Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi, I have a follow up with my ortho on September 27th to take the cast off for my trimalleolar surgery 4 weeks. What is usually done at this point? Or does it depend on well the xray looks to decide the next step? Just wondering...I am kind of excited to get my cast off and also anxious at the same time. Feeling restless in NM!! Any insight or advice is appreciated! Thanks 😁
0 likes, 7 replies
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gimpyleg Adzaa211
Posted
Hey there,
Congratulations! You're so close! When I had my appointment to get the cast off, it was because they were going to move me into a boot. The appointment itself was pretty unglamorous because they just cut the cast off, put me in a boot, told me I had to continue to be non-weight bearing for 2 more weeks (until the follow up appointment), and then sent me on my way.
If you're going into the boot, heads up that it's heavier than the fiberglass cast. It's also quite bulky. The first few days I had my boot I was pretty disappointed because it felt like more a step back than a step forward.
At home, taking care of my skin became the biggest priority. In the 6 weeks that I had been in the cast, that area of my leg had gotten quite disgusting. Lots of dead skin just stuck to you, (if you're a woman who shaves her legs) all your leg hairs grown out and about, and the skin actually being quite sensitive. Some of this gets taken care of slowly but surely as you start to shower and put soap and water on it. An ortho nurse gave me some great advice when she said not to shave the leg immediately after getting out of the cast because you'll really irritate the skin. So take care of it, moisturize, bathe, etc.
If you're non-weight bearing in the boot get ready to lug that thing around. If they let you start weight bearing WOOHOO! Get some practice in until you feel comfortable in the boot.
No matter what, it's important to remember that everything is a step (hah) in the positive direction. You've already broken your ankle, you can only get better from there! Best of luck with the recovery!
Adzaa211 gimpyleg
Posted
Oh thank you! It feels like cactus in there in my cast...haha! I believe was in a boot before if it's the same thing but I was weight bearing than. Yup wish me luck on the next step! How is your recovery so far? Thanks for responding too 😊
KK234987 Adzaa211
Posted
Adzaa211 KK234987
Posted
dawn85884 Adzaa211
Posted
I’m now 16 weeks post op. Had cast for 6 weeks NWB then boot. I was excited to go from cast to boot , it was a bit harder than I imagined. Make sure you take some pain relief. My foot was very flaky and needed some TLC and it was very therapeutic to be able to do that after the cast came off. I’m able to get about indoors with no aids and use one crutch outside - foot still swells, painful at times , everyday closer to recovery. Taking longer than I hoped it would but patience was never one of my virtues.
Enjoy your foot wash x
Adzaa211 dawn85884
Posted
dawn85884 Adzaa211
Posted
And zapain not as many as I did at the beginning only two at night and paracetamol throughout the day if I need it
Good luck x