A Fractured Leg

Nov. 29 .06 Letter from Lynda
A Space Between My Toes!

Hi Dayna! Ok! Go ahead and put up my letters about the accident and surgery, or at least the ones that aren’t too cranky. My new digs (at the Guest Room) are good, but there’s no air-conditioning and, during the day, no power so no fan. The advantage is the shared, open sitting room that does get the breeze.

Great news... Today I can see space between my toes! This is really amazing. I was doing alot of exercise yesterday, be the calf muscle really hurts, but clearly the swelling is down. I’m so excited! Ta!

From Lynda.

Passed My Crutches Driving Test

It will be such a relief to be discharged from the hospital. I’m not sleeping here very well. The surgeon is pleased with the incisions, and even that I caused the discoloring and swelling from too much exercise yesterday. I passed my crutches driving test by specifying verbally the two most important
principles... Don’t hop and don’t hang on the crutches.

I have to do bedrest for 10 days with exercise, then back to the hospital to remove stitches- only 12 and 7 - then real physio. Now, I’m exhausted from all the excitement.

Please, can someone go today to the drug store and buy an elastoplast ankle support. These are not available in Tanzania. The surgeon was impressed and said that an ankle support such as this would be my best friend. Lucas is coming and will deal with the hospital bill and go to the bank. Now, I have to sleep. Ta, Lynda.


Nov. 26/06 Letters from Lynda
A Very Bruised & Swollen Leg

I was glad to talk to mom and dad this morning! Hang in you guys. I’ll mend. Lucas came with Mgeni and Musa (two children from Vijaliwa) who won a draw to come visit me in the hospital. It’s an all day trip for them to get here! Both children were shocked at the luxury here (in the hospital).
Air-conditioning, tv, and a private bathroom, and the kids were wowed when the orderly brought my lunch. Lucas took them to the cafeteria to eat. Big treat for them!

This morning a doctor came to inspect and change the dressing. I got brave and looked. No wonder Stephen fainted yesterday! But, the wound is clean. No infection. But, gone is my dainty ankle! There are 6 to 8 stitches on one side of my ankle and at least 15 on the other plus the drain holes. Ugly! It is very swollen and bruised.

I’m realizing a lot of things. I can’t live at the Vijaliwa house until we get a car. And, a goat for milk. I can’t use the buses while I’m in town. I’ll pretty much have to be escorted when I travel because I can’t put weight on my injured leg.

Tiffany called tonight and I talked with all my grandkids. Big tears.

Nov. 25 /06 Letter from Lynda

Surgery was Successful

Breaking News! (Sorry for the pun!),
Hi all. I’m resting. So, I know you’re all wondering what we’re going to do. But, please! I’m not the project, and the kids are fine. I have great confidence in Stephen (house manager) and Lucas is there.

My leg is swollen and ugly. And, I’m here in the hospital until at least tomorrow to start physio. I’ll be staying at a guest house (like an inexpensive hostel) when I leave the hospital.

If we can find or afford a car, I’ll be moving back to the Vijaliwa house. The surgery was successful. I don’t have a cast, but I can’t put any weight on my leg for 3 months.
They took out the drainage tubes yesterday. So, I’m on the
road to recovery.

Thanks for your prayers and love, Lynda.

Nov. 23. Letter from Lynda
An Operation Needed

The surgeon showed us the fractures in my leg. All 3 are at the ankle joint. The 2 on the big bone need screws and the shattered smaller bone needs a plate.

Surgery will be sometime this afternoon between 2 and 4.
I’ve seen the anesthetist. I can have pain-killers but no food.
I hate not knowing what to do later! I may ask at the guest house for a monthly rate or something. I can’t stay in the village for sure, unless we buy a car. I just like to have a plan in place and there’s none now.

Please tell Tiffany my daughter that I got her card yesterday, and expect her letter soon. That’s all for now. Thanks for prayers, Lynda.

Nov. 22 /06 Letters from Lynda
A Fractured Leg

Hi. My day went worse. Into the sewer in fact. Getting out of a crowded daladala (bus in Tanzania) my left foot didn’t find pavement. Instead, my foot found an open storm drain.

So, now I’m in the Aga Khan Hospital with a badly broken and dislocated leg. They want to operate today. I’m expecting the surgeon to see me soon. Both of my leg’s big bones above the ankle are broken. And never have I had so much pain!

Lucas is with me. Stephen is managing the house. The doctor said it would be 3 months to heal! And no bike riding, so I don’t know how I’ll get around!

So?! What can I do but pray? The good news is I think I’m over malaria...

(This letter was written by Lynda by text-messaging on her cell phone. We all pray for a complete and speedy recovery for her - Dayna).