Props to Scott Curry for the idea for the title of this blog.  Thought it to be very fitting, so I admit that I stole it, all the while remembering to give credit where credit is due (although you will find no APA formatting here - ugh).

After a tough couple of decision-making weeks, the decision has been made to remove the plate and 8 scews from my ankle/tibia.  This wasn't anything "new" as the moment that I saw the hardware in my ankle on the x-ray film I knew that I wanted it removed as soon as possible (which I was told could be 8 months after the accident).  This area is going to be put to massive amounts of use on a daily basis.  In fact, it's already starting, as my runs are only getting longer, faster, and more frequent.  And I very much prefer that to be 'au naturel' and just as it always has been.  Not something I have any interest in messing with.  Never have.

Another part of the decision to remove it is that bone naturally flexes and plates/screws don't, which could be causing extra strain/tension in the area, or could down the road. There is no way to know for absolute certain how hardware is affecting any area...until you remove it.  And I feel strongly that the body does not want foreign material in it, especially in an area put to high use.  Runners and triathletes are so often dealing with little aches and pains here and there.  I don't want to ever be questionning, "Is it the plate?"  Yet another reason to get it taken out.

As well, I am almost there, but not racing yet.  So I feel strongly that the time is now to do this.  The last thing I want is to be absolutely primed and ready to go, only to realize that I must have the hardware removed, and have to bring any setbacks into 2012. To me, that would be tragic.  So I am dealing with it now instead.  Even if it means not being able to race in 2011 due to the recovery period required for surgery.  And I am fully okay with this.  As long as it means going into 2012 ready to unleash.  This is the absolute priority.  The rest is merely details.  It is all about 2012.  I've waited this long, and I can wait a little bit longer to ensure that it is done right, down to every last detail.

The recovery period to remove the hardware will mean about a week out of the pool and off the bike to allow the stitches to heal which is a bummer for me, but I can handle a week.  It will also mean 4-6 weeks off the run.  But if healing history provides any markers for this,  I'm gunning for the absolute minimum!!   So during those 4-6 weeks, I am sure that Paulo will have me continuing to pound away at the swim and bike...and doing copious amounts of water running until I am given the green light that the bone is again ready to put some serious running on.  But I also know that to asume you know anything Paulo intends or has in mind, is a huge error in judgement, so I'll just continue to let him be the mastermind:)

But here's the kicker.  The serendipity that just wouldn't quite make this story complete...

I am getting the surgery done in a private clinic to ensure that it will be done as quickly as possible to ensure the least amount of setback.  After looking into about 10 private clinics around Western Canada to see where I could get this done in the most expediated manner...wouldn't you know it came down to Kamloops.  You may recall that this is where I was air evacuated to right after my accident.  It turns out, that the remarkable surgeon (I won't give her name as I'd like to make sure and ask her that this is okay first) that worked a miracle on my shattered femur, will also be the one to remove this hardware 8.5 months later.  I have my consult with her on Aug 9th, with surgery to follow asap. 

So, I am about to meet the woman who has done me one of, if not THE biggest favor, of my life.  The woman who gave me a fully functional, perfectly working leg back.  The driver of the mini van that day took it away, and this highly talented orthopaedic surgeon (one of three that week), gave it back.  She is a magician who I will be forever indebted to.  I am so profoundly honored and grateful that she will be the one to take the hardware out of an area that I feel strongly needs to be removed.  Not sure what I will say to her upon meeting her, but rest assured it will be one meeting that I will never forget. 

And so....the serendipity continues...and I do not believe we have seen the last of it:)