Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Surgery


I woke up and it was all a blur. The surgery was over, and I couldn’t feel my foot. It seemed like I was asleep for a minute. If only it was that easy…

 

Five days ago I crossed surgery off my bucket list, not that I ever intended it to be something I was giddy to check off. The road to recovery is filled with knee scooters, crutches, and LOTS of falling. But it’s just what the doctor ordered and it’s my job to do what’s asked of me.

 

In January I suffered a left foot injury that left me in excruciating pain ever since. I tried to do the minimal things to recover. Even spending my entire summer indoor off my foot, but it wasn’t enough.

 

My doctor hoped the saying, “time heals all wounds” would heal my foot pain, but time nor prescriptions did the trick. Eventually you have to do what’s necessary, and sometimes it’s surgery.

 

Think of this global pandemic. Everyone, teachers included, were told to make changes to their personal lives and careers very quickly. No one was asked. It was mandatory. From a teacher viewpoint it has been anything but easy. It’s been the exact opposite and downright scary. I do believe good things will come out of it.

 

New safer procedures are in place for the new “normal”. Teachers have learned new technology tools and are better equipped to teach with technology. Lastly, teachers have gained a new respect in the world, even if our paychecks don’t reflect it.

 

In time my surgery (if it was successful) will help me able to get back to walking and running normally again. But right now it’s hard and frustrating. Simple tasks like putting on clothes and taking a shower take me much longer. Even getting up to grab a snack isn’t normal. Temporarily, all of this is painful, but if I do what’s asked of me, I believe the “surgery” will be worth it in the long run.

 

Whatever “surgery” you’re going through, you got this! Take the medicine, learn, and be ready for the next day!


- Jordan Potrzeba