6 Weeks Post Ankle Surgery...need help!!!

Sorry that your having a hard time and in pain. I'm light weight baring now and still get tingles I couldn't wear boot after a few weeks because of the cruel pain. Im taking advice from a poster on this forum and do very gentle movement exersize in a tub of warm water. It's bliss and helps with shedding skin. Before you go to dr write down all your questions copy it give him/her a copy and they should address every question. We are too confused with pain and forget to ask. And yes family find it hard if they haven't experienced it. I've always been a strong person and they can't cope with the changes I'm going thru  funny thing is my 6 year old grandson prempts my every need he asks for nothing and just sits and we chat. He clears any obstacles out of my way he is a beautiful distraction. I can't show pain with him because he cries and just hugs in. My adult daughters just don't comprehend how debilitating it is.they will help if I ask but I'm probably a bit stubborn..this site has been a lifesaver for me. And yes we're all going nuts 

Oh yes ask your dr about an equalising shoe if you go light weight beating with a boot. A lot of people are suffering hip and knee damage from unequal walking with the weight of cast or boot. I've seen somewhere on this forum about a product called "evenup" just worth mentioning to dr.

good luck with your recovery journey. Xxjenni 

There is also a good Facebook called

Broken foot/ankle/ledf: a quest for normal.

Yes, people often don't understand the struggle of this situation thinking it's all mind over matter - usually the body tells us what we can do but also where our vulnerability is.  I loved an earlier comment on this forum when someone said 'they thought they would die everytime they got over the shower tray!" Just how I was feeling at the time over little obstacles.  Although I was non-weight-bearing for 13 1/2 weeks I never slept with the boot on.  The casting technician said would be fine.  But may not be the case for others. Check on that.  I slept with my foot on a pillow for a long while and then got a memory foam mattress topper which really helped as all sides of the foot were painful for a few months.  these problems seem endless, but at 8 months I am starting to move around more, and really enjoying weekly group physio classes now to get back strength and hopefully better control of the foot.  Still not driving, but will get there.  Look after your general health too because that takes a beating with being immobilised. The more excercise you can doing, whether seated or lying down the better, but just take it a step at a time, building up stamina as best you can.  You will soon have the next break-through - my last one - being able to get dressed without sitting down!

My adult daughter is also not that sympathetic. I think our children don't like to see us as helpless. The reversal of roles. When I ask her to do something. She does it. But with a little sigh. But I know she loves me and we are very close.

these situations usually bring us closer in the end, but it can be a learning process for both generations!  It certainly was for me, as I have always been very independent and had to learn to take and ask for help! My daughter stretched her over-long day working in London to come over and help and was much appreciated!

I did mine 8 weeks ago. Pysio was just awful. I'm doing my own plan and am now doing ok most days. I've learnt a lot from this forum and ytube taught me how to crutch walk how to stairs. Still nerve pain but the more I use it the easier it gets. My knee began to hurt so I eggshell walked in wheelchair and seeing improvement. Have had a good day today. Hope you get good services. Im in Australia and health system very sad. My GP has been awesome tho. Good luck. 

I can sympathize with your knee pain. That's what brought me to this forum originally, wondering if my knee pain was normal. I've concluded it is. After first walking following 5 weeks NWB, my knees were terrible and constantly hurt. When climbing stairs, each step was like climbing Mt. Everest. After three weeks effort, they are much better. Pain in them is now a 1 or 2, down from 8 or 9. As so many others have said, it takes a lot of patience and work to get back to what we hope is normal. Good luck!

Hi

I broke my tib and fib 8 weeks ago, tibia plated but fib fracture wasn't. Had 2 weeks in a cast then sutures out and changed into a boot. Last Wed at outpatients was told to start weightbearimg with my boot on for 2 weeks then to try without it for 2 weeks when I'll be seen again. I started hydrotherapy this week too (hospital referred me to physio /health centre with pool).

My husband thinks I'm going to be running around as normal in a few weeks time. I'm also finding it so very difficult. Weight bearing with the boot on my calves are killing me and the pain in my injured leg/ankle is horrible and I keep thinking I'm doing myself more harm than good - it's a horrible heavy ache that's all over the ankle and up the fib bone. The tib fracture seems to be behaving itself. My last X-ray showed very little bone healing so I was told weight bearing encourages the healing so to basically go for it.

So this Wednesday I'm supposed to try full weight bearing with a trainer on - if I can get one on 😭 as it's all so swollen still. Totally dreading it. Really unsteady on my crutches and have had lots of near accidents losing my balance.

Finding this thread has been a godsend so I know I'm not alone. I never realised this sort of injury carried such a lengthy recovery time.

Hi to everyone else on here too. Hope everyone continues to post - it will help hearing from people further on than me !! X

Sorry to hear about your injury. I had my tibia and fibula fractures 3 1/2 months but no surgery. I was on a cast for 2 1/2 months but was switched to a boot due to stiffness and was just increased to 100% few days ago. My bones are healing slowly too so I was kind of worried but I will be starting aggressive therapy next week and it will

probably a torture with all the manipulations. When I started walking on a boot with FWB it hurts but it wasn't that bad. I guess your pain is also from the cut so I'm sure it's normal. The swelling is gonna be there for a while. .Joinnig the forum really helps me deal with my anxiety. Most of us almost have the same experience. Good luck with your recovery... Araceli

Hi to everyone

Today I had a good experience and a bad one. The good one was when I managed to walk down the stairs for the first time with my boot on . It actually hurt less than going up!!

The bad thing is that I am meant to be trying to FWB without my boot on Wednesday- so I tried on my new (size bigger than normal) trainer on and there is no way it is going on !!! What do I wear?! Do I try it bare foot in the house??

Like everyone else I have days of sheer despair that this injury is taking so long to recover from and it feels life changing. I've gone from being someone who runs around all day long being busy to having no choice but to keep still. I have realised I suffer a bit with OCD because things out of place or dust I can see ( but can't reach) really irritates me.

Enjoyed my hydrotherapy physio last Wed and go again this Wed, which will be 9 weeks since breaking my tib/fib.

I have currently got my 14 year old son who wears size 11 shoes to squeeze into my size 6 trainer to stretch it to oblivion. He is not impressed !!!!

Hi I have a pr of sheepskin slippers bought off groupon they are fab, a solid heal and slip on. I am 7 weeks from breaking my ankle in 3 places 10 pins 3 plates and can weight bear with my slipper on, find it more comfortable than the boot 

Ellie 

 

Hi Ellie

I'll have a look on groupon - did you buy a size bigger? What do you wear when you are out shopping or whatever ?

Hi well haven't been shopping but have just had a surprise bday weekend in a very posh hotel and wore my slipper all the time 

I decided it was more comfortable and better looking than my ugly boot (my name for the horrid looking thing) the sole is also solid 

hope that helps maybe a neutral colour would be good I have a pink one lol 

Hi Sheila! How is your experience on your FWB? I did PWB barefoot swinging my body from side to side , forward and backward holding on the rails and it hurts. I guess because my bones not healed yet. I hope you did fine

Hi

Yes it's going ok - managed to buy a decent pair of slippers as too scared to do it barefoot . Walked to the toilet and back several times yesterday fwb with crutches and doing same today (wearing boot to go outside - just been out to lunch! Nice to get out for a change).

Plan to alternate between boot and the slippers - but must say it hurts the same amount no matter which I use. Ankle has very limited flexibility- not sure how best to deal with this , have read others have their PT doing massage therapy , wonder if this may help.

How are you doing?

Hi Shela? Did your doctor say you could walk FWB with boot or slippers with crutches even your bones not healed yet? I walk FBW with boot and doesn't hurt that bad but I don't know if If I can do it with slippers. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Hi

At my last outpatient appointment I was 7 weeks post fractures and was told that there wasn't much healing going on , so they wanted me to weightbear with the boot for 2 weeks, then with a trainer/slipper sometimes/boot sometimes (50:50) then the next 2 weeks with no boot at all. He said it would help promote healing by putting weight on it because it increases the blood flow and the production of whatever it is that fills the gap between the broken bones. I was very scared to put any weight through it as my ankle fracture wasn't plated like my tibia one, and I was worried I'd injure myself- but I haven't .

The pain seems the same with the boot as it does when I just wear the slipper.

From all the posts I've read it seems there is no standard time set for any kind of weight bearing!!!!!

hi shelagh. I snapped my tibia tibia and ankle last year 14mths ago. I went back to work after 6 and half months. I work in a care home so I'm on my feet a lot. I have been discharged by my consultant who says you wouldn't think my injury was as bad as it was. it's healed really well. they have decided is ed to leave all the metal work In my leg. I am now suffering with an inflamed Achilles tendon in my good leg. my consultant said it's not due to over compensating for my bad leg. I'm taking naproxen for this although it helps with the pain it isn't reducing the swelling. try and stay positive as you will soon mend. I never thought mine would heal as well as it did. best wishes. x

Thank you Shela for your response. I'm feeling little bit depressed what's going on with me right now but reading your posts really helps me getting out of this frustration. I'm on a FWB with boot and I will give a try on a trainer/ slippers. I'll see what happens. I'm 14wks post injury tibia and fibula and bones slowly healing. I didn't have surgery so it will probably take time to heal. Thanks again for your response. ..Araceli

Hi June

Thanks for that, it's so encouraging to hear how other people who did the same have overcome all the obstacles and have healed.

I'm hoping to return to work by 14 weeks post injury although I'm going to have to do light duties until I can drive and walk further - I'm in health care profession too, normally on my feet and driving to and from houses and meetings and rushing about. Work have been good and said they'll find me office based work for as long as I need it, luckily there is quite a lot of admin to my role as well .

I do feel like I'm compensating for my bad leg with my other leg. I think it's unavoidable really as the boot isn't the same height as a shoe/trainer and limping doesn't help!!! Shelagh

Hi I am 8 weeks after injury 2nd physio session today

i have lost  the ugly boot and 1 crutch - physio was brutal today, no pain no gain so they say 😂

 

Hi

I would contact your dr first before trying without the boot - as I say it seems everyone gets completely different advice !!! Is there anyone you can phone (doctors secretary or physio) for advice. It seems some Drs are very conservative with treatment whereas others (like mine ) seem to want to rush things along!!! Keep me updated!

Hi Ellie!I did my PT yesterday and I was expecting a good massage at least but they just did the elastic band stretching, bike, and ultrasound bone stimulator. I'm on FWB in a boot. What type of exercises they did on you? It's seems like an aggressive exercise that awaken your tendons, ligaments and muscles that's why you had pain and that's actually the type of exercise we need...Araceli

My physio said she had spoken to a senior consultant about me and the ugly boot

i feel quite confident without but will certainly go to see dr if I think things are not going accordinglingly 

 

Hi no massage or ultra sound, she checked my wounds then tested my movement with my ankle bending and pointing toes forwards and backwards and turning my foot inwards and outwards 

standing on bad leg 

standing on bad leg trying to raise my ankle which I could not do

toes against the table leg then bending my knees towards the table - difficult more practice

walked across the room unaided rolling heal to toe 

that was it today going back in 2 weeks (as physio is on holiday ) 

be interested to hear what others did in their early physio sessions 

thanks everyone - its good to talk 😉

 

Thanks Ellie for sharing!!!

Hi Ellie

My physio sessions all in a pool - but basically the same exercises you are doing. I only have 2 more sessions though so I don't know what physio out of water sessions they'll offer me - if any! My favourite one is marching on the spot in the water as I can almost pretend there is nothing wrong with me - don't think i would feel the same on dry land😭

By the way, the check with the dr/physio before FWB without the ugly boot was on my reply to Araceli not you! Sorry for any confusion!

Hi Shelagh! I called my doctor and ask about alternating boot and trainer/slippers. He said to wait for my next appointment. He does conservative type of treatment that he didn't perform surgery on me. He offered 2 options though cast or surgery but he said both will have the same results but cast takes longer so I choose not to have surgery. Thanks for you advice. I was just gonna do it w/out notifying the doctor...Araceli

Araceli

I'm glad you asked your dr, but also sorry you have to wait! I know how frustrating it is to want to move onto the next stage . I'm supposed to be alternating between my boot and no boot as you know but am finding going back to the boot is making me stiffen up more - and swell up more. Don't want to overdo it either, it's hard getting the balance right.

Does anyone else's foot go a dark dusky purple colour when it's not elevated? I wonder how long this lasts for, it doesn't look very attractive!

Yes I experienced that dark dusty color after walking and doing exercise. I guess it's normal. By the way while I was in the shower reaching for my towel I felt like small electric current passed through my upper back and then radiated on my shoulder. My husband gave me a massage and I took Motrin and it kind of help me but it still there. Maybe I sprained some muscles? Also maybe from being on the crutches for a while or my position when sleeping. Anyone experience this weird feeling? Pls share!!! Araceli

I meant dusky color

Yes i'm getting those kind of pains in my neck and shoulder - I have them occasionally anyway usually when I'm stressed and my posture isn't good. But I'm also getting funny pains in my lower back , hip and my hand - I'm putting it all down to bad posture with crutches and overcompensating having a boot which makes that leg a different length to the other one.

I reckon it's muscles seizing up

in protest of what I'm putting my body through, with a bit of trapped nerve too. I know when I'm

Showering I am do worried about falling over I must hold myself in a very tense position.

You are right, I think it's from stress and from using the crutches. Symptoms are also similar to Vit.D deficiency. I have to go see my md to check my Vit D levels. I'm taking 2000units but maybe not enough. Thanks again Shelagh!!!

Yes shelagh your pain maybe caused by different leg lengths. I'm afraid nobody gets advised to wear a shoo of equal highe to boot. Yo will end up sigh so many other injuries. Google a product called "even up shoe". It's a product designed for this very reason. We could all end up with spinal hip lower back or knee injuries if we don't take the precaution. I get so angry that the suppliers of the boot don't tell us. I only found out through friends that already have damage from boot and cast walking. That care and please help spread the word on the importance of level walking

Jenni said to use the even up shoe so the boot would be equal height to the other foot. I ordered one today and it's less than $20. I hope this would help me with my shoulder pain. I'll let you know the result.

I'll look into that Jenni - even though I'm pretty much out of my boot now - I'm meant to be alternating between FWB in boot and without it - I'm finding it easier without the boot, and from what you're saying it's probably best I stay out of it if possible!!!

Thanks for the advice 😀

I'm also looking at orthotic shoes as well to correct my walking as I can see that I go over on my ankles . I'm 48 but feel 98 😭

I have been referred to a post fracture service that will do my vit D levels and a bone density scan next Thursday. I had my vit D levels done a couple of years ago and it was really low but I never took the supplements 😢. I should know better really being a nurse myself . Glad you've ordered that shoe level thing, as you're in your boot for a bit longer it makes sense to get one . I agree with Jenni that we should be told about these things - it shouldn't take all of us getting pain elsewhere as a result of our injury, and finding out too late!!!!!

Body alignment is key. Doing pelvic and core exercises are so important. Daily stretching is also good. My doc gave me a lift for my shoe to prevent imbalance.

My good news is I can start going on the stationary bike next week. My challenge is to put my foot in a shoe. I just got into a hiking shoe. I hope I can eventually fit back in my shoes.

Hi Shelagh! We nurses take good care of our patients but we neglect to take care of ourselves. I never had my VitD checked and I will schedule to have it done. It's probably also one of the reasons why our bones are slowly healing. Are you taking supplements now? I'm taking 2000units which is probably not enough. I'll let you know how my even up shoe works. Take care now! Araceli

Hi Araceli

No I'm not taking vitamin D supplements (other than a normal multivitamin supplement which I know won't have enough in) as yet. I was prescribed them a few years ago as I said but I'm not very good at looking after myself as you say!!!! (Occupational hazard for us both it seems!! )

I've been reading up on the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and indeed I tick all the boxes too. When I have this appointment on Thursday I will have a lot of questions for them.

It appears that it has taken a broken leg and ankle for me to realise I don't look after myself. Things are about to change!!!

I had a look at the shoe raise up thing, it looks good. I wish I had got one before now. I hope yours arrives quickly.

Not heard from Ellie in a while - are you doing ok ?

I know what you mean about fitting in your shoes!

I can't fit in any either. I got all my shoes out, including 2 new pairs I had bought for work just before my accident, and I can't even get my foot inside slightly. I hope the foot goes back to normal some day. Has anyone any good news on this ?!

I took out insoles and fit in hiking. Shoe and sneaker. Heard many people get back into shoes. I'm nearly 60, so I don't know if I will recover like younger people but I am holding the positive intention.

Hi Shelagh! You know what I did today, I was outside my patio around 85 degree for 20 minutes to get my extra Vit D in addition to the supplement I take. I hope it helps. By the way, something good happened to me today. I was flexing my toes upward and downward few times and only experienced a little bit of pain and also my fibula doesn't hurt as bad not like few days ago. Little progress makes us happy but still long way for recovery. I hope our bones are healing now. How's your FWB in your slippers? Are you getting used to it? Do you still get swollen? Take care !!!

Hi Shelagh,

You may want to look into getting an Evenup shoe leveler.  You attatch it to the bottom of your shoe, so your shoe height is the same level as the cam boot.  This causes less stress on your back from walking on uneven lengths.  It has made a bigdifference for a lot of people.  (I personally have not used one because I learned about them after I purchased expensive running shoes that were the same height as the Cam boot.

 

Sorry, I hadn't read all the way through the posts.  Didn't mean to repeat about the Even ups.

Hi Araceli

Ha ha I wish I could have done the same but not much sun here today! Going to Spain in a few weeks so intend to cram as much vitamin D into my pores as possible (whist wearing factor 30!!)

Yes, small improvements are happening here too. Slipper walking going very well, and did some bare foot today too (only to get in bath and back out ). It's only hurting me on the inside of my ankle at the base where my screws are at the bottom of the plate (over tibia). Fibula not really hurting at all now, maybe a heavy ache at times. Sometimes when I'm sitting on my sofa with my legs up I can feel like there is nothing wrong with me (it's nice to pretend!! ) until I have to reach for the crutches that is!

So it sounds like we are making decent progress - I read back through our older posts and you can see that things have improved- it's very encouraging 😀

Hi Steffg

I certainly would get one , but not sure if it's a waste of time now as I've not worn my boot since last Wednesday and I'm hoping I don't need it any more. I'm not sure whether they recommend wearing the boot again for certain things or not - (like flying for eg as I will be in s few weeks). I'll check with my dr when I'm next there and ask - but will look at getting one if I will have to wear the boot again.

My main problem currently is actually getting my normal trainers/footwear on !!!

Thanks for the advice 😀

Hi Steffg! I just purchased it 2 days ago . I was experiencing shoulder pain, back pain I guess due to uneven height of the boot and shoe. Thank you for sharing!!! Araceli

Hi Michelle,

I am 58 and ended up buying a running shoe with a very wide toe box and also went up 1/2 size.  I have wide feet to begin with so I knew that my current shoes would be very snug, if they fit at all.  I went with the HOKA brand and I am very pleased.  They have a wide base that helps with my poor balance. They are a bit pricey, but with all my ankle has been through I didn't mind paying more for the comfort.  My PT thinks this is as small as my BA is going to get.  It only swells in the afternoons now,  but it is still quite a bit wider than the other one from all the hardware.  My PT thinks this is as small as it is going to get.

It's ok , better to post good tips more than once rather than not at all! I get quite confused with the order of posts on here anyway 😂.

Hi Shelagh! I know you're excited about your coming trip. Hopefully by then you'll be feeling much better. By the way, were you experiencing stiffness on your injured leg while walking on FWB with slippers? I was just trying to stand up barefooted with crutches and I feel my entire leg so stiff like it's gonna break. Is that a normal feeling? What kind of exercise do you do? Will it loosen up eventually? Sorry to be asking so many questions. I feel relieved when I get answers to my problems.

Hi Araceli

Yes the first time I stood FWB barefoot it was really stiff and yes you feel like it's going to break. The more I've walked on it the more it loosens up though and that stiffness has gone. Exercises I do are basically circling my foot round and round, up and down (like putting it on and off a brake in car). The pain today is not bad - and the swelling has gone down a lot on the top of my foot - I can even see a couple of veins again .

How long do you have to wait before you can try without your boot?

I'm so pleased someone else is promoting level walking. We can't repeat this too many times it's just too important. I've found I even limp and hurt more with the cane. Trying to retrain my brain to walk straight is a bit of a challenge but today talked to myself while I walked "don't limp Jen walk upright with feet straight " my niece was listening to me waffle on with a bit of a chuckle. But it was working and when it works I'll keep going it. Even if the world thinks I'm crazy. 

Jenni

I really wish I'd known about the e even up shoe thing whilst I was wearing my boot. My hip was really uncomfortable and even now I can tell there is damage that needs to be undone.

Today I've managed to get a pair of trainers on ! I'm so happy. I too have been practicing walking with my back straight and looking ahead instead of at the floor. It's amazing how quickly your posture can become really bad, leaving you with a lot of work to put things right! Without this forum I think I'd still be hunched over my crutches like Quasimodo 😂

Shelagh, I know you're getting used to your slippers/ trainer but I think it's safer to wear the boot for more protection when you travel. Don't you think? It's just a suggestion or ask your Dr. what he recommends. Thank you again for answering my questions. Take care!!!

Hi Araceli

Do you mean when I travel on the plane (end of July)?

I've got 3 and a half weeks before I'm due to see my surgeon again, and he said he wanted me out of the boot completely by next Wednesday. But i plan on wearing it on the plane if it will help - the problem I have now is if I put it on everything feels so rigid and I've loosened up a lot since ditching it ! It's my security blanket though and there if I need it. 😀

Hi Shelagh! Oh! It's still long way to go, by then you might not just be walking but running already! We just have to dream on, miracles happen. Anyway have a good day. I'm out in my patio with around 90 degree. I'm here in CA.

Hi Araceli

I doubt I'll be running ha ha!!! But I do hope I'm in less pain and am more stable on my feet !

I got a bit of sun this afternoon to top up my vitamin D levels but not enough . Envious of your weather - enjoy!! I'm in very unsettled weather in Manchester UK. I'd rather be in California !

Hi Shelagh! I'll go for my therapy tomorrow. I was told to practice to stand on my injured leg and raise up my heel. It hurts! Are you able to do that already? How's walking with your pair of trainers? It's another sunny day here so I'll be getting more Vit D. Take care!

Hi I am nearly 8 weeks post opp, 2nd physio I have lost boot and only using 1 crutch

the standing on toes raising heal is so difficult infact I cannot even do it, brain to foot dosent see.to compute

the other one I have to do is put toes (of bad foot) against solid object i.e. table leg and bend my knee to meet the table leg, although I can get some way, at present cannot even get half way

anyone any suggestions on how to loosen the ankle 

Hi Araceli

Yes I can do that already. Walking in my trainers is going well but I overdid it yesterday (was quite uncomfortable in the evening) so I'm taking it easy today. I think everyone can do different things at different times because although similar our injuries are all quite different - im amazed at the difference in treatment options too - which has been interesting to learn about. My foot is quite swollen today - it feels like I've got a nasty sprain - soft tissue injury can take a long time to get better too can't it, so maybe I need to slow down for a while! Only walked to the front garden to sit down and in to the bathroom a couple of times, otherwise I've had my foot elevated!

Everything will hurt the first few times you do it, but it gets easier each time. I have my hydrotherapy tomorrow too. We will have to see how things are for us after that ! Enjoy your sunshine! I'm jealous of that lol 😀

Hi Ellie

I'm a couple of weeks ahead of you post op. I can do the standing on toes raising heel but not the other one. You must be doing really well to only be using one crutch- I'm way too unbalanced to do that !! I wonder what the timescale is for no crutches?

Can you fit 2 shoes on then ? I've really struggled but managed to get in my trainers this week.

As for making the ankle more flexible I suppose our only answer is more physio. I'll ask at my session tomorrow see what she says. I just keep rotating mine clockwise then anti-clockwise- it's certainly easier and more comfortable in the hydrotherapy pool. The stiffness is really quite irritating isn't it ! You sound like you're doing well though 😀

Hi shelagh, I can get around the house unaided but always take my crutch if I go out

footear - I have a pr of slip on sandals with Velcro fastening across the top so they are ok - however today's weather was not sandal weather, I found a pr of macason type shoe that was ok

can you drive yet ? I am hoping next physio app week on Thursday I will get the green light - we have an automatic - I guess then I should be thinking about going to work ??

I cannot get to a pool and no access to hydrotherapy  ?? As soon as I can drive I will go to a pool but try and find a quiet time maybe aqua aerobics would be good? Any thoughts on that ? 

Shelagh! Feeling a little bit depressed today knowing that I can't walk yet. I used to be very active, go to gym everyday, biking( that's how I injured myself) and now I feel helpless. I don't want want my family to know . One of my daughters is finishing her masters in a few months and I don't want her to worry. Do you feel this way too sometimes or it's just me?

Thanks Ellie for your response!

Hi Ellie

No I can't drive yet. My dr said they'd discuss that with me at my next appointment (4wk time I think). As for work - I'm hoping to go back on "light duties " and as my job involves driving to clients houses , I won't be able to do my full job for a while. Some people live in flats too so would need to be safe on stairs 😭. Got meeting with work on Friday so will update then if they agree to light duties!

I reckon aqua aerobics would be a really good exercise for all of us once healed . It would really help with the flexibility side of things.

I've not done much walking today - overdid things yesterday !!

Araceli

Oh yes I have felt like this - and expect to have days when I still feel like this ! Keeping to yourself how you're feeling probably isn't helping your mood - at least we can all come on here and have a moan about it with other people who understand 🤕😀

If you were very active I would imagine that will benefit your recovery - I'm quite a lazy person to be honest, but this has made me see I need to shift a bit of weight and get a bit more active. Ellie's idea of aqua aerobics is a good one that I will look into .

It must be hard hearing about others who are walking already when you are desperate to - how long do you have to wait now ?

It is true that we all recover at different rates.  For me, you ladies seem to be doing really well with your exercises.  I am 5 mos out from surgery and I am still unable to touch my knee to the wall without lifting my heel.  I can lift my heel off the ground when standing on 2 feet, but when standing on my bad leg only, I can barely lift the heal from the ground.  I have been practicing every day with that one for the past week.

I had become very discouraged by my progress so my Physical therapist gave me a reevaluation.  I learned that I had no balance on my bad leg and while I have improved, I still need to work on my flexability.  He gave me a hard workout last week focusing on these issues.  I have seen more improvements in the last week than I have at any other time since the injury.  When I walked out of his office, I was walking without a limp and the limp didn't return until that evening.  Something has loosened up in my ankle that now enables me to walk faster with less pain.  I feel like it is a major breakthrough!  I was looking forward to going in to PT today, but I got the stomach flu

Shelagh! You know I didn't have surgery so I guess my recovery period is probably longer than people who had surgery. I hope it wont be long though. When my doctor offered cast or surgery, I asked my husband who doesn't know anything about anatomy and physiology and we both agreed to have the conservative treatment. I could have gotten 2nd opinion. I didn't even consult my children who knows more about my situation( 5 nurses in the family and not even one of them knew my plan )Do you think I made the right decision? Dr said the results woul be the same so I made a quick decision. Without cuts, plates and screws should be of my advantage but the healing process is longer. I just have to be very patient. I really thank you for your time responding. It's really helping me!.

Glad things are improving - not sure how I would cope if my progress was slow 

I am hoping to be driving in the next couple of weeks

the worst thing for me is being so heavily relyiant on friends to help me out with day to day things 

it's good to talk to you all 😍

Steffg

Hope you recover from your stomach flu quickly , that's all you need.

I think I have balance issues as this accident has made me evaluate why I've always gone over on my ankles. All my footwear has the telltale signs on both feet, and my mum tells me I had special shoes as a child for the same reason . Once I'm over this I'm going to look at private physiotherapist sessions (not my NHS ones I'm getting now) to look into this further. Your experience has given me hope and encouragement that I can fix this problem - because I don't want another broken ankle/leg. At the gym when I did this, all I actually did was step up onto a bench with my right foot, my ankle gave way and I fell off the bench sideways snapping the fib and the tib bones. So easily done - but hopefully never again !

Araceli

I think it's quite natural to go for a conservative route in treatment when given the option. I probably would have too, but wasn't given the choice - however only my tibia was plated, they left my fibula alone to heal naturally - and according to my last X-rays, neither bone showed much healing so clearly neither way was the best lol! I was told though that WB would stimulate the blood flow and the healing process so I would discuss that with your dr at your next appointment. Every dr seems to do things differently-

But I expect our outcomes to be similar. I also expect like me you've read all the medical journal research into surgery v non surgery - surgery had more problems than conservative treatment - so I wouldn't worry you didn't discuss with your family. Nurses tend to go with their gut instinct- it's usually not wrong 😊

My husband says my new nickname is "will you just .." as all I ever do is ask "will you just get me this ..and that ..take me here...take me there etc" so I know how you feel!

It's made me realise what good friends I have though. 😊

Thank you again! I was really guilty but you reassurance made me feel better.?I couldn't thank you enough but I just wish you full recovery soon. I received my even up shoe. It feels weird at first but I should get used to it soon.

You're welcome- and I hope we all recover well soon. It's a relief to share the experience with people who understand- everyone is being great but they don't understand the pain/discomfort and determination we all face on our road to recovery!!!

Update us on your shoe thing when you've tried using it. 😀 glad it came quick x

I hope your doctor allows you to start driving next time you see him.  Once I could start driving, I felt like I had so much more freedom.  I was stuck up on the mountain alone with the animals except on weekends.  I had to rely on neighbors I barely knew to get me to my appointments.  Luckily I convinced my Doctor to let me start driving when I was full weight baring, but still in the boot.  He knew my situation, and I made sure to tell him that I would change into my shoe once I was in my car, then change back into the boot before I exited the car.

 

If we have to break our ankles, can't it be when we were doing something exciting, like skiing in the Alps!  I was coming out of the dinner and was not watching my feet and down I went, only 3 steps up.  I also broke tibia and fibula, but it was a week later that they displaced and I required surgery.

At present, I have absolutely no balance in my bad leg.  My Physical therapist explained that it is because I went so long without having to balance that leg, that my unconcious brain  no longer recognizes it as something that requires balancing, so hopefully with practice, my brain will learn to balance that leg again.  I hope you also overcome your balance issues.

Steffg

Funny you should say that about skiing in the Alps - my Dr said he couldn't believe how much damage I had done in the way I did it, as the spiral fracture was what he'd expect from a skiing accident!! My husband and son have been pestering me to learn to ski so we can go next year - I think me and my daughter will book s city break and let them go skiing on their own ha ha!

Hydrotherapy went well today. Aching a bit now though so resting up this afternoon.

Oh I wish I could drive. But then again I need to be able to mobilise a bit more when I reach a destination! I really miss being able to mooch around the shops and have a coffee.

Yes I wish mine was done in a racing car but no I only got up to go to toilet at 5am slipped on a blanket. I'm now walking unaided but still a way to go. Hurts like a b...ch first thing in morning and stings every night. I now have developed severe shaking in hands I know it's from the spinal that took him 4 attempts to get it in right place. I shought shakes were from pain and crutches but nope I think I'm noticing it more as I'm carrying my own plates cups excetera hope it's not permenant. Stress factor high. 

My injury was from biking while vacationing in the Philippines. It ruined my whole vacation. Came back to US with cast up to my thigh so traveling was so uncomfortable. Shelagh, I'm getting used to my even up shoe. I think it will help me with proper posture. How are you?

Araceli

How awful doing that on your holiday , I hope you get chance to go again sometime and you can enjoy it properly.

I had my hydrotherapy today. She had me running up and down the pool and it was quite a heavy going session. As a result I'm in quite a lot of discomfort tonight - I came to bed at 530 pm for a couple of hours then woke up with my foot and ankle really stiff. I'm going to take some painkillers now and go to bed again, hoping that a good rest overnight will sort it out. If not I'll take it easy tomorrow . That appointment I thought was tomorrow to check vit D levels etc is next Thursday I had my dates wrong!

Glad the even up shoe is working well for you. Little things like that make all the difference- my physiotherapist has done some work on my hip and lower back today too - it's been a busy day!!!

How often do you go to physio / the hospital. It's really interesting seeing how all the different healthcare providers work 😊

Jenni

That sounds really stressful. If the injury alone wasn't enough the added worries and problems that come with it are as bad as the broken bones. Have you been able to discuss those symptoms with your dr?

It just goes to show how easy it is to do ourselves such damage. When I'm well I won't take my mobility for granted ever again !

I will have my PT today. It might just be stretching, bone stimulator and stationary bike. I still have my boot so they don't want to do aggressive exercise. I hope your feeling better after taking the pain pill. Keep me posted!!!

Shelagh, I had my PT today but just utz stimulator and light massage. The massage kind of loosened the stiffness on my ankle especially my toes. PT advised me to soak my foot in warm water with epsom salt . I'll try anything that will help. The even up shoe really help. I went out w/out wearing it my gait was not balance. I have to put it on all the time now. Thanks to everyone who recommended it.

Araceli

Hi yes I do feel a lot better today. It's not as painful where my plate is but a tendon in my foot appears quite aggravated for some reason. It's the same one that drove me insane in the first few weeks then settled down completely. No idea why it's flared up again - unless physio yesterday has taken its toll! Having a more restful day today. Comfy clothes and watching the rain from my sofa! Got to see my ordinary Dr for a sick note later today that will be the only exercise I'll be getting!

I wish I'd gotten one of the even up shoe things. It sounds amazing!

Shelagh,Glad you're feeling better today. Keep it that way. I soaked my foot in warm water with epsom salt and kind of relax some muscles and joints. I have the foot spa that I purchased long time ago and now it's so useful. I also used the stationary bike for 20 minutes to stretch my calf muscles and again I exposed myself to our hot weather so I guess I'm getting my extra Vit D. Take care now!!!

I see dr next week and will be talking to her about the shakes. I'm so pleased to hear the even up shoe is helping people. I know I'm a nag but if we don't help each other nobody else will. 

Hi everyone! I did a lot of walking today in boot FWB . I didn't have pain while walking but I noticed my knee is slightly swollen. Is it normal?

Hi hope things are progressing

well I am now 8 weeks after accident and down to one stick 

my leg seems to be more swollen than I have previously noticed, however I am just about doing everything I did before certainly around the house,

even been out shopping - I wonder if I am doing too much, I do have quite a bit of pain - any advice to what I should be doing 😁

Hi Araceli

I'm not sure why your knee is swelling. We all seem to have additional aches and pains in other joints elsewhere, I can only presume it's your knee objecting to what it's being put through. My hip is really playing up. It's got to be down to posture being different or something. Maybe your knee is asking you to take it easy and rest up a bit!!!

I've had a weird few days. Last time I posted I was feeling I'd gone back a few steps with the pain and walking. Then all of a sudden the pain just went. Today I was in my en suite sorting out my hair (another story lol 😂 when I realised I'd left my conditioner spray at the other side of the bedroom. Walking back to the ensuite I realised I'd not taken my crutches with me and had just walked on my own with nothing. Tried it again a few times but a bit wary so not pushing it. But I can see I'm making progress.

If you're FWB with the boot and no problems I reckon you will be great when the boot comes off . I actually found it less painful without it as the boot makes everything so rigid. Sounds like everyone making good progress 😀

Hi Ellie

It sounds like you're doing really well! I think the swelling is to be expected the more we try to do . I suppose with people saying it takes up to a year to be completely ok, if you're managing to do things round the house as before then swelling and pain willl happen when we over do things a bit - of course this is only an opinion and not a fact lol! We are all in such a rush to get our lives back to normal I suppose there are going to be times we do too much and our body will complain to let us know!

As you may have seen from my other post I walked without crutches today (unintentionally!). Won't be rushing that one though, last thing I want is to fall over. What kind of stick are you using ?

Hi, thanks for your response, around the house I am not using anything 

i do take 1 crutch when I go out 

I see my PT on Thursday so need to ask the question how much walking should I be doing ? 

Enjoy your Sunday 

Shelagh, thanks for your response. What an amazing progress you made! Walking w/out crutches? Wow!!! With my swollen knee I think I did too much yesterday. 20 mins stationary bike and also I tried to walk 4 steps unaided barefoot. My ankle was so stiff though. Is your ankle still stiff or it has loosened up since you're not wearing your boot anymore? I'll try to rest today just do my stretching and ABC exercise. Take care!

Araceli

It sounds like we all did too much this weekend lol.

My ankle swells a lot by the end of the day and becomes more inflexible with it. It's been sunny today so I've sat out in the garden - the heat not helped, plus not had it elevated all day as sat in ordinary chair.

I'm feeling quite lazy knowing you go on an exercise bike ! Tomorrow is going to be a rest it day then on Tuesday I'm going to crack on with it 😀.

Won't be long before your boot is off. Standing bare foot is a start 😀

Hi how's it going?

Not much to report here. Still using crutches most of the time but can manage without for s few steps (not good for my posture though). Feel like I've reached a plateau now though not seeing massive improvement. Getting pain where my hardware is a bit irritating.

How is everyone else doing ?

Hi Shelagh! I wish I could walk few steps w/o crutches. Just a bit of improvement for me. Doing few exercises like swinging my body from side to side putting more weight on the injured leg. but I noticed when I was doing the circling of my foot clockwise and counterclockwise my left side of my ankle got swollen maybe I pulled some muscles or ligaments but it doesn't hurt. Ice and elevated my legs but still swollen. Do I have to stop that kind of exercise or continue doing it? What other exercise do you do? Take care!

Hi Araceli

I think the swelling is pretty normal - I've overdone the exercise today and am paying for it now as the swelling is bad!!! I think the main thing is that you're following exercises that your physio has advised or agreed on , as we have all had slightly different injuries what's good for one person may be bad for another . I've been on you tube after someone recommended a certain guys exercises for ankle injury. I like it and they are quite simple (just tried to find out his name for you but my Facebook is playing up where link is posted) . Incidentally, are you on Facebook? I've joined a page called Broken ankle/leg which has hundreds of members and is really good as you see what people are doing who are a few weeks/months ahead of you. 😀

Thank you! I think I'll continue what I've been doing then. Yes, I'm on Facebook. I would like to join that page. As a matter of fact, I would like to add you as a friend but I think there is privacy involved so it might not be possible. So we'll just continue using this forum. I've seen the exercises on you tube but I don't know which one is good for me.

I'll send you a private messsge on here Then you can add me on FB and I can direct you to the group too 😀