I have no idea when I get to go back to work
By Kelli M
@spiderdust (14761)
San Jose, California
February 21, 2023 4:08pm CST
I thought I'd finally be seen by the podiatrist in two hours after spraining my ankle on the 11th, but their office just called and canceled my appointment for the third time.
The soonest that the office can see me now is Friday afternoon, which means no work for me this entire week. I just checked and I have only 3 hours of PTO left after this last week of being out. I'm more than merely worried about this; part of what made me less stressed about a household member being out of work is the fact that two of us were still working regularly and another one did DoorDash in her spare time. Now we're down my income, and I'm super frustrated and worried.
I just spoke to the store manager at work; he was very sympathetic and supportive, and totally understands how this is beyond my control. I'm just glad that everyone else who was out over the past 2+ months came back last week because I don't know how long I'm going to be out this time.
The above photo isn't of my foot, but it's a pretty similar injury. the bruising is more black-brown than purple and it's over a bigger area. I have more swelling in the foot too.
16 people like this
16 responses
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
21 Feb 23
I don't know what else I can do except stay home and wait. I could probably go back to work anyway without it getting looked at, but that seems like a bad, bad idea (and I don't think I'd be able to make it through a shift).
1 person likes this
@much2say (55576)
• Los Angeles, California
21 Feb 23
ARGH!! I'm glad work is understanding of your situation - hopefully you will be able to go back soon, but safely. This gives you a few extra days to keep your ankle rested - but it really needs to be seen! Could they give any suggestions on what to do in the meantime?
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
21 Feb 23
No, I only got to speak to the receptionist who isn't qualified to tell me anything like that. I'm just going to keep wearing the splint and hoping for the best.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55576)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Feb 23
@spiderdust I wish they would advise about icing, elevating, and all that. I know sprains from skating, but I don't know what is done for partial tears. By Friday, I know it's almost 2 weeks. Argh. Keeping you in my thoughts . . . hang on for just a few more days!!
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
@much2say I wish too! The ER gave me some minimal advice regarding that, but that's really it. The splint they gave me at the ER wasn't the best fit either, but that's all they had at the time. I was hoping to get something that I can work in.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471356)
• Switzerland
23 Feb 23
@spiderdust - This is what happens most of the time, should this be true at least you should be fine.
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
I have this irrational fear that when it's finally looked at, my ankle will seem fine.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317040)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
22 Feb 23
@spiderdust I know how frustrating that can be. I broke my ankle in 2011 when I was still working. I was out of work for quite a while. I didn't have any PTO or anything to help me. Only my son who was living with me at the time. He kept me afloat until I got back to work.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
@just4him If we didn't already have someone in the house who recently lost his job, I'd worry a little less. I know we'll be okay if I can go back soon, but I also don't want to go back before my body is ready for me to do that.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
I do too. I'm being good and keeping my splint on, as well as staying off of my feet as much as possible. It's just frustrating not being able to work or do very much.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178125)
• United States
22 Feb 23
I'm so sorry! I hope they don't cancel your appointment. I hope you feel better soon.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
It's been so frustrating, especially since the days I'll end up missing this week will be unpaid days.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178125)
• United States
23 Feb 23
@spiderdust That's a bummer. I hope you will be able to return to work soon.
@thislittlepennyearns (62222)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
22 Feb 23
I hope they clear you on Friday. i still haven;'t seen my primary about the gunk in my chest because they keep cancelling.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
I don't understand why I have to give 24 hours notice of a cancellation or I'll get charged for a full visit, but they can cancel on me at any time.
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
@thislittlepennyearns I once walked into a dentist appointment only to be told that it was canceled and I'd have to wait another 5 weeks.
@thislittlepennyearns (62222)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
22 Feb 23
@spiderdust When Chris had a pre op appointment, we drove all the way to the town where he had his doctor. About 45 mins, and we we're at Hardees a m ile down the road and they cancelled.
@GardenGerty (160624)
• United States
23 Feb 23
I hope you finally get in and get some treatment to help. I have on various occasions injured my foot. I was glad I still had a compression sock with heel and toe out from my foot surgery. That makes most foot injuries feel better, but it is good to be seen by a doctor first.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
23 Feb 23
I do have compression stockings that I wear for work, and I've been using them to help with the swelling. I agree that they (as well as the corseting from the splint) do help it feel better and more supported.
@DaddyEvil (137257)
• United States
22 Feb 23
I'm sorry. I hope the store manager won't hold the injury against you.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
He's been very understanding. I'm just more stressed about it because that's my nature.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137257)
• United States
22 Feb 23
@spiderdust I understand about stress... There's nothing we can do about a situation but we worry all the time anyway. I'm the same way.
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
23 Feb 23
It's very frustrating. I'm trying to be understanding about it, as there's really nothing I can do except be patient. Maybe the doctor was ill.
@RasmaSandra (79711)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Feb 23
Sorry to hear this. I have sprained both ankles at one time or another and I have found the best to keep them elevated and bound up, I hope your ankle heals quickly, Best of luck on Friday and best of luck with your job,
@RasmaSandra (79711)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Feb 23
@spiderdust hang in there and the best of luck to you
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
21 Feb 23
@RasmaSandra Thanks. I'm trying, this is just discouraging.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
21 Feb 23
I keep reminding myself that I'm not going to lose my job over this, but the panicked part of my brain isn't hearing it.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
22 Feb 23
@spiderdust So sorry. I'm glad you went to the ER and had it put back into position. I hope you can have it looked at soon. At least work is sympathetic. Heal quickly and try to elevate it and stay off it as much as possible.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
@DianneN I'm trying to do all that. Unfortunately the kids are all home from school this week, so it's not an easy week to just plant myself on the couch.
Between my ex being at home all the time because he lost his job and my kids being home because of no school, I'm about to lose my mind.
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
22 Feb 23
I had a fall in my yard on the 11th (slipped in a muddy spot) and my foot bent backwards. We're pretty sure something dislocated for a bit before my foot was put back in the right position, but I haven't been able to get anyone to look at it since I left the ER.
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (16587)
• United States
23 Feb 23
I am very sorry that your appointment was canceled again. I hope that you will be able to see the doctor on Friday so you know what is going on with your ankle.
It is stressful not being able to work like you are used to. I hope after Friday's appointment you won't have to miss too much more work.
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@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
24 Feb 23
I hope so too. I'm going a bit stir crazy at home.
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@MarieCoyle (37227)
•
21 Feb 23
I'm sure sorry, Kelli. I know it is super frustrating and worrying. If the swelling doesn't go down soon, maybe you should get someone else to look at your foot? The ups and downs of our lives are often very worrying. Hang in there!
1 person likes this
@spiderdust (14761)
• San Jose, California
21 Feb 23
I could go to my primary care physician, but she's just going to send me to the podiatrist. I'm not sure what else to do.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37227)
•
22 Feb 23
@spiderdust
I understand. There are days when I miss the good oldl GP's...they knew something about pretty much everything.
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@RebeccasFarm (89863)
• Arvada, Colorado
22 Feb 23
Gee, Kelli, this is just a bad situation and I am so sorry..that is so bad that office keeps cancelling on you too
@aninditasen (16381)
• Raurkela, India
22 Feb 23
Hope your feet gets well soon. Try some hot fomenting, the sprain will gradually reset.
