Accident and Emergency (A and E)

I had my first real a and e experience. A and E stands for accident and emergency, or what we'd call a hospital. I do sometimes hear people call it a hospital here too, but all the signs says a and e. 

Here's the story - I was sitting comfortably in class with my legs crossed. I stood up to get lunch and I immediately knew my left leg was asleep. I stood still for a second to get the blood flowing, then took a small step. Everything seemed fine so I plowed ahead. My left foot apparently had zero blood in it because it didn't move at all and I tripped over my own foot. I didn't fall, but there was a loud enough pop that my buddies turned around and knew something was wrong.

I sat back down and my ankle was noticeably swollen within minutes. Thoroughly embarrassed, people now starting offered so much kind help. Multiple people snapped into action to bring me pillows and chairs to prop my foot up, others went to get ice and the nurse. So so helpful and thoughtful. I appreciate it beyond words, even with all the embarrassment I felt.

After 2 hours of ice, the nurse decided it wasn't helping and I needed to go to a and e for an X-ray. It really did look bad but strangely it didn't hurt much. The popping sound had me concerned though, and of course the instant swelling.

I had been to a different a and e several months back, but they basically turned me away saying it wasn't an emergency. This time, they were more than willing to take me in. They estimated a 2 hour wait and sure enough it was almost 2 hours to the minute.

The doctor looked for about one minute and sent me straight to X-rays. They took for photos and processed them immediately. The results came in....just a sprain, not broken! 

After the 2 hour wait, I was done in 30 maybe 60 minutes. The great guy from work that dropped me off, came back to pick me up - and it was way after 5pm by that time.

This happened only a few days ago so it's still too early to really know anything. The swelling is beginning to subside so the bruising is coming on strong now. It strangely still doesn't hurt much although I'd say it's shifting from "stiff" to "sensitive". Let's hope it heals up soon and we're back to normal within weeks.

No more leg crossing for me :)