I did the laundry earlier in the afternoon because the sunshine was so lovely—it dries clothes quickly. I used an automatic washing machine, but it only has a spinner, so the clothes don’t dry completely. I was supposed to take a nap before class, but I rushed to grab the laundry from the back of the house when it started to rain. For the first time in my life, it happened so suddenly. I misstepped on the flat wooden plank we use as a walkway. It is placed there because the ground is a bit muddy. I fell hard, landing on my knees, and struggled to get up. I had to brace myself through the pain. I couldn’t stand because my foot was twisted. I couldn’t help but groan. It hurt so much. It was such an unfortunate accident. Good thing my brother heard me and helped me take a seat. Verga also came and carried me inside the room. My feet and the washed bed sheets were muddy.
I am not sure if my left ankle is fractured. As you can see, it's swollen. I need an X-ray.
I am fortunate to have my nursing student daughter, who knows basic emergency care. She treated the swelling with cold compresses every two hours, alternating with herbal oil, then wrapped it in cabbage leaves and secured it with an elastic bandage.
I didn't know that my right ankle was also swollen until I felt the pain.
I also didn’t realize my knees were bruised until later. My daughter used a cold compress with both feet, gently put on some herbal oil, and wrapped everything with tubatuba leaves and a bandage. My daughter was too careful and gentle when applying everything. What a relief.
Verga advised me to roll my feet on an empty bottle, but I just use this dumbbell. It somehow felt good while using it. So far, the swelling has gone down a bit, but it still hurts. I’ll definitely go to the hospital to get an X-ray.
Though I’m injured, I continue to show up for work. It’s hard to let it go since this is my source of income, and I have no other option. I’m managing to teach, even with the swelling in my feet.
