Instead of walking to Charlevoix this morning, I had to go to the urgent care center in Petoskey. I woke up with a very swollen left foot and inflamation on my shin. I was very tempted to try to walk on it, but I had to consider that I have a long way to go and that it's better to take care of it now before it gets worse. My instinct was right. The doctor told me that I have an infection on the bottom of my foot and it's starting to travel to the ankle area.....that's why it's so swollen. Fortunately, my white blood cell count was normal so the infection is not as severe as it would be if I had continued to walk on it without treatment. I started antibiotics immediately with a shot and will continue to take capsules for the next ten days. I spent the day just hanging out at the hotel napping and watching The History Channel.
Despite this setback, I have permission from the doctor to continue the walk tomorrow. Fortunately, there is a flat walking trail for the entire route to Charlevoix. Instead of extending the walk by one day, I will first try to add two miles to each day remaining. There are 14 days left so the math works out to allow me to still finish in 18 days. My feelings range between optimism and determination, with some confidence and tenacity in there somewhere as well. I see the road ahead of me and, more importantly, I see myself on it. I might have to walk slower for the next few days, but I will walk.
Once again, no one said this was going to be easy.
I just keep reminding myself that I have been through much worse.
1 comment:
Hi Sean!!
so sorry to hear about the problems with your leg. I hope you were able to walk today without too much pain and that the antibotics are working. Your Victory Walk is hard enough without this extra challenge!
Have you thought about using a big walking stick to help keep weight off that leg? might come in handy too next time you encounter some nasty dogs. ; 0 )
elaine weeks
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