not exactly good news

I was last at work almost three weeks ago.

First there was vacation. Then my pain-in-the-hip thing. 

The hip thing is remarkably better, but I'm still walking with difficulty (and pain) as my right foot is twice the size of my left — from falling out of the shower a week ago Thursday when I couldn't lift my left leg.

right foot is so swollen all the wrinkles are even gone 

I want to work otherwise I don't get paid. 

But it really hurts to walk. And my most comfortable shoes, my Nike running shoes, are not even acceptable work attire.

I need medical advice.

I call my podiatrist (on the recommendation of my internist). Fortunately, he is able to see me this morning before I have to be at work. 

Dr. Alan Rosen (whom I think is great) x-rays my foot. It shows nothing. 

But based on where the pain is, the swelling, the warmth near the tender area, and some little vibrating instrument he uses, the good doctor reaches a diagnosis and recommendation.  "You have a stress fracture and should be in a cast for 6 to 8 weeks."

This is not what I want to hear.

Second best recommendation is a walking boot.

And a far third option is to wear my running shoes as they have more support than anything else I own. "And you can definitely not wear heels of any kind." I picture myself at two upcoming black tie affairs with a beautiful dress and Nike running shoes. Ugh!

I opt for option three. "I'll work this weekend and let you know early next week how it feels."

Dr. Rosen writes me a note, as a parent would a child, recommending that I be given permission to wear my running shoes at work.

The day is long, tiring, and uncomfortable.

I walk 18,013 steps, 7.5 miles. And earn barely anything as I'm still covering my returns.

My foot is throbbing by the time I come home.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I doubt that doing nothing and hoping for the best is a good option.