My adventure: From nasty fall to recovery with new experiences/insights

9 October 2024 | 3 minutes of reading time

The fall and diagnosis in Poland

During my summer vacation in Poland, I took an unfortunate fall that resulted in sharp pain and marked swelling around my ankle. After a visit to the hospital, it quickly became apparent that my ankle was fractured in two places - for those who are medically interested: a bimalleolar Weber B fracture. The doctors indicated that surgery was necessary to stabilize the fractures. I decided to have the surgery performed in the Netherlands, so the journey back to Groningen began, with my leg in a cast to support the fracture for the time being

The first week in the Netherlands: waiting for surgery

Back in Holland, the doctors confirmed that surgery was essential for my ankle to heal properly, but the operation could not take place right away. First the swelling had to go down sufficiently. These days revolved mainly around pain relief and avoiding further damage to the ankle. Sparing my foot completely was the most important thing, but it felt strange to do very little. Fortunately, due to my vacation, my colleagues had already anticipated my absence, so for the first week I was able to rest without any problems.

The surgery and first days of recovery

After about a week, the surgery took place. The doctors managed to fix the fractures with plates and screws to stabilize the bones. In the first few days after surgery, I was still largely at rest, but soon I began working again. From then on, I worked about 25 hours a week, a rhythm that was quite manageable alongside my recovery. My work gave me distraction and satisfaction; just lying around and waiting didn't suit me anyway.

Week 2 to 5: Strict immobilization and work combine

In the weeks following the surgery, it was all about rest and caution, but also a work rhythm that was achievable. I have been working for years to transition to a less operational role as director. With great colleagues around me, that should be fine, but it didn't always work out. There was often something I thought would be helpful to jump in on.

This situation forced me to let go of this, simply because there wasn't enough time. I also noticed that working from bed, without my second screen, really limited what I could do in terms of programming and analysis. The transition was relatively small now because my colleagues had already taken over most of my work during my vacation. This allowed me to focus my attention more on strategic work.

Week 6: Check-up photo and visit from my American business partner

After six weeks, it was time for the check-up photo at the hospital. To my relief, the photo showed that the fractures were healing well. Based on this, I was given permission to begin loading slowly, with instructions not to put more than 50% of my weight on my foot for the first few weeks.

Coincidentally, in this last week of untaxed movement, I had my American business partner and his wife visiting me in the Netherlands. This was very valuable and enjoyable both professionally and privately, so that last week went by quickly.

Current phase: Building mobility and expanding work

Now for several days I have been walking dozens of meters daily again, albeit with crutches, and I expect to slowly expand my work hours in the coming time. At the same time, I continue to prioritize my physical therapy and exercises so that my recovery remains successful in the longer term.

Conclusion

I am not there yet; recovery will take some time. Nevertheless, I am incredibly grateful for the support around me. A special thanks to the medical staff and my physical therapist, to whom I have (had) a lot of support. My family also deserves a huge shout-out, as do my colleagues who take care of things for me. Lucky for me: my good friend Esther is also a colleague. She moved her workspace into my living room this period, so she could support me with all sorts of hand-offs. Work and home did get mixed up a bit, but it was great to be able to do it this way!

With all this help around me, I look with confidence to the next steps in my recovery.

- Tamara