me the ‘raised eyebrows look’ as he peered at me from above the rim of his glasses, and basically laughed at me like I had lost my mind.
sigh.
Well, I suppose I should feel grateful to have had the MRI so I could find out this news, before I possibly caused more injury to myself, but it is still so frustrating knowing that my summer is basically blown. darn.
And I know I should be so grateful, because this could have been so much worse.
And I am.
Mostly I am just grateful for all of my bloggy friends for all your support, kind words, and endearing ways of making me laugh with the comments you leave for me and the e-mails you send. Thanks friends.
I know I’ll get through this. I’m a tough cowgirl. I just have to keep thinking positive thoughts and focusing on the things that make me happy. And just live vicariously through all of my horse friends, for my horse-riding fix…at least for now. *smile*
(A little gift for all of you!)
From the Tower of,
36 comments :
Wow, you had some gorgeous pictures for us tonight! You have a real gift for photography, Lisa.
As for the mouse... How freaking cute! Why are people scared of those adorable little creatures? I don't get it. Anyway, I was guessing all along that he was climbing the stucco -- mice are awesome climbers, actually. How else do you think they would be so adept at getting into grain bins? ;o)
Thank you Katharine.
I'm not 'afraid' of mice, but I am afraid of the diseases and filth they leave behind. In New Mexico and Arizona, many people have become sick and died from Hanta Virus, spread through mice droppings.
We had a mouse infestation in our garage last summer...and they covered every surface with pee and poop. They chewed holes through our walls and several boxes out there, too. Then several died within our walls...talk about a nasty stench.
Cute? Maybe. Nasty? Defintely.
As for the climbing. I had no idea they would climb that far...for nothing. There is no food up there and no shelter. It was weird. Val and I figured the creature was sick because it didn't even move when I got up close to it and almost touched it. Creepy.
~Lisa
I don't like mice! But he is kinda of cute! Sorry you will be layed up for a few weeks longer! I know it seems like forever. I always tell myself it could be worse. Hang in there! Love the pictures.
Great post and shots, mice will climb walls, actually anything they can get their little claws into. Glad to hear you will survive to photograph another day. LOVE the cloudy mountain shot, its a classic..:-)
Great news about the ACL, but not so good news about the meniscus and tibia. Sorry to hear about that. Hopefully all will heal very soon so you can be back in the saddle!
You did have some great pictures tonight! That mouse is cute but they aren't fun to have around. One of my cats brings mice into the garage, we always set traps, but somehow one got into my car somewhere, it died, I cried every time I had to drive my car, the smell was so bad. We tried getting into the vents to find the body, never could find it. So I think there is a mouse skeleton somewhere in my car! Oh, it doesn't smell anymore! I also worried about hanta-virus, but it isn't too common around here!
The mouse you have is way cuter than the mouse we have. lol. They are amazing creatures and can go any where there little heart desires. I am sorry to here you have to take it easy again. I too am on light duty actual no duty. lol. We have a new baby horse around the corner I have photos on a past blog. But if it ever quits raining. I will take a few more. They are so adorable.
Be blessed my friend.
And remember you still have a wonderful life.
Hey Lisa,
I love all your pictures, but the one of Javalina looking at the mouse is my favorite!
I am so sorry you are having such a time with your knee, but hang in there.
It is certainly giving you a chance of some great pictures while you recop.
Good thoughts to you from Georgia.
Take care.
Pam
That is absolutely crazy about the mouse being up so high but I want to know what kind of camera and lens you have to get that close. That is amazing!
As you already know, you are extremely fortunate not to have more wrong with your leg..your brain is another story. But what can we horse owners say? Gotta love 'em! They just happen to be a lot bigger than we are. Well, rest and recuperate for the next 4-6 weeks..your day is coming!
Lisa, just remember that time does heal all wounds! Hang in there! Sending you some hugs!
~~Cheryl Ann~~
That's a different kind of mouse than the ones I always get in the barn. It's bigger. I think I have one of those in my garage, been seeing turds around. Silly cats, sharing their food with it!
I'm so sorry to hear about your leg, although the good news is that the surgery is still all right. Jeez!!
I love your pansies, beautiful!
It sounds like you are taking the news in stride, probably because you already knew your knee was screwed up, but are relieved to avoid another surgery. I really hope it heals well this time around and you will be accident-free for the rest of your years.
Your friend June sent me a couple of guinea pig spoon rests. One is brown and the other is white. They are so adorable. THWEEP! TOOT TOOT! Cooooooo.
oh shoot.
Dumb ol' mare.
We'll just have to make your Summer go fast. Make you laugh. Send you goofy pictures. Bad jokes. videos of hamsters on pianos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDyS2AMjius&feature=related
Rest up, cowgirl. And let's all plan a fun ride in September!
Sending you healing thoughts...
That Javelina did well to spot that little fellow out there. I'm partial to most furry critters, so I think he's pretty darned cute. Excellent close-ups. I think I may have fallen a bit in love...sorry Sid.
Well, it's great that you got some good news with the not so good news at the Doctor's office.
I think that viewing your immediate future as a waste is a matter of perspective. And, a choice. I can't help thinking, when I read these reports that the Universe may be attempting to send you a message to slow down. As I understand it, it tends to raise its voice each time, if its not heard...something to think about.
Awww, well at least it wasn't as damaged as the first MRI almost made the doctor believe.
"it is still so frustrating knowing that my summer is basically blown"
You know, I work for a lady that broke both her knees. She used to ride and show quarterhorses. Her and her late husband had a nice little farm. She couldn't ride after she broke both knees so they got standardbreds. They drove and raced but it wasn't the same as having a pleasure horse to love and take care of. She now has 3 welsh ponies. I go over every tuesday and help her tack them up to drive them. She turned 70 last november and said although she wishes she could ride driving is her new pain free way of enjoying horses.
Oops I forgot to add! That picture at the end oh my gosh. That is beautiful it looks like someone painted it rather than took a picture of it.
that mouse was cute, but I we kill them around these parts. Dead mouse is good mouse.
I hope your knee heals quickly and you can get in the saddle soon on a good solid trail partner so you and Val can ride off into the sunset!
word verif: flechbut
gross
I have read lately about quite a few rabid animal attacks down in Arizona. I wouldn't be surprised if there was something wrong with that mouse, that's a pretty weird thing for it to do in broad daylight.
Hang in there, sorry to hear about the knee but at least it doesn't need surgery again. That must be some comfort!
So you wrecked your knee and then broke it. So sorry Lisa!
But at this point even the cowgirl in me says...yeah, you better stay off the knee and off of and away from your horse girl!
I am headed to see another specialist on June 9th - so we'lll see what happens there.
I just LOVE that pic with the clouds and the mountain.
I'm so not a fan of the mouse, but that one is awful cute. :)
Glad to hear the ACL is still intact but sorry to hear about the rest!
Just remember it will heal..keep the mantra going. :)
I love the mouse!
RE: your summer being blown - it is only "blown" if you allow that to be true. Sometimes we get exactly what we need, and maybe you need to be doing things that don't require mobility right now.
Those pansies are beautiful.
Sorry you'll still be laid up. :( I think the mouse is cute! :) Of course I'm a sucker for all living creatures great and small! :) Take care of yourself.
Carolynn,
I completely, respectfully disagree. I never said my summer was a waste. I will find things to keep me busy...but the things I planned and dreamed of doing will not be happening, so that is what I meant by my summer's plans being blown.
And I cannot believe that 'the universe' wants me to spend 4 months in bed. My family needs me, and are getting quite fed up with this crap. My house is falling apart. My husband is worn out fro doing double duty now for over 4 months. And I need activity that keeps my brain functional and outdoors where I am most happy.
Yes, I do believe we all need downtime. Time to rest and find peace. But too much is too much. No human being should have to spend over 120 days resting.
Besides not being healthy for our bodies, it's terribly unhealthy for our minds, too.
There is plenty of time to rest once we are dead.
~Lisa
I'm glad everyone seems to love the mouse/rodent. Once you have several dozen taking over your house and garage...peeing and pooing everywhere and chewing anything they come into contact with, you might all change your tunes.
Personally, I'd rather have a a couple snakes in my garage.....hmmmm, now that's an idea!
Watch out pesky rodents!
~Lisa
Feeling a bit cranky, Lisa? ;o)
Don't get too mad at Carolynn. She's only trying to help you put it into perspective. She didn't say that the universe wanted you to spend 4 months in bed, just that maybe it was telling you to slow down. Definitely a possibility, and honestly you seem to be thinking the same thing, judging by your decision to sell Baby Doll and look for an easier mount.
I do have to disagree with the doc on one thing, though. I think if you can find a really laid back horse to ride, and someone to assist you, you can probably ride when your knee stops hurting so much. Just mount using your good leg and keep it to a walk in a confined area. Perhaps consider someone leading the horse the first few times. Don't forget that horses are often used for therapy with disabled kids. Not saying this is the same thing, but still -- if a disabled kid can ride under supervision, why can't you if you can find a mount with the right temperament?
You just havta practise sh--kicking with one leg and a crutch for a while longer. Hang in there.
You are going to be well sooner than you think.
Hey, Lisa,
Thanks for leaving a message over at my place with your kind words about Sir Frog.
As for my comment here earlier today, I do hope you will accept my sincere apology for upsetting you. It most certainly was not my intention. Working in the blogging environment as we do, I forget that we don’t really know each other and that my attempts to connect & communicate may, at times, be misconstrued. The words Universe & God are interchangeable for me, however, I will, in future, be more mindful of the opinions I share. Of course, I wish only the best for you.
....friends?
Yikes! But I knew mice are good climbers and it is almost cute. Well, good & bad about your MRI, sorry to hear about the bad, but be patient and allow yourself to get back to 100%, you'll get there! Love all the pics!
Glad about the good news. Betty is a better rider because of her accident and I'm sure the same will be true of you.
Mice are fine in the outdoors, but don't let them come anywhere near my house or stable.
Dan
The mouse looked cute, until we found out he climbs the stucco... ewhhh
Sorry about the MRI results, and you are right.. it could of been worse.. but it still sucks!
The good news is, the day will come when you will be on a horse again!!
Jan :)
Yikes! Mice can climb walls?! Sorry about the MRI results. You will be better someday, I promise.
You poor baby!!! One syep froward and then one step back! sorry to hear your summer plans are not possible...but as Scarlet O'Hara says" after all tomorrow is...another day!!!
Mice are fine. In their place... Which is NOT in my place!
That said, nice photography - whenever I feel the need for gorgeous images, this is one of my favorite stops!
In regards to your battered knee - You're tough, and that's dangerous. Tough people run the risk and danger of not giving their body long enough to heal completely. Yeah, I know you want to get back out there, up on your horses, moving about your property, doing all the things you feel the need to do. I know how intensely frustrating it can be to have to throttle that urge, and school yourself to patience... But hang tough. Being patient can be a test and testiment of your toughness, too.
Rest easy, take your time, Be Well.
I've seen a mouse run across a vertical wooden wall in the barn. They are agile little boogers! Glad to hear the good news and sorry to hear the bad news. If your summer plans are squashed, make new ones. You'll get through it and figure out what you need to do for yourself. And everyone deserves to wallow in self pity once in a while...as long as you can snap out of it. Stay healthy, my blogger friend.
I don't ususally cuss...but DAM! I am so sorry but this seems to be the longest recovery ever..I know you know that..but i am so feeling the dowen time with you and wish it to be over too! I am really praying for your mind strength..I know you will heal up well...just hang in freind Lisa!
Your photos are specatacular..the landscape couds are FANTASTIC!! Wouyld be an excellent header really dreamy!
Love you and will be coming by more often to see you!
Kac
It's alright to bitch and moan ya know..it gets it all out!
Well no wonder you were blue!
So Sorry Lisa.
Hi Lisa,
I have seen mice climb some pretty amazing things...like the side of a metal shop building...they are industrious little creatures! Your mouse was rather clever! Great capture too.
The storm photo is stunning! Wonderful job capturing the feel of the on-coming thunderstorm.
I had been wondering about your MRI results and now I know. I'm sorry that you will have to stay off your leg for another 4 to 6 weeks, but you are right in saying that it could have been much worse. I'm sure the news was discouraging enough as it was. Hang in there lady...better times are a comin' round the bend! =)
I will now tell you about my dear friend Lynn....I had been trying to get ahold of her since Thursday with no luck...finally spoke to her husband yesterday evening on my way home from work. He said something odd and I asked what was going on...nobody had called to tell me that Lynn was in the hospital!! She fell on Thursday afternoon while running a relay race with her class (she is a sub-teacher and had a long term sub position until the end of the school year)She ended up with a compound fracture to her leg...she broke her tibia just below her knee!! She was rushed by amublance to our little town. Upon seeing her severe break...she was sent by ambulance to Reno, NV which is over two hours away from us. She endured 4 hours of surgery and now has a metal plate and many, many screws in her leg! I was heartbroken for my dear, dear friend! She is a go-getter just like you Lisa and now she will spend her entire summer laid up with a badly broken leg. I guess the Doc. told them 10 to 12 weeks in the cast and then 12 to 16 weeks the physical therepy! Please say a prayer for her as I know you know what she is about to endure!
Your parting photo is stunning...they are my favorite flower!
Hugs to you my friend!
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