Hurricane Ian and hemophilia are still making life challenging

Stair climbing due to condo renovations resulted in an ankle bleed

Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on southwest Florida, leaving my hometown of Punta Gorda and its neighboring communities in disrepair. As recovery efforts continue, the renovation of my condo has been stalled due to a failure by our association to reach an agreement with the insurance company. This delay is troubling, as another hurricane season is already upon us and our complex lacks a fully protective roof.

Hurricane Ian left a trail of tarped roofs and frustration throughout the region. Many local residents are still waiting for financial assistance from insurance companies in order to begin repairs. I consider myself fortunate to have received a settlement. Interior renovations of my condo have started despite the ongoing roof dilemma. But it has come with challenges that have significantly disrupted my everyday life.

The renovation process has unleashed a torrent of dust, noise, and internet outages. The dust from tile removal in my kitchen and bathrooms has found its way into my drawers, making the situation far more messy than anticipated. In an effort to continue with some semblance of normalcy, I’ve been working from hotel rooms or the condos of generous neighbors.

Lightning strikes

As if these hurdles weren’t enough, a lightning strike rendered our elevators inoperable last week, bringing the repairs to a sudden halt just as they were nearing completion. I now find myself facing the challenge of climbing four flights of stairs several times a day. I had mostly managed this physical feat without issue, which is a testament to my recent weight loss and improved physical fitness. While I viewed stair climbing as an opportunity to strengthen my leg muscles, unfortunately, my ankle had other plans.

A neighbor recently pointed out that my ankle was visibly swollen and bruised. I assume that was caused by my hemophilia. While I don’t recall injuring myself, the unexpected development serves as a reminder that my ankles can suffer from bleeds due to the additional strain of climbing stairs.

During these types of trials and tribulations, I look at my ankle and think, “I really don’t have time for this.” But I have no choice — the absence of a functioning elevator forces me to keep climbing the stairs. Tomorrow I’ll contact my hematologist for advice.

My journey of recovery from Hurricane Ian isn’t over and has been fraught with obstacles. Yet, as I climb those flights of stairs, I’m reminded of my strength. Here’s hoping this hurricane season will be kind.