Two tough days. Two absolutely stunning, sunshine-soaked days when the world seemed to say, “Come on out!” — and my foot firmly replied,
“Not a chance. We’re on bed duty.”
There I was, confined to my elevated throne — one leg balanced majestically on five pillows (because four is for amateurs) — while my body plotted its latest act of rebellion: a protein strike.
Yes, the very nutrient I know I need for healing — gone. After a week of 14 eggs, my stomach waved a white flag. “Enough,” it said. “We’re taking industrial action.” And, naturally, I paired that with a casual hydration strike too, because why not be both stubborn and shrivelled?
Outside, life was buzzing. One sister was off to Kenmare, another on the road to Málaga, the third enjoying Baltimore.
And me? I was enjoying a riveting schedule of bed, bathroom, repeat.
Poor me — and believe me, I milked that line for all it was worth.
At one point, I caught sight of my Pilates reformer across the room — my loyal exercise companion turned neglected relic. My foot looked at it, smirked, and muttered,
“Won’t be seeing you for a while, old friend.”
But not all hope was lost. My trusty knee scooter stood proudly nearby, ready to roll. My chariot. My freedom machine. My one-way ticket to the kettle. If medals were given for elegant tea-fetching on wheels, I’d have gold.
So, yes, Days 21 and 22 were not glamorous. They were cranky, defiant, and wildly unproductive. But they were also real — a reminder that not every healing day needs to be heroic. Sometimes recovery looks like stubbornness dressed up as survival.
Takeaways for Fellow Achilles Warriors
- Rebellion is part of recovery.
Some days your body just says “no” — and that’s okay. Rest is still progress, even when it feels like sulking. - You can’t outsmart healing.
Skipping protein or hydration might feel empowering for five minutes… until you realise your head’s pounding and your energy’s gone. Lesson learned. - Find humour in the standstill.
Whether it’s laughing at your swollen foot or naming your knee scooter, keeping things light makes the slow days bearable. - Comparison is the enemy.
Everyone else might be off having adventures — but your adventure right now is healing. And that’s just as valid.
