From Injury to Kitten
I have been playing roller derby for a year now. I skate for Pikes Peak Derby Dames in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During one of our routine practices, I suffered an injury. I honestly didn’t even know it happened. I fell mid cross-over at the bank turn. Thankfully, the women I skate with with are very encouraging. They are very motivating, and quick to help you get back up, and keep pushing through. That’s exactly what I did, I got back up and kept running drills. That evening after practice, I noticed my right ankle was very cramped. I proceeded to soak it in Epsom salt and ice it. Despite using anti-inflammatory methods and elevation techniques, the next morning I noticed that something was not OK. My right ankle was beginning to swell to an abnormal size. I still went to my work meeting, but kept off of it as much as possible. By the end of the day, I just couldn’t take the pain anymore. I went to the emergency room. The results of the tests showed that my injury was just a sprain.
I continued to attend practices. I even skated a charity marathon: our annual Halloween Skate-a-thon. I skated over 187 laps in under 70 minutes. I am very proud to have had raised over $500 for TESSA (TESSA is the primary agency dedicated specifically, and solely, to the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault in El Paso and Teller Counties in Colorado). It provides immediate safety for women and children in crisis. TESSA Empowers survivors through programs and support such as advocacy and counseling. It creates a safer future for families through education and awareness. They provide outreach in schools, businesses and civic organizations. After this event, I still felt like something wasn’t normal with my ankle, but I continued to take care of it at home as instructed by the ER.
The following week I got my ankle x-rayed again at an urgent care facility. They also said that it was a sprain, but gave me a referral to a Podiatrist. While waiting for the appointment I tested with my league. Unfortunately I was not drafted onto a team. However, I was very proud of myself for testing and trying out, even with an injury. My season was over at that point until spring of 2020. I was given an MRI and the results were not what I was expecting. I had torn the tendons in my right ankle and broken the fibula. I had surgery on my ankle January 8th 2020 and was put into a cast. I was unable to walk or drive until the third week of February 2020. I felt pretty helpless, but I had ambitions and dreams. I aspired to become a Chateau kitten and to get back on my skates.
I’d been working the hardest I’d ever worked in my life. I attended physical therapy multiple times a week. I did my exercises at home. I started a diet to get my health back on track. I took the plunge and scheduled a photoshoot. I had a lot of help and support from Deviantmynx. She educated me about the application process and gave me an education on the essay. My dreams were coming to life when I was accepted as an April kitten. I have been back on skates and working on both of my passions, skating and The Chateau. As far as skating goes, I will probably have to wear an ankle brace for the rest of my derby career. I find so much joy being a derby kitten with the support and empowerment that both PPDD (Pikes Peak Derby Dames) and The Chateau give me. The journey continues.
https://pikespeak.co.networkofcare.org/veterans/services/agency.aspx?pid=TESSA_1042_17_0
What an amazing derby story of amazing courage and I love that you have amazing people around to help keep your spirits up. As a fellow roller derby kitten who has been skating for over 7-8 years rock on with ur bad self <3 and keep pushing ur limitations as a skater. Remember its ok to let your body rest as well from time to time =] this is something I definitely have to remind myself.
Resting is definitely my weak spot. I love to push my limits
I feel you on that as I am a limit pusher myself =^_^=
Tehe. Your mind tells you you can. However my body keeps saying otherwise but after the fact.
Girrlllll the feels on this one =^_^= I am always like come on body we can do this and my bodys like yea ok crazy lady I have checked out for the time lol. So I say heck yea let’s both keep pushing and what are your favorite things to do for faster healing?
Hahaha you’re speaking my language. I need to find ways to exercise during this new injury. I love crocheting but can’t. Basically, a lot of things that involve both hands. I’m going to get back out to long distance walking and dancing. Also waist training.
I broke a bone in my right hand a couple months ago and I just kept up a nice walking schedule. I lucked out and just got a custom hand brace that I could remove during shoots and no surgery thankfully. I truly got lucky but let me ask some of my other derby girls that I know couldn’t move their arm or hand and see if they have any suggestions. <3
That would be perfect. It’s non weight bearing currently for another 4 more weeks. I’ll get a custom brace next week. Which I’m super excited for.
I wanted to check in on you =^_^= how are you doing I saw your cast is offf!!!
Wow, you are incredible to continue on with such a serious injury- you’re such a badass! Love reading about your roller derby journey, it’s always been a sport I found so cool!
I am definitely very passionate about it. Almost to a fault. The sport is almost like anything I’ve ever experienced. The rush, addiction, growth.
What an inspiring story. Keep going Hun. You’ll get there
Thank you
Roller Derby sounds like an amazing experience in terms of being part of a sport team but also sisterhood. I am glad that you have that <3 also, well done on your hard work and pushing forwards, it's not easy at all. I bet you're so proud of how much you raised for TESSA!
Thank you. It meant so much to me to find out how much I had actually earned for TESSA a few weeks after the event. I was pretty shocked actually.
So does this mean you are going to submit an article after every injury?? JK!!!! You could start your own series!! LOL. Seriously, this is a tremendous journey. You are so sweet to have included me as a blurb in your story. Keep it up!!
Hahaha, let’s see how this new injury goes and what comes out of it. Possibly could get another article out of it. You are and have been such an inspiration and tremendous help.
Very inspiring, thank you for sharing
Absolutely
What a lovely story. It’s always tough getting out of any kind of rut or predicament the universe throws at you. I’m glad hear you’re back on your feet and staying strong.
Unfortunately, I’m not out of the waters yet. I just had surgery on my wrist for a new surgery. However, I will not stop though.
Wow this is super inspiring, you’re so courageous and kept pushing forward. Congratulations on how much you raised for TESSA
Thank you sweetie. Tessa is such an amazing organization. I was honored to be a part of such an amazing cause.
@drusilav wow I went and read more about them and they truly are an amazing organization! I’m sure they appreciate wonderful people like you working with them ❤️
My hopes is to work with them again after all of this is over. My mini and I go through our belongings every other month and always donate to them and to kids crossing. Which is another great organization for foster children, fostering parents, mental health and a plethora of resources.
Wow that is amazing. So inspiring . Take care of yourself :). Also way to go for the charity.
Thank you sweetheart. What is this take care of yourself you speak of? Tehe, I am always going too hard for my own good.
You’re a very strong person, to be able to recover from an injury and be able to pursue your passions is a great thing. I’ve known a few patients that don’t want to put in the work to recover (physically or psychologically) and just give up. One of these days I will have to check out a derby, I saw one in AK and it wasn’t that great… might have been due to the environment more than the game. keep up the great work!
I think we can overcome any ailment. Regardless if physical or mental. It takes a strong mind and the determination to make the change.