flight attendant

by Jan
(Griffin, GA)

I am not an athlete but I do spend long hours on my feet. I broke my fibula and cracked the inner ankle on my left leg on Apr 4 2009. My doctor wanted to put in a plate and screws but I did not have this done because it would make clearing security in airports difficult. I have been in a cast for three weeks and expect to get it off May 14. Should I expect to be able to go back to flying and staying on my feet for 13-15 hours right away? My doctor has not been real informative. I am putting weight on the foot but it still sometimes has shooting pain. Am I rushing things or do I need to toughen up? I don't want any longterm complications because of my job. I am a 56 year old female.

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flight attendant

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Apr 30, 2009
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return to work NEW
by: Bart - SII

It will likely take some time to get the ankle adjusted to being on your feet for long periods. I would highly recommend therapy once your doctor feels you have healed enough - being immobilized in the cast for several weeks will significantly affect the function of your ankle, and rehab can help to restore this.

While you are likely not running in your work, being on your feet for 12-15 hours will be stressful on the ankle. A good rehab program to restore your motion and strength will be paramount in your successful return to work.

Bart

Apr 30, 2009
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Ankle NEW
by: Rebecca Kemp

Jan - you should not run into problems at the airports since the metal they use in surgical situations is different; should there be a problem, their x-ray machine will be able to detect it.

Atrophy (loss of muscle) will occur from being in the cast, causing discomfort. Listen to your body's signals. If you are in pain, ice & elevate. Getting back to being on your feet for prolonged periods of time will be a slow process. Remember that gravity takes ahold of our bodies & you will have extra fluid, swelling & bruising. This is all normal (I've been there before - have screws in my L ankle) and depending of PT and dr's orders will depend on how quickly you will recover. OBEY THE DOC!!

Best of luck to you.

May 16, 2009
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Hi NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi! I would like to reinforce the importance of Bart's advice. I work as a PT assistant and I've seen a lot of injuries that people ignored for so long until they get to the point of immobility and complete discomfort. Individual recovery and responses to these injuries varies, but the sooner you address the issue the better and hopefully faster you can get back to your normal routine without the discomfort and hopefully with an informed knowledge on how to safely perform your activities.

I also agree with Rebecca. I had a corrective surgery for scoliosis in 1984 which included an a rod implantation to my spine. I've travelled internationally since then and have never, ever triggered the metal detectors. Goodluck.

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