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?




Comments for
broken ankle (recovery time)

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		General
by: Anonymous

My comment to those that ask me how I'm doing is..I'm thrilled to be able to walk. I hate the swelling and stiffness; however, I will take it if it means I can walk, with my hands free. Just within the past month, I can see a difference in my attitude and outlook - much more positive. Even though I don't look here often, I appreciate the questions and comments left by everyone. It's nice to know that if we're experiencing something, there is a strong change that someone has is experiencing or has experienced the same sitaution.
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Anonymous
by: CA

Yes, I am happy that it was only one for me. I did badly sprain the other one and had to hop on it in order to get to the bathroom, which was not fun, but I cannot imagine having to recover from TWO broken ones! My prayers are with him.
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Update
by: Anonymous

Well, try two broken at the same time. My husband is the one who broke both in a skydiving accident. We are at week 8 and still no PT yet. Doc says another two weeks. Compound fracture holding us up. Seven screws and plate will stay in right leg though. Got a walker today at docs, so he is very excited. Hope he does not overdue it!As far as appearances, his ankles are cankles but he is alive!!!
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Stiffness
by: CA

Jr. you are so right. I had a hard time with the fact that my ankle looks a little different than it did and that I may not be able to be as active as I once was, but I do have to think about so many who, due to accidents or being at war have lost limbs or are paralyzed. So, yes, we need to consider ourselves blessed that it is not worse.
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		stiffness
by: Jr

That is very discouraging. It is sooo sad!! I was a very active person who had great looking legs. Now I can hardly walk and my ankles look like tree trunks. It really is depressing but I will say it could be worse! So we all should try to stay positive. There are other ppl out there worse off then us.
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Stiffness and swelling
by: CA

I broke my ankle back in June and have had PT. It helped my range of motion but I still am very stiff in the morning and do swell during the day. I have been told that it takes up to two years for fractures to totally heal. They heal from the outside in according to a bone scan tech that I have talked to. So, what we are experiencing is normal and should get better over time. My doctor and PT both said, however, that my ankle would never be quite the same again. That is discouraging, but I guess I can learn to live with it.
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		tib/fib spiral fracture
by: Anonymous

I slipped on ice on Jan. 16,2009 and suffered a tib/fib bimollear spiral fracture that ran 6 inches up into my fibula. My ortho said that 90% of these fractures require surgery but my ankle was placed back into the right angle without surgery. I wore a cast for 12 weeks. I also suffered a torn knee meniscus and had surgery in march for that. I had 36 pt sessions and then 12 work therapy sessions that ran into late september. I will be 40 in Dec and i still havent returned to full duty at work. I am an industrial electrician and i cant climb latters and am still a little leary of slick surfaces or inclined surfaces. Every morning i am very stiff and at night i suffer swelling. The work therapy sessions were 4 hr intense sessions and they helped trememdnously on getting back my mobility. I walk daily with me wife and have tried jogging but it is too much on my ankle so i have come to the conclusion that age is definitely a factor when recovering from a broken ankle.
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Limp
by: Healing!

Yes, i know how you feel, I broke my ankle had surgery did the whole thing and still limp. It's crazy and the doctor said it is normal and will go away over time. I feel like I am recovering slower than most because I still am in pain and it swells up a lot at the end of the day and in the morning it is stiff. I just stopped physically therapy and they gave me an at home routine, but it is still stiff. I guess it will just be like this for a while.
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Limp
by: Healing!

Yes, i know how you feel, I broke my ankle had surgery did the whole thing and still limp. It's crazy and the doctor said it is normal and will go away over time. I feel like I am recovering slower than most because I still am in pain and it swells up a lot at the end of the day and in the morning it is stiff. I just stopped physically therapy and they gave me an at home routine, but it is still stiff. I guess it will just be like this for a while.
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Limp
by: Healing!

Yes, i know how you feel, I broke my ankle had surgery did the whole thing and still limp. It's crazy and the doctor said it is normal and will go away over time. I feel like I am recovering slower than most because I still am in pain and it swells up a lot at the end of the day and in the morning it is stiff. I just stopped physically therapy and they gave me an at home routine, but it is still stiff. I guess it will just be like this for a while.
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		PT
by: JR

I have been in PT for 2 months now and I am still stiff. I walk, but with a limp... has anyone else have this problem for so long? Am I going to be like this forever?
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		PT
by: JR

I have been in PT for 2 months now and I am still stiff. I walk, but with a limp... has anyone else have this problem for so long? Am I going to be like this forever?
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		PT
by: JR

I have been in PT for 2 months now and I am still stiff. I walk, but with a limp... has anyone else have this problem for so long? Am I going to be like this forever?
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Leethe
by: CA

I am not sure, but I think it was more like 8 weeks before I could put any weight on my ankle and then it was only 25%. I progressed to 50% a couple of weeks later and then after a couple more weeks to 100%. Everyone heals at a different rate,so you have to see how you are doing and it sounds like it may be a bit too soon to be putting pressure on it if it shakes. Stretching exercises at 6 weeks is pretty much the norm and if you are sitting, I would think it would be okay to flex and point your foot. But listen to your body and don't push it too much. Are you enrolled in PT? They can tell you a lot about what you should or should not be doing at this stage.
Nov 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Too soon for weight bearing?
by: Leethe

I had a bimalleolar fracture with surgery (1 plate 6 screws) on 10/29/09 and was told by that surgeon I would be on crutches and in the plaster cast at least 6 weeks before I can start walking. However, I moved and had to see a different surgeon last week and was told I can come back in 1 week (tomorrow) to get the cast removed and placed in a boot and that I am healing well and can start putting some weight on my foot. I try putting some weight on it and it doesn't really hurt or anything but if I put too much my ankle starts shaking. The same thing happens when I try to point my toes up towards my leg. Is this normal? Has anyone else had this experience? Everything I have been reading goes against putting weight on the injury so soon and I definitely I don't want to interfere with the healing process by putting weight on it now.
Nov 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		For anonymous
by: CA

Anonymous, you sound like you are doing great. I am like you about the swelling, though. I don't like hearing that things will not be back to normal at some point. Don't dismay, though, because you may not swell as much as time goes on. My doctor told me that my ankle would never be the same again, but did not say in what way. I didn't want to hear that!
If you have a lot of swelling try filling two large bowls, one with hot and one with cold water...ice cold. Leave your foot in water up to above your ankle in each for 1 minute and do this for ten minutes. That has helped my swelling and circulation more than anything.
Nov 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Corinne
by: Anonymous

I broke my tib - fib in July. The day I broke my ankle, I had surgery - plate with 5 screws on the fib and a screw in the tib. I wore the post-op wrap for about a week and a half. Then I wore a cast for 3 weeks. After the cast, I wore the boot for 3 weeks. Then I wore an ace-bandage on my ankle for 6 weeks. Now, I don't wear anything. The doctor did tell me that I could wear the T.E.D. hose for swelling. I asked when the swell would leave. He asked me if I swelled when I was pregnant. I told him that I did, a lot! He said that I would probably swell the rest of my life. Not what I wanted to hear.
About 2-3 weeks after getting the boot off, I tried to run. Of course, it hurt. I told the doctor this, and he said, "You have to learn to walk, before you learn to run." Cute! He did tell me to start jogging short distances and then work my way up to running. I have started doing some of this.
Therapy - When the doctor looked at my ankle, he was very pleased with my range of motion. I did go to therapy a couple of times - learned the excises and got the bands. I do those, along with some other exercises that help with stretching. I take the steps and do squats, which are not on my list of exercises.
I just got back from spending 4 days in St. Louis. There was a lot of walking involved. Of course, my ankle did swell and the "hardware" did hurt, but I was happy to be moving. I am guilty of overdoing it. Right or wrong. I have always pushed myself and will probably continue to do so. I'm an athlete and want to return to what I was doing before all of this! I do dread winter -snow/ice. I didn't/haven't quit.
As CA said, don't overdo it! Listen to your doctor/therapist/your body. Know your limitations. It seems like a VERY long road. Hang in there. It won't be long until your back in the saddle again!
Nov 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Corinne
by: CA

Hi. Welcome to this site. I hope you will have more comments than mine, but I will share with you what I know. Everyone will be a little different. I broke all the bones in my ankle and also dislocated it. I have 11 screws and a plate, so we have some similarities. I broke my on June 9th. I had surgery a week later and was put in a splint afterwards. They never put me in a cast. I started physical therapy at 7 weeks, which consisted mostly of stretching and strengthening exercises. They started me out making circles to the left and then to the right with my foot, stretching out and then flexing in, and doing the ABC's with my foot. They worked on strengthening my hip and some balance exercises. I progressed to using a stationery bike and walking while attached to weights...kind of like a horse pulling a wagon.
The goal was to get my range of motion back to normal and that happened a couple of weeks ago.
I was put in the big black boot at about a month or so after surgery and after a month of that I just used an Ace bandage. I don't use anything on it now unless it swells, which it does less and less as time goes on. I will have my screws removed in Dec. and the Dr. said I will be off the foot for a couple of weeks after that. So, if you heal as fast as I did, you should be walking fairly well without anything at five to six months. Just don't try to do too much too quick. I highly recommend physical therapy if you can do it. If not, go online and see if you can find the exercises that they would recommend online. I hope this helps and hope you are back on your horses soon. I grew up with a horse and still wish I was riding!
Nov 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What next?
by: Corinne

Broke my Tibia at the ankle joint and my Fibula 4 inches up. I spent almost a week in a splint before surgery where they put in 9 screws and a large plate. I am a professional horseback rider and can't wait to be back in the saddle. It's been 7 weeks since I fell off and one more till I'm in a walking cast. What's next? How long do people usually wear one? What does physical therapy consist of?
Nov 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Healing
by: CA

You should not have to have a cast after the screws are removed. They would not be taking them out if everything was not healed enough. I am sure you will have to wear a bandage for awhile until the incisions heal, but that should be all.
Nov 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CAST?
by: Healing!

will I have to have a cast after the screws are removed or a boot? Just wondering and I forgot to ask on my last post.
Nov 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ninja in NC
by: CA

I'm glad you found this site, because it has helped me tremendously. I was about to start job hunting the same time I broke my ankle and still have not been able to start looking. I pulled a muscle in my back from limping a few weeks ago and had to wait on that to heal. It seems like every time I get going good, something else hits me. But, my ankle is doing good according to my doctor and I am scheduled to have the screws removed in Dec. After a couple of weeks of being on my back again, I am hoping that I can look forward to complete healing. I know it takes at least a year and sometimes two before the ankle stops swelling and the doctor said that it would probably never be totally the same again, but I am just glad that I have done so well and can walk again. I feel like the worse is over and yes, there really is an end to this torment!
Nov 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Healing
by: CA

I don't know exactly how you will do after they take out the screws, but you won't have to spend the night in the hospital, so don't let that worry you. It is an outpatient procedure. My doctor said I would have to stay off my feet for about two weeks afterwards, but I would imagine that you could probably go back to school with crutches after a couple of days. Your doctor would have to tell you for sure. What might help your anxiety is to call your doctor's office and ask to speak to him or his nurse or assistant. Tell them your concerns and maybe they can set your mind at ease. It is not going to be as bad as the last time you had surgery, though. My physical therapy was painful at times and what I did was take a couple of ibuprofen or tylenol before I went. Just know that the pain is not bad pain but good pain and that what they are doing will help you. Let me know if you talk to your doctor and what he tells you.
Nov 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Nurse 2 Patient
by: CA

Bless your heart. That hurt me to read about. I broke every bone in my ankle on June 9 and have 11 screws and a plate. I was pretty much on my back for about a month and then my mother passed away. I had to go out of town for her funeral, which was not easy, but I got through it by the grace of God. I started putting 25% weight on my ankle at 6 weeks and 50% a couple of weeks later. I think it was about two months when I started putting 100% on it. What I think helped me to get along as well as I did was physical therapy. I had some good therapists who pushed me enough but not too much. I am out of therapy now but still do the exercises at home. It sounds like you need a lot more stretching exercises. Every day when I wake up, I am as stiff as all get out, but after I walk around a bit, it gets better. I am still having good days and bad days and I am sure that will go on for awhile, so I try not to get discouraged. If you are not in PT, though, please try it. They can work wonders. I'll be praying for you to recover quickly!
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Please hurry up and heal already!
by: Nurse2Patient

I broke my tib-fib and ankle along with tearing the ligaments in my ankle that was on July 15th playing softball. They put in eight screws and a plate the next day. I wasn't allowed to put any weight on my leg for 12 weeks. Then I had a screw removed on Oct 16th. That day I started walking with a cane. I had a severe limp my heel was two inches from the floor because my cast which was suppose to be set at a 90 degree angle wasn't. This shortened the muscles and ligaments making it very difficult to walk. It felt like I had one foot in a high heel shoe and another in a flat. I was determined to return to work a week later. I did and it sucked!!!! 12 hours on my feet taking care of patients on a busy transplant floor was not fun and that was with one Norco 10 tab every 4 hours and a cane. I begged my husband to leave me in the car because I hurt to bad to climb the two flights of stairs to my apartment. It is November the 2nd and I can barely walk to the bathroom in the morning because I am so stiff. My back hurts because of my limp. I am starting to get discouraged. I have to take Norco or Aleve to walk and I have to wear these light combat boots that lace up past my ankle to get me through the day. I exercise and stretch daily but it seems like the progress is slow and my limp worries me because I have seen people with less of a limp than me that ended up with a hip repair then a back fusion because of there post injury limp. I am use to working two jobs taking care of other people I can only work two and a half days now and my husband has taken over everything at home from cooking dinner to grocery shopping. Better to be a nurse than a patient. Three good things that came from this is time with the family, learning if you dont slow down God will do it for you and lastly my patients get what ever pain meds they want. Pain is a bitch! When does this pain end and will I walk normal again and how long does it take? I'm tired of being on the side lines.
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Glad I found this site
by: Ninja in NC

Well it seems I joined this infamous club on July 6, tripping over a new puppy and missing the bottom step coming off the deck. Sounds silly, but according to the ER doc, I "did it right!" and I don't think she was complimenting me. Surgery about 2 weeks later after the swelling eased and I ended up with a plate and 8 screws. The worst part for me was that since it was my right ankle, I was housebound for 3 months unable to drive. Talk about bad timing, my teenager moved away to college and i ended up getting laid off all at the same time. The royal trifecta of bad luck!

It's been almost 4 months now, and I'm doing really well - at least that's how it feels today. Some days aren't quite so good. I've been driving now for about 4 weeks and doing physical therapy for 3 weeks. That seems to be really helping. I have lost a great deal of flexibility since I was non-weight bearing for 3 months. There's occasional swelling and pain, usually when I've overdone it, but I am definitely starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Reading other stories has helped me feel less alone. Thanks for sharing your stories and advice.
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CA
by: Healing!

hey, yes i am in physical therapy and it hurts so bad! They massage the swelling and scar tissue out which is so painful I cry. Then I do excersises. I am so scared to get the screws and stuff out! Will I have crutches after? Is it outpatient? Because after I got them in I had to stay the night and day at the hospital and it was scary. Do you know anything about what the healing is like after they take them out? Will I have to miss school days? How many do you think?
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Healing
by: CA

They use a general anesthesia. You will be asleep when they do it. It will not be nearly as big a deal as when you had your surgery. Are you in physical therapy? That helped my tendons to stretch but they are still not back to normal. Walking up and down stairs has helped me. First thing in the morning, though, I am always stiff. I have been told that it takes at least a year or sometimes more before everything starts to feel normal again. Just hand in there. Before you know it this will just be a bad memory.
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Anesthesia
by: Healing!

Do you know what kind of anesthesia they use to take the screws are taken out? Also how long until I am supposed to be able to bend all the way my down, when I squat i can get less then half way before my ankle feels like it will snap before I go any farther! I have excersises to help, but it has not improved much.
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Skydiving husbadn
by: CA

Not everyone gets the screws out. I am sure it depends on the severity of the break and whether leaving them in poses problems, which in my case it does. Where the screw heads are hurts from time to time and I told the Dr. if it was not necessary to leave them in, then to take them out and he said it would be okay.
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Husband with two broken Ankles from Skydiving
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the comments. Yes, there was infection in the compound fracture and we spent four days to the hospital and another 20 days on antibiotic. Looks better and does not burn as bad. I see most have their screws taken out. Is this common? The doctor said my husbands screws would stay in...
Nov 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CA
by: Jocko

Congrats CA

Great to hear the good news. Awesome

Wish you the best of luck.
Nov 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hey, Healing!
by: CA

I can relate to your fears. Your break sounds very similar to mine and I am getting my screws out in Dec. right after Christmas. Mine will be done in a hospital but as an outpatient. The doctor said it would not be nearly as bad as when he put them in, so you don't have to worry about that. I don't know if they cut where the scars are or not. I was wondering about that myself. The doctor said I would have to be off my feet for about two weeks afterwards and I guess after the cuts heal, it will be okay to walk again. I am just looking forward to having those screws removed. Sometimes, they hurt when things press on them and I don't want to have that to deal with the rest of my life!
Nov 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Getting there
by: Healing!

Oh my goodness I broke my ankle July 21st ( the inside broke into 5 big pieces, outside broke in half, and joint chipped) and had surgery the 23rd. It was so painful and I felt like I was dying. It would burn and ache constantly no matter how much vicodin i took. I was reading the earlier posts and saw the talk about hair loss, that happened to me too. I went to to the orthopedic surgeon the other day and he mentioned getting my screws out in January! I am so scared because anything at hospitals involving needles and stuff like that makes me so scared! has anyone had their's out? is it and outpatient procedure? you stay overnight in the hospital? is it done in the doctors office or the hospital? Is it as bad as getting them in? How long is it? Do you need crutches and or the boot after? Do they cut over your initial scars or what? I am so nervous. By the way i am a 14 year old girl.
Oct 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I graduated from PT
by: CA

I had my last physical therapy session last week and saw the Dr., who x-rayed my ankle and said that I am good to have my screws removed in December! I still wake up stiff every morning but things seem to gradually be getting better. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel! This has been a long hard journey and of course, it is not over yet, but for those of you who just broke your ankles and are not walking yet, please go back and read some of my earlier posts. My depression and frustration are gone and I feel like I am back in the real world again finally. It took four months of my life, but I am so glad that that was all it took.
Oct 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Skydiving accident
by: CA

I wish I could tell you. I had a pretty bad break in my one ankle but it was not compound. I am sure that will take longer to heal and will be a lot more painful. It hurts me to think about having both ankles broken! He should be getting some relief from the one that is not a compound fracture in a couple of weeks. Always call the doctor if you have questions. You are paying him a lot of money so don't ever think you are bothering him with questions. If you are concerned about infection and are not satisfied with your doctor's opinion, go to your family doctor and get a second opinion if you can. You don't want to mess around with infection.
Oct 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Two broken ankles
by: Anonymous

My husband broke both ankles in a skydiving accident 26 days ago. He had surgery on both. His right has a plate and seven screws and is doing great. The left had a compound fracture of both bones out the front of his ankle. It is not doing near as well and is a source of great pain still. The site of the injury looks very infected although a visit back to the doctor said otherwise. Any idea how long a healing process this is going to be?
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jocko
by: CA

I watched movies until I got sick of them. That was when I sent my son out to buy me a laptop. I have a good PC, but it is upstairs and stairs were out of the question for awhile. I am doing stairs now, but very carefully! What happened with my ankle (I think) was that I was out with my youngest son late at night at our bay front park (we live across the bay from Mobile, AL). We go down there on occasion to look for alligators with our flashlights. First my flashlight went down to where I could not see well, and then I was sleepy and not paying attention to where I was walking. The sidewalk is not very high off the ground and I am still a little puzzled about how exactly it happened because it was so quick that one minute I was walking and the next I was in horrible pain on the ground, but I have no recollection of what I did. My son told me that my left foot (which I sprained pretty badly) went sideways off the sidewalk and I fell to the left. He was not sure exactly how it happened but somehow my right foot got under me when I fell. The doctor thinks I was trying to catch myself with it and got all tangled up. Anyway, it was one of those freak accidents. I was in terrible pain all night but on the occasions when I have taken my mother to the emergency room when she would fall, it would be hours like you said before anyone came to treat her. I just wanted to be in control of my pain so I put ice on it, elevated it and took four ibuprofen every four hours all night. Needless to say, I did not sleep much. What got me through it was prayer...not just for myself, but for the guys and girls in Iraq and Afghanistan who have suffered worse injuries that I experienced and for a better cause that looking at stupid alligators! I just was feeling their pain along with mine all night. The next morning I called the orthopedic surgeon's office and told them I thought I had broken my ankle, but they could not get me in until 2:30 that afternoon. The doctor could not believe I waited so long, but I didn't think I had much choice. Anyway, that's my story.
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bionic Ankle
by: CA

You always make me feel better. Thanks! My ankle is not horrible looking but it is not the same as my uninjured one. That is encouraging that yours looks better after the passing of time. I hope mine does, too, but walking without pain is the most important thing. I still have some tendons that need stretching. My ankle feels very stiff first thing in the morning and I recall that others have had the same experience. I hope that will eventually go away, too. My PT told me that my ankle would get better but would never be quite the same but I agree with you. No one can predict that and I can hope and pray that mine will heal completely.
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		reflections
by: bionic ankle

CA, glad to hear you had some fun at your reunion, this time next year your dancing will more closely resemble the old you, I feel sure of it! Connie and Jocko, don't spend another second thinking about the looks of your ankles. All of you are way too early in your recoveries to make that judgement. Two Easters ago was my BA day, my ankle and calf have dramatically changed for the better in very recent months. Any time I spent fretting over it was a huge waste of time. Focus your energy on FEELING better and walking the best you can. My foot wasn't attached to my skeleton internally and my plate and all of the screws are permanent. I have swelling off and on and am still having trouble finding shoes I can tolerate but I have hope eventually all of it will go away. I know it is still improving every week. Gravity Check, you will appreciate carrying your daughter even more one day and I feel certain you will hike, maybe not as long or far but you'll enjoy it all much more. I know my life is getting back to normal, finally, and even much better in others. Gosh, don't let the doc's take away your hope they are only human and don't really know how much more you will heal or how quick or slow it will be! Oh and CA, I just experienced some clicking in the last week, it is annoying, mine is only when I'm doing certain actions, not general walking. I certainly hope this too shall pass, if not we are clanking sisters!
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CA
by: Jocko

Wow a pretty nasty injury. Jeeeeeez you didn't even go to ER right away. Hard to believe you can do that much damage falling off a curb. Yea i can relate to how they handle things in the ER. I laid on a table in the ER for 7 hours without pain meds, with my foot/leg in the shape of the letter L while still in my motorcycle boot. They had many severe traumas come in right before me that were much more severe so i had to wait in line. My injury didn't hurt at all at time of accident - just got numb and felt like it was vibrating. I remember flying through the air saying to myself - crap i broke my leg lol. Yea i know and will behave i have to. Yea i never remember anyone taking care of me like they did during this injury - man. Sitting in a chair for two months is quite difficult especially when everyone has to do everything for you. Yea i am able to get around now, but when i was confined to the chair i lived off of netflix - must have watched 4 or more movies per day. Now - luckily I am able to play with my kids (4 boys) and do some normal things.
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jocko
by: CA

Well, my doctor said my ankle was the worst break he had ever seen in his 25 years. That really made me feel good. :( There was a chunk of bone that fell out when he opened me up even. And when I went in to the doctor's office the day after the accident (I didn't want to go to the emergency room...I've seen how fast they move) I was still thinking that it was just a bad sprain and dislocation. I have never had a broken bone before, so I didn't know for sure. It was badly swollen and I couldn't have surgery for a week so it could calm down.
As to age...I just turned 63. I am a young 63, though. Nothing has slowed me down until this happened. I still think that my bones have healed quickly due to the antioxidants I take. I am planning on having the screws taken out in Dec. They like to leave them in for at least a year, but my husband is thinking about changing jobs, so that would mean insurance would not cover it. The doctor said that since I had done so well he did not see a problem with taking out the screws. Dec. will be almost seven months.
You try to behave so your bones will heal properly. It is so hard when you are use to being active to have to just sit around or depend on other people to do things for you, but you have to think about the long term benefits of taking care of yourself. I got into Facebook and play a lot of computer games just to keep myself from being bored to tears!
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Connie and CA
by: Jocko

Oh and i did ask my doctor about my ankle size.

Doctor said i had a severe high impact/tramatic injury and basically crushed/broke all the bones in my ankle and broke my fibula and tibula. He also said the bones were frayed and that i couldn't have broken my leg ankle any worse. That was my answer for ankle size - lol ok got it Doc. So basically i am lucky to have an ankle.



Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Connie and CA
by: Jocko

Yea i am not to the point of worrying about anything bothering me and rubbing up against my plate and screws. So far nothing has rubbed up against it so i really don't know. Only have worn tennis shoes so far. However, a guy i work with has the same type of injury and he commented that anything that touches his plate and screws drives him crazy and it has been difficult to find anything in a boot that he can wear. He also said he used to fly fish and wore hip weightors and no longer can wear them because the boot portion rubs up against his plate/screws.

I don't know if anyone really mentioned age much on this site - haven't been able to read all just last several posts. My age is of concern for me in recovery since i am 41 - an old guy.
I know a few people personally that have the same injury
* one guy that had the same injury at age 21 and he is totally fine now - currently 38.
* The guy i work with had the same injury at age 35 (the guy that complained about boots rubbing against plate/screws) and he is back to normal activity (Normal being extreme sports - triathalon, mountain biking, marathons). He said he competed in the triathalon after 6 months.
* Another guy i played ice hockey was 55 when he had the same inuury and was back to playing ice hockey in 3 to 4 months. Not sure how that was possible but he did it.

I have been told by my doctor 6 months from the date of my last surgery to be back to normal and back to strenuous activity (like contact sports i.e. ice hockey etc.) 6 months to 1 year but ONLY IF I LET IT HEAL PROPERLY FIRST.

I guess letting it heal properly and not taking things too far to quick are key. Hopefully i can adhere to that myself, but doubt it.

Yea there is light at the end of the tunnel for us all. We will all everntually see the light prob at least by month 3 or 4 as what i am hearing and experiencing. I think when it comes down to it none of us will probably ever be the exact same as before our injury - not sure if it is possible. However - whatever was important to us - if that important we will work harder in PT to be able to do it again or will do it in moderation and deal with the pain.



Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Connie and Jocko
by: CA

My ankle is lumpy and enlarged, too. I was hoping some of it was from swelling and I am sure it is, but lately I have noticed that when the swelling is down, it doesn't look like the other ankle. And I am doing the same thing with looking at people's ankles who have normal ankles. I guess that is normal for us! I have three scars as well to add to the ugliness. What I don't understand is if all the bones were put back where they were suppose to be, why don't they look the same? I may ask my doctor about that when I go in next week. But I agree that we should be thankful that we can still walk. There are a lot of people in much worse shape.
Connie, I would imagine that if you have screws, you may find a hiking boot uncomfortable.I have some and anything that presses against where those screws are gets painful after awhile. Try some on and walk around in them for awhile before you wear them outside so you can take them back if they cause discomfort.
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Almost Walking
by: CA

If you broke your ankle on Sept 8th, it may be awhile longer before you are walking without the crutches. It takes an average of six weeks for the bones to heal and then they have you gradually putting more and more weight on the injured ankle. I thought when the doctor said my bones were healed back in July that I would be good to go. But that was not the case. It has been four months and I can walk now without any support and have been for about a month. But it has been a process. Physical therapy helped a lot because your muscles and tendons have to be stretched back out to where your range of motion is good enough to walk. Your break may not be as severe as mine was and you may be back in business quicker, but my doctor felt like my progress was great. It can be discouraging when you realize that you have a lot more pain and discomfort than you thought you would have. Check in with this site often. It has helped me so much because none of my friends have ever been through this and the folks who are ahead of me with their healing journey have answered a lot of questions. Let us know what your doctor says. I hope you walk faster than I did!
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		For Gravity Check
by: CA

I am so sorry you are still having a lot of difficulty with walking. I broke every bone in my ankle plus dislocated it when I fell sideways off a sidewalk on June 9. The doctor called it a high impact fracture and I can see how yours would be in that category but I didn't fall that far! I have eleven screws and a plate and have been walking relatively pain free for about a month. I say relatively because I have good days and bad days. I am bad about not pacing myself and always suffer for it if I overdo the walking. It just takes time. The one thing I have done to hasten my bone healing is take antioxidants. I have been taking a product called Juice Plus for years and it is full of dehydrated fruits and vegetables. There are other good antioxidants as well. You need to check with a good health food store and ask them. I also take Circumin, which is not only a powerful antioxidant but also an anti-inflamatory. After my fall my son checked on the internet for ways to hasten bone healing and antioxidants were the key. My doctor had also recommended eating a lot of fruits and vegetables.
I know it is depressing and frustrating to go through this and to wonder if you will ever be the same again, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am told it takes about a year or two for the bones to totally heal and during that time there will be problems with swelling off and on.
Anyway, try what I said and see if you don't progress a little faster.
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		how long?
by: gravity check

I messed up my landing on a HALO jump with equipment back in early May and ended up with a trimalleolar fracture. The Dr. put in a large plate and a dozen screws. In August I was able to take my first steps, mostly out of absolute necessity and stubbornness. Now I am walking with a very pronounced limp and it is still really hard to get around.

My line of work is very physically demanding. This isn't my first work related broken leg, but the recovery time feels very slow to me. I admit I am pretty impatient.

This experience has been very stressful for me. In addition to the challenges of daily life I might not get to keep my job, which is okay. I am thankful that I am walking at all. The other day I went in for a follow up appointment and the flight doc had me put the Hermann Munster space boot back on and told me I should find another job because I should never jump out of another plane again. Like I said, I can live with that, but I would like to live a normal life where I can carry my daughter and go hiking again.

Has anybody made a full recovery yet and how long did it take? I don't mind the length of the tunnel, just looking for reports of light at the end of it.
Oct 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Almost Walking
by: Mike

Hey guys. Well I broke my ankle and fibula on September 8th. I had my surgery two weeks after. The surgeon put 11 screws and 2 plates in. It has been a rough month on these horrible crutches, but I am glad to be going to the doctors next week. Hopefully he will let me start walking, but until then i'm hanging in there.
Oct 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		General
by: Jocko

Yea ConniEe i am about 1 month ahead of you in recovery. I only started seeing noticable improvements in my pain and walking two weeks ago and this week has been the best to date.
If i concentrate i can walk normal.

Don't know anything about boots sorry - i only care about a comfortable tennis shoe with gel inserts to help heel pain.

My ankle is nasty looking as well and i can relate. Even with the swelling down my ankly is at least twice the size of the good one and have been told that will be permanent. I don't really care much about the appearance of my ankle (being a guy) - all i care about is that i can someday play ice hockey again and if so not having to buy two pair of hockey skates due to the difference in the size of my bad ankle. Hopefully by July 2010 that is my goal. For now i obviously have to take it slow and focus on PT and getting back to normal.
Oct 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		HIking boots?
by: ConniEe

Well, I'm still around. Good news about the dancing CA and sorry about your pain and suffering Jocko--wow.

Sometimes I just get tired of thinking about my ankle. It's 3 mos. this Sat. I'm "testing" the waters by putting on a smaller brace to walk around in the house. It's scary, but I'm taking baby steps. Until I see the Dr.(27th) and the x-ray shows all has healed, I'm using the Das Boot for excursions.

Does anyone recommend a good hiking boot? There are so many. I used to get L.L. Bean. I wonder if Doc Martins still has a good ankle boot? I loved my Doc Martins--maybe time to get retro.

My ankle looks so bumpy and yucky. I know it's vanity (I'm happy to have an ankle) but I have to catch myself obsessing on the small ankles of others. It's really silly, I know. Almost like an unwanted tick.

Anyway, I hope to dance again someday--probably not for a couple of mos., but I'll get there.
Oct 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Class reunion
by: CA

Well, I attended my class reunion last weekend. We had an 8 hour drive to Memphis, which was tiresome and I did not sleep well before the trip or actually all weekend, but I had a good time in spite of it. I actually danced!!! Not like I would have had I not broken my ankle, but I did dance. One of the guys there asked me if I had a problem with one of my body parts...that was how he put it. I told him that I had broken my ankle and he said he figured something was not right because I am usually dancing every dance. He said he had broken his ankle, too, and later had to have a hip replacement because of the way he was walking. I don't think his ankle healed right or something like that. Anyway, my back is much better and my PT said I was doing good today. I think the dancing may have helped loosen things up a bit, too. It is good to be back home, though, and I hope I hear from more of you on this site. No one has posted much lately.
Oct 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Another One
by: Jocko

I can relate to your comments on your ankle, back, mall incient, phases to begin walking again etc. Same exact thing i experienced - the mall too. Weird. I have the same thing from a motorcycle accident i had on 6/13/2009. Both bones in my leg and severely dislocated ankle. Plate and 10 screws. Had an external fixator on for a month before they could operate due to swelling. Don't know which was worse the fixator operation or the plate/screw surgery. I am on my 5th PT visit and finally i am almost able to walk somewhat normal. Heel pain caused by tendonitis was the worst, but has became bareable. I have had severe swelling, and went to Therapy at a wound and Lympt center for a month to help control the swelling with wraps. Now i have a Jobst compression sock which takes the swelling away completely. Therapy and the excercises have help so much. Amazing how much you don't realize how lucky we are to be able to walk to begin with. Just wanted you guys to know it helped me read these stories today - Thanks. I will keep readying and will stop back.
Oct 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Interesting BA
by: CA

The lumpiness seems to have gone away somewhat, but now I am clicking with every step. That could be either the tendons still weak, according to my chiropractor, or it could be that the scar tissue has dissolved and things are moving around more. I am walking much better now, but with my back like it is, I have to walk very slowly so I won't aggravate it. My chiro told me that with time the tendons and muscles will regain their strength and that will help the clicking or popping. I am going in for a bone scan next Monday to see what kind of shape the bones in my ankle are in. It involves being injected with dye. It is apparently not the type of scan I have had in the past to test for osteoporosis. I guess the Dr. wants to be sure that everything is in good shape so he can remove the screws in Dec.
Oct 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CA
by: bionic ankle

I'm sorry your back got so out of whack. I do hope you have it more under control now. I have some interesting news to share. I happened to be seated next to a PTA at a flag sewing party for our band program, and another woman had asked me about my ankle since it is my pedal foot. Anyway, so the PTA asked me to show her my ROM she was hugely impressed and said she thought it was excellent. I told her how all of a sudden after so long after my break it had all gotten so much better. She explained that this is very common due to scar tissue. That while you are healing it forms to help support everything and protect everything and then later it begins to break down and allow for much more movement. This could explain some of your lumpiness too. She did mention the importance of doing your home exercises after you are released from PT.
Oct 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Frustrated
by: CA

And I am frustrated! My ankle is doing pretty well, but my back is not much better. I have stayed off of it all weekend and have been to a chiropractor three times, but it still hurts when I walk more than a couple of minutes. The limping caused this, I'm sure. I have a class reunion to go to next weekend in Memphis, which is about a seven hour drive and when I went to have the oiled changed in my 2000 Toyota Sienna van today, they told me my transmission fluid was looking bad and that I needed to have it flushed. I didn't know any better and told them to do it. Since I got home and started looking up flushing a transmission, I have found out that it could cause debris to break loose which could cause my transmission to go out! Now I am concerned about taking it out on the road. And I have been looking forward to going to the reunion all summer. So, I am very depressed now and very frustrated.
Oct 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		chins up!
by: Frustrated

Things do get better. It has been over four months for me and things are really almost back to normal. I still have a slight limp but, I try not to dwell on my ankle like I use to and it helps. At times during the day I might be reminded but, try to shove it back and go on. This has helped alot. I have found working on it mentally and emotionally when you get to my stage is the way to go. I had my dinner party Saturday and had 30 people to feed and entertain. I was pooped by Saturday afternoon and took a advil. We all had a great time and it was good to be around friends. Doing things to get your mind off the BA are very helpful. I've been tired the last two days but it was all worth it. My spirit is back to what it was before the BA. Life is good. So everyone, chins up, find ways to stay focused on other things besides the BA. It's mind over matter at this stage. When you get rid of the crutch and walking on your own it's time to put it were it belongs. I'm not 100 percent but getting closer ever week. Hang in there it does happen.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		JR
by: CA

Oh, I can relate so much to what you are feeling about the independence problem. I broke my ankle back in June and I guess I started driving again about a month or so ago. That was the greatest feeling! I was still using a walker when I first was able to drive because I still could not put 100% of my weight on the ankle, but the PT felt that I had enough range of motion to drive okay. I was doing pretty well until last weekend when I went shopping by myself and overdid it. I was limping due to walking a little too much and ended up pulling a muscle in my back. So, I have had a week of using the walker again and going to the chiropractor. Now, THAT's depressing and discouraging. I have had to stay off of my feet and I am just about okay today. That is what Bionic Ankle meant by the roller coaster. I guess it is something we have to learn to live with and like you said, it is not forever.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bionic ankle
by: JR

Thank you so much for that. It is so hard for people to understand unless they are in our position. I am very independant and it is killing me that I am unable to do things alone. I know this will not be forever however, it is still hard emotionally.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bionic ankle
by: JR

Thank you so much for that. It is so hard for people to understand unless they are in our position. I am very independant and it is killing me that I am unable to do things alone. I know this will not be forever however, it is still hard emotionally.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bionic ankle
by: JR

Thank you so much for that. It is so hard for people to understand unless they are in our position. I am very independant and it is killing me that I am unable to do things alone. I know this will not be forever however, it is still hard emotionally.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bionic ankle
by: JR

Thank you so much for that. It is so hard for people to understand unless they are in our position. I am very independant and it is killing me that I am unable to do things alone. I know this will not be forever however, it is still hard emotionally.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bionic ankle
by: JR

Thank you so much for that. It is so hard for people to understand unless they are in our position. I am very independant and it is killing me that I am unable to do things alone. I know this will not be forever however, it is still hard emotionally.
Oct 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		JR
by: bionic ankle

I'm sorry you are feeling so blue. Things will get better. Unfortunately, now that you are in the BA club you have to realize it's a bit of rollercoaster ride emotionally, sort of a two steps forward one step back. You will shop alone and you will slowly get parts of your freedom and life back. I think in many ways all of those things will mean so much more when they do happen. But, I warn you that you will also take things for granted again eventually. The BA members on here really understand what you are going through and know how tough it is for you right now. I think when you are in the middle of your PT it makes you really feel the lowest about how much you can't do and it is also exhausting physically and emotionally. Remember you are making continuous progress even if you don't feel like it. Keep your chin up !!!!!!
Oct 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		broken ankle and depression
by: JR

Having a broken ankle is so depressing! I am still trying to walk! I am on my 3rd week of PT and can finally walk with once crutch with a MAJOR limp! I have gone back to work and come home completly exhausted. When can I get back on my two feet again without these stupid crutches? I am starting to think it will never happen. I want to be able to do things again!!! I want to shop alone, I want to walk my dog, I want to go to work without crutches... UGH!
Oct 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		broken ankle and depression
by: JR

Having a broken ankle is so depressing! I am still trying to walk! I am on my 3rd week of PT and can finally walk with once crutch with a MAJOR limp! I have gone back to work and come home completly exhausted. When can I get back on my two feet again without these stupid crutches? I am starting to think it will never happen. I want to be able to do things again!!! I want to shop alone, I want to walk my dog, I want to go to work without crutches... UGH!
Oct 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clicking ankle
by: CA

I hope it will quit for sure! It is very annoying! I started taking fish oil to see if that would help. Right now, though, I am off my feet due to my back. Very discouraging.
Oct 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CA
by: bionic ankle

I'm sorry about the clicking. I wonder if getting some lube to your joints could help. A couple of weeks ago I drank that glucosimine chondroiton stuff a sixpack of it, one a day,to see if it helped. I didn't notice any difference, but it could be worth a try. I found it at walmart in the drug-vitamin section. I know my oldest dog has benefitted greatly from a chewy supplement of the stuff she takes for her arthritis. haha! If it randomly started clicking maybe it will randomly stop my fingers are crossed for you!
Oct 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clicking ankle
by: CA

I told the PT about the clicking today and she asked me if it hurt. I said no, it was just annoying. Then, I asked her if it would go away and she said "probably not". That's not good!
Oct 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bionic Ankle
by: CA

That makes me feel some better to know that it is common to have the lower back pain. I went to a chiropractor yesterday and today it is better. I just have to stop overdoing!
Yesterday, I started having another problem, though. My ankle is clicking with nearly every step. It was doing that occasionally, but not to this degree. Anyone have any info on that? I know that my PT said that it would stop once my ankle got stronger, and it had, but now it is a constant thing. I go to PT today and will see what they say.
Oct 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I wonder...
by: bionic ankle

I wonder if I could play basketball? Could I run? I was swimming yesterday and then I was moving some potted plants around while standing in the pool. I couldn't quite reach this one and I actually climbed up the wall a tad using my toes bending forward to pull this one closer so I could nudge it over. And my ankle did not hurt at all!!! Ta Da!!!! Don't get me wrong it's still stiff sometimes and it still aches sometimes but wow... it is still getting so much better. All of a sudden the range of motion bending back toward myself has become looser and more pliable. Oh, and having lower back pain is common and very likely from the compensating limping we often resort to. It's easy to walk all tall and well and get yourself released from PT but we all know in real life THINKING about perfecting your walk while you cross a room and trying to remember what you crossed the room to retrieve in reality is often to hard. Healthy people are thinking about everything but how to walk as they go about their day. So hang in there. I am limping less of the time and my stride is getting longer like it used to be. I find myself being able to focus better on other tasks as well. I'm actually enjoying things again. :)
Sep 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Good for you Frustrated!
by: CA

I am so glad that some good things are coming from this broken ankle experience. It has really made me re-evaluate my life and what to do with the rest of it. I have worked off and on as a speech therapist...mostly with children, but had really wanted to work with adults, too. Now that I have been laid up all summer, had to go places in a wheel chair and use a walker, I think I can relate to what older people and even young people with brain damage have to deal with the rest of their lives. At least I will get past this, but knowing how frustrated we all have been just being invalids for a few months, can you imagine people who know they will always be invalids? So, I may be ready to get back into my career in a more serious way than before.
Sep 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		For Bionic Ankle
by: CA

I am so glad to hear these encouraging reports! It is good that you feel able to start doing things for yourself again. I am trying to do that now. I'm not quite ready to get on a step ladder just yet, but maybe it won't be long before I can. What you said about getting up from the floor, I can sure relate to. I got down on the carpet today to try to work out a kink in my back and then found that just hopping back up was not too easy! The ankle still is pretty stiff but I managed to get up without help at least.
Sep 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		For Frustrated
by: CA

That is so great that you were able to get out and have fun. Sounds like things are looking up for you. I am so glad. I am only a couple of weeks behind you so this gives me hope!
For the past two days my hip and back have been very sore on the side of my BA. The PT had put a 5 lb. weight on my ankle to do leg lifts last Thursday, so I don't know if upping the weight did it or if I hurt it because I was limping so much when I was out shopping on Sat. Anyway, I could hardly walk today and it was not due to the BA...it was my back!
Sep 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		For Frustrated
by: CA

That is so great that you were able to get out and have fun. Sounds like things are looking up for you. I am so glad. I am only a couple of weeks behind you so this gives me hope!
For the past two days my hip and back have been very sore on the side of my BA. The PT had put a 5 lb. weight on my ankle to do leg lifts last Thursday, so I don't know if upping the weight did it or if I hurt it because I was limping so much when I was out shopping on Sat. Anyway, I could hardly walk today and it was not due to the BA...it was my back!
Sep 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fun weekend
by: Frustrated

Well, I didn't make it to the out-of-town wedding this weekend but, I did make it to the bridal shower/bachlorette party for another bride friend.I had a real good time. I dug through my closet found some black leather clogs with 2 inch wedge hills and wore them. Boy, was I glad to finally be able to wear something other than tennis shoes. My swelling has really went down and I'm starting to feel better since I over did it. We are having a dinner party for at least 30 people this coming weekend. I have a lot to do and hope I can get through it all but, I'm ready to socialize and get my life back on the track. It feels good to be out in the real world again. It rained yesterday and I worried about every step I made in and out of ever where. That is another fear I will have to overcome. But, it was all worth it. I didn't get home until 1 in the morning and it felt good to get out and about and be with friends. Tomorrow is my four month annv. date. May 28th was my BA day. What a long summer it has been. Glad it's over. I always hated winter but, looking forward to it since I can finally get out and about, and around. Hang in there everyone. The day does get here when your free at last...
Sep 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		frustrated, et al.
by: bionic ankle

I'm so glad you knew about linking up to the magazine. I'm still very computer illiterate. I wanted to address your last statement from two posts ago about being afraid of breaking your ankle again. Initially, I would actually have nightmares that I was rebreaking it again. This went on for several months. At the same time I would have dreams about walking unaided and unencumbered too! I would say by six months all of that nonsense had completely ceased. But, I do feel I was fearful in a way I never was before. I'm still reading that book about the science of fear. It's pretty technical and somewhat interesting but I can't really recommend it yet. My mother admonished me the other day when I told her I finally cleaned a ceiling fan that had been driving me nuts, by getting on a step stool. I normally would just stand on the edge of my bed to do it but I wanted the extra stability. Anyway, I was like "mom I'm not going to never change my own light bulbs again I'm 49"! Oh, and a few days ago I did just stand on my bed and tighten a loose bulb...I felt very brave and like the old me! Also, the weird way I was getting up off of the floor is getting less weird. Today I was thinking about CA and how you said you felt your ankle looked too lumpy etc. After I was swimming I was resting and had my legs forward and on a coffee table and I noticed how much better my right calf was looking. It's no longer concave looking and even beginning to fill out with some muscle tone!!! And my ankle looks very close to normal. I think it's too early in your recovery for you to judge, CA, don't get upset yet about the appearance I really feel it will change alot more for the better in the future. Oh, and the preferon stick for scar healing is really helping the scarring. I had to purchase another one I think it was about 7.00 at walmart I swear I thought I had only paid around 4 dollars at walgreens before, either way it's much cheaper than the maderma stuff. Good luck guys.
Sep 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Woman's day for free
by: Frustrated

Hey, you don't have to go out and buy a Woman's Day magazine. Just google Woman's Day magazine October 2009 issue and you can read it on the net. My favorite is countdown to clean, as I'm a picky house keeper and it takes up alot of my time. Some really good tips on cleaning 15 minutes a day...Don't forget to check out the recipes. Those sweet potato fries with the Moroccan Lemon Chicken sound good. Isn't the internet WONDERFUL? Just trying to save you all 1.99. Now we know...
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		oct. issue woman's day
by: bionic ankle

Hey everyone!!! I haven't been purchasing magazines lately just a little way to save money but I splurged today. the Oct. issue of woman's day with three jack-o-lanterns on the cover, has a really good article titled "no worries" in their living well section. I really think it's well worth the special 1.99 selling price. It speaks to many of the non BA problems many of you are facing. I hope you will all get one I think it could help!
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Feeling better
by: Frustrated

Isn't it funny how we overdo or have those days where we just can't get around and everything seems like such a chore. I rested all day yesterday other than doing some laundry and cooking. I feel better today but still having some issues with my body and muscles being sore. I guess this is par for the course and something that we will all have to deal with for some time to come. I will for sure not push myself that hard again until I get to feeling better. I learned my lesson the hard way. It's scary when you so tired and sore all over that you feel really sick. Bionic Ankle, I think that is great that you have found a calling. It's nice to have special people like you that can be there in time of need. We need more people like you in our world. Go for it...We lost a very dear friend four years ago to cancer. He only lived two months after he found out he had cancer. He died at 41. He left behind a wife and two small children. He had to have my husband by his side the whole two months. It meant so much to have people from Hospice around. Words can't explain how much it meant for all those special people who were there to comfort, lend a helping hand, have words of encourgement, etc. It's something you never forget.
Well, I haven't been on the thread mill for over a week since I over did it. I hope that is not a bad thing. Been doing theraband and towel exercise and doing my raise heels exercies and that is about it. I hate doing exercises but, glad I'm out of PT too. I'm wondering if that is also what helped bring on my problems. I had a PTA that worked at the same place I was going come over the other day and we got to talking about things. She thougt I was pushed way to hard to quick. She quit and went to another hospital. She said she didn't like my PTA. I thought she was a PT but, she said she was only a PTA. So, who knows. Maybe I will get lined out here for long and start feeling better. Just hope I don't get that Swine Flu going around. LOL. Isn't it funny how there is something to always worry about. LOL...I really hate the thought of breaking my ankle again. That is still a fear I have and will have to overcome. I guess that is normal???
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		resting helped
by: bionic ankle

I basically stayed off my feet Saturday and all day Sunday. But, I did use many hours Sunday in a constructive pursuit, mum making, all of you southern gals will know what I'm talking about. The homecoming football game is in a couple of weeks, at least I was able to get something done. My ankle was stiff yesterday but it got warm enough for me to swim and late in the afternoon it felt much better. This morning it was doing way better I am happy to report. Frustrated I hope you rested yours as well. Today it hit me while I was driving and running errands that us righty BA's may have it a tad worse for longer because it's longer until we can drive and then each time we do we are working out our sore ankles! While you lefties rest yours during driving. I still notice some weirdness when I'm stopped at lights and such. It is mild. I've been much more active because I am excited to say I've been completing an interview and training process to be able to volunteer at a local hospice. This will be the good thing that has come out of my being bedridden experience. I plan to go back to work when my youngest goes off to college in a couple of years. I was thinking about social work and may need more schooling, I thought this would be a good way for me to meet some people in various fields I'm interested in and educate myself some. After having this BA ,helping my friends with the loss of their son, my father no longer knowing who I am as of a few months ago,and him almost dying after some surgeries a couple of months ago where I spent alot of hospital time with him relieving my mom, I just feel like everything led me to this place. I also think you all doing more sooner and pushing yourselves is good for you. It's too easy when I'm home all of the time to decide to sit down when I get sore. Quite frankly sometimes the last thing I want to do is clean or paint the walls or cook, if my ankle is feeling good I want to get out of here!!! You know, just because I can!!!
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		:(
by: Newbie

Frustrated - Very well put. I keep waiting for the government to do many things that just aren't happening. It does seem they are letting the older employees go. There was a guy, at the place where my husband worked, that was of retirement age. Instead of letting him go ahead and retire, they laid him off. I thought this was very heartless! Looking out for themselves and not for the livelihood of others - he could have retired, if given the chance. My husband even asked at that time if his job was safe. They told him it was. I have heard on the news about some inmates being let go in different parts of the US. That is extremely scary!
CA - I can't imagine trying to support three people during our economic times. I admire you and your husband. It's hard for anyone to get a job, regardless of their age. However, we've notice that some many of the company let a computer scan the applicant's resume and application. They are looking for those key words. Sure would be nice to know those key words. We have definitely lost personal touch. I guess it all started with the computerized phones. Thanks for the prayers. Your family will be in my prayers for good jobs, as well.
Once again, unless you have really lived through this, people don't realize how difficult it is. I hate to say this but...Especially with a BA.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Newbie
by: CA

Oh, Newbie, I am so sorry to hear that! I guess we are all going through rough times. I will be praying for a good job for your husband and please pray for us as well. The Lord will provide. I know how hard it is, though. We live in an economically depressed area where jobs are few and far between. Our oldest son lost his job a couple of months ago and is living with us. His car died and he has no way to buy another one. He is terribly depressed. My youngest son had his hours cut back to part time, so he lost his insurance. We are still basically supporting both of them and now we are not sure how we can even pay our house note! But I know we will be okay. I am so glad that at least you have your job. Hang in there. Things will have to get better for both of us.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		economy
by: Frustrated

I'm so sorry to hear what you two are going through. I can't imagine what you are feeling. I hope and wish for you all the best. Times are hard right now for everyone and I don't see things changing anyway soon. My husband place of employment has laid off and laid off. Lost count of all the people who lost their jobs. The unemployment rate is sky high in our area and so many areas all over the U.S. Our jobs have been shipped over seas. The rich get richer, the poor are getting poorer. Can you imagine if the goverment takes over our health care. They can't even run the United States. What a joke. My mother and I went to lunch Friday and then went shopping in the afternoon. This store I have gone to several times lately has not had the usual three women working who are around my age or older. I have not been in this store for three months due to my BA. I'm asking my mom where are they at. I feel like I have been in a bubble. Well to make a long story short, they were all let go. They have teenagers working in there now. The women were getting paid too much and had good benefits. The teenagers work part-time and have no benefits. They are doing this everywhere. It's crazy and scary. It could happen to any of us any day. Our Wal-Mart just got a letter to cut hours for 35 people in our town. We canned for the first time this year and put up everything in the garden we could get our hands on. Groceries...outrageous. Can't believe I canned all that stuff in a wheelchair, with help from hubby of course. What are we suppose to do with everything in the mess it is in??? Times are scary. Their getting ready to let out 1000 inmates in our area. States broke, can't afford to keep them. Crime rate...Sky High everywhere. Sorry to ramble, you guys touched on a subject that is close to home for everyone. I will pray for you both that something breaks soon. Yes, it has been a summer...I think we have already figured out with our BAs, we are survivors.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CA
by: Newbie

I understand. This entire economy thing and the way employers treat people stinks!!! It seems like the harder we work, the less we have and the less we are appreciated. About four weeks ago, after I got home from work, my husband told me he had been laid off. No warning, nothing! He has looked everyday since then and there is just nothing out there! We can't move, because at least I do have a job. We are going through the process of refinancing our house, so we won't lose it. I found myself crying for almost two weeks, along with not being able to eat or sleep. It was definitely a combination of having a broken ankle (with pain/swelling), husband without a job, and medical bills coming in. I pray everyday that something will open up for him. CA, I wish you luck in this battle and hope things do get better. If you have to find a job, I hope you can get one quickly and something that you really like. Also, I hope it's one that you can elevate your leg. This has definitely been one heck of a summer!
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Frustrated
by: CA

Well, it does sound like you are overdoing it a bit. I know it is hard to pace yourself and not do what you are use to doing. I am the same way.I got out by myself this afternoon and walked all over Target and Winn Dixie. By the time I was finished my ankle started throbbing. I am home now with it elevated and it feels better. I am trying to slowly do a little more every day around the house, so hopefully, I will be up and running in a few more weeks. At the same time,though, I realize that the swelling from being on it a lot will be with me for some time to come.
I may have to get a job very soon, too. We found out today that my husband, who retired from Delta Airlines early due to 9-11, and who was told that he had to start Social Security when he turned 62, will not get it until December due to making $4000 a year too much at the job he now has. Delta will start deducting over $1000 a month from his pension in Oct., however. So we will be short that much money for two months! I am so upset about this. I had no idea that Soc. Sec. would do this. And I am having trouble understanding why they are treating it as if he was suppose to be on Soc. Sec. this entire year when all he would have qualified for was three months. Does that make sense at all? Anyway, if there are any jobs out there, I will have to get one or we could lose our home!