12 weeks non weight bearing

Posted , 8 users are following.

I had bone fusion surgery and have been non weight bearing for 12 weeks. I was put in walking boot 1 week ago and told could start trying to walk this past Friday using pain as my guide of how much I do. I do have pain but my problem is my good leg. I can't seem to make it move. I'm using a walker to help but any other suggestions

0 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

  • Posted

    Lol. Me too. I have a Bakers Cyst on my 'good leg' the other leg has a plated snapped fibula. Just hady Physio here. He said to get the surgeon to treat the good leg as it's holding me back. I'm 4 months post surgery with bone graft and 8 months post break.

    Freedom walker with large wheels and a seat, plus knee scooter for stressful times. I loathe crutches.

    I'm not fully weight baring yet.

    Maybe you need to see your Dr to arrange Physio on your so called good leg.

    Good luck! @(*+*)@

    • Posted

      Thanks for response. I've been using a knee scooter for the 12 weeks of non weight bearing. I knew when I went to boot walking would be difficult because of pain but I never thought about the good leg not working lol. I stood up to walk and could not make it move lol.
  • Posted

    Hi angle, are you using crutches with the boot. If not start by using two crutches then go onto one, if you use one crutch make sure it is on the good side. Put the bad foot forward with the crutch then bring the good leg forward, try this until you feel comfortable then leave the crutches. I found the walker awkward. Try and see how it works.
    • Posted

      Thank you. I'm not very good with crutches lol but I will definitely try it. I wasn't expecting this problem I knew I would have pain. When I went to take a step it was like my good leg was like it didn't know what to do and no matter how hard I try I can't move it
    • Posted

      Don't worry I had same problem and posted on here about two months ago. Couldn't get my head round how I had forgot to walk. 

      I started when sitting moving my feet as if to walk. Then using my Zimmer frame placed this one step in front of me till I actually managed one step. Progressed to a few steps around bed, knowing if fell would have soft landing. There was no expert to actually to tell me how to get over mental block, only was told it was entirely up to me. Once the first step was taken it was amazing how quickly soon was walking. 

      Dont worry if it doesn't happen the first few times just keep trying and before long it all comes back.

    • Posted

      Hi Angle, I remember the first time I tried to walk with one crutch after being on two crutches for 9 weeks, I was petrified, I just stood with the crutch and did not know what to do. I think it is in the mind, a sort of fear that putting weight on the bad leg might cause another injury and pain. Good luck and God bless. Let us know how it goes.
    • Posted

      Thank you for response. I never thought about this being a problem I thought once I got my boot I would just take off walking lol. When I finally get my leg to move its like I'm hopping. Glad to know its not just me and thank you for advice I need all of it I can get lol
    • Posted

      Thank you. Yes that was me I thought when I got my boot and was able to start walking that I would just take off but I just stood there thinking why won't this leg move. Like I forgot how to walk lol.
    • Posted

      That's my problem too Daphne I am frightened of doing damage & falling. I know it's in my head but I fear very little normally but since this broken ankle I fear everything to do with it. Also I hoped after cast came off things would be ok & with physio I would get it working as normal, then after reading on here it takes months & months to get it right it's really demoralising.

      I know it will be ok eventually but it seems a long long time.

    • Posted

      Yes I couldn't wait to get in a boot so I could start walking never thought of this problem. I thought I would just start walking lol. I used crutches today and it helped better than walker so hopefully it will pass quickly. Good luck to you
    • Posted

      Everyone is different. We all heal at different times. I find it helpful that I'm not the only one suffering. Mentally and physically. I'm not giving up, but I do have downtimes.

      8 months and still not fully walking, I have made huge process. Surgery 4 months ago was demoralizing after 4 months of not healing.

      Its important for us to seek professional help when things don't seem right.

      I am looking forward to walking. Biggest thing holding Mr back is a Bakers Cyst on my other leg behind my knee. I can't bend or straighten leg. Once specialist sorts that next week, I should have good news.

      Watch this space!

      ®[°∆°]®

    • Posted

      I was envious 6 1/2 months ago when a lady who broke her leg around same time as me, walked in to specialist with crutches and a cast. Cast off then walked out unaided in a moonboot. Thought that would be me. Sadly no. @(*+*)@
    • Posted

      I totally agree everyone heals different and it is a long process. I am so sorry you are having trouble with your good leg. I think mine is mentally still protecting bad foot I've done it so long hopefully I will get past it soon. I hope you get good news next week
    • Posted

      So sorry to hear you have been 8 months unable to walk. But it must happen soon now as soon as they have sorted your B cyst.

    • Posted

      Thank you so much Angie it's lovely to talk with such understanding people. We can help each other via our experiences. It's great to have this extra support. X
    • Posted

      Yes I agree. I hate to know anyone is having trouble but it helps to know you are not alone and what's happening is normal. There is a Facebook page group also with people going through the same
    • Posted

      Hi Ali, I think that fear really does hold us back. I had that fear when my cast came off and was told I could walk. I was looking at the x-rays on the surgeons computer and asked him how well the bones had mended because all I could see was the plate and screws and the rod. His words were you can't see any union until about 8 weeks plus on the x-rays and I had my cast off 6 weeks after surgery. They just make sure nothing has moved at this stage. So you can imagine now I must walk and I don't know what to expect. When I slipped and fell I actually heard my bones snap, horrible, horrible sound. I know that was one of my fears that when I put weight on my ankle I might hear it snap again. But we do overcome our fears and now I can walk without crutches for a while and barefoot as well. Just be patient and trust in the Lord for help, and you will get there.
    • Posted

      Thanks everyone. Never thought my unbroken leg would hinder me. I still have the snap sound in my head. Hmm. I'll sleep on it and get a new plan of attack.

      #(*∆*)#

    • Posted

      Hi all, I am 11 weeks post surgery today and still have slight bruising around the surgical incisions, I was wondering if this is normal and how long it takes to fade.
    • Posted

      Thanks Daphne for your kind words of encouragement.

      So glad to hear it's all working well for you and it will continue to improve over the next few months.

      I didn't hear mine snap but knew from the feel of it, it felt disconnected an odd sensation there was no pain just an odd feeling.

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