3 weeks post Op for broken ankle

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi all I’m sure there are many discussions RE this I’m 3 weeks post op with no weight bearing on my left leg, 5 fractures, the worst being a compound fracture , plates and screws and a rod , doctor told me after 6 weeks if the fractures heal well I can walk on foot, 1st this terrifies me what if I can’t ? I know I will be in a moon boot, how did you all cope 6 weeks after walking in one? I’m scared as I need to go back to work ASAP 

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    I don't have an answer for you as I'm currently in this spot. Just got my cast off yesterday and put in an air boot. Surgeon said "Start walking" with no other instructions. After my foot being in a cast for 4 weeks I'm having trouble getting my foot fully in a 90 degree angle to fit correctly in the boot. I'm scared to put weight on it. I have a PT Appt today and hope I'll get better instructions. I'll let you know what I find out.

    • Posted

      Hello lovely Amanda , how common is this ankle breaking lol, I’m from Australia nice to meet you , did you have surgery ? Any screws or plates ? I would love to keep chatting with you see how your progress goes , 4 weeks into moon boot is good though let me know how the walking goes 
    • Posted

      Yup, I had surgery. Ended up with a plate and a bunch of screws. First PT session was today. My range of motion is horrible, but the PT gave me some exercises to work on until I return on Tuesday. She doesn't want me bearing any weight yet, because my foot isn't sitting right in the boot. Increasing my range of motion will help that. She sounded confident that I'll be back to normal walking by the time I return to the Dr in 6 weeks.

  • Posted

    Hello!  I am so sorry about your break!   I only had one fracture, but had to get a plate and 6 screws.  I can happily tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  It seemed like forever that I was relying on crutches, my knee scooter, hopping, my kids and my husband to get anywhere or do anything!  I was two weeks in a cast, 4 weeks non weight bearing in a moonboot.  Then week 7 I was allowed to walk in the boot.  I too, thought that seemed impossible and was really surprised that my ankle and foot were able to do it!  The first day felt really weird- stiff, pins and needles etc.  I am a teacher so throughout the day if I could sit for awhile, I would remove my boot and elevate my ankle and that would make it feel better.  Everyday was easier and I was really happy with the healing that happened weeks 6-8.  I am now in week 10 and my physiotherapist figures I will not see her much more because my range of motion is back ninety percent.  About a week ago I realised I was almost normal going downstairs.  My ankle still looks very thick, and is more swollen at night but my physio says it could be months before that goes down.   So good luck to you!  Your break  was more complex so your timeline may be different and do not be discouraged if it is, but if your surgeon said 6 weeks, I think you will be happily surprised that bones do realign and heal and it is very possible you will be ready.  
    • Posted

      I'm six weeks post op. Two weeks in cast, and four weeks so far in boot. My problem is that I think my screw or pin is protruding out. It is so painful in that one spot, and looks like its sticking out. Have anyone had a situation with a loose screw, ( or pin?

  • Posted

    Hi m in exactly the same situation as you I just got my stitches out today I'm nearly 3'weeks post op I'm not weight bearing Aswell for another 4 weeks it's been hellish can't wait to get back to work as I need the money and I'm bored the doctors are so vague in what they tell you but I didn't want to ask too much as they are so busy at hospital today the rooms were full they are crazily busy with everyone falling in the winter weather getting the stitches out today was a big step I just can't wait to weight bare but I'm  like you missymel I'm

    So scared about the walking phase etc good luck and I feel everything your going through we are at the same stages it would seem I broke my ankle

    In three places and have pins and plates and screws in mine xx

  • Posted

    The boot is sooooo heavy to me and it presses against my ankle. I do not get along with my boot. I have to in it also. Everybody have different experiences but for me... it's too heavy and rub my incisions. Good luck

    • Posted

      I feel exactly the same Teresa I had it off today to get my wound cleaned and it felt so light I wished I could have left it off sadly not it digs and it's heavy it's ugly just keep thinking It won't be long now xxx

    • Posted

      Yes I count the days of the accident everyday thinking I should be feeling this way or that way. I thought I'd be back at work . I have adjusted my attitude and will just take the time and heal and renew myself. But it still hurts lol. I love reading the testimonies cause I know I'm not alone on this. Thanks

    • Posted

      Same here Teresa plus I miss my wages and my freedom can't wait to drive my car or go to my horses and walk through the field to get them it's the emotional

      Factor of all this that hurts the most it's so hard every day is hard I sleep alot thinking that's another day gone have you had your stitches out and in a moon boot now can I ask did you put a sock on your foot ? I forgot to ask the consultant that today are you still in a lot of pain ? Xx

    • Posted

      Yes I have a compression sock on. It does get tight and I take it off but when in the boot I put it back on.
    • Posted

      Ahh they never said anything like that to me Teresa I will maybe call them in the morning Thankyou xx
  • Posted

    Wow first of all I’m sorry to hear everyone’s story, dam ankles , but also feel comforted in knowing my emotions are shared because I thought I was just some kind of mental case lol, where is every one from ? I’m on the Gold Coast in Australia, I think we ask questions because we want to hear positive results lol, and each of us will heal differently ,I’ve red stories that scare me 😞 I’m doing my best to rest which I hate because I’m a go getter, and totally scared of not having money to pay to live, in 3-4 weeks regardless I must be back at work, I have no help at home as my 20 year old daughter is selfish and is moving out because apparently she didn’t sign up for this 🙄 and hates doing any thing for me , I’ve gone from bright bubbly happy me to well excuse the punt Broken 😞 so finding this forum is great , Jennifer’s fed up so happy to also talk to someone at the same stage let’s keep each other positive 

    • Posted

      Awww Mel I'm so sorry your having to go through this alone I don't think I could cope it will be hard but you will

      Manage and you will cope have you got any one else that can help you even just to make a nice dinner for you sounds like your going through every emotion I did im the bubbliest character

      Ever and I am always happy I went from being happy to crying at just about anything it's crazy how it affects us all in the same as you I need the money sadly so will be back at work asap I can't go back just now as I have a job that involves me standing on my feet 😔 I read some of those stories too and I have to admit it made me worse and I was a wreck after it I was told not too go on to dr Google , everyone heals at a different stage I just hope and pray that we heal quickly for our sanitys sake Aswell take care your doing amazing !!! Xx

    • Posted

      Hey hun , yes doctor google is not a good thing , I’m very blessed to have another daughter who is taking me to hers for a week , then amazing friends that are all just being the best , I can get around my unit and do every thing except take garbage out and of coarse do shopping but next week I will order on line meals , where are you ? 

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