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Ever wondered what recovery from a serious leg injury actually looks like? Spoiler alert: it's not the relaxing downtime people imagine! After taking a fall on my birthday, I've been navigating the strange new world of limited mobility, specialized medical equipment, and the frustrating gap between what I want to accomplish and what my body currently allows.

My newest companion is something called a Dynasplint—a massive metal contraption with pulleys designed to gradually stretch my injured leg back to normal. For someone barely five feet tall, this imposing device feels like strapping a small car to my limb! The physical therapists want me wearing it six hours daily, which seems nearly impossible when I can barely manage one hour now. Between hopping on one leg, keeping the other elevated, and trying to build tolerance for this medieval-looking stretching device, each day brings new challenges and small victories.

Despite these obstacles, life doesn't pause for recovery. I'm preparing to start online classes at Grand Canyon University on September 18th, which means scrambling to submit transcripts and coordinate with the Office of Disabilities while managing my physical therapy regimen. My podcast "She Is Her" about mental disabilities continues, though I've had to adjust my publishing schedule to accommodate my new limitations. Recovery has taught me that adaptation isn't optional—it's essential.

The journey of healing rarely follows a straight line, but I'm determined to make progress on multiple fronts simultaneously. Maybe I'll write essays while wearing my Dynasplint—killing two birds with one stone! Have you faced similar challenges balancing recovery with life's ongoing demands? I'd love to hear your stories and strategies for turning obstacles into opportunities. Subscribe to follow my recovery journey and upcoming interviews that promise plenty of the "mess beyond mess" that makes life interesting!

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Recovery rarely follows a straight line, as my ongoing health journey continues to remind me. What started as knee surgery in February has spiraled into a complex situation involving a psoas impingement, tendonitis, and an unexpected hip fracture that occurred on my birthday of all days.

From my temporary bed-bound position, complete with monitoring equipment that occasionally beeps in the background, I'm sharing raw updates about my physical condition and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies prolonged recovery. My leg stubbornly refuses to align properly, though small victories emerge – I can now sit in my chair with my leg elevated and manage a shower with accommodations. These might seem like minor achievements, but when you're navigating life with limited mobility, they represent significant milestones.

The road ahead remains uncertain. Thanksgiving has become my target for substantial improvement, with hopes that my leg will naturally touch the ground by then. My medical team is considering additional surgery to lengthen my hamstrings once we reach that point. Meanwhile, I'm working toward reducing my caregiving needs from two people to one by September 20th, and eventually eliminating the need for pain medications. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to connecting with you through both "A Winding Heart" and my new mental health podcast "She is Her." Join me on this journey of patience, persistence, and small but meaningful steps toward recovery. Your support means everything during this challenging chapter of my story.

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Unexpected challenges often lead to newfound purpose. That's the story behind my latest venture—a mental health podcast called "She Is Her" specifically created for women with disabilities. 

From my current bedbound state, I'm launching this platform to address the unique intersection of disability and mental health. Having experienced anxiety and depression alongside my own physical disability, I recognized the need for a space where women could share their stories and connect with others who truly understand. "She Is Her" will air Tuesdays and Thursdays on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, featuring conversations with women brave enough to share their mental health journeys.

My recovery hasn't been straightforward. My orthopedic surgeon recently delivered the disheartening news: "I wish you were doing better at this point." Rather than letting this discourage me, I'm channeling my energy into physical therapy, preparing for eventual hamstring surgery, returning to school for a communications degree, and of course, building this podcast. While physically limited for now, I'm discovering that impact isn't bound by mobility.

If you're navigating the complex terrain of disability and mental health, or if you'd like to share your story on the podcast, please reach out. We can arrange recording sessions via Zoom. Check out "She Is Her" on your favorite podcast platform, and join me in creating a community where vulnerability becomes strength and shared experiences lead to collective healing. Your story matters—let's tell it together.

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She's Her podcast aims to break mental health stigma while giving voice to women with disabilities. Wynne Charles hosts this new show from Phoenix, creating a platform specifically for females with physical, mental, and spiritual disabilities.

• Podcast will air regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with occasional Wednesday solo episodes
• Host Wynne has cerebral palsy and is currently recovering from a leg injury and hip fracture
• Focus on women with disabilities who are often overlooked in society
• Special emphasis on intersectionality, including the experiences of LGBTQ+ disabled women
• Commitment to protecting and advocating for marginalized communities
• Contact information: Google "Wynne Charles" or visit awinningheartwebelies.com

Join us on this maiden voyage as we work together to break the stigma around mental health and disabilities.

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I recently experienced another bout of pneumonia that led to an unexpected five-day hospital stay after a mobile urgent care visit went sideways. What should have been a simple antibiotic prescription turned into a medical drama when a nurse suggested I might have a blood clot, leading to miscommunication and an ambulance ride.

• High risk for pneumonia due to cerebral palsy, weakened lungs, and being temporarily bed-bound
• Called mobile urgent care when my doctor was unresponsive and previous endocrinologist was unhelpful
• Mobile nurse from Texas (via video chat) escalated situation by suggesting blood clots
• Miscommunication led to signing medical refusal forms and calling an ambulance
• Spent Tuesday through Saturday in the hospital on antibiotics, thankfully avoiding C. diff complications
• Still recovering and exhausted, with compromised voice
• Exciting secret project reveal coming in next week's episode

Tune in next week when I'll finally share the secret project I've been working on behind the scenes!

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My medical journey continues with complications during the back medication pump trial and ongoing severe hip pain that's keeping me bedridden and on multiple pain medications. I'm home now but facing important decisions about potential surgeries to address these persistent health challenges.

• Currently using an adjustable bed at home while dealing with severe pain from a broken hip
• Back medication pump trial unsuccessful due to anatomical challenges—may require general anesthesia for next attempt
• Doctor's appointment scheduled for Wednesday to discuss potential hip surgery options
• Working on a secret personal project to maintain mental sharpness before returning to school
• Pain management appointment scheduled for August 11th to explore additional relief options
• Will provide updates next week about surgery decisions and progress

Thank you for following my journey. I'll keep you updated on social media and future episodes about my hip surgery status and recovery process.

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I'm currently in a rehabilitation facility after experiencing a psoas impingement in my right leg, a painful complication related to my cerebral palsy and recent knee surgery. The impingement, causing my leg to not fully extend to the ground, came after breaking my femur which required six weeks of non-weight bearing and triggered CP-related muscle tone issues.

• Explaining my journey from knee surgery to emergency room visit to current rehabilitation
• Detailing the psoas impingement condition and how it's affecting my mobility
• Undergoing intensive physical and occupational therapy six days a week
• Preparing for possible surgery if the impingement doesn't resolve naturally
• Dealing with insurance requirements to try all conservative treatments first
• Managing muscle spasms alongside the impingement
• Finding parallels with sciatica and understanding that pain more deeply now
• Maintaining positive spirits despite unexpected health challenges
• Looking forward to eventually returning home with improved mobility

Thank you for following us, and hopefully I'll be back home and back to normal when we catch up next week.

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Managing health challenges with cerebral palsy requires resilience and support, especially when dealing with recurring C. diff infection while pursuing educational and spiritual goals. Despite the chaos of unstable care situations and upcoming medical procedures, I'm committed to expanding my podcast and preparing for a communications degree that will help me better serve the disability community.

• Currently facing challenges with caregiver staffing due to post-COVID labor shortages and low agency pay rates
• Scheduled for a fecal matter transplant (FMT) in August to treat recurring C. diff infection
• Planning to return to school on August 18th to pursue a communications degree
• Working toward becoming a priest in the Episcopal Church to serve people with disabilities
• Continuing to develop the podcast while navigating health and care challenges
• Will reintroduce hosts and format in next week's episode

If you're interested in disability awareness or want to share your story, find me on PodMatch to collaborate, or invite me as a guest on your podcast to help educate others about cerebral palsy and chronic health management.

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