Hobbled (Uk) on 09/04/2016:

So I slipped down a hole unexpectedly. After the initial shock (tapped EFT-style - even though I am in shock, I deeply accept myself and the situation) I realised that I could still move my ankle and wouldn't necessarily have to call the coast guard. I remembered films about people dragging their broken legs down mountains/cutting off their own arms and remembered that I was only half a mile from the nearest house, hardly in a remote or extreme situation. I could even see people in the distance so I sat and let myself recover for a bit. I also had a phone and got some basic information about sprains. There was clearly damage - I elevated the foot for a few minutes, gingerly testing what I could or could not move. Then I remembered all the bombing in Syria and the recent earthquake victims in Italy, and how people have far worse injuries that this and not because they are stupid enough to walk on coarse paths in sandals, and I garnered sufficient courage to limp back to the car. It was quite painful, and it wasn't the best thing to do unassisted, but I drove to A&E where I had to park what seemed to be miles from the entrance, and they couldn't lend me a crutch!

Anyway, after 4 hours I was given an X-ray and an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon who said DO NOT DO ANY EXERCISE, WEAR THIS BIG BOOT OR I WILL WRAP IT IN PLASTER. He reckoned after 4 weeks I might either be healed or need surgery. So I Earth-cliniced and read a lot about sprains and tried essential oils (no good), tiger balm (no good) and arnica (no good). I also checked out Louise Hay's healing affirmations (I am confident in my inner healer/my body is perfect whole and complete etc). Eventually I tried the grape cure (spread split-open grapes all over swollen/painful area, bind up and sleep) which brought the swelling right down - maybe it was the grapes, or maybe just the time - it was 6 days after the initial injury. Some areas are still hot, however, so after 2 nights of grape-foot, now arnica gel mixed with peppermint essential oil is soothing, cooling and absolutely lovely for the foot.

I am on the road to recovery and feel confident that in a few weeks I will be taking off the boot and going for physio and not surgery. Fingers crossed. So, now I am feeling quite buoyant, but for a few days did find there was a whole lot of emotion coming up - all sorts of things, old injuries, memories of my parents' ankle injuries, a sense of shame that I haven't cared for myself when I could have, that I have taken for granted my own good health and not paid much respect to my inner healer/the amazing natural, inherent drive to repair disease in spite of the mental palava that so often gets in the way. I was having a dispute with someone which was upsetting me, far more than it should have, and this has helped me to get a sense of priority - what has been so important to me is the kindness offered all the time by strangers and colleagues, and the love and concern from others who are good enough to give me time and support. So I am still wearing the big boot and using crutches but the swelling is greatly reduced after 8 days. Who knows what miracles will happen in the next 20?

Lenore (Chicago, IL) on 04/01/2009:

While on the subject of cures, I want to tell you about the grape cure as my mother calls it. If you suffer from a twisted or sprained ankle or wrist, you crush grapes and wrap in towels covered with plastic overnight. I have used this one countless times and the results are miraculous.

Friends of mine have come off crutches the next day! You must be cautious however because it does not heal broken bones but may confuse you because of the immediate pain relief. almost.

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