ms crankypants

Anyone who knows me is constantly reminded of the fact that my foot hurts a lot and has done so for more than 12 months. Finally, oh finally, after doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists and special shoes, orthotics and (admittedly pretty good for period cramps) anti-inflammatories, the three reasons for Gammy Foot’s existence have been found:

1. There’s a fricking big spur growing out of the top of my toe joint bone

2. Um, the bone connecting into the toe joint isn’t supposed to be that wonky and grind into the other bone

3. A bit of bone is floating around where bits of bone oughtn’t

Thank you to ThePurpleOwl for recommending her podiatric surgeon. If/when I proceed with surgery, my health fund won’t cover much of the cost because he isn’t an orthopaedic surgeon, and Medicare considers foot stuff a “luxury” as one customer service representative said on the phone, so I need to save more dollars to get the job done as I want and not how the system wants. I’d kick the system in the pants if my tootsie didn’t hurt so much.

PS: have you ever tried to take photos of x-rays? It’s bloody difficult!

Crank-o-meter: ouch ouch ouch

March 29th, 2010 | Tags: health | Category: health | Comments (13)

Peeps, there’s another baby elephant in the country who needs a bit of a shout-out and some healing thoughts.

Source: theage.com.au

Little elephant boy Stampy (I should be Minister for Naming Animals of Significance if I can’t be the resident elephant reporter with a daily newspaper — stupid broadsheets have no vision) was born at Taronga Zoo yesterday, after a protracted labour and awkward pre-birthing position that gave every sign the little dude had died in the womb. He struggled out three days later and shocked the bejesus out of everyone involved. That was no earth tremor on Sydney’s north shore yesterday; that was the aftershock of me cheering Stampy’s old-fashioned grit and determination. He’s a little bit shell-shocked but is up on his feet and feeding and signs are getting better that he’ll make it.

Source: taronga.org.au

I’m currently working on expansion plans for the proposed elephant park out the back of my house so Stampy and his mother Porntip can come and join the (imaginary) herd. I was laughed at yesterday for saying that because Stampy could have been deprived of oxygen prior to delivery, he might be a special needs elephant.

Regardless, he can come and live at my house any day because special needs elephants might just be my specialty.

Source: taronga.org.au

Crank-o-meter: irrationally clucky again

March 11th, 2010 | Tags: animals are fun | Category: animals are fun | Comments (16)

Diary notes from yesterday.

My family horse died this morning. She was about 36 and was a grand old thing — the last link between the childhood and my independent adult life so she’s left a big hole in my heart. Very sad.

Did probation review at the new job from hell with Lord Monkey Butt and got some things sorted out and extracted more money. Somewhat pleased and will complain less for the time being.

Came out of review and a headhunter had a left a message about an interesting role. Good but confusing.

Found out a staff member from my last job almost died in a drunken fall through a window and severed his carotid artery. Incredulous.

Mum rang again to say the mother of our dearest family friends passed away. Seriously, if there is one more death or near death I’ll not deal with it well.

A nutty but seemingly harmless client has been sending messages of admiration and puppy love. He came back when he was sober and sent a message saying I was a goddess. Secretly made my day.

Saw my doctor to ask why my toe joint x-ray has an additional blob that seems to be growing from the bone. Apparently the radiologist was supposed to give feedback and didn’t, apart from me overhearing her say, “Done, let’s get the next one in.” I have a spur that probably isn’t causing grief, and the impact of arthritis — she says avoid surgery at all costs and to try another cortisone shot. I’ll see the surgeon in a fortnight and he’ll no doubt recommend surgery. Fucked if I know what to do.

I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or sleep for a long time.

Crank-o-meter: why is there no alcohol in the house?

March 5th, 2010 | Tags: shittypants | Category: shittypants | Comments (15)