Within the first week, I’ve managed to injure myself on the
job. I’m uncertain if I somehow twisted
my knee in stumbling about on the uneven marsh turf or if I overextended my leg
in my many attempts to heave myself over tall grass tussocks from my sinking
spot in the marsh. Either way, I was in
pain by the end of the survey on Friday.
Since then, I have taken every other day off, hoping that would be
sufficient time for my knee to recuperate.
I have also been utilizing a walking stick and brace for extra support
to minimize the strain.
On Tuesday, we began another phase of the project, counting
the singing male Aquatic Warblers at dusk, which made for a longer day in
combination with our nest searching efforts.
Early on, especially as I hiked over the tangled tussocks, I could tell that my knee would not fair any better that day. By the end, I could not even feel exhaustion
from the strenuous work or hunger, being well past dinnertime; there was only
pain. It was then that I determined to
seek medical help, as I would only jeopardize my health and the quality of my
data if I continued in this way.
I was accompanied by a staff member to the doctor’s office
the next day, and was instructed to not work for at least three days and was
prescribed anti-inflammation cream and pain medication. So far my knee doesn’t feel much improved,
although it may take more time after I pushed it to its limit the other
day. It’s uncomfortable to keep it still
and straight or to bend it too much or rotate it. However, it does feel infinitely better to
just walk on solid ground. I sincerely
hope that I will heal within a reasonable amount of time, so that I can get
back to work!
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