broken ankle (recovery time)

by tara
(florence ky)

how long does it take to recover from a broken ankle and be able to play basketball again?


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Bart - SII




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broken ankle (recovery time)

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Feb 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		To anonymous two below NEW
by: Anonymous

Wow I'm so sorry you're going through that.....it will get better, I'm recovering at the 3 month mark and I totally get where you're coming from....getting angry is ok, I was furious....now I don't know what I'll do for income once I get kicked off workers comp (whenever that is....it happened at work, I guess I got lucky) but after that I can't do that job anymore (bar tending) I get so angry still to this day....just don't hurt yourself even more in the process....it will work out, i guess telling myself that at least I can walk (even if it's funny or weird) is keeping my spirits somewhat higher than they were 2 months ago.
Feb 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		New Year... New Me... New Metal in my leg NEW
by: Kerri

Hey Guys... I feel your pain. I broke my ankle, tibia and fibula on Jan. 22. I started my own blog if you want to take a peak!

http://recoveringfrombrokenankle.blogspot.com/

Feb 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle on the 19th, two places. 27th was surgery day now waiting on the 13th to see the doctor and take this thing off, I call it the thing and I hate it.
Lately I have been feeling so angry, everything makes me mad, if I was left alone in the kitchen I would probably break everything and I can’t sleep. I have never had broken bone in my life.
I have a six year old son and this is far from easy. I am also a single parent.
After being laid off for six months I got a job interview, and then this happens.
I just needed to vent, does anybody else get so angry?
I use a walker, hate the cruches.
So what do I expect next and should I talk to the doctor about me being so short and not getting any sleep?
Feb 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle on the 19th, two places. 27th was surgery day now waiting on the 13th to see the doctor and take this thing off, I call it the thing and I hate it.
Lately I have been feeling so angry, everything makes me mad, if I was left alone in the kitchen I would probably break everything and I can’t sleep. I have never had broken bone in my life.
I have a six year old son and this is far from easy. I am also a single parent.
After being laid off for six months I got a job interview, and then this happens.
I just needed to vent, does anybody else get so angry?
I use a walker, hate the cruches.
So what do I expect next and should I talk to the doctor about me being so short and not getting any sleep?
Feb 06, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle on the 19th, two places. 27th was surgery day now waiting on the 13th to see the doctor and take this thing off, I call it the thing and I hate it.
Lately I have been feeling so angry, everything makes me mad, if I was left alone in the kitchen I would probably break everything and I can’t sleep. I have never had broken bone in my life.
I have a six year old son and this is far from easy. I am also a single parent.
After being laid off for six months I got a job interview, and then this happens.
I just needed to vent, does anybody else get so angry?
I use a walker, hate the cruches.
So what do I expect next and should I talk to the doctor about me being so short and not getting any sleep?
Feb 05, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		walking after a caste is removed NEW
by: JILL UK

Hi Judy,I had my caste removed 3 weeks ago and it does take soem time to get your confidence again and for your leg to gain strength after being in a caste,I felt very unsafe.Does he have crutches?He may feel safer with a walker if you can get hold of one.He needs to be up and walking as this is what helps gain strength and muscle tone and then feel more safe.Even if he is not walking he needs to exrecise and stretch his ankle or it will stiffen up.It is still early days its a long job even us adults feel very wobbly and vulnerable after coming out of a caste.
Good luck.
Feb 05, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		8 year old unable to walk after broken ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

8 Year old boy with broken ankle

My 8 year old grandson broke his ankle in December, had a full caste on for 6 weeks.
It is now 3 weeks since it was removed and he has not walked on it because he is frightened it will hurt.
It was a simple break, no pins or plate

Please some suggestions

Judy
Jan 31, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		recovery from broken ankle NEW
by: Jill UK

Hi Rae,I had to wait almost a week before they operated on my broken ankle due to swelling and was in an open cast,luckily(maybe?)I was in hospital during this time and I had access to really good pain relief.The nurse told me that it is better to take painkillers regularly(every 4-6hrs)and keep pain under control than to take them sporadically as it is then harder to get on top of the pain.No-one likes to take drugs unnecessarily but on this occasion you just have to accept that you need them.I have found that the best painkillers for me are paracetamol and ibuprophen taken together.Doctor told me that I can take 800mg of ibuprophen 3 times a day if necessary for a short period of time.The first time I tried this and the pain went I felt so happy!!! I found that the pain decreased substanitailly after I had the break pinned and plated at the moment you have an unstable fracture.
I broke my ankle on 25th November and am now moving not too badly but still need crutches outdoors.Its a long job Im afraid but the pain will improve quite quickly,dont be afraid to take the drugs!!
Jan 31, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

On January 11th, I slipped on water on my kitchen floor and shattered my ankle. I had immediate surgery in which I got a long plate, 5 screws, and a rope device to hold the ankle together until the ligaments heal. I'm now past the worst of the pain and I don't have to keep it elevated 24/7...thank goodness! I'm still non weight bearing for 4 more weeks, but I feel hope that this will end and I will resume my life.
Jan 30, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Rae NEW
by: I victims

Bless your heart. I'm way past all that, but it was the most painful and challenging event in my life. The pain was just as you describe it. It was the worst pain imaginable. I imagine you need to wait for the orthopedic doctor to allow swelling to go down. Has anyone discussed surgery with you? Most of us on this site have had it, and it sounds like your injury might require it. Either way, nothing but pain control can be done until swelling goes down.
Good luck. Lean on those who have experienced it. I never imagined I'd take pain meds as freely as I did during that awful chapter of my life! But they are necessary. I wish you the best.
Jan 30, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle NEW
by: Rae

Hi,
I broke my ankle on January 23rd. Just last week. I have an appointment with an orthopedic Dr on Wednesday Feb 1st. They didnt cast my ankle all they did at the hospital was xray it and put a plaster support at the back of my leg and foot and wrap it. They checked my xrays and I have broken the outer ankle bone in two places snapping the joint in half. Also it is cracked all the way from the top break to the bottom break at the joint. the one thing I am really wondering is it supposed to be this painful. I know they have to reset it and everything when I go to the orthopedic Dr. so ready for that pain but I cant even sleep at night as the pain is horrendus. Is there anything I can do besides take the massive doses of pain killers they give you. I dont like to take them. Also is it normal to make you wait a week to have the ankle fixed and put in a cast? my foot and toes that I can see are still huge and purple and my leg swells up to my knee double it's size. I keep asking my Dr but he said wait to see the Orthopedic Dr. Is this normal and have any of you had similar symptoms. Thank you for any and all help you could give me.
Rae
Jan 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken ankle NEW
by: Rachel

On January 2 I broke both my tibia and fibula. January 3rd I became the proud owner of a robot ankle, 2 plates and 14 screws. At my 2 week checkup the post surgery cast/ bandage dressing was removed and I was given a removable walking boot (still non weight bearing) but told to be trying to get back my range of motion. I have not put any weight on my injured ankle but my range of motion has improved drastically over the past week and a half. If I had to guess I'd say I'm at 80% right now. I was very surprised my doc allowed me to move my ankle so soon I hope it helps speed up my recovery. I am so ready to get on an elliptical and lift some weights. I'm not sure when this will be but I have another checkup in just a few short days so hopefully it will be more good news. Being inactive has been the hardest to deal with. I never knew how serious a broken ankle was but it definitely is a life changing event. I am a server at a high end restaurant, I have been unable to work, unable to walk my dog, unable to live my life the way I have always known it. I definitely no longer take for granted being able to carry my own purse even. I'm on the downhill slope now though I was told 6-8 weeks and Monday will be 4 weeks, I am ready to get moving!!!
Jan 26, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		frustration NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle Nov 12/2011.I broke the tib,fib,and talus.
I had surgery and had aa plate and 6 screws in plus 2 big ones in the talus area.
The last time I was at the fracture clinic he said I had some halos around the screws.I am very concerned I will have to have more surgery.
The bones are healing slowly but I have thin bones and take meds. for that.
I never realized a broken ankle could cause such a drastic change in your life.
Jan 26, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		frustration NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle Nov 12/2011.I broke the tib,fib,and talus.
I had surgery and had aa plate and 6 screws in plus 2 big ones in the talus area.
The last time I was at the fracture clinic he said I had some halos around the screws.I am very concerned I will have to have more surgery.
The bones are healing slowly but I have thin bones and take meds. for that.
I never realized a broken ankle could cause such a drastic change in your life.
Jan 24, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Advice from experience (cont 4) NEW
by: Anonymous

As far as pain..I haven't touch narcotics since the very end of Nov. Never had to use them before this and don't need to develop the dependency. I went from tylenol-3 to lidocaine to morphine (tons of that) to general anesthesia, to dilaudid (stronger than morphine) and oxycontin (simultaneously for short and long term pain control and the oxy is SCARY as hell, did a little experiment bc while on this I swore the small jumps I would have occasionally were due to this narcotic, you know that state were you are about to fall asleep and your body jolts you awake?...that was happening every time I tried to go to sleep and every jump would leave me in excruciating pain bc it would disturb my ankle. So I stopped taking it and the jumping stopped...found out it targets your central nervous system and that's what helps control your body movements. Swelling was terrible..angry and painful, but now I can go longer periods of time without having it up..still when I get home I spend a while icing while up.

This has been the most challenging injury and period of my life (still young, plenty more to come I'm sure)....there were times when I would just burst into tears bc I didn't know what my future would be like...still don't know but it gets better everyday....just have to be grateful to be breathing and moving, even if it is minus one portion of your body. I think that's all for now...sorry for the run-off sentences...but I figure this may be helpful for the people just starting out with an injury like this. If any comments, I check this site every other day to read other people's experiences.

F.

PS...due to boredom I have included links to my pictures (promise it's not a fake link!)...they are graphic, but hey most of us have the same stuff going on....That contraption on my leg is screwed into my bones in three places and a rod was slid through my heel...external fixator (wore it for 10 ten days) The one where I'm dangling is in the hospital right after the accident..part of the procedures they tortured me with in getting my ankle back in place. The last two are of me taken just now...

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/img0316ym.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/444/img0311j.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/img005252011110611211.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/406/phototuh.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/689/photo1wqk.jpg/
Jan 24, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Advice from experience (cont 3) NEW
by: Anonymous

A little about my upkeep and body and tips for healing (stuff people may already know): I'm a 27/F in excellent shape..prior to accident I was exercising nearly EVERY day (makes me feel good I know it sounds nuts) how this happens to someone in shape like this...who the heck knows....seriously freak accident at work (bartending...but in the kitchen on wet tile..there goes that job). I have been eating well...eating high protein foods and high calcium foods..taking glucosamine chondroitin (SWEAR and LIVE by it, as an active person have been taking for five years to prevent joint deterioration) also calcium supplements and omega-3, also biotin! Take your vitamins they help! As far as exercising to keep my sanity I was doing pushups (girlie ones but hey it's something!) and situps...NOW :) :) :) I can use cardio machines (ok ok only the bike and this other one that's somewhat like a bike with arms for upper body resistance) and it feels so good to be burning calories again...lifting weights too! My bad leg has dropped to half its original size (amazing how fast you loose muscle in comparison to building it...took me YEARS to get in the shape I was in before Nov....now I have to start from scratch practically) I have been pushing each PT session to see if I get permission to use an elliptical but no go yet....Make a goal for yourself once you become more mobile..it helps you to look forward to something...I have two HIGH HEELS and running again. (Own about 30 pairs....can't part with them) PT and doctor says it's all possible, depends on YOU. Also doing calf raises while putting partial body weight with arms on a table...have to build up muscle strength to prepare for walking...it's going to happen real soon....my foot and leg don't know how to do it without handicapping with the other leg. So I sort of limp and walk on the outside of my foot instead of heel-toe rolling on whole foot...my knee locks up too, doesn't know how to bend while properly holding my body weight....that's why you should take the glucosamine chondroitin...to keep your joints properly lubricated since you're not properly moving them.

and cont
Jan 24, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Advice from experience (cont) NEW
by: Anonymous

Along with the massages and then these balance boards you place your foot on while sitting and try to rotate your foot around to open circulation of the joint. He taught me how to stop going up and down stairs on my butt....crutches in opposite hand of the railing, up with the good foot, then the bad with the crutches and repeat...going down stairs crutches held the same way but down with the bad foot and crutches same time...followed by good foot. SCARY at first, but now I am a pro. Graduated to ONE crutch all the time now..even outside. Can drive (that was allowed back in mid Dec...so after what? 4-5 weeks?) Got a handicap permit (ask for IT! It's FREE and I have it for 6 months) The PT wants me to next learn how to walk in my sneakers lightly weight bearing...scared but trying tomorrow. I am allowed to wear sneakers out (NWB) for SHORT trips when it's not raining/snowing. Have not attempted yet, scared.

cont...
Jan 24, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Advice from experience NEW
by: Anonymous

Hey everyone...this is an update on how I have been doing since Nov (Nov 6 was injury date, waited 11 days in hospital with external fixator on leg for swelling and healing of blisters that broke out all over the bottom half of my leg and interfered with ORIF) Total days in hospital 16. "Walked" out with plate and 9 screws on one side and a pin(?) and 2 screws on the inside of ankle. Still have a fracture on back of fibia. Broke tib/fib straight through and talus...complete dislocation(foot dangling off leg, no compound fracture or breaking of skin THANK GOD) So the sutures were fantastic...minimal scarring will be left once it is healed..have terrible scars from all the horrific blisters (due to swelling from 4 manipulations/reductions done by er "doctors" in first hospital)

Now that we are caught up on the injury here are the steps I underwent in case people are wondering the time frames involved but it all depends on your body and how you heal...I have gone from a soft splint right after surgery, to three fiberglass casts, to the walking boot. This was week by week and then the boot has been on since mid Dec. (So Nov 17-mid Dec NWB, ankle up 95% of the time) Dec 29 doctor said I could partial weight bear with help from PT (YAY!) 2X a week pt for 3 months (that's still up in the air determinant upon my healing..might be longer bc I am so stiff from all the scar tissue my body produced) Been doing PT for 4 weeks now and have a doctors follow-up next week to determine whether I can completely walk without crutches anymore. As far as PT, we have been starting out slow..he would massage my ankle for 10-15 min and then have me pump my foot the best I could up and down (plantarflexion/dorsiflexion are the med terms) to determine range of motion and help increase the degree...I have a TON of scar tissue all around my ankle which makes it incredibly difficult to move and until about two weeks ago, with plenty of help from him my foot would naturally fall "inwards"...for most this is normal, but mine was almost twisted and stuck that way due to the position my doctor had my foot in the cast. Not natural. Now I can hold my foot more upwards and straight. Bought a stretch band on ebay (5 bux total!) and use that to help put resistance on my ankle when moving up and down. Helps a ton..or you can use a towel...Now we started letting me warm up on a machine that almost is like a stair stepper but in a sedentary position...so for the NWB it relieves pressure....I can do it for however long if I get there early.
(my post is too long so I will post back to back)
Jan 22, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Surgery, Coumadin & Other Stuff NEW
by: hez

I just had an ORIF a week ago. I broke my ankle in 3 places and had to have surgery. I have one plate and 6 screws on the outside and 2 on the inside. I am extremely lucky as I had minimal pain and required no pain medication. I was, however, placed on Coumadin for 9 weeks. I am wondering if anyone else was placed on this to prevent blood clots? I am having major issues getting this regulated and have to go for bloodwork at least twice a week. I was placed in a walking boot vs a cast and am non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. I go for suture removal and an x-ray in 2 weeks and then another x-ray at the 6 week mark. If all is progressing well, I can start to put some weight on my foot with the boot. I will then go for another x-ray at the 9 week mark and if everything looks ok, I will start a physical therapy program for my foot.

For those of you using crutches (which I nearly reinjured myself using) do yourself a favor and get a walker with 4 wheels and a seat. I place my knee (of the injured foot) on the seat and use my good foot to push myself around. It is wonderful. I had a hard time adjusting to a regular walker because your arms take the brunt of your weight, not to mention sore hands from the walker handles. (We cut holes in big car washing sponges and slipped them over the handles and duct taped them in place.)

I called my naturopath and he recommended supplements to speed up ligament, scar and bone healing. If anyone is interested, let me know. I ordered them today and will be starting them this week. Some people reported being healed 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule. I hope everyone is feeling well soon!!! This was my first broken bone incident and I hope it will be the last.
Jan 18, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Kris UK NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi all! Just to update you all i have had my plaster come off yesterday after 6 weeks and started very lightly walking with crutches today.. still i think it will be a week or so before i can put more pressure on it.. i'm thinking of you all.. just stay strong and rest for those first few weeks.. its really frustrating but you shall all get there!! love to everyone! and thanks for the recovery comments these last few weeks its really kept me going and hoping!! i know theres still a long way to go but its a step forward :)
Jan 16, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recovery time NEW
by: JILL UK

Hi, I also have a plate and screws in my fibula and had a break in tibia too,but that didnt need srews,broken on 25th November.I was in plaster for 6 weeks non weight bearing.My neck,arms and ribs hurt alot at first as you taking alot of weight that would normally be on your leg on the upper part of your body.First week out of plaster felt even more disabled than when in plaster,but after a week of gradually doing more walking it is improving alot ,although I think it will be a while longer before I feel safe outside without crutches and do not feel safe to try driving.Everyone I speak to has different experiences of recovery although those would have break fixed by surgery seem to get out of plaster and moving more quickly.
Jan 16, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tad confused NEW
by: canadianbella

I broke my ankle in two places xmas eve, then had surgery dec 26. I have a plate on the outside of my ankle with 7 screws then two screws on the inside of my ankle. The OS told me I would be back to my life at 6 weeks, told me he had the same 2 breaks. My follow up surgeon who I saw a week ago (2 week point from surgery) told me I had to be non weight bearing for another 4 weeks. I have no idea whats going to happen after that or how long it will take for me to get back to work. Also I have severe shoulder pain and I have no idea if it is from the crutches or not. Has anyone else experienced this? My shoulder hurts more than my ankle. I had it xrayed and nothing is broken but I have no idea why it hurts so much and its only on my left side, which is also the ankle I broke. Hope everyone is up and walking soon!
Jan 11, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Maisonneuve fracture NEW
by: Adam perth

Hi everyone, looks like a great site, funny how u stumble across things lik this when ur legs up in the air!!!
My fractures in ankle and fibula happened on 1oct 11, had 2 screws put in ankle and was told my fib would heal by itself. Was put in cast for eight weeks then told to still stay off leg until 22 dec 11 when 2x screws would come out. On the 10/1/12 I went back to hospital complaining of pain, not once was I told what the fractures where until yesterday, I have ADHD and bipolar disorder which has made the past 3 so months a living hell like I'm sure the rest of u feel sitting around doing nothing. I can't keep still, I own a company, and I believe in my body. I wish I knew from the start that my maisonneuve fracture was what I've got because only from yest hav o realized how serious it has been.
One good thing has come out of this for me and that is because of my bipolar and depression and the fact I havnt been able to move, I'm planning to walk around Australia hopefully end may if my body will let me. 18,000 km in 360 days, men and I can be very stubbin and hide alot away within ourselves, I'm going to let my body and mind to work for me with healing and achieving, I wish everyone here to most speedy recovery. And believe in ur body don't just lie there and wait, test where ur at, u will know if it's to much... Goodluck
Jan 09, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		driving after broken ankle NEW
by: Jill Uk

Thanks Donna.Having cast taken of this afternoon so I will discuss with the doctor.I will have to be really clear with my boss about what I can and cant do.I broke my ankle falling off a push bike in my own time!
Jan 08, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hang in there Jill UK NEW
by: Donna

I broke my tib and fib, had surgery, and they put in a plate and 6 screws. Im coming up on a year on Feb 24th.

DON'T hurry getting back to driving. I understand its part of work, but hurrying and reinjuring the area could cause even longer healing process (or more surgery, etc).

I didn't get back behind the wheel until my 12th week. BUT, I drive a manual and didn't want to injure my recovering ankle by having to slam on the breaks with my right foot (injured ankle). I wasn't so worried about me or my driving as Im pretty cautious driver anyway... but I was concerned if someone else pulled out in front of me and I had slam on brakes.

And she is right in her post as well... just start out when you do get back to driving with a little at a time. With your injury, you are going to lose muscle from recovering... you will have to build it back up (without over doing it).

Unfortunately, breaking an ankle is not a quick, speedy recovery thing. It takes lots of time, proping of the foot (to avoid swelling and over doing it)... and if you don't will actually take longer to recover.

Your boss is just going to have to understand... did it happen at work? I noticed date was T-Day time (day after)... so maybe on personal time?
Jan 07, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving after broken ankle NEW
by: Jill Uk

Thanks Elizabeth.I will need to be patient.Hope my boss is too!
Jan 07, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving after broken ankle NEW
by: Jill Uk

Thanks Elizabeth.I will need to be patient.Hope my boss is too!
Jan 07, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Progress Report NEW
by: Elizabeth

Ok.. It has been 3 months since my surgery. I am now getting around pretty good, still using a cane. I have never used any wraps/ace or whatever. The wait for the bones to heal was hard, but the action after was brutal. I wanted to get going and over did it. But if you don't go for the quick fix you should be able to be going well faster and easier than I am. However since I broke my right ankle the driving has been what took the longest, I'm still working on it. When you drive you use the muscles that lift your foot alot, due to the long inaction (in my case 8 weeks) they are no longer ready to be used. Unlike walking where you can sit down and put your foot up, driving gives you little or no break on these muscles. So drive just a little every day add a bit more. Until you can walk well without any assistance I think driving will be not quite right. So be careful and think of the longer picture. I expect to get back to normal around 6 months after my break, this means things like walks with my dogs,riding my horses etc. Some Drs will tell you it is a year to be back to normal... the swelling stays with me and will for quite a while yet. Good luck!
Jan 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fed up of broken ankle,scared about recovery time when comes out of plaster NEW
by: Jill uk

I broke fibula and dislocated ankle on 25th November.Had operation to fix with plate and screws.Coming out of plaster on Monday.I drive a part of my job and I am concerned about how long it will be until I can do so without discomfort.There will be pressure on me to return as soon as possible.
Jan 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fed up of broken ankle,scared about recovery time when comes out of plaster NEW
by: Jill uk

I broke fibula and dislocated ankle on 25th November.Had operation to fix with plate and screws.Coming out of plaster on Monday.I drive a part of my job and I am concerned about how long it will be until I can do so without discomfort.There will be pressure on me to return as soon as possible.
Jan 06, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fed up of broken ankle,scared about recovery time when comes out of plaster NEW
by: Jill uk

I broke fibula and dislocated ankle on 25th November.Had operation to fix with plate and screws.Coming out of plaster on Monday.I drive a part of my job and I am concerned about how long it will be until I can do so without discomfort.There will be pressure on me to return as soon as possible.
Jan 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Lower Tibea NEW
by: Greg W

Hi,
On Monday January 2nd 2012, I fell and broke my lower tibia in my leg. The break went all the way through the growth plate. I am 15 so my bones are very healthy and strong. I was the best player on my basketball team and am now out for the season. I also love skiing and unfortunately will not be able to do any of that this year. My doctor said he aligned the bones perfectly, but put me in a thigh high cast (toes to thigh). I really hope i can recovery fast so that i can begin doing more physical activities such as running and baseball. My Doctor said a full recovery would be about 8-10 weeks. I really want to be able to ski this spring. How long do you think it will actually take me to recovery (including physical therapy)?
Jan 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Greg - Cast NEW
by: Donna

Greg, my injury did require surgery, so not sure exactly what will come next for you. For me, after surgery, plate and screws, once the cast come off I just used a ace bandage ... there was not a second cast.

I can tell you once your cast comes off, there will be lots of soaking and losing skin. Thats normal, as you have been in a cast for several weeks.

As for walking, Im at 10 month mark and still a slight limp (but I have plate and screws in ankle). Im hoping my surgery to remove in March will fix that.

Its great you havent much pain... you may heal up quickly. Hope this is true for you :) Good Luck!
Jan 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		RE: Happy New Year and a Hope for Good Health NEW
by: Marc

I wish my screws could come out. I've had two different surgeons agree that they need to stay in there, though my new surgeon says that three which are holding the ligament need to be changed. Sure makes going through metal detectors fun.

Marc
Jan 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy New Year and a Hope for Good Health NEW
by: Anonymous

This site is so nice to have since broken ankles are so not nice to have!! I wish everyone here an especially good New Year in 2012 and a wish for everyone to heal and be walking normally again in 2012. There have been so many more nots and broken ankles since I first posed in October of this year after breaking rt fibula. I am on the way to recovery bot taking it slow and still in an ankle brace for another momth but can drive. To Karen and anyone else who has screws, plates and is wondering about having them taken out, I thought I would relate my experience with screws in my knee reconstruction 15 years ago. For 10 yrs after my knee surgery, doctors told me that removing screws wouldn't make much difference. Finally went to a os who really knew what he was doing and he kind of encouraged removing the scews. So glad I had the scews removed. Should have had it done sooner. They do make a difference that is not good. Take caare to all, Mairlyn
Jan 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cast Off Soon What Next? NEW NEW
by: Greg

Hi guys.
I had a spiral fracture in my fibula 5 weeks ago and i have my next hospital appointment next week. My fracture didnt require surgery and has been basically painless for the last 2 weeks or so. I have been moving my toes fine with no problem and only swells every now and again. I am just wondering what will happen after the 6 week mark? will the cast be permanently removed or will i be put in another one? and how long does it usually take to walk comfortably again. Im sorry about all the questions, its just im so eager to get out there again :)
Thanks, Greg
Jan 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle Recovery NEW
by: Karen

Hi Guys,

It is so nice to find this site. I am at home, most of the time as recovering from a biomellor fracture and dislocation to the right ankle in October 2011. I was in a cast for six weeks and then transferred to an aircast boot but only using it when I go out. Stil non weight bearing. Finding it very hard as I am not working and spending too much time on my own. If anyone wants to chat then please do as I would like to talk to anyone who has had this inuury. Got 11 screws and a plate.
Jan 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle Recovery NEW
by: Karen

Hi Guys,

It is so nice to find this site. I am at home, most of the time as recovering from a biomellor fracture and dislocation to the right ankle in October 2011. I was in a cast for six weeks and then transferred to an aircast boot but only using it when I go out. Stil non weight bearing. Finding it very hard as I am not working and spending too much time on my own. If anyone wants to chat then please do as I would like to talk to anyone who has had this inuury. Got 11 screws and a plate.
Jan 01, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Serious fracture NEW
by: Marc

I have a trimollolear fracture with a torn ligament. I did it in March 2011, I have 9 screws and a titanium plate in my left ankle. I'm currently traveling, but I still need more surgery. The pain is near constant, although I only allow myself to take one or two pain pills a day, out of concern about becoming hooked on them. When I broke the ankle, I was told 8-12 months. Now, with some additional damage, and surgery that needs to be done, we're looking at 18-24 months from the date of the injury. I was 25 when I broke the ankle, I'm now 26 and have had to put my job search on hold. I mean who wants to hire someone who on a given day may be perfectly normal, or under the influence of pain medication?
Dec 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna NEW
by: Kate

Hi Donna,
It's funny you say the thing about walking on a balloon. I have the same issue. I feel like I have a pocket of air on my heel. It is so uncomfortable. I also have some numbness and tingly on the bottom of my foot.
Dec 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna NEW
by: Kate

Thank you, Donna. I wish you a wonderful 2012.
Dec 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		New Breaks and Pain Meds... NEW
by: Donna

I was reading some of the post and seen where someone mentioned unbearable pain on a new break. I just wanted to add, when I first broke mine, the OS insisted I keep up on the pain meds as its easier to control the pain... its harder to control the pain if you WAIT until you feel pain. So in the beginning take the pain pills as prescribed so you dont have to build the tolerance back up... and start cutting back as you can tolerate more a week or two later...

I of course was one of the luckier ones. I did not have as much pain as some describe. My leg mainly felt like pins and needles (like it fell asleep) for several weeks.

Also, the pins and needle feeling in the foot is normal (someone mentioned this). I can remember telling my OS that and saying I felt like I was walking on a balloon (so hard to balance). I was told that was all normal as the muscles and circulation were returning... and as I exercised more and built those things, the tingling ceased and my foot became stronger.

There were times I would still get stiff and have to walk to work it out. But remember, we had to rest so many weeks without bearing so much weight, or leg propped... so we have to work or exercise to build up the lost time :)
Dec 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Kate NEW
by: Donna

Yes, I still have swelling. Not as bad as when I first broke it (and had to wear non-matching shoes)... the OS says I will experience swelling until the 14-16 month.

My swelling is minimal now (so not to scare you). When I awake in the mornings, its actually normal with no swelling. I do a lot of walking and stair climbing in my line of work ... and I beleive that contributes to the swelling I do experience at the end of the day... but again, its nothing compared to 8-10 months ago.

Dec 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna NEW
by: Kate

Donna, thanks so much for the update. So many people post during their ordeal but few come back and give the update a little later on down the road. Glad to hear you are doing very well. Gives me hope. Do you still have swelling?
Take care.
Dec 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Mark... everyone heals differently... NEW
by: Donna

Hi Mark:

Sorry to hear about your break. I seen you questions, and I am sure you are eager to get the cast off and start driving etc...

Everyone heals at different rates. Some heal quickly with no problems, others experience setbacks along the way...

I can say for me, my cast was not removed until week 6, but I was weightbearing from day 2 and returned to work by day 4 (with a wheelchair and leg lift only)... I used a walker at home for about 8 weeks, and then progressed to a cane (which I hated and tossed aside the first week and ventured on my own).

I was not able to drive until week 12... BUT, I drive a stick shift, so a little different than an automatic (could have driven sooner with one of those).

I never hurried to do anything... I would hear people say this amount of time, or that... but I always listened to my body and did things when I felt comfortable doing them... your body will will tell you when its ready. Dont get discouraged, as things can happen over night (when you lost hope).

Its going to take some time these first 4-7 weeks, but once things start healing, it starts progressing a bit more quicker... Just dont over do it (listen to your body, and watch the swelling which is a sign of over doing things)... but dont baby yourself where you dont do anything either... remember, no pain no gain.

I hope I was helpful to some point?
Dec 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Checking in and giving an Update... NEW
by: Donna

Hello Everyone:

I just stopped in to read some posts and leave an update.

Connie, Im glad to read your post and see things are still healing nicely... I miss our chats :)

To the new posters, hang in there... there is life after such a tramatic experience such as this... but it will take lots of time and patience and asking others questions to help you through it (validating what you're feeling, experiencing, etc).

As far as my update, I just reached 10 months over the holiday. Walking and doing stairs pretty much as I use too (just a little slower and MORE cautious). I find my eyes following my upcoming path all the time (not looking up or scanning places or people around me)... I do a lot of extra walking to avoid curbs or wet possible slippery areas...Im too afraid not too as I never want to experience such an ordeal again.

Which brings me to today's OS follow up appointment. Today, my OS informed me (again) that he would like to remove my hardware (plate and 6 screws). He is pretty insistent based on studies possibly linking hardware and melanoma in patients who kept hardware for 10, 20 and 30 years. So, we scheduled the removal of my hardware for March 22nd (13 month since my break).

Im very nervous (as he is aware). I was worried if this would set me back and he assured me that most patients report feeling so much better after removal. He says its out patient surgery and go home the same day... back to work in a couple of days... nothing like the surgery or recovery from orginal break. Im trusting he is right and this will be my next step to even more recovery.

Hope everyone continues to heal nicely...Will check in again soon.
Dec 22, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Spiral Fracture NEW
by: Mark

Hi guys i fell a couple of weeks ago and had a non displaced spiral fracture of my fibular (2 inches above ankle) Which didnt require surgery. I have been told i have to be in a cast for six weeks and if all goes well will be weight baring after that. How long does it usually take from the cast being off to getting back into walking driving etc?

Thanks guys
Mark
Dec 22, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ashley Response NEW
by: Kris

Hi Ashley, i broke my ankle a couple of weeks ago.. the worst of the pain died down around 4 - 5 days after.. i hope it dies down for you, i know how you feel, but i think the worst of the pain is the first week! Keep us updated :)
Dec 22, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Question NEW
by: Ashley

I broke my ankle in 2 places on Tuesday afternoon. The pain is so unbearable right now, I can't sleep for more than 2 hours. I am wondering how long the most severe and intense pain lasts. Thanks.
Dec 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		connie NEW
by: Kate

Connie, thanks for your wonderful updates. Just curious if your limp is gone now? Merry Christmas!
Dec 20, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		weak legs NEW
by: teresa

Thanks everyone for taking the time to tell your stories and helping others out God Bless you all for that...My question is which i havent really seen anyone mention this was after your ankle fracture which i had back last dec.2010 just got my boot off in feb.2011 had knee surgery in march due to the boot being to heavy to lug around anyways i have been 100% weight for awhile now but still having alot of weakness in my legs i was wondering if anyone else experiences this..it really bothers me i can go in stores sometimes but gotta hold on to a buggy and sometimes sit and rest a few minutes..just dont understand why my legs still get weak...if anyone can help me out i would so much appreciate it...thank you all so much again for helping each other..Merry Christmas and A Happy and Healthy New Year.....
Dec 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Second surgery 8 weeks after break NEW
by: Andrew

Well had the second surgery, some of the hardware was required to be removed before I was allowed to put weight on it. This surgery went a lot faster(one single small incision) and now I am allowed to walk with the boot and crutches and bear weight as tolerated. Thursday I can pull the dressing off and just put band-aids on it.
Dec 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		21 Months post injury NEW
by: Ma

It is nice to see that many of you are still encouraging one another and sharing stories. I am 21 months post break. To make a long story short, I broke and dislocated my ankle in three places. Surgery was required with one plate and 9 screws total. There has been a lot of progress. Many days I am pain free and I wake up forgetting that I broke my ankle. Other days it is still stiff and sometimes a little sore until I get moving in the morning. I have had to suspend my regular exercising because of a impending move and trying to sell a house. I can tell a huge difference in the way I feel when I am regularly exercising. Movement seems to help and it feels better after a walk. There is still some swelling. I am beginning to wonder if it will always be a bit bigger than the other ankle. I can feel the metal in there but it is not really bothering me. The color has improved a lot too. I heard some people say give it a year and others said two...I have seen much improvement after the one year mark. Exercise and listening to my body seems to be helping a lot. There is hope...this is a very difficult injury that takes much time to heal but there is hope for a full recovery.
Dec 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Sharon NEW
by: Connie

Hi All! Thanks Sharon! I needed that. I am at that half way point. It has been seven months for me... With the exact same injury.. Both sides with a dislocation..it is indeed a slow process that will require alot of patience. The perfect shoe would also be great... I walk better in some shoes than I do in others...I did the walker for 30 days and received a frozen shoulder that I am now dealing with... But I am dealing with it.

The nerves are slow to heal in my ankle as well. I still have a litte bit of swelling on the inside where Two screws are that give me the most trouble. My ortho and I thought about taking them out, but we decided to give it a year and go from there... My swelling is still visible...and little pain that is tolerable. I am thankful I did not lose my foot. 8 screws and a plate. It is difficult at times but I am yet still thankful that the Lord spared my life... It could have been my neck and not my ankle.. Have patience and take one day at a time... There is a light at the end of the tunnel..
Dec 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Normal NEW
by: Elizabeth

Yes Kris... it is normal for there to be pins and needles and you might even see your foot turn red or a bit purple. You are restoring more normal circulation and it will tell you. Much of the difficulty I am having is because my foot was elevated and no weight for almost 8 weeks. So my ligaments and tendons are all tight, and some of the muscles have atrophied. Apparently there are muscles in your leg that are just for lifting your foot and when they are not used for 8 weeks they have to be rebuilt. Here's hoping for your quick recovery! (fingers crossed for no surgery)
Dec 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken My Ankle Last Week NEW
by: Kris

Hi guys i have my hospital appointment today and very nervous that ill have to have an op, im a bit whimpish to those things lol... I really feel for you that you went through so much agony in the beginning.. its the worst thing ever!! Also is it normal to get pain like really bad pins and needles when i stand up to go to the toilet after my foots been elevated?
Dec 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		14 Months Ago NEW
by: Sharon

It's been 14 months since I fell and broke the fibula, tibia and calcaneous in my foot. I was in the hospital for 3 days and had surgery and a plate and 8 screws inserted. It was an extremely slow healing process and I am still having tingling from the nerve damage that was done either from the dislocation and/or the surgery. I am able to do most everything that I did before but I am more careful and wish that the nerves would heal. I am told that this could go on for another year or it may never be completely healed.

I just want to say that it does get better, but it's probably the worst break that you can experience. I tried crutches, almost fell with them, so went to the walker and used it for about 3 months before going to the cane. The boot didn't work well for me. It through my knee and hip out of alignment and I ended up going to the chiropractor for a couple of months. I think the best thing I did for myself was the physical therapy and massage.

I hope that all that have just broken an ankle realize that it takes time, patience and a lot of hard work to get back to where you were before the break. Everyone heals at a different rate according to age, physical condition and severity of the injury, but there is hope at the end of the tunnel. I wish you all a very speedy recovery.

Dec 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hello to you all NEW
by: Marilyn

Hello to Everyone Again, Elizabeth, it is good to know that you shouldn't push through the pain. That is what I have kind of thought too, but haven't really done it too much. Do you have an ankle brace? That is what I am on now and have several, one the doctor's office gave me to wear under shoes and one bought at Walmart (easier to put on). My ankle is aching a lot now and also have pain on top on my foot, but all in all am doing pretty well. But then I didn't have the surgery and my break may not have been as much or as many as some of yours. I do know it sure hurt!! I went to doctor last week and got a flu shot. If you haven't gotten one, you may think twice. I have been very achy all week and not feeling very well since. It doesn't help with being half down with the ankle at the same time, so just saying . . . Kris, I hope things go well for you, don't hesitate to ask for help when people come in. I am worried about Dec. 30th when I go back to the ortho doctor and hope the exercises they give me aren't too hard for my ankle!! Take care and stay well!
Dec 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Done too much NEW
by: Elizabeth

Well it has been 3 weeks since they said I could put weight on the leg and I'm still not driving and walking. I went to PT and they said I was doing well and gave me bunch of exercises. But it now appears I was not supposed to push thru the pain as I had been assuming. It is supposed to stretch but not be too painful. I managed to get into the car and drive around the neighborhood a bit, plus go up the stairs and do some other walking sort of things and boom! The leg said ENOUGH! I was in real pain again and couldn't sleep etc. It was a big setback for me. I spent 2 days back in the boot with my leg elevated before I could sleep normally again. The PT folks said I just pushed too much and I needed to slow way down. So now I'm using the boot about 1/2 the day, and without for about 1/2 day. I'm not driving and I'm not able to do all the exercises PT folks gave. I think I was pushed back to zero and now I have to build it up again with the emphasis on not pushing thru the pain, and knowing when to stop. I can't tell you how frustrating this is.
Kris, I live alone so I definately understand sitting around in pain and lonely. I've been visited but not the same as having someone to be around helping all the time. I hope you do not need the surgery because I found it to be a bear and the long recovery is due to the immobility for so many weeks.
Hope everyone is better by new years!
Dec 09, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken My Ankle Today NEW
by: Kris

Hi guys.. thank you so much for your kind and supportive comments!! it has most certainly made me feel a little better :) the pain has subsided a bit now but still painful when i move my leg.. Also is it normal to have pain in parts of my foot where it didn't break including my shin? I have to go back to hospital next week for another Xray to see if i need pins and plate put in (fingers crossed i don't) Also i have another question, my cash will be drained away very soon and have no back up as i lost my job a couple of months back, are there any benefits in the UK where i can claim as the recovery is defiantly going to be a lengthy progress? Reading back on the comments you guys are so brave for what you went through, it is torture especially for the active ones who like to go out! your stories defiantly make me see a light at the end of this very dark tunnel!! thank you!! i shall update you next week :)
Dec 09, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken My Ankle Today NEW
by: Kris

Hiya guys, thank you so much for your supportive comments. I am slowly coming to terms with it but it's hard, really hard!! The pain has subsided a little but there's that dull throbbing pain still there.. is it normal to get the pain in the place the the brake didn't occur? i am also getting pain in my shin bone. The doctor re-casted my leg yesterday and told my that my foot was out of position so he had to push it back into place which was quite painful!! There is one more thing obviously i am going to be out of work for quite a number of weeks and my cash is slowly draining away and i have no other income, are there any benefits in the UK for this? Again thanks for your support and i feel so sorry for all you guys that have suffered too... reading back on the comments on how brave you all were.. very inspirational as this makes you feel so alone and makes you feel as if there is no end to this! So i am glad to hear about the amazing recovery stories!
Dec 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Kris NEW
by: Andrew

I agree I have broken bones on 8 different occasions and this made my 2nd dislocation and it is the worse by far. I too was a very active person I used to work 60 hours a week on average and still maintain a social life and this put a huge damper on it.

TV, magazines, and books will be your friend. I find myself watching shows and reading books I never would have thought twice about before because after a while you run out of options.

I had a bimalloelar(sp?) brake and dislocation but I didnt have much initial pain til the ER doctor mishandled my leg(he was no longer my doctor). I had crashed my 800 lbs bike and actually picked it up before I realized it was more than a sprained ankle so I have to thank adrenaline for not feeling it. But I hope you feel better soon.

PS Go easy on the pain killers after my surgery I almost couldn't sleep without them and decided I wasn't taking them anymore. And my theory on them was if I didnt feel the pain I would keep walking on it and do more damage, you cant tell me something is wrong I need to feel something wrong I'm stubborn/stupid that way.
Dec 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Kris NEW
by: Invictus

I've had numerous injuries and broken bones in my life, and my recent broken ankle was the worst. It was indescribable pain for a few days. I'm not quick to medicate anything, but this is what pain pills are for- these first few agonizing days.
I hope you feel a little better knowing that your level of pain isn't uncommon. I really feel for you! Be ready for a slow recovery, too. But just as everyone said, I am finally almost okay, and you will be, too.
Hang in there!
Dec 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Welcome to the Club! NEW
by: Marilyn

Hi Kris, I know how you feel about both the initial indescribable pain and the lonliness of being unable to walk and get around. I remember the pain was really bad initially and little by little it got less and less. I didn't have a cast and so ice helped the pain along with pain pills. I had an "air boot" instead of a cast and crutches. If you have any good books, good tv shows, movies, and the internet help in getting your mind off some of the trauma of not getting around. After two months in the air boot, I just graduated to an ankle brace for another month and it makes life much easier! Hope you keep us posted and take care, Mairlyn
Dec 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken My Ankle Today NEW
by: Kris

Hi all i broke my ankle this afternoon, i have never felt so much pain in my life... its been a good 7 hours now since it broke and put into cast... i am lying in bed with my ankle elevated and its so, so painful, how long does this first stage immense pain usually last? I feel so alone i am such an active person and i just don't know what to do, im really frightened! thanks guys
Kris
Dec 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken My Ankle Today NEW
by: Kris

Hi all i broke my ankle this afternoon, i have never felt so much pain in my life... its been a good 7 hours now since it broke and put into cast... i am lying in bed with my ankle elevated and its so, so painful, how long does this first stage immense pain usually last? I feel so alone i am such an active person and i just don't know what to do, im really frightened! thanks guys
Kris
Dec 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Congrats on Walking NEW
by: Marilyn

Its good to hear you are walking almost on your own. Taking my boot off Friday night was the best feeling as now I can get up without having to worry about getting that thing on! Life made easier. I have been kind of surprised that my pain hasn't been worse There is some, especially when it swells under the ankle brace and after i have been on it for awhile. This "semi- state" of being well but not quite well gets confusing as to what activities to do or plan Guess time will tell Do you still have your horses? The horses were out back today before it got so foggy, their owner got them back to the barn! They are so beautiful.
Take care,
Mairlyn
Dec 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Update on Walking NEW
by: Elizabeth

Well, going to PT finally and they gave me all the goods. I stopped using the boot a few days after I got the OK to put weight on my leg because it rubbed me raw! Turns out they want me out of the boot as soon as I could take it anyway. I am going around with a walker, I've made it upstairs and had a nice shower in my own bathroom, and I have permission to start driving. Of course my car now needs a new battery because it is dead dead dead. I am very motivated and work hard on my PT and cruising around the house every day. Yeah it hurts, but nothing like the surgery pain so I will bear it to get free again as quickly as possible. The PT guys think I should be able to get around with just a cane by next weekend! Fingers crossed. I certainly wish it would become less painful but like I said, I tolerate it to be free again. I may even be able to have some Christmas decor myself before Christmas. I would so love that!
Dec 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good Morning to All! NEW
by: Anonymous

You are so right. Just when you feel alone with the broken ankle, there are people who have the same problem, and it is so nice to communicate with you all. I am glad you are getting better Connie and know from knee surgery in 1995, it is a slow process. Elizabeth, it sounds like you had quite a surgery. How is walking with the boot going now? I just got off my boot last night(never had surgery though)and felt a little dizzy and still do this morning when walking Not real dizzy just not used to putting my foot down and moving it It feels funny but going really well so far. Not going out today so will walk at home The confidence is not there yet Pain is tolerable with the weight bearing for first time in two months. Can't wait to buy some new shoes and go feed the horses (not even our horses)! It is getting cold here this week (AZ) and hope it warms up soon so I can walk easier.

Tara, Sorry you broke your ankle too and can't play basketball. It would depend on what type of break you had, if you broke two bones or just one and how many ligaments were torn, and if you are having surgery or not. I broke just my fibula (bone on side of foot), have been in a boot for two months, have to wear an ankle brace for another month before I go back to the ortho doctor. Your age it sounds like will help you if you are playing basketball, so your recuperation time may be a lot quicker. I think Sharon, Connie, and Elizabeth had more severe breaks than I did, so they may be expected to be down longer. But wish you the best, it is not too much fun for sure.
Everyone take care and hope you all keep in touch and get better!! Mairlyn
Dec 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good Morning to All! NEW
by: Anonymous

You are so right. Just when you feel alone with the broken ankle, there are people who have the same problem, and it is so nice to communicate with you all. I am glad you are getting better Connie and know from knee surgery in 1995, it is a slow process. Elizabeth, it sounds like you had quite a surgery. How is walking with the boot going now? I just got off my boot last night(never had surgery though)and felt a little dizzy and still do this morning when walking Not real dizzy just not used to putting my foot down and moving it It feels funny but going really well so far. Not going out today so will walk at home The confidence is not there yet Pain is tolerable with the weight bearing for first time in two months. Can't wait to buy some new shoes and go feed the horses (not even our horses)! It is getting cold here this week (AZ) and hope it warms up soon so I can walk easier.

Tara, Sorry you broke your ankle too and can't play basketball. It would depend on what type of break you had, if you broke two bones or just one and how many ligaments were torn, and if you are having surgery or not. I broke just my fibula (bone on side of foot), have been in a boot for two months, have to wear an ankle brace for another month before I go back to the ortho doctor. Your age it sounds like will help you if you are playing basketball, so your recuperation time may be a lot quicker. I think Sharon, Connie, and Elizabeth had more severe breaks than I did, so they may be expected to be down longer. But wish you the best, it is not too much fun for sure.
Everyone take care and hope you all keep in touch and get better!! Mairlyn
Nov 30, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Still Pressing on NEW
by: Connie

Hello All!
I have been reading all the comments of the old and new comers.. It is indeed refreshing to know that encouraging words continue to be shared through this site. It has been almost seven months since my accident.. Broke my right ankle on both sides and dislocated it. I am still recovering. Everyone recovers at different stages. I did have surgery, my hardware consist of 8 screws and a plate. I still have a little bit a swelling by the end of the day. Some days are better than others. My ortho surgeon says to give myself a "full" year..so I am patiently acknowledging that I do still have pain that is tolerable, but I can walk and even trot a little bit...

Please know that is does take patience and consistent focus on getting better. In the beginning, it take alot of rest and elevating that ankle. Physical therapy in very beneficial.

Post Traumatic Stress- unfortunately, I still have because I have to come down the very stairs I fell down to get to my apartment. I have learned to live with that, but I am very cautious with all stairs.

Every day is progression-even when it feels like you haven't moved forward...you have. Accept help from those who love you and want to help.

Be careful and Have a safe, Blessed Merry Christmas and New Year everyone..

One Day at a time :)
Nov 26, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Info so far
by: Elizabeth

First.. happy T-day to everyone. My niece came with her Boy toy and she cooked under my direction and he did a bangup job at cleanup!
Now - this walking thing is harder than I thought. First trying to walk around with the boot and the walker I rubbed the heck out of my ankle where the incision is and it was sore as a boil that night and the next day. I did have some extra padding I could and did put in and that fixed it pretty much. I can get around with my walker slowly, but when I've tried to really put weight on the leg...Bingo! Pain. I also still get lots of swelling. So Friday I had the youngun's helping with some work on the deck and I stumped around to supervise, after about an hour I came in and put it up and it was soo sore and achey. I rested it for several hours and did some more walking that evening. This is definately taking longer and is harder than I thought. I also tried to do a heel to toe step with some weight last night and that hurt alot. I sure hope that the PT will put me on the right path for this soon. Good luck to all who are healing!
Nov 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		End of Thanksgiving Day!
by: Marilyn

Well, the dinner has been cooked, the turkey was great, and the dishes are still to be put away but we had a nice dinner. I had to work in bits and pieces with this ankle thing. My daughter helped a lot and finished up everything. Hopefully, next year, we will all be healthy and walking! Sharon, thanks for the tip. I will call my doctor tomorrow and see about getting this boot off a little early. Sure don't want to go through the nerve problem. My boot is wearing out anyway and doesn't fit as well. It feels like it is an extra weight being picked up! Hope you let us know how your pt goes and what exercise you have to do.
Hope everyone had a nice day.

Sorry my last post was duplicated. The site said it was down so I posted again accidentally.
Nov 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy Thanksgiving!
by: Marilyn

Hi Sharon, Happy Thanksgiving! It is good you went to "Dream Doc" !!! Maybe there are some benefits to having a broken ankle after all. I was in too much pain but there were a couple men and others at the grocery store who looked so sympathetic at me and my boot or crutches when had them!! But in too much pain to let them help!! I am doing the turkey dinner today in bits and spurts. Have to get up soon to get the turkey in. Thanks for the note about the boot. Sometimes it seems like it is just anothe weight I am dragging along. Will definitely call dr. tomorrow and ask about it. My boot is breaking anyway. But at least, I have taken the boot off at night and that feels goodl.

I am so glad you are doing better. Have a great day,

To Elizabeth and Andrew, Have a great Thanksgiving!
Mairlyn
Nov 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy Thanksgiving!
by: Marilyn

Hi Sharon, Happy Thanksgiving! It is good you went to "Dream Doc" !!! Maybe there are some benefits to having a broken ankle after all. I was in too much pain but there were a couple men and others at the grocery store who looked so sympathetic at me and my boot or crutches when had them!! But in too much pain to let them help!! I am doing the turkey dinner today in bits and spurts. Have to get up soon to get the turkey in. Thanks for the note about the boot. Sometimes it seems like it is just anothe weight I am dragging along. Will definitely call dr. tomorrow and ask about it. My boot is breaking anyway. But at least, I have taken the boot off at night and that feels goodl.

I am so glad you are doing better. Have a great day,

To Elizabeth and Andrew, Have a great Thanksgiving!
Mairlyn
Nov 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy Thanksgiving!
by: Sharon

I agree...we should all be grateful that we are all healing, different ways, different times, but healing.
I finally start my physical therapy on Wednesday! The ortho surgeon who gave me the good news that I don't need to have surgery to fix the non union fib is now my dream man because of it! Plan of action: Pain management (had 2 epidural shots which helped and am scheduled for more plus better meds, Norco 10s and Gabbapentin 1800 mg per day. And part two is p.t. 'Went for my evaluation last week for full testing and was told by her plus the ortho doc that wearing the air cast boot for too long (14 weeks) was the primary reason for my biggest problem---nerve damage. But good news is that it is reversible with p.t.
So, Marilyn...how long have you been in that boot? Just a precaution because of my experience and to all others wearing that or similar...it can cause nerve damage that hurts like all get out. electric like zings when you put your foot on the floor, pain radiating from injury site all the way around the foot and up the leg, way too much edema, and oh,so much more! and with all those docs, nobody told me until dream doc! You just might want to call your doc before Dec.3 and ask about taking the boot off before (don't know how long you've had it on, but just sayin').

Happy Thanksgiving and happy healing to all! (Hey, and at least we don't have to do the cooking this year..Lol)
Nov 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy Thanksgiving!
by: Marilyn

Happy Thanksgiving! Guess we should be thankful that we are healing. Andrew, I had knee surgery 15 yrs ago and had three large screws in my leg. The screws were removed surgically about 10 yrs later in hospital surgery setting under anesthesia. Just wanted to share that experience and hope it helps you. I am sorry about your losing your job because of your injury. That doesn't seem right but you may be better in a different job anyway. You are lucky that it is your left ankle (unles you are left handed)! You should be able to drive without a problem?

Elizabeth, I am so glad you are able to "walk" and feeling better. I am surprised you can walk before you have the ankle brace but must be ok. Like you, I am leary of being able to put weight on ankle. My boot comes off Dec. 3rd and then have to wear the ankle brace until Dec. 30th - the next doctor's appt. The doctor said not to drive until after the next appt. (But now and then I have to and it goes well using just the ankle brace). It will be so good not to have this boot, unless it hurts to much walking with only the ankle brace!! Are you still icing to get the swelling down?

My air boot is wearing out! Guess Dec. 3rd can't come too soon.

Everyone, stay well and take care. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Nov 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy Thanksgiving!
by: Marilyn

Happy Thanksgiving! Guess we should be thankful that we are healing. Andrew, I had knee surgery 15 yrs ago and had three large screws in my leg. The screws were removed surgically about 10 yrs later in hospital surgery setting under anesthesia. Just wanted to share that experience and hope it helps you. I am sorry about your losing your job because of your injury. That doesn't seem right but you may be better in a different job anyway. You are lucky that it is your left ankle (unles you are left handed)! You should be able to drive without a problem?

Elizabeth, I am so glad you are able to "walk" and feeling better. I am surprised you can walk before you have the ankle brace but must be ok. Like you, I am leary of being able to put weight on ankle. My boot comes off Dec. 3rd and then have to wear the ankle brace until Dec. 30th - the next doctor's appt. The doctor said not to drive until after the next appt. (But now and then I have to and it goes well using just the ankle brace). It will be so good not to have this boot, unless it hurts to much walking with only the ankle brace!! Are you still icing to get the swelling down?

My air boot is wearing out! Guess Dec. 3rd can't come too soon.

Everyone, stay well and take care. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Nov 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dr. Update
by: Elizabeth

Well yesterday I saw the Doc and he said that should just use common sense and I could walk and drive as I felt able. The foot was still too swollen for an ankle brace, but he will give me that in 6 weeks when I next get checked. Yahoo! Of course it is a bit more complicated than that because the ligaments and tendons are all very tight due to not using them. So I'm using the walker and the wheel chair, but I'm putting my foot down and putting pressure on it. I stood up and put fairly even pressure on both legs this AM, and I think I'm at about 30 percent weight when I walk. This makes me very slow with the walker so I am still using the wheel chair to get around. It is sore, but definately not as bad as I feared. I expect to improve quickly from here! Thanks for the encouragement and understanding everyone has shown.
Nov 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Who knows
by: Elizabeth

I am feeling much better the last 3 days and I go to the Dr. on Tuesday next week to get the x-rays that hopefully will say I can start trying to walk. Hope for the best. I actually spent the last two days neating up and dusting the house. Hope to vacume tomorrow. Doing something helps with keeping the concentration off the ankle.

I am glad to hear that you are healing well Andrew and though you did lose your job, hopefully you will soon find another once you are well.

I want to start PT as soon as possible so I can get my ankle under my control and get back to my riding. I don't know what they might do, but I understand they can help ROM. I am hoping I can get my Dr. to prescribe more pain control for me because I figure it is going to hurt to walk and hurt to do PT.

Nov 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi
by: Andrew

So on Oct 17 I laid down my bike and broke my left ankle. Went to ER that night and they told me it was broken and gave me a splint for a sprained ankle, my ortho doc wasnt happy with that LOL. But when I seen him on Oct 18 they put me in a plaster splint and scheduled my surgery for Oct 28. Had the surgery and got a short explanation of it and they said they also had to add a stabilizer, well still high on meds i didnt ask what that was or anything. When the nerve block wore off I was in tremendous pain from my ankle to the middle of foot the had no feeling in my toes, called the on call doc and he said I could take the ace wraps off and adjust them if I thought that was the only problem. Got one off and it certainly helped but into the 5th hour of the 3rd attack of pain I couldnt do it anymore. I let the ER take the second wrap off because as I tried it was embedded in the plaster and I did not want to destroy the splint, all pain was gone then. Within in 5 days after the surgery I stopped experiencing all pain even when I didnt elevate my foot. Followed up Nov 16 and they took the second plaster splint off and removed the stitches, said everything was healing fine. Found out the stabilizer is a larger screw holding the spacing between the tibia and fibula, due to this I still cant bear weight because the two bones could move and shear the bolt apart. Was told this would come out on the follow-up visit on Dec 14, but didnt schedule me to go to their surgery center so I guess he will do it at their clinic??? They have given me the air boot til then said I can take it off to shower and what not (thank god that felt so good but a little itchy). If everything still looks good I think I will then start PT. Not gonna lie when I first found this it had gotten me more worried and a little depressed reading about the long recovery times but no I guess I am lucky that everything is healing fast. Some very encouraging news at a stressful time for me because I had been told my job was not going to be available when I was healed. My dad who was my immediate supervisor did not agree with this(and some other factors) so he gave notice at that point as well. In my line of work we often have to carry loads in excess of 100 lbs up and down stairs/ladders/gangways so I knew I was going to have a painful road of recovery once I was allowed to return to work but now on top of that I have to find someone to hire a injured mechanic. Ok done rambling like everyone else here to much time on my hands sorry to bore anyone lol.
Nov 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hello to you all
by: Marilyn

To Sharon (alias Anonymous)!, Elizabeth, and Invictis - Good Morning. It is so nice to have some ankle friends and we all have at least one thing in common-a lot of time on our hands!! Sharon, I laughed out loud with your commercial watching. I am seeing more and more of those myself. Not sure about the miracle socks. I have seen something hanging at Walmart near the pharmacy that were compression socks. I think they may be worth a try. The doctor's assistant told me she broke her ankle (had high heels on and stepped on a rock when getting out of her car) and that there would always be swelling in the ankle most likely. So those socks may be a good investment. By the way, the last commercial I watched was one for plaque for dogs teeththis morning!! Guess we should be experts on these infomercials soon!! Thanks for the laugh. I am so glad you have confidence in your new doctor. He sounds really good. The one that told you you would not be ablt to go back to teaching just didn't sound right. When your in so much pain, its easy to believe everything they tell you.
Elizabeth, After about 10 yrs with my knee surgery (had hardware) I finally got the hardware out and was so glad I did. They don't tell you to get it out but in my case, it sure felt better. I kept bumping the screw heads on my desk at work at the time which sent me up to the ceiling everytime it happened.
Interesting to you both maybe but the ortho I went to at UMC was a woman doctor very young and not too much experience but she does take care of the university football team and I thought she was very good.
Invictis, Its good to hear from someone who is a year out. Hope I don't go through that experience of not healing, the surgery sounds just awful. At least you are getting through and see the light of day. Hope your healing continues.
Today, I am doing a little housework now and then! No driving today after a shopping trip on Friday with my daughter, I overdid things. Went through about 6 shops including lunch at Chilli's and enjoyed all of it until on the way home when my ankle started hurting and I couldn't get it comfortable the rest of the day!! Guess I paid for it. Hope you all keep posting on how your doing and share things. It is fun and I feel like I know you!
Nov 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Last Post to Elizabeth and Marilyn
by: Sharon

Oops...Says it's from anonymous, but it's from me, Sharon. I've got nothin' to hide. :) 'Might even sport a house slipper out in public for my rather swollen right ankle. Honestly though, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I sure hope you girls can too!

I am seriously considering an old lady thing to do...Have you heard of "The Miracle Socks"? They are supposed to be compression socks that don't look like Granny's. I dunno... 'Just wonder if they work and if they can be purchased at the drug store or if they are only through the t.v. commercial probably for just $19.95...but wait...there's more...call right now and they'll double the order... Sorry, too much time on my hands these days plus a little Norco is making me a little silly. Actually, about time, I'm so happy that Christmas movies have started on The Hallmark Channel. "Santa Clause"is starting now, and all Christmas movies take the focus off my ankle :)

Take care and please let me know how you are doing!
Nov 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Elizabeth and Marilyn
by: Anonymous

Elizabeth,
I'm so sorry about your pain and difficulties, but Marilyn is right..the worst is over! I broke my ankle back in July, and I expected progress every day. Not the case. I did however, see "spurts" of improvement as far as getting around the house and stability. As far as your question about surgery vs no surgery, if you broke your fibula only,then you must have done a real number on it.I think it depends on the type of fracture and exactly where in the fibula it broke. So, if you trust your doctor, then surgery was right for you because of those factors. Also, if your insurance allows for you to see a pain management doctor, I highly recommend that!
Marilyn,
Our situations are so similar! Okay, so I went to that great new surgeon, and I totally trust him because of his reputation.He said that I don't need surgery! That other doctor was a quack and just wanted to give me surgery for the $$$, I really think. This new one (remember doc#4), said that since my tibia healed in the boot just fine, the fibula can be non union...it doesn't matter. He said that many people are out in this world with a non union (still broken) fibula. They may never heal, but it's okay because the tibia does all the work...the fibula is a low weight bearing bone, and the tibia will compensate. People have resumed normal, even athletic activities with this bone broken. Often, they never heal,and that's fine. Now Elizabeth, yours must be a different kind of break all together. I was lucky enough to keep my bones aligned. I think that's the main difference in our situations.
Also, no more walking boot!This doc (remember he has worked on The Houston Astros, The Houston Rockets, The Texans, etc.)said that the last ortho doc got one thing right..that I have severe nerve damage, and that is the cause of my pain. He says based on the eval, he sees a full recovery in my future! The course of action he is given me:Pain management and physical therapy.So, I started with a pain management doctor who is great! I just went on Friday, and I feel tremendously better already! Rx: Norco 10mg as needed (but not long term at all) and Gabbapentin 1800mg a day (nerve blocker). Also, I'll go back on Monday and get some shot in my back with a mild anesthesia. Epidural? Not sure.
Unlike you, I am excited for physical therapy. Now that my pain can be controlled, I want to do all things they tell me in order to walk correctly. Yes, I'm still in the house slippers...don't need the boot, but barefoot is not an option since my foot on the hard floors gives me those electric like zings... again the nerve damage, which by the way, is partly due to being in that boot too long, so it's good that you are taking yours off to sleep and when the doc says it's ok.Right now, I can walk around the house doing small chores a little at a time.
To all,as time marches on,our ankles ARE healing! Thanks to all who post here! You have helped me tremendously!
Nov 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Elizabeth
by: Invictus

I had a serious injury Sept. 2010. The fibula was part of it, and it wasn't repaired because the doctor thought it would come together and heal. It didn't, and it was torture for 5 months when the doctor was finally convinced it wouldn't heal on its own. So the consequece of not doing surgery is trying to function in life with a bone that is not healed, and remains broken and disconnected. For me, the initial injury was torture, nd then 5 months later the surgery was torture again! It takes a very long time to get through these injuries. The doctors really have no idea about our pain, so don't let their opinions be your gage!
I'm now 7 months out from surgery, and am much better. I do still have a lot of discomfort, but I won't call it "pain". I have the feeling I'll never be "normal" again, which is a bummer. I'm 51 and extremely active as you seem to be.
So, I'm going to guess the surgery really was necessary for you. It's an awful injury to heal from, and for what it's worth, I've never talkied to anyone who didn't need help with pain control after 10 days! It will get better, even if veeery slowly. Don't lose heart.
Nov 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Marilyn
by: Elizabeth

Thanks Marilyn, I�m not very upbeat at this point. My question is why is the surgery any better than leaving it alone to heal? I broke the fibula and in my Dr�s crappy talking down to me words � smushed it around in there. If I had not had surgery, he said it would have a bad outcome. What would that bad outcome be and why is this pain and suffering better? If it was just arthritis I think I might have been able to manage it easier than this. I am getting better, but it seems that despite surgery�s everyone here has very long lasting problems. While looking for info on recovery timelines I saw an ankle replacement site that said normally no pain meds needed after 7 to 10 days. That is surely not my case, maybe an ankle replacement might have healed faster and worked better? I may be just over sensitive, but I�ve lived thru broken ribs and really bad sprains and some incredible falls from my horses, and this is definitely the worst thing I�ve ever done. I have bursitis in my left hip from a fall off my horse while cross country training that bruised me from my waist to my knee. I couldn�t get in and out of my car for over a week without moving the seats all the way back. I have had my gallbladder removed, it just hasn�t added up to this level of pain and stress. But I guess I am getting better, I have also read a lot about folks having the hardware removed and a barn friend had her leg/knee hardware taken out cause it was bothering her so bad. What�s the general consensus on that? The tightrope with the button is supposed to take the place of the long screw that frequently breaks on folks. My Dr. said it would not have to be removed. He has a good rep for his work, but he is not very forthcoming with info. I asked about the pain and swelling when I was there to get the stitches out, he said � sure that will last for months, and gave me a new prescription. I am 10 days away from when the Dr will (hopefully) say � you can bear weight as tolerated. How do folks do that? I�m working on getting my foot in the right place and pulling out that Achilles tendon, any other suggestions?
Nov 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		That Suxs!
by: Marilyn

Elizabeth, you have been through the worst and hope everything in the future is uphill. Happy Birthday and Happy 57!! What bone(s) were broken in your foot? With the surgery, you have done an amazing job. Just having this fractured fibula and the boot and pain (not nearly as bad without surgery) have been a trial. My daughter and grandson live with me but they are gone all day. I thank God for them being here. I think this website is so important as no one knows what it is like except on this site. There are so many things unique to these ankle injuries, pain, and in your case surgery, not driving, being vulnerable that it is good to share and know we are not alone. Because it sure seems like it. I lose heart a lot with this injury. One suggestion I got from doctor assistant that helped was an ankle brace (it is different than the kind at the store) it is more cloth with lace-up shoe strings. She said to wear it under the boot and at night leave just the ankle brace on. That feels less scarey to me that having no support on my foot. Would that help you? I also have an ankle brace my daughter got at the store I have been using when wash the other one. Just a thought. I hope this site makes you feel a little less lonely, it helps me just knowing others are getting through this time. Its funny you are a horseback rider. I am not but we just got some horses on a ranch behind our subdivision. I started talking to them and was injured on my way to give them treats. I was wearing sketchers (a little too big) and hit a small rut. Between the two, I fell very fast and the pain was terrific. The hoses still come up to the fence and I talk to them. just love them. My daughter and grandson go out and give them some treats. When I get better, first thing I will do is go pet them and give them some treats!! They are beautiful. You will be in my prayers and hope the pain meds work and your foot improves. Glad you dogs are protecting you and are good company too) It's good to be able to share things only "broken ankle" people know about! .
Nov 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		My story - This Sux!
by: Elizabeth

I turned 57 Nov 1. I broke my right ankle on Sept 30,2011. I slipped on the stairs down from the deck to the back yard. I went to the ER and they put a temp cast on it and said see Ortho. I went to the Ortho who said - needs Surgery! I freaked out, and it has been the worst thing I have ever done due to the pain. I had a plate, 6 screws, and a tightrope with the button to hold the ligaments in place. I had a boot and was wrapped with ace bandage under it after surgery. The surgery was incredibly painful even with all the meds taken regularly. I was unable to move out of bed significantly for 4-5 days after the surgery. The bathroom is a place of fear of falling. The pain continued really badly for at least 2 weeks. The swelling was tremendous and I had bruising all over my foot, plus new bruising on my leg after the surgery. The stitches were removed at 2 weeks. I live alone and would never have made it if my family had not come at the right times to support me, not to mention my wonderful neighbors. Crutches were a nightmare, and I fell twice with them - so I rented a wheel chair to get around the house. I got a walker after the surgery and with them both am able to keep the house pretty well, and care for my 2 big dogs. The break before surgery was a nuisance but not really painful. I have never experienced the level of pretty consistent pain as I have had since that surgery. I have been very careful and only used the Percocet when I really was in pain. In the last few days it has finally reduced, and the swelling is somewhat less, this is almost 5 weeks after surgery. I keep it elevated almost all the time and have been doing some ROM exercises on my own till the bone heals enough to start PT. I found my biggest problem has been the Achilles tendon. It took two days before I could place my foot flat on the floor while sitting in a chair. Apparently it has contracted significantly while I have been wearing the boot. I can now rotate the ankle and point my toe out and up, though not as much as my uninjured foot. I have been sleeping without the boot for 4 days. The Dr. said I could do that after 2 weeks, I didn't feel comfortable without the boot, but finally felt I had to push myself after 4 weeks. I am not sleeping well and many times I wake to pain each night. But last night was a bit better. I have been told I should be able to begin weight bearing 6 weeks after surgery, and one last check at the Dr. I am hoping that within a week or so of that check I will be able to drive again. I feel the loneliness and limitation has sometimes allowed me to focus on the pain and discomfort more than I should. I am a horseback rider, and am very worried about the timeline for recovery and hope I will be able to get back in the saddle by the end of the year. Yes there have been many blessings, including all the people who have helped me and the fact I will recover.
Nov 09, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Can't Wait to Hear New Appt
by: Marilyn

Sharon, Can't wait to hear about your experience at the new doctor #4. (With my knee problem I eventually went to 7 doctors possibly more can't remember) None of the doctors diagnosed the problem until about 10 yrs later and then the diagnosis was proven that the surgery was done wrong. But your new doctor has a good reputation so I am hoping he helps and he is one you can trust and have confident in. I hope you don't have to have surgery but if you do, you will be in good hands.

Your dad gave good advice. After I retired and moved to Tucson, AZ (from IL)my neck was very sore on one side. After treating it with pain meds and chiropractor for one yr, I went to a pain specialist in Chandler, AZ. Their work was great! They fixed my neck so I can live pretty much without pain. I needed to return there for one more treatment when this fall happened and now I am tied up with this boot and can only handle one thing at a time. But point is, I would definitely recommend a pain clinic. They can do nerve blocks, etc and these take pain away. Well worth your visit.

Don't worry about being a "chicken"! I am 66 and still a chicken. I don't think there is anyone who tolerates pain. But I know what you mean. Being down is difficult and people around me don't understand pain and not being up and around as much. I did enjoy my trip to Sierra Vista yesterday to shop! Kind of relieved to get home though. Isn't it funny how you take things for granted like driving, walking, going where you want without thinking about it? Guess you and I will enjoy doing normal things again when healed.

It sounds like you went from a boot to nothing except house slippers? I never had any surgery on my ankle (it was never recommended) but the second doctor (from UMC) said to be in the boot for 4 wks and then in the ankle brace for 4 wks. So looks like it is not until Dec 30 that I can drive. Not looking forward too much to therapy but know it is important. I think this transition period is important though. Just being able to take this boot off at night makes my foot feel more normal and am supposed to move my toes to help circulation.

One thing that didn make sense was a doctor telling you that you would never go back to teaching and being on your feet all day. I would think most people go back to being normal after ankle breaks. I am not saying there may not be some problems at times but they are far different that not being able to go back to teaching at all. That just doesn't make sense. Hope you don't lose hope over him saing that.

Hope to hear from you. Know I have rambled as well and sorry for that. I gues its because I have time!! Take care.
Nov 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Connie and Ceb
by: Bec

Hi!
It gives me so much comfort just to get comments from both of you!

Thanks for telling me about the shoes. I sure am gonna get myself one. I couldn't wear the moon boot that was given me because it rubbed on my incision which has been taking a long time to fully heal. Shoes is also an issue for me because I find it hard to walk with not much ankle support.

I noticed that when I stand up my injured leg looks redder and discolored compared to my good leg. But when I sit down and rest, I would prop up my leg and the redness would eventually eased up. Do you experience this thing? I told my physio about this and she said it's normal, since my leg has been elevated for so long and having it down gave my arteries and capillaries a shock. She said it would eventually return to normal if I would walk on my foot more often.

I know I'm still too far away from normalcy, but what has given me hope is that at least I could put down my crutches and walk with my own two feet. "Baby steps" for me at this stage means "Big steps". Even at 45 years old. lol
Nov 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Marilyn
by: Sharon

Hi Marilyn!

Yes, I am planning on taking all previous doctor records, x rays, and ct scans (on dvd) to this new doctor. I live in San Antonio, Texas, so hopefully, it's a big enough city to not have such a tight net group such as the doctors you wrote about. I'm not sure though. Maybe they do all know each other. I hoping this guy is good; he is from Houston and used to work on the Houston Rockets and The Houston Ballet Company. Also he does specialize in feet and ankles. 'Crossing fingers about this one.

Tomorrow is my big appointment, and I'm nervous. I'm 49, but I'm still a big chicken (or baby).Actually, I also have an appointment with a pain management doctor upon the insistence of my dad. He wants me to have a "pain plan" just in case I need surgery and that my high tolerance for meds is not understood by the ortho doctor. So, Thursday will be tough because any time I go to the doctor or a family member picks me up to go to a restaurant, or whatever, I have fun, but I end up recovering from such outings for a couple of days. Do you have that problem too? That pain is worse just from doing small things?

Good for you for driving. I can't wait to do that, and I don't know...get my life back! I miss dating and going places like just shopping or being out in the world. I really miss hiking, and there is some pretty hilly terrain in the parks where I used to hike. I wonder when I'll ever enjoy those activities again.

About the boot, I have been sleeping with it all along until just a few days ago, so for 14 weeks! I used to feel too unsteady without it, and I was scared of falling again. Now for just around the house, I have found that going barefoot is not an option because of the strange sensations on the bottom of my foot,so I shuffle around in cushy house slippers. The boot had constricted my foot maybe too much. Anyway, I try to do my range of motion ankle exercises more often now without the hassle of taking the boot off and on.

Please remind me...so you did have surgery after 4 weeks, or are you trying to heal with the boot only? I remember you wrote that your appt. is Dec. 3rd (the day I turn 49 again...Lol and likely with my foot in a regular cast and up in the air watching t.v. in bed...oh, boy). Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and I love decorating for it. I usually decorate my whole house. This year...I have no idea what to expect since my pain and situation has been pretty much the same for the last month at least. No improvement.


I'm rambling on and on now. Thanks for your input, and let's stay posting and HEALING!!!
Nov 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good Luck Tomorrow
by: Marilyn

Sharon, don't think my last comment "took" and it is a good thing as I read your post again. I am glad you are seeing a new ortho doctor tomorrow. Hopefully, you won't have to have surgery. One thought I had was maybe your family physician would give you the pain meds instead of the orthopedic. Just a thought.

I am planning on healing in the boot as there hasn't been any other recommendation. It was my fibula that was fractured and since that was 4 wks ago, the new doctor I saw last Fri. just left it in a boot for another 4 wks and then in an ankle brace for 4 wks. I don't go back until Dec. 30th. Not supposed to drive that whole time but since it doesn't hurt to drive I did make a trip today to go shopping at Target! Enjoyed every minute of it since I feel like a housebound invalid now. I retired in 2009 and haven't established a routine yet but this being down isn't fun. I'm sure you know what I mean!!

The first doctor gave me oxocotine but only 30 and lasted only 2 wks. It pretty much made me tired just like this vicodin does. (on 5/500 mg) I am afraid of being addicted and afraid of having to get off of it one of these days.

How are you with the boot? I have problems of procrastination especially at night. The doc said I could take it off now at night (great) but have to get up to go to the bathroom just a short ways away and have to put that thing of in the mmiddle of the night - sometimes twice a night. What a pain. Are you still wearing your boot at night?

I hope Doctor #4 gives you some good input and clears up all your questions and concerns. It seems if you don't ask them everything, they don't tell you much. My first doctor didn't even tell me when to come back. He said the office would call when they got the mri of my knee (had old surgery on knee and when I fell, my knee was swollen also) So glad I switched doctors.

Take care and Good Luck tomorrow! Hope you let me know how you are after the visit and if you choose to have surgery. Mairlyn
Nov 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving with Fractured
by: Marilyn

Sharon, it sounds like your break is like mine except that you have the tibula fractured as well. You have been through the mill! No fun. Do you get around ok on your boot? Do you still have to sleep with your boot? I wish I could see your post as I am writing this but I'm not sure you shouldn't take all your x-rays, records, and any other tests and see another doctor out of town. I had a horrible experience with an orthopedic who did knee surgery and did it wrong but all the other doctors in the network stood behind him in that they would not give me a true diagnosis of the knee (even after 10 yrs). Finaly my gynoco told me this. It was a "tight medical community" and they would not "tell on each other" As a result some people actually lost their leg due to infection. At any rate, that is why I don't trust doctors anymore and expecially orthopedics. They don't tell you anything so you have to make a list and ask (and write down their answer).

With my knee, I remember the doctor saying nerves were like rubber bands and when they were cut during surgery (unavoidable) they pop up and after awhile the nerves come back down. Not sure if that would have anything to do with your nerve pain.

I went shopping today with my boot and ankel brace. Everytime I get in the car, the boot goes off and when getting out the boot comes back on. What a hassle!!

I am on vicodon also the 5/500 and it helps somewhat. Now that the foot is getting a little better, (at least I hope so) the pain is not so much and the vicodin seems to be working. I am fearful of getting addicted though and that is my main worry right now. It makes me sleepy mostly.

If it isn't possible for you to go to another doctor, could you make out a list and call the nurse practioner at your orthopedic and make sure she answers all your questions. I would tell her of your concerns of not knowing how to proceed. It is definitely a worry. Whether or not to have surgery is a big question that needs to be answered especially as to how it will affect your ankle in the future. I forgot to ask what activities I could do in the future and what limitaitons there would be. I am thinking the latest doctor didn't have much choice on whether to do surgery or not as I was about 4 wks out with the injury and wearing the boot.

Well hope you are feeling better. It is nice to have a friend with same problem especially since it is a problem that keeps one down so much off the ankle.

Let me know how you doing. I just have to wear this boot until Dec. 3rd and then go to the ankle brace until Dec. 39 - my next appointment. Ugn, not supposed to drive. timing couldn't have been worse!

Take care.
Nov 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving with Fractured
by: Marilyn

Sharon, it sounds like your break is like mine except that you have the tibula fractured as well. You have been through the mill! No fun. Do you get around ok on your boot? Do you still have to sleep with your boot? I wish I could see your post as I am writing this but I'm not sure you shouldn't take all your x-rays, records, and any other tests and see another doctor out of town. I had a horrible experience with an orthopedic who did knee surgery and did it wrong but all the other doctors in the network stood behind him in that they would not give me a true diagnosis of the knee (even after 10 yrs). Finaly my gynoco told me this. It was a "tight medical community" and they would not "tell on each other" As a result some people actually lost their leg due to infection. At any rate, that is why I don't trust doctors anymore and expecially orthopedics. They don't tell you anything so you have to make a list and ask (and write down their answer).

With my knee, I remember the doctor saying nerves were like rubber bands and when they were cut during surgery (unavoidable) they pop up and after awhile the nerves come back down. Not sure if that would have anything to do with your nerve pain.

I went shopping today with my boot and ankel brace. Everytime I get in the car, the boot goes off and when getting out the boot comes back on. What a hassle!!

I am on vicodon also the 5/500 and it helps somewhat. Now that the foot is getting a little better, (at least I hope so) the pain is not so much and the vicodin seems to be working. I am fearful of getting addicted though and that is my main worry right now. It makes me sleepy mostly.

If it isn't possible for you to go to another doctor, could you make out a list and call the nurse practioner at your orthopedic and make sure she answers all your questions. I would tell her of your concerns of not knowing how to proceed. It is definitely a worry. Whether or not to have surgery is a big question that needs to be answered especially as to how it will affect your ankle in the future. I forgot to ask what activities I could do in the future and what limitaitons there would be. I am thinking the latest doctor didn't have much choice on whether to do surgery or not as I was about 4 wks out with the injury and wearing the boot.

Well hope you are feeling better. It is nice to have a friend with same problem especially since it is a problem that keeps one down so much off the ankle.

Let me know how you doing. I just have to wear this boot until Dec. 3rd and then go to the ankle brace until Dec. 39 - my next appointment. Ugn, not supposed to drive. timing couldn't have been worse!

Take care.
Nov 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Marilyn
by: Sharon

I haven't had any surgery yet. The first ortho surgeon was wrong to just put me in the boot and tell me I had only one broken bone. I broke both the tibia and fibula, but he only looked at one x ray from the hospital. He actually said I could start driving right away (broke the right ankle)and to just come back and see him in 6 weeks!

I knew that he was wrong, so I saw doctor #2 who confirmed both broken bones and didn't give me surgery since bones were aligned and because I had already started healing with just the boot (like you?) I only stopped seeing him because he was WAY too conservative with pain meds. My pain has been awful since July, my bones were still broken, and his Rx for me was just Vicodin 5/500...4 x daily, then cut me off after 7 weeks.

The doctor I mentioned in my last post was doctor #3 (and I've got a high PPO insurance), and he confirmed that the tibia has healed, but not the fibula. He said the reason why I have so much pain is because of the non union and because of severe nerve damage. 7.5 Norco is the same as Vicodin but higher than 5/500 and less than 10/325, so the middle, just a bump up from Tylenol for me. It certainly won't cut it for post op. Side note: a facebook friend of mine broke her ankle 3 days ago, and they are giving her Morphine and will continue that after her surgery for a while.

So, are you planning on healing in the boot without surgery? That was my plan and it might still be an option, depending on what doctor #4 says on Wednesday, even if it means a few more weeks of pain, but I am at week 15 now with only the fib still broken.

Sometimes, I hear that surgery is performed on just the tibia, and that it's not necessary for the fibula (because it's a low weight bearing bone?)... This makes it that much more confusing to me. I hate the idea of starting all over, and I wonder if that darn fibula could still heal and maybe even my nerve damage. Do you know??????????? I don't know if my complications are normal or not.

I really would appreciate input about my situation. I'm confused as to what to do. Is it really a non union? I wonder this because I've read that non unions are not called that until 6 months. So maybe these docs just want to bring out their big tools to make their big bucks?

Good luck to you, Marilyn! Keep us posted, okay?
Nov 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving with Fractured
by: Marilyn

This is a great site for sharing ankle fractures, and other ankle problems! Sharon, have you gotten another opinion before having your next surgery? And what is norco?

I fractured my fibula on right ankle and just have a boot for the past 4 wks. A recent x-ray showed the bones were healing but it will be another 8 wks before I can drive (at least legally)!

It is scarey to think about not having a boot or brace to walk with. But guess that worry will be address later.

Wish all who post here get better fast!
Nov 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving with Fractured
by: Marilyn

This is a great site for sharing ankle fractures, and other ankle problems! Sharon, have you gotten another opinion before having your next surgery? And what is norco?

I fractured my fibula on right ankle and just have a boot for the past 4 wks. A recent x-ray showed the bones were healing but it will be another 8 wks before I can drive (at least legally)!

It is scarey to think about not having a boot or brace to walk with. But guess that worry will be address later.

Wish all who post here get better fast!
Nov 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving with Fractured
by: Marilyn

This is a great site for sharing ankle fractures, and other ankle problems! Sharon, have you gotten another opinion before having your next surgery? And what is norco?

I fractured my fibula on right ankle and just have a boot for the past 4 wks. A recent x-ray showed the bones were healing but it will be another 8 wks before I can drive (at least legally)!

It is scarey to think about not having a boot or brace to walk with. But guess that worry will be address later.

Wish all who post here get better fast!
Nov 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Can't Take Much More
by: Sharon

I'm back again; I post sometimes. I sure am sick and tired of the pain and doctors who won't address it. :(

The last ortho surgeon I had told me the dreaded news a few days ago... that because my fibula is considered a non union, I'll have to get the plates/screws surgery with bone grafting from my hip. (The tibia healed on its own in the walking air boot cast.) I guess I was prepared to hear this, but what made me cancel surgery were these two things I was told:
1. I have severe nerve damage which is LIKELY to get worse. When I asked if it would be better later, I was told that with some people,it gets better after A YEAR or TWO!Others,it doesn't.

2. 7.5 Norco (which is what I'm on now, and you might as well give me a baby aspirin)is what is prescribed post op because the doctor is only licensed for that. OUCH!!!!!!!

So, it's been 15 weeks since my injury, and I still wonder if my fibula could heal in the boot since the bones are still aligned. If I need surgery, fine... I'll just need way more than 7.5mg of Norco. I have always had a high tolerance for meds.

Sitting here day after day after day.... in pain is getting so old. 'Wish I would have had surgery back in July cuz I'm afraid it will be more painful (the bone grafting too) at this stage. On to the next doctor who will hopefully have better news. At least I don't want to have surgery if I'm supposed to be worse off with it.That just doesn't make sense. Oh, also I was told that he doesn't see me going back to a job (as a teacher)being on my feet all day, every day. Wow, so I need to give up my career too?

Opinions about all this appreciated. Good luck to you all in your healing!
Nov 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Connie
by: Ceb

I just found the PERFECT pair of tennis shoes that have made such a HUGE difference in only 2 days! They are the new Sketchers. They focus on your midstep so you dont put too much pressure on your forefront or you heel. They are awesome. If anyone wants the exact name let me know and i will get it for you. I want to get them in every color! I just wish they made shoe, shoes...
Nov 05, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		CEB
by: CONNIE

Hey CEB!

You are so right about the shoes.. It makes a BIG difference. I will have to invest in a good pair of rocker shoes. I have the most trouble with the fitting around my ankle on the inside where those screws are and it becomes very uncomfortable pressing against them. I will try that particular shoe. I am right behind you Ceb..! :)

I still have atrophy too!, but my muscle is definitely building and getting stronger, I can see a visible difference.

THANKS!!!
Nov 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bec
by: Ceballos

Today is 7 months since my surgery and I too still have a limp. Remember to do exercises to streghthen your leg as well. I lost so much muscle that it totally affected my progress. Also, I have found that finding the right shoe, once you start walking, is so darn important. I was having issues puting too much pressure on the ball of my foot and now i have morton's nueroma, then because I didnt want to put too much pressure on that, I developed tendonitis on my achillies! Rocker shoes have helped me so far because it makes you walk "heal, toe" Its a long progress, but it does get better. I didnt believe it even a couple on months ago, but I am seeing a little crack of light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck!! May the force be with you!!
Nov 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bec
by: Connie

Unfortunately, I am currently 6 months into my recovery and I still have a limp. Some days it is more noticeable then others, but it is most difficult first thing in the morning. You will be fine, just continue your therapy and also, do your therapy at home. It makes a big difference when you can do it independently.

Bless you!! :)
Nov 01, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Limp in Pain
by: Bec

Hi Connie,
Thanks for your speedy reply and for reminding me of the trauma my foot has been in. I'm probably getting impatient through all these.

I am worried because I need to be going back to work after 2 weeks. It would have been a lot easier if I am back to normal. But judging from how my ankle is doing right now, you are right, I'm still in for a bit of a long haul.

How long did you walk with a limp? For the past week, I've been going to physio regularly 3 times per week. Still feels very stiff. Sometimes, I am scared to do my ROM exercises at home because I would imagine my foot would snap from stiffness. Swelling doesn't help with the stiffness either.

It feels so good to have to speak out my fears. Thanks for letting me vent, Connie. I hope you won't tire of guiding people through their ordeal.

Smooth recovery to all of us!!
Oct 31, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bec
by: Connie

Well hello there Bec,

Sorry about your accident. I want to inform you to stay positive and you have a long road ahead of you. It is like taking baby steps all over again. Sometimes too much all at once is not good. So back up and try doing a little bit at a time. You will still need to nuture your ankle.. Remember, you have been through a trauma and it is still healing. You will still need to elevate it. this will help with the swelling. Patience will become your friend. I am currently still recovering from a delocated ankle and fracture of both tibia and fibula that required 8 screws and a plate.( Surgery date: May 10, 2011). I still have a little limp and first thing in the morning is worst, but then I loosen up , but by the end of the day I have a limp again. So I am not quite there yet, but I am yet thankful I am not where I use to be. When you hurt..this is your body giving you a sign.."rest" listen to your ankle...elevate, elevate, elevate...it helps. Remember..Baby step.. :) Good luck and God bless you during your recovery
Oct 31, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Limp in Pain
by: bec

Hi!
I am 10 weeks post op from bimalleolar fracture. I had a plate and 5 screws on my fibula and a screw and a pin on my tibia. Right ankle.

I have only started to walk on my ankle for a week now after I was given a go for FWB. I still use one crutch though with a big limp and still in a lot of pain. I noticed that I could walk with one crutch to no crutches in the morning til midday. Pain is tolerable. But past midday I would start to swell and pain is unbearable to weight bear. I will then be back with 2 crutches. I've been like this for 3 days now.

Has anyone had the same experience? I felt I was almost there, then comes the pain and am back to nothing. The pain is mostly in the tibia bone where the a screw and a pin is inserted.When will I be able to walk normally?
Oct 31, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Right Fibula Fractured..
by: Anil

I got my right fibula fractured 12 days ago, went to the clinic the next day, they put a kinda light comfortable splint and I was referred to a specialist for a hard cast. When I got there the doctor decided the surgery would give the best outcome for future sports/jumping/running although it is an in between situation. I got the surgery 3 days ago (9 days after the incident)

I got nerve block from back of the knee, first 48 hours were very very numb, no pain no anything..
After the bottle(nerve block) finished I started feeling pain, I kept it elevated nearly all times, except eating, WC and moving..

This morning (3rd morning) the pain is got lil more, especially when I put it down for walking to WC with crutches.. I feel like the blood flowing down towards the foot and exactly that time it hurts from the surgery part. Feeling paranoiac about the surgery part might be bleeding because of increased blood flow, also feeling very hot around the surgery part.
Feeling nervous about this, I hold my pee now I don't wanna walk to bathroom or anywhere :(

How normal is this whole thing?! I'm supposed to recover by 4-6 weeks, but will I be able to walk with the crutches to work or something without pain. Or do I need 4-6 weeks home resting, keeping the foot elevated for 6 weeks?!
Oct 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Spasms
by: Ana

Im approaching week 3 after my ankle surgery. Pain is not as bad anymore ( thank God). Although all day I get this tingling feeling on m ankle. But at night, I can't get comfortable and I get these spasms which is so annoying and painful. I read somewhere that the spasms goes away after 4 weeks. Is that true?
Oct 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Spasms
by: Ana

Im approaching week 3 after my ankle surgery. Pain is not as bad anymore ( thank God). Although all day I get this tingling feeling on m ankle. But at night, I can't get comfortable and I get these spasms which is so annoying and painful. I read somewhere that the spasms goes away after 4 weeks. Is that true?
Oct 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		9 weeks post op set back
by: Anonymous

Hi!
I am 9 weeks post op of my bimalleolar fix. I accidentally slipped on snow while walking to work last 15 August. I had surgery 23 August medial malleolus and fibula.
I can say that I am far far behind of recovery stage compared to you guys. At 6 weeks post op, I was given a CAM boot and was ordered Weight bear as tolerated. I was so excited and started physio right away. After 3 sessions with physio, at my 8 weeks post op, my incision wound did not heal well. Portions of the incisions (both from right and left side of my right ankle)slightly broke probably because of the stretching(from physio) and the swelling. I had lots of pains and swelling. I was given an antibiotic to prevent early infection. I stopped using my CAM boot and stopped physio exercises.
Now I felt so unhappy, so scared, and depressed about my situation. I want so much to get well, but I am in so much pain.
At 9 weeks post op I still have a lot of swelling specially in the afternoon and at night. I could see the veins showing off and my foot would turn dark red when I dangle it down. I have numbness on the side of my foot where the big toe is. I also feel pain on some of my veins on the side where the big toe is. I feel as if the blood couldn't pass through. When I was going to physio, my swelling had eased up a bit. Now, it would start to swell again after a few minutes of putting my foot down. The OS said I had a bad injury and swelling and pain is expected. I just want to be normal again. Be able to sleep on my side and not having to prop up my legs until morning. I couldn't sleep well. And I would cry a lot in the morning.
I hope all these would come to pass.
Oct 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes, I've Had That Experience...
by: Sharon

Welcome to this site, and I'm so sorry about your injury.

I can relate because the first ortho surgeon told me the same thing, and I thought it was odd.I'm so glad I got a second opinion. I broke my fibula and tibia, but the first doc said I only had one break. He was in a hurry (last appt. of the day)and had only looked at 1 of 6 x rays done from the hospital. He was wrong. I knew I needed another opinion, and my new doc gives me accurate info, and after 12 weeks now, I'm still not supposed to drive (slowly healing in a walking boot).

I strongly suggest that you get another opinion. When I think about my first doc saying I could drive the next day, I'm just so glad I didn't follow that advice. I could have caused a wreck! And I'm certain I would have done more damage to the ankle too.

Hope you get the right help and good luck in your healing.
Oct 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving with Fractured
by: Anonymous

I am a "senior" and fell 10 days ago. My ankle was so painful, I went to the ER the next morning where the x=ray showed a fractured rt ankle. Two days later, went to an orthopedic (not sure about this office) and he put it in a splint and said no weight bearing, altho I could drive. I am not sure if driving would cause any further damage. It is my right foot which I use to drive. Anyone had any experience with this? Would appreciate any help!
Oct 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Isaac (Newcomer)
by: Connie

Hello Isaac and Welcome!! Sorry to hear about your accident, but we can't tell you what to do..It has to be your decision and your doctor's decision and what is going to be best for you and your recovery. All cases are different. Sometimes, our bones do heal on their own and do not have to have that extra support to keep them stable and other time. Like myself, well I had to have 8 screws and a plate, unfortunately, but it is what my Orthro surgeon felt would be best for my injury.. Two days and you looking better, that is awesome!!! Are you none weight Baring? Is is swelling still? It is what is going to best for you to help your recovery be a smooth transition..

God Bless you with making the right decision, but it's yours to make..because you have to live with it... :) Take care and continue reading..this site really helped me..
Oct 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		newcomer
by: Isaac

well i am new to this conversation and i read some of the comments but man is it alot haha.. i broke my ankle 4 days ago on october the 15th, went in took x rays and they put it in a splint. i met with the doctor monday (2 days after injury) and we took new x rays and he said it looked better than the first day and even though surgery would be the best option he said it is optional and will heal without surgery. I guess my question is, should i have surgery or not? my tibia is broken at the bottom, the little "point", and my fibula is broken a little higher up and it popped out to the side but i was able to pop it back in before arriving at the hospital. so it is realigned and in the x ray from the front it looks fine, perfectly lined up but from the side views you can see a little gap, about 2-3 mm the doc said... has anyone had a simliar situation? did you have the surgery? should i have it or not??
Oct 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Invictus
by: Sharon

Oh, thank you for your support in helping me to figure all this out. You are helping me, and I did ask the question you brought up about whether or not there is something else going on with this ankle since the doc wants to do bone grafting. His P.A. called me today to ease my fears and answer questions. So, about the bone grafting, no there is nothing else besides non union, he just said that it's the doctor's choice, calling it the "Gold Standard" since my own (hip) bone would have the best chance of complete healing without difficulties(after quite some time though, I guess).

Since my doctor books up surgeries 4 weeks out, the first available slot is Nov.8th, and I scheduled it, but I was told today that it is possible that the fibula could still grow together. The P.A. said that we can schedule another CT scan for Nov.3rd (I think)to see if there is progress, and if so, we will cancel surgery! (Crossing fingers AND toes here!!!!!) I'm an optimist by nature, and I really think there's a good chance for that scenario because there has been progress with each x ray. Also, I'm very excited to report that today is the very first day since my injury that I didn't need to take any pain meds until around 7:00 p.m.! The pain wasn't bad at all until then, and that makes me so happy!
That's why I think that my bones are just slow but still healing.

More waiting, wondering, praying,reading,watching DVDs, etc. all with my foot still propped up on pillows ALL day, every day...Yada, yada, yada. No pity party here though, as I know you and many others who post have or had it WAY worse than me, and I really feel for you guys. I am truly grateful for supportive friends, family, you and others posting here, and my disability insurance I elected to buy last year! Whew! 'So glad I did that.

Yes,I am still running fever; it starts at about noon each day, but it's very low grade...hovering around 99.5...kinda odd; I forgot to mention that to the P.A. today.

Have you heard about shark cartilage for promoting bone health and healing? A friend told me about this yesterday, and I thought she was a little whacked out of her mind for such an idea, but I did some internet research, and some people swear by it. Sort of creepy, but hey, if it works, I'll sure give it a try.

I really appreciate your input. Are you all healed now? When was your surgery? 'Hope your classes are going well.
Oct 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sharon
by: Invictus

You are so smart to get these opinions! Great that you have options.
Are you still running fever?
To answer your question, I do teach, but only two evenings per week, so my situation is much different than yours. Additionally, I teach at the college, so the physical demands are minimalcompared to yours. I returned to work, just two evenings per week, after three weeks. It was very painful, and I couldn't possibly have done it for more than my 3 hour class or more that 2 days per week. I really feel for you.
If you feel like sharing,I'm really interested in what that new orthopedic surgeon says!
Oct 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Morton's Neuroma!
by: Ceballos

Hi Everyone!

Well, i thought I was doing pretty damn good walking on my own finally after 6 months, but then the top of my foot started aching. I went to my surgeon today and he "thinks" it may be Morton's Neuroma! I'm like what?!!! basically its a nerve that gets inflamed and developes into a ball or knot and causes pain in between your 3rd & 4th toes in your metatarsal area. He said that he would have to take an MRI to be sure, but he wants me to wait and see if it gets better and maybe there is a chance that it isnt that. The treatment is either some sort of injection or surgery!!! not even my doctor wants me to go through surgery again, so I am going to try anything and everything I can NOT to have surgery. Anyone else out there ever have this? UGH...
Oct 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Invictus
by: Sharon

Hi!

Yeah, I figured out that it was you, and again, thank you for answering my questions. After reading your comments, talking with family members, and looking on the internet for top ortho surgeons in the San Antonio area, I decided to get yet another doctor's opinion. The top doc I chose (many high credentials)will fit me in next week, I think. If he says surgery, then I will do it. Whatever he says,I guess I will do it, but you are probably right about that fib not growing back together at this point. I think I am mentally prepared, so now I just want to hurry and get 'er done!

I will definitely ask those questions you brought up about whether or not something else is going on besides non union. That hip bone grafting seems odd to me,so I will rely on this new doc. I've been running a fever for the past days even though the vico has tylonol, so I can't help but wonder if there is any connection/possible infection in the bone???....dunno.

Did I read earlier that you are a teacher too? If so, how long after surgery were you able to be back on your feet like prior to injury/surgery? My district is saying that they want me back with absolutely no accommodations/limitations. I went back to work on Sept.22nd, and at the end of the day, I was in horrific pain, and the swelling was unbelievable. 'Thought I'd bust right out of my walking boot! I haven't been back since, and I've only met my kids that one day. Crazy stuff, all of this is!
Oct 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sharon
by: Invictus

That last comment accidentally titled "Sharon" was
from me, Invictus. Sorry Sharon! I think I needed the second cup of coffee this morning...
Oct 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sharon
by: Sharon

I believe I understand the non-union question you ask, but remember, I'm basing my responses on my own experiences, issues, and insights gained through it, etc.
The tibia is a weight bearing bone, so if it was not out of place, your own weight could help the bones stay together and heal. The fibula is a non weight-bearing bone, so if there is any space between the bones, however small, there's no natural pressure to get them together like there would be with the tibia. So surgery would pull them together and keep them in place.
The bone graft for the fibula interests me. You must have more than simply a non-union, like a crumbled or missing piece of bone. Did you ask specifically about this? This would be all the more reason for a bone stimulator, not a replacement for it.
My comment about the surgery being a more controlled kind of pain- I guess I really meant the whole situation was more controlled, and therefore a little bit better. My injuries were very severe originally, and it was horrible. Because I didn't realize at the time how bad it really was and how much pain medication and how much bedrest, etc. was warranted, I didn't allow myself enough of any of it. I have 5 children and no help, in a 2 story house... it was torture.
Plus, I didn't have any of the grips for bath, rollator walker (the best discovery for me!), or any help. It was really, really hard. For the surgery, I arranged to stay alone for 2 weeks in a one-story house. For me, compared to my other situation (which actually was more complicated than I described), it was great. The rollator walker (you can sit or rest the knee on it) was a huge help for me. I took pain meds more freely for 2 weeks since I had no doubt it was warranted...
I have to add that there was much pain if I was upright, like brushing my teeth. But otherwise, pain meds made it okay. Psychologically, I was in a much more optimistic place, feeling hopeful and excited that I was going to get my life back. But I also felt that the prospect of starting over was daunting. I get that, but if your doctor believes it's not going to heal, surgery is necessary to get your life back on track. Feel free to keep in touch and we can compare notes and experiences.
I wish you the best.
Oct 10, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you, Invictus!
by: Sharon

Thanks for responding so quickly! You do make me feel better about having surgery, but I have questions:

Did you ever find out why you had a non union? I don't understand how one bone healed, and the other didn't. Maybe I tried to put weight on it too soon? Also, did you have to get bone grafting too? Is the bone simulator instead of grafting? Doc says he may have to take it from my hip, so...yikes! Oh, and what did you mean by the pain was more controlled with surgery?

I'm trying to determine how much pain I'm in for in order to prepare myself. (I live alone, and all this has been really tough.)I have a low tolerance for pain and a high tolerance for pain meds, it seems, or maybe I'm just a wimp! Lol (trying to laugh, anyway).

Thanks again!

Oct 10, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sharon
by: Invictus

I had a non union of fibula as well, but my doctor waited 5 months hoping it would heal. I sufferred a LOT, as I'm sure you have.
If your orthopedist is recommending surgery, I'd go for it. You need a good fubula to have a good life, and a non-union is not going to spontaneously heal itself. For me, the surgery was much better than the initial injury, as you can prepare ahead of time in your home, with knee scooter, etc. It is painful, but in a much more controlled way. For me, it was not nearly as bad as the original injury. If you do surgery, be sure to ask your doctor and push insurance if they deny the request for a bone stimulator. I believe that was also a big part of my healing.
Good luck!
Oct 10, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Please Help! Need Advice About Surgery
by: Sharon

Hi All!

I went back to the 2nd Ortho Surgeon today. (1st one said, "Let's try the conservative approach and see if you heal with just the boot".)Last Monday I got a CT scan to find out why I still have so much pain and swelling after 10 weeks since my breaks, fib. and tib. Today, the doc went over the results and said that I have a non-union. The tibia is healed but not the fibula.

He wants to give me the plates/screws surgery with a bone graft. Then the usual 4-6 weeks non weight bearing. But after reading many of your posts, well...I'm scared! Since the X-rays have always shown improvement with the last one a week ago showing bones are together, I kind of want to see if waiting another 2-3 weeks, maybe the CT would reflect that too? I've progressed so much (although VERY slowly, and I've waited now 11 weeks, I hate the idea of starting all over! I remember the first few weeks after the breaks when I couldn't do anything, like even finding it difficult to bathe and get dressed, etc.

I don't need the wheelchair anymore, or even the walker. I can walk with the boot around the house for short periods. I keep my leg elevated still about 22 of 24 hrs a day because of pain/swelling, but it's still better.

I would really appreciate opinions about whether surgery is worth it or not. The doc says I can think about it. He says that some people just take a long time, and sometimes they don't heal. I'm confused...'don't know which route to take, but I guess I need to make a decision soon.

Thanks!
Oct 07, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Slow Recovery and New Pain
by: Sharon

It's been over 10 weeks since my breaks (fibula and tibia)on July 17th, and I went to see a specialist (ortho surgeon just for feet and ankles)last week. My biggest questions were why do I still have so much pain and swelling and when can I expect relief?

They took a CT scan, so hopefully, I'll have an answer at my follow up next Monday.I was told nothing is normal about my healing since with these kinds of breaks, most people have the surgery instead of healing in the walking boot.

Now, something new has happened, and I wonder if this is normal: I have a "pins and needles" pain in addition to the constant pain. It radiates all around my foot, top and bottom. Also, last night after my leg hung down for only about an hour, I saw a freak show on my leg and foot!!! Bulging veins pulsated like crazy in places I've never seen veins! When foot is elevated, they go away, but I'm wondering if this is normal healing or a circulation complication. Also, my foot stays purplish and warm. Are these things normal?
Oct 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		One month later
by: Barbara

It has been a month since I broke my fibula. I was told to they to put some pressure on the foot. It seemed ok but then the next morning my ankle ached. Has anybody else had trouble starting to walk again?
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Almost 2-years-Hsv, AL
by: ADuncan

Almost two years ago....Broke my ankle going downstairs on November 20, 2009,the week before Thanksgiving; had surgery..received 2 plates and 8 screws to repair my broken ankle.

I had my first post on this site December 14, 2009. I was no weight bearing for 10 weeks after surgery, so counting the time of break until I could bear weight was 12 weeks.

This site was a life saver for me, I found that everybody's break and recovery is different, but the advice and suggestions could make the difference between an easy or difficult recovery. The posters on this site are compassionate and caring.

I am doing great! I had the hardware removed on July 2010. Went on a cruise less than a year after break and will be cruising again before the 2-year anniversary of the break.

I still have some swelling by the end of the day, but no real pain. I'm regular at the gym walking on the treadmill and the elliptical. Every now and then I do a slow trot for about 45 seconds(smile). Hey I'm 53 years old and a slow trot is good for me.

Hang in there it does get better, I read where someone says patience will be your best friend, that is great advice you will get your life back, just be patient.
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Details
by: Anonymous

I also had problems sleeping and often woke up with terrible leg cramps. Extra pillows helped - one under the ankle and one under the legs I had two large scars, one on the outside
which was about 8 inches long and one on the inside which was shorter. Both scars have now
disappeared but the pain in mostly on the outside'
of the foot. Try soaking in the epson salts, it
really works - it helps with any swelling and pain. Good lluck for a speedy recovery.
lu

Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		2 years later
by: kr

everything you list is so true i hit two year in July.... I am happy that I was able to get most of the pins and plate out of my ankle and it has helped out alot.
good luck to you all I try to look at web site every few weeks.
Kim
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pressure 2
by: Anonymous

Just realized that if we put down our foot progressively from elevation to the floor, slowly, the pain is less sharp once on the floor.
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		2 YEARS LATER
by: Anonymous

To everyone out there who is still experiencing discomfort - hang in there. I am coming up for
a two year anniversary after being in a car
accident and severely breaking my ankle and having
screws, nuts and bolts etc. put in to rebuild the ankle. One thing that helped was to soak the foot in hot water and epsom salts especially after being on the foot for some time.
I still have pain especially after walking on standing for any length of time. Walking on concrete floors is the worst like Walmarts or the grocery store and I am ready to elevate the leg. Since the surgery I get a lot of leg cramps especially at night. I never realized what a long haul it was for an ankle to repair
but it does get better but for all you ladies out there put the high heels away as you may never wear them again. Keeping the foot elevated at
work is definitely a plus and I bought an ice bag and filled it with ice before going to work and it lasted all day while I sat at the desk with my foot elevated with the ice bag on top of the foot. Good luck to you all but take things easy and take advantage of any help that is offered and remember that the healing process takes time.
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Details
by: Anonymous

Thanks for your quick input. I had a broken and displaced fibula so they put in plate and screws. Don't know how big or how many but just took a glimpse at area yesterday, it's a few inches long (turns my stomach)
Any trouble sleeping. I seem to have insomnia
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Scs
by: Invictus

Without knowing exactly what the injury and surgery was, it's hard to say much. But I think just that you are even able to try to do things seem great! I experienced extreme pain and inability to do more than get myself out of bed for at least 2 weeks. Then, many weeks of much pain.... You sound like you're doing well, but again, it would depend on what your injury and surgery were.
Sep 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pressure
by: Scs

Hi,
Just had surgery one week ago. IM already out of a cast
And in a moon boot. The dr said I can start walking on it but my stomach can't handle it. The pressure I feel when I get up is painful. How long does that last from other experiences? Thinking of calling my physical therapist to help with mvts...
Any thoughts? It's hard to be stuck but trying to make best of it. (forced rest!)
As for driving, since it's my left, he said I could start that too but the throbbing is preventing me... Thanks!
Sep 26, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceballos
by: Invictus

It sounds similar to my situation. My last surgery was march 16, and I still have a lot of discomfort in a couple different areas. My calf is one area, and the area was terribly painful when my ankle was broken. I have always believed something was damaged in there, but I haven't had an MRI in that area yet. Insurance companies like doctors who save them money, so they like to avoid expensive tests like MRI. Maybe we both have something more going on, and should ask for MRI's.
Good luck to you!
Sep 26, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Aching leg
by: Ceballos

Hi Everyone!

Well, I am finally walking mostly without a cane, for the last couple of weeks, however more than actual pain/ache in my ankle, my leg/knee aches a lot. I am still working on getting the stregnth back in my leg, but wow! it is really bumming me out. I feel like i would be able to walk a lot better if my darn leg didnt hurt. Has anyone else had this problem? I am still going to PT and all she says is once my leg is stronger it wont hurt.
Its so frustrating. Its almost been 6 months for me. I am so sick and tired of this....
Sep 26, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lee
by: Ceballos

Lee, are you elevating your leg? you really need to. I also work at a desk and when i came back to work I made sure my foot was always elevated. I actually came back to work too eary as well and i ended up having to take a month off later. My surgery was on April 4th and I came back to work 3 weeks later. I wish i had taken a couple of months off to begin with. You should definitely make sure it is elevated.

Hope that helps a bit. Good luck!
Sep 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		when does the pain stop?
by: Lee

I broke my ankle on August 6th, 1 plate and 6 screws later, I still have huge pain. I was operated on August 12th.
I've been back at work for 2 weeks now, which I'm thinking has something to do with it. I work front desk in a hotel so I have to move and stand a lot. I'm still on crutches, with a boot. The boot is so uncomfortable, ugh.
I was reading people's comments and now am very nervous that I pushed myself too soon.
How long have others been on pain killers? I'm really scared my dr will stop giving them to me. Standing a lot makes my foot swell and therefore the pain is pretty intense.
Sep 16, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Barbara
by: Connie

Hello, Barbara! Welcome and sorry about your accident :(..
Yes it is normal for you to hurt. It is still early an rest and elevating you ankle is best for now, it keeps he swelling down and it helps the pain... I am wishing you a speedy recovery!
:)
Sep 16, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken fibula
by: Barbara

I broke my fibula just above my ankle on Sept 9,2011. Clean break and no surgery, I have a fiberglass cast and I have no pain when my foot is elevated. When I get up to use my crutches if hurts. Is this normal?
Sep 15, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Healing time for 50 year old with broken ankle?
by: P

Hello there,
It has been very helpful to read all your comments about broken bones.:) thanks!

I broke my ankle on Aug. 30th....apparently a hairline fracture that was aligned and did not any surgery...thankfully!! I have been off work since then and as much as I hope to be given permission to go back I want a full recovery too!
Doc told me last Friday there was no visible healing (although it had only been 9 days since injury?), no walking stump on my full fibreglass cast and no work either. :( Part of me is frustrated but the realistic side of me tries to remember that I am over 50 and we just don't heal the same? Any suggestions for supplements or successful healing stories would be helpful?
Leg still seems to swell pretty quickly as soon as I am up and on the crutches? Lots of spasms and stabbing pain this past few days? Is that a sign of healing or maybe I've got more going on in there?
Thanks in advance! P
Sep 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Being Encouraged
by: Connie

Hello All,

Patience continues to be my friend. It has been 4 months since my injury and I still struggle with a limp and I am still slow...I still have this pain that off and on bothers me. I still do not have full range of motion..but I am hoping that it will come with time.

Donna, thanks for the information about the screws...I still haven't decided to actually go through with it or not, but If we are to do this my O.S. has been observing my x-rays closely and making sure my bones have no loose fragments, but like you said...once removed who knows... I would still have the 6 screws and plate, which has not bothered me at all...versus the 2 screws I have on the inside that have cause nothing but pain and swelling. it is iffy... not sure at this point what I plan to do, but I will decide by my next visit...Thanks for you input it always helps.. :)

I still elevate my leg by the end of the day..it helps..gravity is something you know...

Be careful with those walkers and crutches and how much you depend on them... I have to see a specialist for my shoulder now because of limited mobility since using the walker while my ankle was injured..I stopped using the walker in June and my shoulder had not gotten better. :( so we will see where this goes.. I only used it for 30 days which was apparently too long..

I will keep you guys posted. Prayers go out to our friends and families on this day in remembering those who lost their lives.
Sep 09, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		BROKEN FEBULA
by: marsha

wow thank you all for your post it helps,i broke my fib on aug 9 and im trying to be incouraged and count it all a joy however im ready to get back to normal routine man i took so much for granted ,im so thankful to my husband and 8yr old son i dont know what i would have done without them iv started walking a little without my walker but not real stable when i put my wt on it i feel tingling across the bottom of my foot ? i tire easly will thank you all for your post..
Sep 03, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Renee
by: Invictus

Renee, I hate to say it, but maybe it wasn't a "simple" fracture. I broke my fibula in Sept. 2010, almost a year ago. After months of xrays, casts, boots and bad pain, finally an MRI showed non union, as well as an unhealed fracture to the talus (which cant be seen on xray). I needed a big surgery, 2 plates and 13 skrews.
Without knowing your age and other factors, it's hard to say what's normal. If your "simple" fracture was not displaced, you did not have surgery, and if you're otherwise in good health,it seems there is something more than a simple fracture. I would want an MRI for sure. You may have to push for this, but it will verify the simplicity of your injury or show other issues causing your pain, that need to be fixed.
Sep 03, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Renee
by: Invictus

Renee, I hate to say it, but maybe it wasn't a "simple" fracture. I broke my fibula in Sept. 2010, almost a year ago. After months of xrays, casts, boots and bad pain, finally an MRI showed non union, as well as an unhealed fracture to the talus (which cant be seen on xray). I needed a big surgery, 2 plates and 13 skrews.
Without knowing your age and other factors, it's hard to say what's normal. If your "simple" fracture was not displaced, you did not have surgery, and if you're otherwise in good health,it seems there is something more than a simple fracture. I would want an MRI for sure. You may have to push for this, but it will verify the simplicity of your injury or show other issues causing your pain, that need to be fixed.
Sep 03, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Renee
by: Invictus

Renee, I hate to say it, but maybe it wasn't a "simple" fracture. I broke my fibula in Sept. 2010, almost a year ago. After months of xrays, casts, boots and bad pain, finally an MRI showed non union, as well as an unhealed fracture to the talus (which cant be seen on xray). I needed a big surgery, 2 plates and 13 skrews.
Without knowing your age and other factors, it's hard to say what's normal. If your "simple" fracture was not displaced, you did not have surgery, and if you're otherwise in good health,it seems there is something more than a simple fracture. I would want an MRI for sure. You may have to push for this, but it will verify the simplicity of your injury or show other issues causing your pain, that need to be fixed.
Sep 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain
by: Renee

Hi all,

I had a simple fracture of my fibula in February 2011. Its Sept. now and my ankle still hurts daily. I have less pain with tennis shoes, but flats do me in. Still a little swollen at the end of the day. I limp at night and in the morning. All I want to know is that I'm not alone. I'm able to walk for exercise just fine but I "pay for it" at the end of the day.

Thanks for reading,
Renee
Sep 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Progressing more...
by: Ceballos

Hi Everyone!

Donna, you are so right!! I do come back to this page just to feel comfort and know i am not alone. Well, since my last post, i am now walking with a cane and i actually have been practicing walking with nothing, but now its my leg that hurts! especially my knee! WTH?! i know if that didnt bother me, i would be able to walk more without the cane. Is it because its just not used to be used? is it because its still not completely strong enough? or is it because of the way i am walking? or is it all of the above? UGH!i am grateful how far i have come from even a couple of weeks ago, but still frustrating. My goal was to be off the one crutch by the end of August and that happened, so now my goal is to be off the cane by the end of this month! God willing!

Donna, i am so sorry about the winter coming. I live in Los Angeles, so thank God no snow here. There is no way i could handle that. I get scared when there is a crack on the pavement!:-) May the force be with you!!

Gwen, yes its true it will get better, but Donna is right, patience is a major thing for us right now. I had to learn that the hard way. I still get depressed and frustrated knowing its still going to be a while until i can go for a walk or go to places that i have to walk a lot. This totally changes your life, but I hear for only a while...
Sep 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just peeking in... Its Sept (please slow down, I dont want to greet winter yet!)
by: Donna

First, welcome Gwen. We've all experienced the frustration and loneliness... even though we have tenative people in our lives. This is normal.

During your recovery time, you'll find yourself coming back to these pages just to "relate" or post with others who truly understand what you are feeling or going through during your healing process.

I havent really noticed much discoloration since my last post. Im thinking maybe the discoloration was a sign of overdoing it (replacing the swelling sign that use to tell us this). My swelling is much less than say 2-3-4 months ago. The more sculpture my foot takes, the less swelling it seems. Which is nice.

I dont want to scare you Connie, but one of the lady's at work told me her daughter had some screws removed (only a few months since here injury)... she says her daughter's bones started to shift and now they need to go back in and put the screws back in.

First I was thinking, why would they remove them so early (unless effecting recovery)... and was she over doing it, or is it possible for our bones to shift so easily... and if thats the case, they can just leave all my hardware in there cause its not hurting nothing LOL!

OK, final thought... as I was turning the page on the calendar to September (I love fall)... then I caught myself thinking, that means winter, snow and ice is right around the corner!!! I thought I was having a small panic attack.

I know this is just another fear during our healing process, and I will have to face it and I will become stronger once I face it and survive it.... but WOW.

Do our fears ever end? Or will I not really be facing normacy until 12 months into recovery? OK, so theres still fear.... where do I come.... flying back to the nest :)

During my labored breathing and momontary fear, I even entertained the idea that there is still 2 months before really bad weather, and I could pack up and move south where the weather is nice all year round... shesh! Panic and run?

Anyway, thats my stinking thinking... Hope all is well with the rest of you :)
Aug 31, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Gwen
by: Connie

Welcome Gwen,

Yes, I can relate with what you are experiencing. Time will begin to heal your pain. The pain will become easier to tolerate, but in the mean time take your pain pills. and try to decrease the amount later throughout the day, but do not dare allow yourself to be in pain or be any miserable then you already are. Yes, our husbands can be awesome during this recovery period and can bring you this, help you here, help you there, be your crutch when you need some help sitting or standing, lend a hand to pull you up, but the emotional distress can be lonesome when they do not know what you are going through.

It will get better with time, but you have to have patience.. :) It will be frustrating but right now, your main focus it to get better, keep that ankle elevated and rest as much as you can. I am not sure if you are Non weight baring right now, but if you are then rest! You will begin to heal and the pain will eventually get better. Elevation is the best medicine for that ankle, because it will only hurt more when it's not...

You will begin to maneuver and be able to do little things "sitting" and will gradually begin to do more, but do not try doing too much too soon..

You will be fine. :) I have 8 screws and a plate. know that you are not alone :) Good luck!
Aug 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I am so grateful to have found this site
by: gwenhyvr

I am recovering from a badly broken ankle...both bones and torn ligaments. I now have 10+ screws and a plate in me. Break occurred 7-5-11 with surgery on 7-13-11. Two ortho. surgeons turned me away before sending me to a foot/ankle specialist. My therapists tell me I'm doing well, but the pain is often unbearable. The surgeon is pleased with the outcome of his work, but I am pretty miserable. Who can take percoset 24/7 and remain sane? I just tried stepping down to tramadol for the last 3 days, but it does not lessen the pain at all. The physical pain is bad, but the pain of fear, loneliness, and isolation can be even worse, even with an attentive loving husband. Thanks for this subject and any advise. Hope is here and I need it.
Aug 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Removal of Some Hardware
by: Connie

Hello ALL!

Well I ended up in the doctors office, not wanting to complain, but expressing concern about pain I am experiencing that gets worse by the en of the day, since I am on my feet "all day"..I have two screws on the inside of my ankle that my O.S feels may be the cause of my pain and discomfort and feels that taking them out may eliminate the problem will time of healing along with the swelling as well (which isnt that bad.) I am always hopeful and I do not want to go under anymore surgery, but he says it wouldnt be difficult at all.. Yeah easy for you to say...

I am going to wait a couple of months and see how it goes and we will go from there...Still moving forward ------>
Aug 21, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Shane with tib/fib break
by: Cris

Hey Shane. Just found this site. I broke my tib/fib on 6/30/11 at roller derby practice. My shin was at a 45 degree angle when I finally got down. I had surgery on 7/01/11 for a rod and several screws in the tibia and they put on a temporary cast of gauze and an Ace bandage. It was removed about 4 days later and I was put in a boot (with 24 staples still in tact) Anyway, I know your feeling of the blood rushing. I would say the first week was the worst for me. I could get to the bathroom about 20 feet and then cry because I didn't think I'd get back. Keep up with you pain medications - take them on schedule for at least the first week because you don't want the pain to get ahead of you.
Aug 21, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Shane with tib/fib break
by: Cris

Hey Shane. Just found this site. I broke my tib/fib on 6/30/11 at roller derby practice. My shin was at a 45 degree angle when I finally got down. I had surgery on 7/01/11 for a rod and several screws in the tibia and they put on a temporary cast of gauze and an Ace bandage. It was removed about 4 days later and I was put in a boot (with 24 staples still in tact) Anyway, I know your feeling of the blood rushing. I would say the first week was the worst for me. I could get to the bathroom about 20 feet and then cry because I didn't think I'd get back. Keep up with you pain medications - take them on schedule for at least the first week because you don't want the pain to get ahead of you.
Aug 21, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Donna
by: CONNIE

Thanks for the tissue Donna.... LOL! You know what, even though I am not as far as you are, I have also seen a screw under the skin..You know I am so sure that when the swelling goes down the screws are more visible (for me in the morning)..

This is crazy, because just this morning I was looking at both feet and I noticed that my injured foot is a little darker than my foot that isn't injured. I am not sure what that is all about but I guess it is also a stage of recovery for our skin being stretched and traumatize, and trying to get back to it's normal state as well.

I do also notice that where my bone "almost" came through the skin, I do not have complete feeling on the inside, but certain areas around it are sooo tender... I guess this is also another process to register...My therapist says I may have some nerves that were damaged and it may take a while to get my feeling back completely...but it should come back eventually..because the nerves will reroute around that area...but in the mean time I am being patient...

Let me know Donna, if you find out anything else about the skin ordeal and I will also check into this as well...

Well Ladies and gents....Get ready for this week! Be careful out there! Love you guys! MOVING FORWARD-------->>>>>
Aug 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Handing Connie a Tissue....While I ask a question
by: Donna

Connie, you crack me up... you shouldn't be getting teary eyed over our post. You know us by now... we are deep thinkers (with so much time on our hands during recovery) LOL!

The last couple days I have been watching my foot, as I noticed that it was looking a bit brownish on the sides by the ankles and down the toes and top of my foot. Im thinking, I havent gone shoeless, so it's not a blotched suntan. It almost looked like I bruised my foot and there was blood under the skin in several places.

So, this morning, I decided to take a nice long bath and shave the legs. Shaving is very important now... cause I remember my accident and feeling so embarrassed that I had hairy legs... Im not sure if I was more upset that my bones were sticking out of my skin... or the nurses and OS was going to see my hairy legs while cutting my jeans off in the ER... OK, stop laughing, Im sure I was not the first to break my ankle on a non-shave week....

So anyway, I soaked and when I got out, the discoloration around the top of the foot and toes disappeared. Only a little brownish color around the ankle where the plate and screws are. Also, I noticed that I can now see 3 bumps (instead of the two Im use to seeing)... those are the screws under the skin...

No pain, or anything abnormal that I have noticed, aside from the discoloring. Wondering if anyone past 6 months has noticed this... and if so, did you ever inquire... and what causes this?

See... even I have questions sometimes :)
Aug 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Resting Weekend :)
by: Donna

Im so glad to have a "resting" weekend. We've been spending a lot of time traveling and visiting ailing parents on opposite sides of the state. It felt good to be home and actually prop my leg up...

Kristen, its nice to meet you. Always enjoy posts from those ahead of us in recovery. They share hope and promise :)

Shane, you best get use to staying off that foot. The pain and swelling is your body's way of telling you it needs you to stay off it.

Now, if you are as persistant as the rest of us, you will still continue to try and get up (even after reading all of our posts telling you not too)... But we have learned, when you over do it you take a step back... in fact if you really over do it, you could go back to square one...have to have more surgery, and you dont want to do that.

I cant advise you on the pain, as I had severe damage and could not feel anything for a while. But I can tell you that once my nerves started to recover, I could sure feel the discomfort when I did more than my body was ready to ensure... that sounds what like your body is doing... giving you EMENSE PAIN to tell you to stay off it for a while.

The suggestions of the pillows is a good start. The higher the pillows, above the heart, the better. You will find the more you elevate, the fast the recovery (along with a good diet, and lots of calcium).

So, just sit back Shane, and get to know all of us who were right where you are now... Who knows, you might come to like us, laugh with us, cry with us... and later, walk with us,...or better yet, walk someone else through the first stages of recovering from a broken ankle :)

Speaking of taking care of one's self... that's what I am going to do... fluff me a soft, satiny pillow and pamper myself while I watch a movie. Even after 6 months, and although Im back to walking, my ankle every now and then loves a good relaxing weekend, and some pampering :))

Aug 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SHANE
by: Connie

Hello Shane, Bless you...

The pain you are experiencing is normal, when you have been up on it. I suggest you keep it elevated (which helps the pain and swelling). I take it that you may be an active young man and you are use to moving around, but listen to your body..Rest frequently.

I went through what you are going through, not sure if you are taking pain pills regularly, but they do help. It has been 3 months for me now and I too got frustrated at times. It is going to be a slow process in healing and will require patience on your part, but it will get better.

I broke my tibia, fibula and dislocated my ankle. I had to have 8 screws and a plate..

Keeping your leg elevated with pillows, will help tremendously..That is how I spent the first few weeks. Please try not to get discouraged because I have been where you are now...

Rest frequently... Patience will be your friend.. :)
Aug 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		please help...
by: shane

Hi everyone, I just recently had surgery for a broken tibia, broken fibia and torn legiments in my ankle.. got the plates and screws added as well :-( I got this done last sunday but the problem I'm having is trying to get out of bed. When I de elevate my foot and try and use my crutches the pain is unbearable all the blood rushes down to my foot and I can't handle the pain. I went into the hospital and the RN figured my cast was to tight so cut it open and put a little tensor bandage around it. Its the day after since that happened and the swelling went down in my foot but I still can't stand up and use my crutches without immense pain. Has anyone experienced this type of pain when trying to stand up? Everything else seems fine I just can't stand up on one leg and use my crutches, intolerable pain. Hopefully someone can help me cause I'm getting worried, thank you. I'm a 25 year old male by the way.


Aug 20, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		please help...
by: shane

Hi everyone, I just recently had surgery for a broken tibia, broken fibia and torn legiments in my ankle.. got the plates and screws added as well :-( I got this done last sunday but the problem I'm having is trying to get out of bed. When I de elevate my foot and try and use my crutches the pain is unbearable all the blood rushes down to my foot and I can't handle the pain. I went into the hospital and the RN figured my cast was to tight so cut it open and put a little tensor bandage around it. Its the day after since that happened and the swelling went down in my foot but I still can't stand up and use my crutches without immense pain. Has anyone experienced this type of pain when trying to stand up? Everything else seems fine I just can't stand up on one leg and use my crutches, intolerable pain. Hopefully someone can help me cause I'm getting worried, thank you. I'm a 25 year old male by the way.


Aug 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		We are Blessed
by: Connie

Kuddos to everyone for such encouraging and inspirational words! They are definitely needed. WOW! you guys are deep! LOL, Got me all teary eyed...

I am so thankful I found this site, because it is an outlet, it is an uplifter and definitely a motivator! I look forward to each and everyday after the next day, because I know I will be better. I am almost done with Physical Therapy, but I don't want to be done. So I asked my therapist to make me a list of exercises that I can do on a daily bases along with my regular exercises (Range of Motions) I am working and I am up on my feet most of the day, but i keep going with my limp and all. It's painful, but it was worse and I have come a looong way, so I just keep on pressing.

Donna, I can so agree with you when you say you were helping out..they seem to think they know you better than you know yourself..They really don't understand us...Oh dont worry...We know our limits.

Ceb..Keep on keeping on..it can only go up hill from, but sloowly..you know we can only move so fast..but we will still get there at our on pace...:)

Love you guys (3 months for me)
Aug 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Checking the nest
by: Kristen

It's interesting to be back to this site again and read up on what I remember to be the worst and most helpless time of my life. I broke my ankle May 5, 2010 and it took me 5 months to recover. For those that are worried they are not healing fast enough, just know that your time WILL come and we all heal and rebuild differently. I was initially told 4-6 weeks and I'd be walking again, but of course that was incorrect. Anyhow, I'm healed for the most part and my life is back to normal, however I will NEVER forget the emotional and physical distress and how much this chat site helped me get through it. This site helped in more ways than supporting me through a broken ankle and lengthy time of healing. I was told by the specialist that I wasn't healing as fast as I should because I was a smoker and it was necessary for me to quit. He said if I continue to smoke and re-brake my ankle it will most definitely take at least 8 months to heal. Now, maybe he was saying this to scare me but it certainly worked. So I did. I quit as of September 6, 2010 and that's where chatting on this site really took effect again. I received so much support in dealing with my ankle and also support for quitting smoking. I am still a non-smoker and when I feel an urge to start again, I will briefly read a few posts here and remember why I quit in the first place and all the support that I received from everyone, and I don't want that to be wasted.
Anyhow, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone, even if you weren't around when I was broken, thank you for helping others that are going through it. And just know that your freedom will come, it just takes time. Lots of Hugs.
Aug 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb
by: Donna

Ceb, you are farther than you think. I read your posts and I see you advancing all of the time.

Forget those family and friends around you who think you are "behind" in recovery. If they have never had a broken ankle, then they have NO idea on what it takes to recover from such a injury.

I've said this several times in my post... only YOU know when its time to move to the next step. And dont let anyone push you any faster than you are ready to progress. We are not only recovering from a serious injury, we are also recovering from a very tramatic emotional experience... we have fear to work through, confidence to rebuild, etc.

I can tell you this... if you are walking around pretty confident with a cane... you are so close to walking without... and then WOW... normacy is right around the corner :))

Im still not "normal". I still have a limp occassionally. Bad weather makes me feel stiff (where the hardware is). And I still take stairs one slow step at a time hanging onto a handrail. But to me, Im tickled to death because I could not do any of these things 4-5 months ago. But look at me now :)

And what really tickles me is... there was a time people thought I should be doing this or that by now... would pizz me off... but last weekend, I was up helping my mom in the yard, and people were actually telling me NOT TO DO this or that because they didnt want me to get hurt... while I laughed and said I was fine and knew what I could and couldnt do... what a difference huh? :)

I think (no, I know)... you are only a month or so in recovery behind me. I will be reading your post 2-3 months from now and you will be all over the place on your own...rather you still use the cane or not, you are going to feel so free and that small taste of normacy is going to get you so excited to do more and more :)

Heck, look at you now compared to a couple months ago? Smile and take pride in yourself... like small children, we had to learn all of this stuff all over again (and we have a better appreciation for our body parts now). I think we WIN! Those who have never had a broken ankle take so much for granted... they have no knowledge of the wonderful things we have had to learn about "ourselves" in our recovery :)

How blessed we are... Smile and pat yourself on the back for all your progress thus far :)
Aug 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna!
by: Ceballos

Hi Donna!

I am sooo happy for you! you totally give me hope. Because of my couple of setbacks, I am not as far long as i would hope to be, but I am getting there its just taking longer. I guess it will be that much sweeter when i am there!

You go girl! I guess the thing that we take away from this horrible experience, is that it makes us all appreciate the little things. It has also taught me about people - some of it good things, but also some of it bad. I swear if I hear "how much longer are you going to need that crutch?" one more time, I may have to hit someone with that crutch! :-)

Well anyway Donna, I really am so happy for you and I promise once i am where you are at, I too will check in to see how people are doing.
Aug 16, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Checking the nest

Hello fellow hatchlings :)

I was reading the posts and it appeared to me how much we all nest in the areas we are most comfortable. Like newly hatched chicks, trying to grow stronger and more independant... waiting for those who feed us with encouragement and hope that one day we too will be able to fly from the nest and rediscover normacy we once knew.

I cannot believe how far some of you have come in your recovery while I was off flying and trying out my new wings (recovering ankle). It brought me a smile to see you also sharing encouragement to those just starting their recovery.

But like others, the world of normacy is not enough to keep me from checking back in at "home" our nest. For without our nest, there never would have been a beginning...

In another week, I will be 6 months since my injury and surgery. A few months ago, I would have never imagined me being this far in my recovery. I am able to walk for miles now.. not to mention walk on grass, sand, gravel, and even inclines (still a little effort - or maybe a little fear)... and I'm finally feeling a bit of normacy in daily life again.

My ability to fly a little bit more each day leads me into longer journeys - or longer delays in checking in at the nest. But my love for the nest never lessens... as I always come back...

With all that sappy stuff said, I wanted to say I am so proud of you Connie and Ceb. I cannot believe how far the both of you have come over the past few weeks... And to the new members of the group who have joined, a sincere HELLO and WELCOME.

Aug 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		CEBALLOS
by: CONNIE

Yeah, you are welcome! and No they do not understand what we have been through and what we are going through.. I still can not bring myself to go "Down" the stairs normally, because of the trauma I experienced that caused my accident. I still have flash backs or still think something horrible could happen, but I hold on with both hands and I take one step at a time at MY OWN PACE!

This site has been a tremendous help to me and hopefully as we get better we can encourage others to let them know that they are not alone.

Have a great weekend! :)
Aug 09, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Connie!!
by: Ceballos

Hi Connie,

Thanks so much! My PT told me yesterday that because of the lack of stregnth in my leg and the lack of motion in my foot i cannot walk without a crutch/cane. I will get there. I just realized yesterday that i have to really concentrate on the muscles in my foot. the left side of it has become so weak! that's why its hard for me to put all my weight on it and balance. I guess patience has to be my friend right now. Its just so hard because everyone around me thinks its all in my head and i should be walking by now. Sometimes i wish that they could feel what i feel for one day, then they would understand.

That's why this site is so great because of all you guys! Thanks for being the only understanding people in my life right now. :-)
Aug 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Connie

Haven't heard from you in a while, Just checking on you to see how things are going.
Aug 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		CEBALLOS
by: CONNIE

HEY CEB!

Wow! you are not alone, I had atrophy really bad also, it does not take long to lose the muscle, but to build it back takes longer and patience :).. Do not use too much weight, be careful! More Reps can be a plus and gradually adding the weights after consistency with a weight for about 2 weeks and then increase..... Strength training is also good with the bands.

I am at 12 weeks and I still have that resistance, but just working at it "heel to toe" as best (I) you can. Stretching, and continue the exercises is all (I) you can do and it will come in time.

I do not have my full Range Of Motion, but some days are better than others. We just have to keep moving forward and keep our eyes on the prize! It does seem like each week you should progress to something else, but your not...actually we are, we just can't see it because its not major, but it's small...and small is actually big. Anytime you do not have a set back, you are moving forward.

Keep doing your Therapy CEB, it is paying off now and will pay off in the long run! :)
Aug 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		18 weeks!!!
by: Ceballos

Hi Everyone!
It's been 18 weeks since my surgery and i am still walking with one crutch at work and a cane at home!!! I had a couple of set backs weeks ago, but I just feel like i am so behind. My PT says i will get there, but I feel like each week its the same thing. I have been working on getting more muscle on my leg (i had really bad atrophy) and i have been working on putting more weight on my foot everyday, but I still can't seem to walk heel to toe. I just keep shuffling and mini hops. Any one else have a hard time transitioning from that to a regular walk?

Trying to stay positive...
Aug 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sharon -Healing
by: Connie

Sharon don't get ahead of yourself! 6 weeks is about the amount of time to allow the bones to heal and regain their strength, BUT you will be allowed weight bearing probably as can tolerate. Follow the instructions of your O.S. Do not rush it.. Patience will be your friend, because you will need it... :)

Take care and keep us posted.

P.S. Six graders...oh you will have plenty of help.. :)
Aug 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: Sharon

Connie, thank you for posting! I'm glad to know that it's normal too get tired easily at this point and that it does get easier. I am 49 and accustomed to a fast pace at school teaching 6th graders. Normally, it's rare for me to be at my desk; I'm used to standing and walking around students' desks all day except for conference period when I high-tail it to get to a meeting on time. I only sit during a brief lunch period. I can't imagine teaching and writing on boards and such from a wheelchair, but I guess I'll figure out something. Kids love to help, and I suppose I'll just let them.

Aug. 15th is inservice week for teachers, so maybe I'll just go back Thursday or Friday. That's week 4 of recovery.

Do you know if people can ever heal faster than 6 weeks?

'So sorry that you had dislocation with yours, resulting in surgery. 3 months...wow. Does that mean you're almost healed? F.Y.I., I think it's pretty neat that you went back to school!

Good luck to you, and again, thank you for your post!

Sharon
Aug 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		12 WEEKS OUT AND BACK TO WORK
by: CONNIE

Well guys, this is my first week back to work and I must say it has been challenging. I am on my feet most of the day and by the end of the day I am exhausted, hurting and swollen...BUT this too shall pass! I have made it through this week. I put my feet up when I get home and I try to get in as much exercise as I can according to my Physical Therapy. It is a lengthy process and I can only take it one day at a time.

So those of you that may feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel..There is!!!! I am still on this journey and I can remember when I too, was struggling with the crutches, the walker, the wheelchair, trying to take a sponge bath because I couldn't stand in the shower. All of those things have since passed away and I have moved on to other challenging task, so be encouraged!

Moving forward>>>>>>
Aug 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sharon -Exhaustion
by: Connie

Well,hello there and I wish you a speedy recovery. Everything you are experiencing is normal. This is something new for you and your body as it goes through this transition. It will get easier as each day passes.

I am not exactly sure how busy of a teacher you are and if you have to do a lot of moving around in your class.I am not sure how old your students are, but it depends on how you feel and what you feel you're capable of.

I am actually a student currently, I'm 43 years old. Thankfully my husband was a true blessing because he was able to drive me to my classes twice a week.I also broke tibia and fibula with dislocation and I currently have 8 screws and a plate. I will be at three months Aug 9th...

As a teacher for you....Depends on how you feel you will do..just be careful not to hurt yourself again. It is also a must to keep it elevate, because it helps with swelling and pain.

Your chores will become easier as you learn to do them in a way that is easier for you. :)

Good Luck..
Aug 04, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		'Glad I found this site!
by: Anonymous

Thanks to all who have posted here. It gives some insight into what I might expect. I am one of the lucky ones since after my broken ankle (2 places, outside and inside bones...don't remember the names of them)on July 17th...almost 3 weeks ago, my ankle is somehow still aligned.

My O.S. put me in the air boot cast and said in order to avoid the plates/screws surgery, I must keep my weight off of it and keep it elevated for 6 weeks! I'm in a wheelchair and will gradually work up to a walker, then crutches. He is x raying me each week to make sure bones haven't shifted.

The pain has subsided somewhat, but a big concern is tiredness. I teach, and I want to go to school when it starts (Aug.15th), but I'm really worried that I won't have the energy of that fast paced environment. Is it normal to feel exhausted after just getting dressed and then doing just a couple of household chores (from the wheelchair)? I have been creative about doing some chores...sweeping dog hair with my left (good) foot as I roll around the house, for example :)

Thoughts/experiences about tiredness appreciated, and good luck to you all in your healing!
Sharon
Jul 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		10 Week Follow up with OS
by: Connie

Hello All! Oh Donna, this is only yet a small hurdle as you said, only good things as you continue to move forward. Ceb, Donna is right nerves loosening and stretching, etc.. getting your feeling back and it should go away as you continue to work on Range of Motion and movement.

Well guys, I could not believe my doctor released me today! He told me my bones looked really good and that I am actually way ahead of schedule..I can only thank GOD for allowing me to go through and continue on the straight an narrow with a positive attitude, but it is loooong from over. I still have therapy once a week for the rest of this year and hopefully I will continue to progress. He also told me I can begin to drive again just to be cautious, because it was my right ankle that was injured.

I return to work in a couple of weeks with restrictions of course. so I will have to take it easy. I can't stand for long periods of time which I won't have to do, but I am ready to get back to work and I am sure they are ready for me to return. It will be exactly 3 months August 1.

I am working on my stairs...I go up one foot at a time, but going down is a task, I feel it maybe because of the tragedy that happened on the stairs, which I am most fearful of, but everyday is a new journey! I will, of course, continue to keep you guys posted on my progress.

Donna you are in my thoughts and prayers as well as everyone else. CEB, hang in there as well. I have been thinking about that half a mile you did Donna back here a little while ago....I am working towards it :)..Keep it moving ladies in "Jesus name" AMEN!
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Connie... keep hanging in there....
by: Donna

Hope you dr visit went well today Connie. Peeked in to see if you had posted, but not yet... so you must be resting.

I plan on following up on my new issue. Im feeling a bit better today. That last visit was quite emotional for me. I was thinking I was healing so well... then to hear that.

But now that I have digested the news, I am ready to jump that hurdle and keep going. Ive pushed to hard, with positive attitude to let one little thing get me down. Im a lot further today than I was 5 months ago... and I feel blessed to be walking period!

So, Im giving myself the little pep talks the last few days... Im motivated... and Im moving :)

Hope today went well for you!!
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Invictus
by: Donna

Its nice to see you post Invictus. Haven't seen you on post in a while. Hope all is going well with your recovery?

I enjoyed reading your post in the past (early days of my recovery). I know you had some trying times... hopefully you haven't posted in a while because you are all healed and running around now :)
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Welcome Anne
by: Donna

Hi Anne:

Welcome to the board of sanity. At least it seems like a little sanity to talk to others who are or who have experienced what you are going through.

I can totally relate to your decribing "tiring". You would think with all the rest we get for having a broken ankle, that "tiring" would not be in our vacab. I remember when I would tire myself out just trying to put a sock on my injured foot for a dr appt. Not to mention tiring myself out to get to the potty only a few feet away those first couple weeks.

I think an injury of this type totally zaps us of all energy (mental, physical, etc). Its really hard when you have to do for yourself when no one is there to assist.

You are only 4 weeks into this... dont over do it. Listen to Inv, and dont hop into another injury...

Someone mentioned a knee scooter when I first come on here. Maybe you can rent one for home to assist getting around better?
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb it could be circulation
by: Donna

Hi Ceb....

Yes, if you read my earlier posts, I didnt have the pain most of your describe... my foot just felt like it went to sleep and was that way for months.

My OS tells me that because of the stretching of the nerve it will feel like it gets numb or has fallen asleep.

The more I move and walk now (compared to before) I have more feelings... not so much numb or asleep now that Im up and walking all over now. But there are times it gets that way... usually when resting a lot on weekends, or first thing in the morning after Ive been off it all night. Takes me a little time in the morning to get it moving and awake.

I'd still ask your doctor about it though. That could be part of your fear (it was mine). How are we suppose to walk when we cant feel (if it feels like its asleep)? I do think the more we are up and moving about the better the circulation... But never hurts to ask to ensure everything is OK in the healing process... every injury is different.
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb it could be circulation
by: Donna

Hi Ceb....

Yes, if you read my earlier posts, I didnt have the pain most of your describe... my foot just felt like it went to sleep and was that way for months.

My OS tells me that because of the stretching of the nerve it will feel like it gets numb or has fallen asleep.

The more I move and walk now (compared to before) I have more feelings... not so much numb or asleep now that Im up and walking all over now. But there are times it gets that way... usually when resting a lot on weekends, or first thing in the morning after Ive been off it all night. Takes me a little time in the morning to get it moving and awake.

I'd still ask your doctor about it though. That could be part of your fear (it was mine). How are we suppose to walk when we cant feel (if it feels like its asleep)? I do think the more we are up and moving about the better the circulation... But never hurts to ask to ensure everything is OK in the healing process... every injury is different.
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Anne
by: Invictus

Disregard the word "AUBURN" that appeared at the end of my previous post. That was the word I had to enter before my comment would be posted. Oops!
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Anne
by: Invictus

I was a regular on this site several months ago. I broke my ankle last September, had various procedures and surgeries... it was very bad.
I don't know your age, or how much your uninjured joints can take. But I am 50 years old, very active and fit, and hopped everywhere because it was so much easier than using crutches.
I now have serious problems with my knee and hip (the side that I hopped on all those months). I want to caution you about the hopping. It hadn't occurred to me that I was causing additional serious problems. I was kind of proud that I could get around so well!AUBURN
Take care; good lluck.
Jul 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		So glad I found this page - Broken ankle.
by: Anne

I broke my ankle June 18th 2011 .. in a nightclub , having a dance. We are not sure what happened but it just went!!

I have a removal cast to do my exercises, have been to physio once.. gentle exercises with foot and then rolling it on the floor.

I have my first hospital appointment tomorrow , with and xray to see how it is mending and some physio. Not looking forward to it really , as a bit scared.

I am so frustrated as most of the time on my own, my husband works away .. sometimes home and then overseas.

I am exhusted using the crutches, but can manage to hop on just one if I need to , which actually is most of the time. I am fed up with keeping my bad leg up all the time, this is what I find tireing.

I will let you know how it goes, wishing you a speedy recovery.



Jul 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Ceballos

Hi Donna,
I have been thinking about you as well. I have my next appt on wednesday and I am going to ask my dr about osteoperosis as well. I found that the surgeon was good at doing the actual surgery, but as far as my recovery etc. He's not very informational. I wish there had been someone to de wh I was going to feel and go through. That's why I lilove this site. I think I may have gone crazy if I hadn't found it!

Here I go with another question... I'm going to ask my dr but of course I will most likely get a better answer from you guys! Do any of you have a problem with feeling like your foot falls asleep? Sometimes I feel like blood isn't circulating that great in my foot. I've barley started walking with one crutch at home in the last week and a half (late start because of fear) and it's been almost 4 months since my surgery :( not sure if the reason for the poor circulation is cause I haven't really used it in those months...ugh
Jul 16, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Connie

Oh Donna!
I have been thinking about you! Bless you! Yes ma'am, get onto that ASAP! I am getting along As best I can, therapy yesterday and did my measurements also to send to the doctor for next week! My swelling is better. But of course if I'm up on it too long it still swells.. I am walking without the crutch now. The past couple of days..so every week is a new adventure! I am not complaining. :) Please keep us posted Donna!

I will let you guys know what happens Monday after the doctor's visit..

Keep pressing forward and God bless!
Jul 16, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Checking in....
by: Donna

I've stopped by a couple times, but haven't posted. Glad to see Ceb and Connie progessing.

I attended my 5 month check up yesterday. Learned a few things I didn't know prior... One, the Dr has been following osteoprosis in my xrays...not sure why he hadn't told me that before... but makes sense why he told me to get a family dr and have myself checked (which I haven't, as Im not fond of drs if I dont have too).

Also he commented he would not be removing my plate or screws next summer... another surprise, as I didnt think we were ever removing them if we didnt need to. But apparently he was planning on doing so... but not with the osteoprosis still present.

So, I have turned a new corner... I will be finding a family dr to monitor my osteoprosis and see where we go from here...

I will keep you posted. Keep up the good progress you two :)
Jul 15, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Connie
by: Ceballos

Thank you so much Connie! You've just made me feel so much better! Only someone who is going through the same thing gets it! I am doing my exercises and the bike everyday, throughout the day... So hopefully that will help.

You know I even got a fortune from a a fortune cookie that said "Patience will benefit you" how appropriate is that?!

Thanks again for your inspirational words! I will keep working on it. Can't wait until we can both say we are walking normal again!

May the force be with us both!!!
Jul 15, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hopping To Walking-Ceb
by: Connie

CEB.. Bless your heart..I just asked my therapist when will I stop liming..Well, it may be a while and this is week 10 for me, but I have tried rolling heal to toe to try having a more smoother flow, but it is not going to be a pretty walk..lol! You will just have to work at what seem to work for you. Are you doing therapy? If not you would really want to work on mobility and loosening up that ankle to be able to allow some movement when you walk. It is going to take time and of course what you can tolerate..

It will be 4 weeks Monday since My doctor advised me to begin putting weight on my ankle..I hopped at first, and then I had "BIG" limps, and now my limp is smaller, but it still noticeable..so I feel that it just takes time to progress and as you continue to strengthen that ankle you will become more comfortable with what you feel you can tolerate.. "Patience is your friend!" Believe me, I am not even close to there yet and I still have a loong way to go, but I can honestly say I am moving along slooooowly.. It still hurts, but it is more of a dull muscle ache that I can tolerate. I do my exercises daily which help me start my day.

Continue on your journey as we both will....Everyday is another step forward!! Keep on pressing! :)
Jul 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tips?
by: Ceballos

I am finally starting to walk with one crutch and even taking a few steps with no assistance! The only problem is how do I move from hopping to actually stepping? Even baby steps? Help!!!
Jul 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceballos
by: Connie

No Problem Ceb! That is also normal after you have worked muscles and bones that have been at rest for a while. your whole body may ache while you are trying to use certain parts of your body that you have not utilized in a while. Keep going! This is yet another mile stone for you and you are not alone! I am still hopping and still have some stiffness and pain, but it is tolerable and is getting better, I will not complain considering how my ankle was.

It has been exactly 8 weeks for me now and I have been told I am doing quite well so I am thankful as I continue to progress on a daily bases.

Keep up the good work and take your time and go at your pace. :)

Jul 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain
by: Ceballos

Thanks Connie very much I appreciate it. I will take your word for it and pray it is going to get better... Sorry, one more question. Do your bones ache after standing on it for a awhile? I had walked on it a lot and the next day my bones ached the next time I tried standing on it. I was hoping maybe I just over did it. I guess it's going to take longer than a day to start walking on it after not for 3 months - right?! :(

Thanks again Connie - may the force be with you!
Jul 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain
by: Connie

Well, I can relate totally! I have been putting weight on my ankle now for a couple of weeks now and unfortunately... yes you will experience pain, but it does get better I promise. The first time initially are your nerve endings trying to actually transmit that you want to put pressure on the foot. It feels like Needles and pins sticking you all at once in that heel especially, but probably just a little worse. I tried just applied a little bit of pressure at a time standing up holding onto a counter or back of a chair. A little bit at a time and I promise it gets better.

Good Luck!!!
Jul 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain?
by: Ceballos

Finally started to try and walk with one crutch around the house after 3 months after surgery and now I have started to also experience pain! Can someone describe to me what kind of pain they have or are having when they started walking? It's taken me this long to try and now that I am feeling pain, I am scared and just want to make sure what I am feeling is normal.

Help! Please!!
Jul 03, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Donna (8 weeks out)
by: Connie

Thank Donna! No more pain pills for me. I can't take them when in therapy so I don't need them. well good for you Donna no pain (I hope). I am tolerating as best I can. I am really dealing mostly with the swelling when I have my leg dangling too long, I of course have to put my leg up eventually to reduce the swelling. Not sure how long this will continue but every week is progress.

I have begun to not use my one crutch as much and I am hopping successfully on my own. Trying to walk straight is a task, but it does not happen without practice.. I continue my exercises outside of therapy so that I can show progression once I return to therapy. I have two weeks before my next appointment with my OS and I plan to walk in there without my crutch...That is my goal.. I hope that my thoughts and my focus encourages the next person and of course Donna and all the others that have progressed on will continue to give positive feedback even in their moments of trials, because we can only move forward from this..
Jun 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Derby injury
by: Heather

Hi Folks! I broke my ankle on March 22 and had surgery on the 23rd. I was doing a stops and falls drill at a roller derby practice and my ankle simply folded sideways at the end of the evening. I earned a plate, seven screws and some wire on my tibula and was non weight bearing for 8 weeks, then as tolerated. I have an air brace that I am to wear when I'm tired and use tensors to keep the swelling down and will return to work (as a professional driver) in three weeks. Lately I have noticed that I have some pretty good pain to the touch under the incision around the plate (outside right ankle) and there is a hard lump under the small incision on the
Other side. My pt thought it was a screw until I showed her the Xray and she saw there was no screw on that side. I'm told the occasional burning sensation is the nerves and muscles coming back online, but the hardish lump concerns me. Current theories include encapsulated bone fragment or stitch. Any ideas
Jun 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Connie
by: Donna

Connie I cant assist you in answering the question about pain. I was lucky (if you can call it that) and my leg and foot just felt like it went to sleep (no pain).

I remember the ambulance people setting me up for morphine on the ride to the hospital... they kept asking me to rate my pain, and I kept telling them I didnt have any (my leg just fell asleep)... they told me it hadnt hit yet, and was just going to give me morphine to relax me... I was scared to death waiting for this wave of pain they said was coming... but it never came.

The only time I felt pain was they tried to put my foot back on over the bone. I thought I would pass out from pain. But then they put my mind to sleep, completed the task, and I was fine again when I awoke.

I did take pain medications the first couple weeks, but only because the swelling would hurt. Once the swelling went down, I was ok.

As my muscle started to recover I then felt that my foot was on fire. The arch area felt like jello, or walking on a half filled water balloon (and I couldnt balance). But still, no pain.

I dont think I started feeling pain until I could finally fit my feet into a regular pair of shoes (matching ones without valcro). My tennis shoes are cut just under the ankle... so to avoid the rubbing and pain that causes, I usually wrap it in an ace bandage to relieve this discomfort.

So, I guess everyone injures and heals differently. My hurdle hasnt really been pain... its been more balance, and keeping swelling to a minimum (if possible).

I do know what you mean about mornings though. When I get up, it feels like I am starting over as everything froze up overnight. But after walking an hour or so, Im losened back up and making my way around my office and grounds.

I hope your pain lets up soon. I couldnt imagine having the pain some people have described on a daily basis.

Not sure if its true, but I had read also that pain meds can slow the recovery process. I know when I was recovering, I made changes like cutting out caffiene, cutting down smoking, etc... I had read all those things could hender the healing process and I was eager to heal. Started drinking several glasses of milk, ate yoguts in place of snacks, etc. I think it really helped me.
Jun 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Blood Pressure Dropped
by: Connie

Well, If it's not one thing it's another! I had therapy yesterday and I forgot to mention this on last week because the same thing happened while my therapist was pushing me so hard. I started not to feel so good and got very light headed. Well, it happened again yesterday! She took my blood Pressure and it was 93/53 (very low) normal would be like 110/70...It only happens when I go to therapy and since I have just recently started doing weight bearing. I take a pain pill before I go...well, cant do that anymore...Maybe a tylenol or something but not the good stuff. The thing about it is, I only take half of the pill..lol..so I will either have to try to endure the pain, which is possibly tolerable or take tylenol..something that will not cause my blood pressure to drop significantly.

Thanks Donna! for your always encouraging words. I don't know how long will I have pain? lol crazy question I know. What I mean is, It has only been a week since I have been putting weight on my ankle, still painful.. I am now in the second week..still painful..I am sure everyone experiences the cramping in the one good foot we have because of most of the weight we put on one side. I am hoping by the 18th I am doing really good, because that is when I go back to my OS to determine if I can actually return to work or not.. I am not sure I will be ready by then..

I use the one crutch and try walking on my ankle,but of course I am still not putting all my weight on it (the crutch helps).. I can not get rid of the crutch because it is my crutch...It is usually worse in the mornings because it's stiff all over again.

I got in the pool yesterday with my daughter and we walked across the pool a couple of times in the 3 feet, which was not bad at all..It felt pretty good to walk normal, but then getting out of the pool was a task, but I managed. I did alot yesterday and I feel pretty good about it, but then I have to start all over again..

It is a new task everyday.. Keep me in your prayers!
Jun 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb, easy does it!
by: Donna

Ceb, I do not have the disk issues, but I did have a period where my arch area always felt like it was on fire and would cramp after walking.

Maybe you are overdoing the excerising? Or maybe just the extra activity is tighting up areas that you hadn't used while recoverying those first few weeks?

In any case, don't over do it. Maybe resting up for a few days will be just what the doctor orders?
Jun 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hang in there Connie
by: Donna

Connie, I was reading your post and I could just feel your frustration. I think your hubby and my hubby are related... is he an Einstein too?

OK, enough joking. My hubby isn't an Einstein, but you would think he had all the answers... how to walk, how to bend and how to tell him to go to... HELLO! Sorry, I was reverting back to when my husband was in your husbands stage... and I meant to talk about you and I in our stage :)

Connie, you are doing just fine. The things you mention are normal and I went through some of those same stages you mentioned.

You are not crazy, you are not being a baby, and the feelings you are having are real and they are YOUR feelings.

You have fear... most of us do or did. None of us want to break or hurt any recovery we've made. You're normal.

Your balance is off... mine was too. Heck, I still cannot close my eyes in the shower or sometimes I feel like I could lose my balance... but I dont hold the walls for dear life anymore either and I havent died from soap in the eyes... so Ive progressed... but at my pace... not Mr. Einsteins. Girl you're normal.

As far as PT... they aren't going to have you come in and do something you already do well. No, because they are demons from hell who have probably talked privately with Mr. Einstein, and both have planned your demise... I mean your next days activity/workout. OK, Im joking again... But dont think Mr. Einstein wouldn't if he could.

Connie, you sound as if you are prgressing very well. You have all the normal feelings and fears I have felt... and if our husbands are fortunate enough to survive our recovery... they will learn what strong women we are (recovering from a broken ankle is not easy).

Hang in there Connie. Vent if you have too, and BRAVO for speaking up to your hubby... sometimes they need to hear us roar! Because you are right, until they been through it, they will never understand... They may have been able to push us around the first few weeks, but they can bet that they will give them a foot in the butt as soon as we are strong enough and gain our balance :)

Jun 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Have a hole in my scar and had pain in different place ...
by: Anonymous

Hi there, well I broke my ankle 12 weeks ago, I broke it, dislocated it and ruptured the ligaments across the front. I am still in a moon boot but having physio which is good, although have not weight beared yet and am hoping to do that next week.

My scar from where they put the plate in has a hole at the top of it, it is red and feels like there is a lump under it. The surgeon thinks it is a stitch that may work its way out eventually, just wondeirng if anyone else has had this. There is literally a hole into my leg, and it is at times painful. I have been going to the hospital every two weeks and they think its okay! Having not gone through this before, I just keep thinking its not getting any better surely by now it should be.

Also the other day I had pain on the left side of my leg (I broke my right ankle) above my ankle bone, I have a scar here too as they had to put a screw right across the front of my leg for the ligaments, it was so painful that I thought I was going to choke from the pain, I am on codeine phosphate and panadol and that wasn't even touching the sides, just wondering is it normal to have weird pain sites pop up like this?

Thanks heaps for letting me vent :-)
Jun 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Have a hole in my scar and had pain in different place ...
by: Anonymous

Hi there, well I broke my ankle 12 weeks ago, I broke it, dislocated it and ruptured the ligaments across the front. I am still in a moon boot but having physio which is good, although have not weight beared yet and am hoping to do that next week.

My scar from where they put the plate in has a hole at the top of it, it is red and feels like there is a lump under it. The surgeon thinks it is a stitch that may work its way out eventually, just wondeirng if anyone else has had this. There is literally a hole into my leg, and it is at times painful. I have been going to the hospital every two weeks and they think its okay! Having not gone through this before, I just keep thinking its not getting any better surely by now it should be.

Also the other day I had pain on the left side of my leg (I broke my right ankle) above my ankle bone, I have a scar here too as they had to put a screw right across the front of my leg for the ligaments, it was so painful that I thought I was going to choke from the pain, I am on codeine phosphate and panadol and that wasn't even touching the sides, just wondering is it normal to have weird pain sites pop up like this?

Thanks heaps for letting me vent :-)
Jun 23, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		WBAT (Weight Bearing AS TOLERATED!)
by: Connie

Well, Therapy on Tuesday was not my friend. Got my new orders from the doctor that I could put weight on my ankle AS I CAN TOLERATE! NOT YOU! but as I CAN TOLERATE! ok, I just had to get that off my chest. I can not possibly do it all in one day, and of course, no one would expect me to or so I thought. I was frustrated and in a lot of pain. Shock absorption with my heal or I believe my nerves are not use to touching the floor, but whatever it is, it is not agreeing with me. I got rid of the walker and decided to start using one crutch to force myself to bear a little weight on my ankle, which it working okay, but is painful..and my balance is off, but I am dealing with it..so I am tolerating the pain and I do not want to go back to taking pain pills, but I may have to in order to make it through therapy..

I am not complaining because I am thankful I have made it this far, but I want to move at a pace that is safe for me and what works for me, I am even more cautious because I do not want to injure my ankle again. My husbands says "I don't see why you can't put that foot down"..Well of course I was not trying to hear him, so I let him have it! You have No IDEA what I am going through, I am doing the best that I can! It is so easy for someone that has not experienced something to say what they would do.

I have therapy today and I do not know what to expect, she kept thinking of stuff she wanted me to do as I was checking out. REALLY!

I am hanging in there and holding on! Literally!
Jun 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		6 week appt and 4th Week Physical Therpy
by: Connie

Well, guys I went to the doctor yesterday and he has officially given me the okay to start putting weight on my ankle! I have already been doing a little toe touch, but he now wants to take away the walker AND the boot, or keep one and gradually get rid of them one at a time. A lump of course came in my throat! I am excited, but I am also scared because it is like a pacifier for me and a safety net. My progression is good. I still have a little swelling, and He also informed me of the way my ankle feels like cardboard around it should go away but I should give it a least a year because it went through extreme trauma and will take a while to be normal again.

I will continue physical therapy for another 4 weeks and will follow up with my OS in 4 weeks as well. My husband was with me at the doctors office and of course, he was in the room when the doctor told me he feels I am ready to get rid of the walker and the boot. Oh Lord, here it comes! but I am ready! He also said at my own pace and what I feel comfortable with.

I have not returned back to work yet, but I am hoping by my next appointment I will be able to return soon..I still keep my ankle elevated as much as possible because it does still swell if I leave it dangling too long, which is fine with me whereas I never can remember really ever just putting my feet up. Patience is still my friend. :)
Jun 20, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		One step foward, two steps back :-(
by: Ceballos

Well, today its been 11 weeks since my surgery and last week I had been doing a lot better - even actually taking a few steps every day with one crutch and putting a lot more weight on my foot. Now, this weekend I had a set back. I also have a herniated disk and sciatica on the same side as my broken ankle and i guess doing all the exercises (stationary bike etc) and the walking with one crutch has flared up my sciatica big time. Now I cant put my foot down without it having the feeling of cramping on the arch. I think its because of the sciatica nerve, but it hasnt let up on 3 days. I just emailed my doctor to see what he thinks. Does anyone else out there also have sciatica and have had the same issue? it has definitely stopped my progress!
Jun 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken ankle
by: Jenny

I was so relieved to hear someone else still having problems after 4 months, I broke my ankle and had it plated with 6 screws just 5 months ago. Although I can use a wobble board and can now walk my dog about 3 miles occasionally I am still getting lots of pain including burning and stinging with shooting pains in my foot and leg. I am really worried that this is not normal. I have to admit I am in my sixties but still want to get out there and walk 10 miles and at least run a bit. I do exercises every day, including jumping up and down on the spot. I was getting very down about this pain so good to hear I am not the only one.
Jun 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Paw? :::fainting at thought of wobble board
by: Donna

Paw, at 10 weeks, walking 5 miles and doing exercises with wobble board, you are one of the mirical recovery stories!

You wouldn't get me on a wobble board right now! And Im almost 4 months. Of course, Im no where near 5 mile walks yet either... only 1/2 mile, without tiring. I still walk with a limp, which I know is more me "babying" my leg/ankle than an actual permenant limp (I hope).

But Im just amazed at your speedy recovery and exercises... Im just "starting" to think about purchasing a bike so I can get more movement going from peddling.

Keep us posted as at this rate you will surpass all of us... and give us hope :)
Jun 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb, you make me smile :)
by: Donna

Ceb, I smile when I read your posts. I can tell you are a passionate person from your words.

I seen something differnt in your last post. You mentioned "no pain"... your prior post mainly focused on the "fear"... but you never really focused on if you had pain or not. I can see your thinking starting to change.

I was in your shoes (or cast)... I think telling or confirming to ourselves its "fear" and that there is "no pain" (or real serious pain that we cant handle), we start taking little steps forward.

Im excited to see you are starting PT. I can see you on the verge of leaps and bounds really soon :)
Jun 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Skully
by: Donna

Skully, what you are describing sounds normal to me. All of our injuries were very tramatic, and changed our lives in one way or another.

In my experience, I know my body accepted the injury and began to heal... but my mind had a difficult time accepting what happened to us. Repeatedly, my mind would replay over and over and over that day... the accident (only from stand to fall and seeing the bone stickingout; nothing that happened before or after that point).

Now I am not much of a horror flick gal. My injury, with bone sticking out was like something from a bloody horror flick. So imagine your mind playing that over and over and over and over...I couldnt explain to anyone else what was happening, or they would think I was crazy and needed a head doctor instead of a OS.

I also had times I would dream that I would just be walking and my body would just start to crumble from bones deterating (legs, fingers, arms, etc). I would be helpless on the floor with no bones left in my body. Id wake up literally sweating, grateful it was just a dream.

Although my mind never found the answers it was seeking, it did eventually come to accept that the accident just happened, and we may never know detail for detail how or why.

And on a positive note, those fears of crumbling bones led me to think more healthy choices.. I began eating more yogurt, drinking milk, cutting out pop, drinking more water... I was so determined to increase calcium and assist my body to heal the break and ensure other healthy bones.

No, I did not have any bones problems, but that is the direction my mind too me. Remember, when we had our accidents, we lost some of our body's mobility... we were off our feet to recoup... at which time our minds took over (take over)...

All I know is it does start to go away when you begin to get some of your independance back... the more you progress, the less fears... I also know that I still dont like horror flicks, and I would love to forget those images of seeing my bones protruding from my skin. It was the most horrifying thing I had ever seen.

I also know what you mean too when you say you see someone fall or do something dangerous... I still do that... invision the activity and would COULD happen.. rather it be kids running, someone skateboarding, etc.

It may not be a bad thing. It may be our minds are more conscious of what could happen (or did happen) to us. Maybe we are more careful, cautious, prepared... it will only make us safer, if we are more aware of our surroundings and events, right? :)

I hope you get good news, and they tell you you are on your way to a full recovery and will skate again. Ive seen a lot of posts where others have returned to normal activities... Im sure you will be able to too :) Keep us posted!

Jun 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Scully
by: Ceballos

YES!!!! I feel the same way as you do! I think that's why I havent been able to move off of my crutches yet! Fear has taken control of me. Everytime I see anyone doing something dangerous or even not so dangerous I picture them hurting themselves and chills run down my ankle! I am also so afraid to fall again. Its been 10 weeks for me and I am just now "officially" starting PT. I tried to walk on one crutch yesterday and couldnt do it. It wasnt because of pain, it was because of fear. I am sorry I can't give you any words of wisdom yet because I am still there, but i just wanted you to know someone else shares the post traumatic stress. I will pray for both of us to get over it!!!!!! Please update your progress.
Jun 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Post traumatic stress?
by: Skully

Anyone else have bizarre fears? I picture horrible car crashes every time I drive. I am 6.5 weeks from my leg/ankle break playing roller derby. I watched my first bout this past Saturday since my break. Every time someone fell or there was a hard hit I could feel my whole body tense up & 'felt' my break again. I fear major falls on the crutches & breaking my other leg. Does this stop? How will I ever get back to my love of skating with all this fear? I miss it so much. I find out Monday my destiny. If they think I will ever skate again, if I can start weight bearing, if I will need another surgery....ugggh, so excited & nervous!
Jun 13, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trimalleolar fracture
by: Paw

Hi all,

Broke my ankle 10 weeks ago and it was great to read these posts when I was down and blue, so I thought I would contribute with my story.

I’m 38 years old and have always been quite active with running, climbing and cycling. Living alone on 6th floor with no elevator was quite a challenge.

31 Marts (10 wks ago) I broke my ankle (Trimalleolar fracture) and the tibia and had syndesmose and ligament rupture. Had 4 screws inserted the next day and was put in a hard cast (non weight bearing) for 6 weeks. After the cast was removed I had one week with a CAM boot and still on crutches. At week 7 post operation I was free from crutches and started walking with mini steps. At that time my main focus of rehab was with range of motion (I did not get PT so I fingered something out myself). At week 8-9 I could walk 5 miles straight without too much limp, but with some fatigue at the end. Now in week 10 and mainly focusing on balance (doing exercises standing one foot on a wobbly board, they are even quite hard with the good foot) and beginning to also focus on strength as my calf muscles are not strong enough for running yet. I’ll have my syndesmose screws removed in two weeks and should then be strong enough for starting running and climbing. Just my guess as I haven’t had x-rays or a consultation with a doctor yet, but no pain and swelling is reducing nicely. Hugely disappointed with Danish hospitals ☹ as they did not gave PT or an evaluation to how heeling was progressing, however very happy with the operation which seems to be successful and the right choice.

All the time I was very focused on eating healthy and supplementing with vitamins and minerals for good bone and ligament healing (try and google healthy bones or livestrong). Might have helped, dunno but at least made me feel like I’ve done all I could for bone healing. I’ve been doing exercises with ROM and balance twice a day since coming out of the cast. At first I used a nearby warm-water-pool which was great for reconstructing neural memory, my leg/foot could literally not remember how to walk and I also think that self massage and cold/warm water bath is good for reducing swelling (I use a plastic container that I fill with warm water prior to exercising and then with cold water after exercise). Ligaments and muscles really feel good after the warm bath and ready for some work.

Hope my story can give hope to some of you guys who has just broken an ankle. There is hope at the end of the tunnel, even though it is hard times with lots of pain, depressing times and feeling like you need help for everything.

Best wishes Paw (Copenhagen/Denmark)
Jun 13, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trimalleolar fracture
by: Paw

Hi all,

Broke my ankle 10 weeks ago and it was great to read these posts when I was down and blue, so I thought I would contribute with my story.

I’m 38 years old and have always been quite active with running, climbing and cycling. Living alone on 6th floor with no elevator was quite a challenge.

31 Marts (10 wks ago) I broke my ankle (Trimalleolar fracture) and the tibia and had syndesmose and ligament rupture. Had 4 screws inserted the next day and was put in a hard cast (non weight bearing) for 6 weeks. After the cast was removed I had one week with a CAM boot and still on crutches. At week 7 post operation I was free from crutches and started walking with mini steps. At that time my main focus of rehab was with range of motion (I did not get PT so I fingered something out myself). At week 8-9 I could walk 5 miles straight without too much limp, but with some fatigue at the end. Now in week 10 and mainly focusing on balance (doing exercises standing one foot on a wobbly board, they are even quite hard with the good foot) and beginning to also focus on strength as my calf muscles are not strong enough for running yet. I’ll have my syndesmose screws removed in two weeks and should then be strong enough for starting running and climbing. Just my guess as I haven’t had x-rays or a consultation with a doctor yet, but no pain and swelling is reducing nicely. Hugely disappointed with Danish hospitals ☹ as they did not gave PT or an evaluation to how heeling was progressing, however very happy with the operation which seems to be successful and the right choice.

All the time I was very focused on eating healthy and supplementing with vitamins and minerals for good bone and ligament healing (try and google healthy bones or livestrong). Might have helped, dunno but at least made me feel like I’ve done all I could for bone healing. I’ve been doing exercises with ROM and balance twice a day since coming out of the cast. At first I used a nearby warm-water-pool which was great for reconstructing neural memory, my leg/foot could literally not remember how to walk and I also think that self massage and cold/warm water bath is good for reducing swelling (I use a plastic container that I fill with warm water prior to exercising and then with cold water after exercise). Ligaments and muscles really feel good after the warm bath and ready for some work.

Hope my story can give hope to some of you guys who has just broken an ankle. There is hope at the end of the tunnel, even though it is hard times with lots of pain, depressing times and feeling like you need help for everything.

Best wishes Paw (Copenhagen/Denmark)
Jun 13, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It was a good day...
by: Donna

It was a good day. It took me two days to mentally prepare myself, but I did move forward to my next goal... DRIVING!

Thats right folks, everyone stay off the sidewalks!

I didn't go real far, but I did drive to the store and walked around to shop (and releave some IM SO TIRED OF LYING AROUND EVERY WEEKEND anxiety).

I now Im probably behind schedule in this area. But we have a stick shift, so I have feared having to use my injured foot for both the gas and the break. We live in large city where people cut in front of you or stop on a dime (I didnt think I was prepared to slam on the breaks with an healing ankle before today).

The driving part went well...the shopping part has me shaking my head. You would think I would have taken a mental break, wouldn't you? Instead, I had a productive shopping spree buying good walking shoes, a few night ligts to light the path the bathroom at night, ... pretty much just stuff based on my foot and making recovery a little easier. Go figure!

Now that Im home, Im wondering why I didnt spend a little shopping time picking up my favorite magazine I havent read in about 3 months, or shopping for some nice summer clothes, or even stop to get a hot fudge double chocolate brownie sundae? Maybe on trip number two :)

Anyway, Im driving! And, Im happy :)
Jun 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Preaching Donna
by: Connie

Alright Donna! Amazing! Frustration is exactly right, but moving forward is a must, I call it the trick of the enemy. Thanks Donna!

I am really trying to stay focused here. I went to therapy on Thursday to do what my therapist would call my drivers test with the ball I had to press my foot into as if I were accelerating or braking...Well, I didn't pass that test.., but you know what? Rather than getting frustrated, guess what I have be working on since that day in therapy? I am determined and I may not be there by Tuesday but I know I will be just a little bit stronger than before. Of course, we will have our moments, but they too shall pass.

I was so proud of myself this weekend. I traveled to my son's wedding and since it was a 5 hour trip, I road in the back with my leg up. My son walked with me down the aisle in his wedding and took me to my seat. I used my walker but at the end of the aisle, I held onto my son and he guided me to my seat, and I felt really good about the few steps I was able to take.

I am blessed to have my foot. In the beginning I was told there was no pulse and they had to get my foot straight immediately before I lose it. I still have my foot for a reason. This has only slowed me down, but I am not a a quitter. Trials come to make us stronger. This is my moment to be stronger and also share my story as well as others, to encourage someone that may not be there yet, well I am not there yet either, but I am striving to always do better.

My appointment with my doctor will be next Monday and I want a good report from him. That will be another motivator for me to continue moving forward.

My husband still tries to say you should be able to hold on and do this. He even tries walking with the crutch to tell me what side should be easier for me.Well, I am alot stronger now especially in my arms..lol..We have a SUV and it sits up high and he usually has to lift me up and help me step up, but you know what..I held onto the door and the seat and lifted myself up on the step with my good foot and sat in the seat, he came outside to help me and his eyes were huge from surprise...lol..

Things become easier and you're much stronger in other areas where you are weak. Just being careful and cautious during this healing process, but I AM Still moving forward.

Stay focused everyone and Be Blessed.
Thanks Donna!
Jun 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Connie
by: Donna

Connie, you are doing AMAZING! 4 weeks since injury and already doing as much as you are? Buy that woman a wonder woman crown (with clips, so she dont lose it bumping up the stairs on her butt).

You sound like you are making great progress very quickly. What does your husband think you should be doing more of? It sounds like you are ahead of recovery schedule. Keep up the great work!!
Jun 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb
by: Donna

Frustration. The fight between mind and body. Isn't this a fun phase?

I wish I could tell you that its a quick phase, this frustration, but I'd be lying. So you better start making friends with your 24/7 allie... frustration.

Frustration is what motivates us to move forward. We get tired of the rut we are in, we get frustrated, and then we move forward. We run into another road block (the next phase), we get frustrated, and we move forward. Therefore, frustration is our most powerful weapon in recovery :)

I dont mean to sound insensative. I've been right where you are now. But trust me when I tell you, you are about to make some wonderful progress in the near future (unless you arent frustrated enough yet?).

When you get really frustrated, and need to take a temporary mental break... take some time to reflect back:

Remember your first few steps (or hops) just to get to the toilet in time? Or the one or two times you didnt make it in time? If you never had an accident, you doing much better than I did.

Remember preparing yourself, both mentally and physcially for your first dr appt, and the energy it took to get there? Heck just to get up, before you ever got out the door. If this was easy for you, you did much better than I did.

Remember catching your breath, after the major workout of just putting a sock on your injured foot? If this was easy for you, you did much better than I did.

Oh I remember those times. I dont take many of them for granted anymore. But frustration, my friend, got me past every one of those things.

And as I grow stronger, my frustration grows stronger. It's true. The frustration doesn't go away. It gets as strong as we become... because our recovery doesn't stop until we reach normal. Do we ever reach normal? I dont know, Im not there yet.

But reflecting back, what I do know is that I CAN walk 1/2 mile to get to a bathroom now. AND, I have less accidents (hey, I can walk 1/2 mile, but I never said I could get there any quicker). What got me here? My friend FRUSTRATION.

So, think of your frustration as your friend... its your own person MT (mental therapy) Trainer :) You are well on your way to recovery!
Jun 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Connie
by: Fiona

Thank you for responding Connie, I appreciate it.

There is colouring to the stuff that's coming out of the wound, but I feel fine so I will just wait. I am back at the hospital next Wednesday. I have had cellulitis in that leg before (yes I seem to do things well) and know how sick I was with that, so will just keep resting it and changing my dressings.

Thank you again :-)
Jun 08, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fiona
by: Connie

Hi Fiona, Sounds like you did a job :(..Listen to your doctor, but if you start having fever and the area becomes warmer than normal or abnormal coloring around the area occurs, then you may need to let your doctor know of these changes.Good Luck to you this Friday! God Bless!
Jun 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Surgery 9 weeks ago, just wondering if anyone could help ...
by: Fiona

Hi there, I broke my ankle 9 weeks ago, did a good job fractured in two places, dislocated and ruptured ligaments. Was in a cast for 6 weeks and have been in a moon boot nearly 9 weeks. The wound site from the operation where they put in a metal plate and screws is tender and weeping in two places. the doctor I saw last week told me that it looked fine, even though I had been on antibiotics for 10 days and it is still weeping. Has anyone else had this and if so, what did you do just go with it? I start physio this Friday so looking forward to that.
Jun 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		2 year update
by: KR

It has been a while since I have been on line so I wanted to check in. Hope everyone is doing well.
July 3rd will be 2 years for me since I fell and dislocated and broke my left ankle in three places and broke a bone in my right foot as well. I still have bad days it has changed my life I do feel alot better that the dr took out some of the pins and plate there is one pin that he said has to stay in.
For anyone new on here The best advice came from my family Dr saying do not judge anything for at least one year that gave me hope that it would get better and it has with time.
Try not to stress and take each day as something new...good luck to you all
Jun 06, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		4 wks since injury and 2nd wk in Therapy
by: Connie

Well, it has been a couple of weeks into therapy and it is going well if I may say so myself. They are pushing me a little bit, but I feel it is well worth it. My mobility in my ankle is little, but BIG to me. I can move it more than I have been. I am at 90 degrees! I am progressively getting better. It is a slow process and patience is my friend. Most important, you have to do you exercises at home! Twice a week with the Therapist just is not enough. I work towards being a little further when I go back to therapy which puts a smile on their face as well as mine. I am no longer hopping UP the stairs but I sit on my butt and scoot up which is much easier for me. Also working on strengthening my calf muscle which has seem to have disappeared! But not for long! Donna, my husband seems to think I should be doing more as well, but I just let him talk and continue on MY journey..Congratulations on the 1/2 mile! That is sooo exciting! Keep it up and thanks! Bless you and everyone that is traveling this road.
Jun 06, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Ceballos

That is so awesome that you walked 1/2 mile!! i sooo cant wait until i can walk more than 3 steps!!! Yesterday was 9 weeks since i had surgery. I have only been seeing a PT and doing more extensive exercises for a week (i think i am way behind!). I am so frustrated with my self because i am still so scared to try walking with the boot on and one crutch. I have been feeling some discomfort now that i have been using the yellow thermaband and the wobble board. I was also told by my PT that i should put my one foot on a scale and try and go up every day (i started with 20 and am now up to 30)so that is encouraging, but then i return to fear once i am trying to walk.

i am so tired of using crutches and feeling like i have no control. I am starting to get very negative and feeling like I am never going to get better. Reading your words do help - i just need to remember them as my day goes on...
Jun 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tim
by: Donna

Tim, your posts freak me out! LOL! Its not a laughing matter, as following your post that has got to be tramatic for you. But when you say a second screw popped out and saying hello? I have to laugh... if my screws had popped out to say hello, Id be passed out on the floor saying goodbye!

I sure hope that removing your hardware works out well for you, and you heal with no complications.

Now that you had the hardware removed, has your fever gone away or temp dropped to normal?

Keep us posted so we know you are doing well in your recovery.
Jun 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb
by: Donna

Why thank you... and you are NOT a scared baby, or losing your mind. I love reading these posts, because I can relate (at least to those behind me). And the post from those ahead of me give me hope that maybe I too can be progressive and reach milestones of my own.

You know, its bad enough we feel like a basket case immediately following such a tramatic event... we dont need others telling us we arent doing enough... and you are right, we already feel guilty enough, feeling like a burden... we dont need anyone to tell us that!

But to overcome that, I started telling myself, maybe my injury affect more than just me. Those that assist us must be experiences changes too. Maybe some of those comments are more out of love and encouragement... and sometimes frustration... as our injuries and healing process is a long one and affects everyone.

Someone mentioned wearing the boot. I never had a boot. And yes, I am wearing regular shoes (thank God!). But I am not in the size I was before injury. I cant tell you how happy I was to finally be able to wear two matching shoes!! even if I only own one pair I can wear LOL! The other dozen or so shoes in my closet I hope to eventually fit back into (except for the heels, those my become outdated before I gain enough courage to put them on again) LOL!
Jun 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Connie
by: Donna

Connie... so proud of you attacking those stairs!! I only had to do 4, cant imagine 15 so early in the healing process.

Connie, as you progress in healing, things are going to come easier. I know its hard to believe right now, but it will. All of us have been there and are still in certain phases now.

I for one did a milestone... I walked on my own for 1/2 mile today. It even impressed my husband (who thinks I should be doing more). LOL!

If you had told me a month ago I would be able to walk 1/2 mile, I would have said you were crazy!

Depending on your walker right now is OK! Allow yourself this time to bond and feel comfortable with it...its like riding a bike with training wheels... when you are ready, you will let go and move forward :)

Just remember, even though others dont understand what we are feeling or going through... there are those of us who have crossed the same bridge you are starting to cross... and we DO know. So if it helps to vent here... do it :)

Best of luck in your coming weeks... you will begin to progress and set goals... and you will start to feel normal again.
Jun 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Has surgery on my ankle 9 weeks ago, wound still weeping
by: Fiona

Hi there, I broke my ankle 9 weeks ago, did a good job fractured in two places, dislocated and ruptured ligaments. Was in a cast for 6 weeks and have been in a moon boot nearly 9 weeks. The wound site from the operation where they put in a metal plate and screws is tender and weeping in two places. the doctor I saw last week told me that it looked fine, even though I had been on antibiotics for 10 days and it is still weeping. Has anyone else had this and if so, what did you do just go with it? I start physio this Friday so looking forward to that.
May 31, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		trimalleoar break
by: Invictus

I think you should defer to your doctor for this question. What bones did you break? The fibula is non weight-bearing bone, so you can be a little more aggressive with walking. The others are a little more tricky, I think. Sorry, but there would be so many factors to consider I wouldn't want to offer much advice, other that don't do too much too soon!
May 31, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Trimalleolar break 10 weeks ago
by: Dave

Hi Guys,

I broke my ankle in three places 10 weeks ago the surgens decided not not operate, it looks that is recovering well I can walk limping a few meters without help, but I don't know if I should push it further and try to walk more. Any thoughts?
May 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		90 DEGREE ANGLE
by: Connie

My two week follow up with the doctor went well. I had 12 stables and two stitches removed along with the cast. He said my ankle looked pretty good considering it was a pretty bad break. He says it looks like a 4 week ankle verses a 2 week ankle. He showed me the X-rays and where the screws and plate were placed exactly.He also told me he would not take out the hardware unless I started experiencing any problems, but other than that I will have it. Hmmmm..... ok? Only for young children or younger adults because their bones are still growing. Swelling is not gone completely and still purple, green, yellow... Now the boot comes along, and the nurse is pushing me to get this thing on..Well, of course now I am in tears because I am in pain and frustrated. ( WITH MY HUSBAND IN MY EAR) I get the boot on, but my heel is not where it is suppose to be..So I have to work on flexing gently to get to 90 degree angle at home. I start physical therapy next week..3 times a week OMG... I am not sure what to expect but if it was anything like getting my foot in this boot, I will have to prepare myself..I am little scared and I dont know what to quite expect. I go back to see him in one month...It is a sloooowww process..Any ideas to help me with the 90 degree ordeal or just work at it til I get there?
May 27, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		90 DEGREE ANGLE
by: Connie

My two week follow up with the doctor went well. I had 12 stables and two stitches removed along with the cast. He said my ankle looked pretty good considering it was a pretty bad break. He says it looks like a 4 week ankle verses a 2 week ankle. He showed me the X-rays and where the screws and plate were placed exactly.He also told me he would not take out the hardware unless I started experiencing any problems, but other than that I will have it. Hmmmm..... ok? Only for young children or younger adults because their bones are still growing. Swelling is not gone completely and still purple, green, yellow... Now the boot comes along, and the nurse is pushing me to get this thing on..Well, of course now I am in tears because I am in pain and frustrated. ( WITH MY HUSBAND IN MY EAR) I get the boot on, but my heel is not where it is suppose to be..So I have to work on flexing gently to get to 90 degree angle at home. I start physical therapy next week..3 times a week OMG... I am not sure what to expect but if it was anything like getting my foot in this boot, I will have to prepare myself..I am little scared and I dont know what to quite expect. I go back to see him in one month...It is a sloooowww process..Any ideas to help me with the 90 degree ordeal or just work at it til I get there?
May 26, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Ceballos

Donna, you are awesome! thank you so much for your words! its amazing how good it makes me feel to know that I am not a crazy, scared baby. It's so true what you said about others not knowing what you're going through. All I hear is "just do it", "the longer you wait, the harder its going to be". Dont they know i know that!! Do they think I want to be a burden to everyone?! that I dont want to be able to walk like a normal person?!

It's been a week & a half since the Dr. said I could bear weight, and i am still using both crutches, but i am able to put weight on it, especially when I stand while washing my face etc. so I think i am making progress. I did take one baby step (or at least think i did) with one crutch, but it felt so awkward that i think I am going to try a quad cane instead. I have 2 & a half more weeks to get to no crutches like my Dr. has requested.

Donna, are you wearing a regular shoe yet? if not do you find it awkward to walk in this damn boot? I love this boot because it makes me feel protected, but at the same time I hate it because it makes walking more awkward.

Thanks again for your encouraging words. I can't wait until I can help someone as well.
May 25, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Open wound, visible screws
by: Tim

Donna, the wound opened even more, and today two screws are saying hello. At almost 5 weeks, the surgeon thinks the bones have solidified enough to take all the hardware out, but he will put the ankle in a cast to keep it protected for an additional 3 to 5 weeks. The wound refuses to heal over the hardware. The cast will be formed with an opening for wound care access. My worry is whether the shattered bone is now solid enough. Hope the doctor is right about that, but the risk of infection is a serious one that has to be addressed aggressively. Assuming all goes as planned, the silver lining is that I will not have a decision to make at a later time about taking the hardware out.
May 25, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		To Donna "Stairs" and "Emotions"
by: Connie

Oh Donna! Thank you for your encouraging words. I decided to go back to class on yesterday, but I had to tackle stairs leaving my home to get there (the same stairs that I fell down). I was oh so fearful of them, but I managed every step (15). I was so exhausted but glad i made it safely..but knew I would have to come down the very same stairs. I did indeed make it back down the stairs and into my home safely and lost my balance while standing trying to remove my shirt. Of course, my husband helped me up and place me in bed as I cried myself to sleep after taking a pain pill. I am so frustrated with myself and I just don't know what to do. I agree with you no one knows what we are going through and it is a major adjustment with balance and everything else.

I just wanted to stay in bed all day and not move, but that is not me and I don't want to get into a depressing state and not do anything. I visit my doctor tomorrow and I have so many questions for him even though it has only been two weeks. I am not exactly sure what to expect tomorrow. I am not sure when I will start Physical Therapy or anything, but I know this is going to be a very slow process and I do not want to injure my self all over again. I use my walker for balance mostly around the house and the crutches I only use if I am going up or down stairs. I feel more secure with the walker. I want to be obedient and do what the doctor says,but I also want to assure myself to be ready for what comes next. I have been a bit emotional here lately, because I feel I am so helpless and I have to depend on my husband for everything. He feels I should be able to do more and I should hold the crutch this way and he can talk talk talk. I don't say anything, but I get alone to myself and I just cry....I am trying so hard to do what I need to, along with trying to tackling returning to class especially since I will be done in December..

Thanks again Donna for your encouraging words along with all the other stories I have heard.
May 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tim
by: Donna

Tim, that would totally freak me out to have my scar open up and see one of my screws! It freaks me out to just feel the plate under my skin next to my scar. But I know it assisted me and helps to hold the bones together while they heal.

Did the dr say if you can walk on it in the near future with it being exposed? Or do you have to wait until they remove the hardware to avoid further problems?

May 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ceb you can do it!
by: Donna

I remember the fear of putting weight on my foot, and feeling as if I was walking on a water balloon. No matter what everyone tells us, the fear is still there and we ourselves have to overcome it (when we are ready).

My OS wouldn't let me use crutches. I was told to use a wheelchair when at work 8 hours, and had a walker to use at home. I had to start putting weight on my injured foot the day following surgery... and learn to walk up and down stairs (only 4 of them), but they lead to front door. There were days I literally cried at the bottom of the stairs telling my husband I couldn't do it (walk up them). But it was a task I had to do everyday... and became use to (and fears lessened).

Somewhere along those first 4-5 weeks, the fear started disapating, and I got braver and tried more on my own. Some of those were prompted by arguments with my husband (who felt I should be able to do more on my own)... but no one really understands what we are going through if they haven't had a broken ankle. They can sympathize, but never truly know what we feel, think, or can do.

My injury was pretty awful. A compound break... both tib and fib, tore my ligs and streatched my muscle out. On a positive note, I had no feeling ... my foot and leg just felt like it was tiggling (asleep)... which made the fear worse, cause how could I stand on it, walk on it, if I couldn't feel?

I am walking on my own now.... Im at 12 weeks, but I had to progress. I have feeling now, but still feels like I am walking on a balloon when my foot swells. But my balance is good, so I know how to change my step when its swollen and not so swollen.

You are going to feel uncomfortable (and some fear) when starting to walk on it. Thats normal. But the more you work at walking on it, the stronger it becomes, and the easier it gets. Don't fear the pain, but watch carefully how and where you walk.. so you dont fall or trip and build on those fears.

We can all share some funny stories (not funny at the time, but funny once we pass them). My fear Im overcoming now is walking on the grass. When I injured myself, I was hurrying and stepped on the corner of a curb and twisted (broke) my ankle.. so grass and curbs scare me... but I can, and am walking on grass, and stepping down curbs (very cautiously)... and that fear will soon be gone too.

You will heal, and start back to normacy... its hard to believe in the early weeks... My suggestion is to keep a postive mind, set goals on what you what to do and when you want to achieve it... thats what I do regularly now. And it works for me.

We are all here to share when you need to post.. and soon you will be posting encouraging others too :))
May 24, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fever gone, but open wound, screw visible
by: Tim S

As I noted before, I was still running a low grade fever (<101 F) going into my fourth week after surgery. That went away completely by the time I got to 4 weeks.

Now, at 4.5 weeks,the wound where my tibia broke through the skin is healing up nicely, but the surgical incision on the opposite side of the ankle where a plate was fastened to my fibula has now opened up and one of the screws is visible! Discovered this at the Doc's office today when the splint and bandage was removed. It freaked me out.

Nevertheless, the Doc wasn't alarmed and said it's not uncommon for the body to reject hardware and make wound healing difficult. In my case it's titanium hardware.

Good news is that the bone continues to heal. According to the Doc, the open wound can be tolerated for a few weeks as long as the bone heals. Once that's solid eno