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

I don't have answers to ur questions, and have not gone thru what u are going thru. I just wanted to say how terribly sorry I am that u are having to go thru these trials. There seems to be so much uncertainty from whether the infection is cleared to are u going to be able to walk without significant pain and be able to pursue ur dream of singing. Limbo at 21 is a difficult place to be. So many expectations and decisions are expected from u.

What I do know, is in the midst of ur recovery, everything does seem hopeless. The fear of "what if" is tremendous and overwhelming. I cried so much. And I do still feel frustrated because my healing is not to my satisfaction. It limits what I can do. I have a boss who is great and takes that into account when making assignments.

What is important now is developing good coping skills which includes surrounding yourself with supportive people. Those folks won't let u feel sorry for yourself too long. BTW, OK to indulge in self pity, just don't get stuck there. The strategies u develop will support u no matter the outcome. I know it sounds trite, but start journaling with gratitude. In the midst of my self pity, I decided to write down at least one thing a day for which I was thankful. Sometimes it was only what my husband fixed for dinner. And it shifted my thinking just enough. It's a good practice to keep up. A part of gratitude is looking at all u are as well. I am not dismissing ur dream of singing, but I know that's not all u are. U must be so much more. Keep posting how u are doing. Wishing u all the best! Lisa-

well i have started to walk a bit more faster, but my ankle does  not really work the way it should, not even 10 percent, the ankle has been damaged i guess, the outer surface of the ankle the talus has become rough as it is the cartilage had been damaged too. So all i can do is keep doing my work the way i walk as long as i can to maintain the mobility, it could one day collapse and then i might have to go through an ankle fusion says the doctor, very less chances of it healing, because it seems that my ankle is not healing, and it has been told to me that ankle fractures are very hard to heal speacially in my case with the talus bone, i could be having an avascular necrosis the bone might be dying. I am so worried and depressed but i don't act as though i am near people.

This is so rough. I feel for you. Just take it a day at a time. There is light at the end of the tunnel even though it might be feint now. I send out a hug. Sometimes that's all we can do. But you cannot see the whole path now. Only the small bit you are on. Your experience can help others. I am also sad and struggling but I reach out to you with knowledge this will pass and whether while again or not in whatever way you will be fine.

Hi I am 14 weeks ORIF and now walking without any aids but experiencing a lot of pain and swelling. PT said this is normal but to make sure not to over do it.

Be very careful and ensure you rest up and try not to push yourself too hard. I think these injuries take a really long time to fully heal. Good luck x

Hi I too broke my ankle in 3 places. I have 3 plates and 6 screws. I am on week 2 barely , day of break was 12/13/16. I know I am barely in the beginning stages of my recovery. But I do have questions for those who can help me pin point some factors in my recovery. First of all how long does it take for my foot to circulate blood normally as of right now I can't stand keeping my foot down because seems like all the blood gets stuck there. So it's elevated 24/7. Secondly for those who have experienced a similar experience as me please give me a period of recovery to feel comfortable to bare weight on my foot; or at least feel comfortable to do very light activity. I know I am asking a million dollar question since we all recover at different rates. But I am doing everything on my behalf to supplement myself with good foods & vitamins etc..

Hi, I'm 14 weeks post ORIF surgery for fractured ankle, Tibia, Talus and Malleolus.   I have a plate and screws.  I kept my foot elevated until the plaster came off at 6 weeks.  It really tingled whenever lowered, until a couple of weeks after the cast was off. I was non weight bearing for 12 weeks and had a removable aircast boot for the second six weeks. When I was allowed to put weight on as tolerated, it became more swollen and painful for 4 days, but is taking the strain better now, with help of crutches. The foot is still very swollen and inflexible, so won't be up to driving for some more weeks I guess.  Movement is quite restricted, but hopefully will continue to improve. Just needs patience, and plenty of gentle movement whether sitting or hopping or walking.

It amazes me the different approaches each individual doctor takes. I was in a cast for about 10 days after surgery then went to my first appointment about 2 weeks post surgery the cast came off and I got a heavy duty boot which I am currently using. My only complaint about the boot it has giving me some skin irritation that comes with some very bothering tingle & numbness. I've combat the skin irritation with some vitamin e oil seems to be working wonders. This is very hard I am mentally preparing myself with all these challenges since it's the only thing I can really do at this point. I just wish to be some what as athletic as I used to be before my injury that's my biggest concern. I hope my age (26) is still on my side on this heeling process

Hi, yes I've also had skin irritation from the boot.  I think the tingling is from the swelling and pressure of the injury and surgery.  You have youth on your side, the difference between 26 and 65!  Listen to your body, keep the swelling down and don't force it! patience is key.  thing that I wonder, is how with a plate that looks like a curved ruler will I be able to get back flexibility in the ankle???

Yes every person I've talked to who has experienced this is to stay positive & be patient thank you. That's very true it's a weird process as you how we become flexible with these metals in our bodies now. This is my first break ever so it's really hard for me to imagine what I'll be expecting since I'll be having support from these metals, honesty it's kinda scary to think at moments.

I am 11 weeks post ORIF. I went into a bootcast at 7 weeks. Broke my fibula, broke my tibia in 2 places and grossly dislocated my ankle. Ortho.put a late and screw's and a pin. Hopefully it won't ever have to come out.

Hello Ralph. I am 11 week's post ORIF. I slipped in water in my kitchen and broke my tibia and fibula as well as dislocated my ankle. My Ortho did surgery

2 days later. A late , screw's and a pin for dislocation.I had an infection in my staple area exterior and had to go in weekly for check up on infection so therefore he changed my hard fibrous cast out weekly. What a hassle.alto of antibiotics. I wore splint initially then a hard cast for 7 week's and finally a boot cast for 3. I fired my Ortho. He was rude. Once my infection was healed. I also opted to do rom exercises at home. I am full weight bearing now with no pain but I do still have some swelling. He may have been rude but he knew how to operate.

Sounds very similar to what happened to me. Do you mind if I ask how has it been for you on the recovery & healing process? I do know it takes alot of patience and time but I would like to know from people who are ahead of me in this.

I fell of a ladder at work from about (15ft) foot got stuck on a ladder rake. My ortho mentioned my break was one of the worst ones (compound fracture) they deal with, so for that reason I am a lil concern about my recovery. But I'll leave it to God and hopefully my healing process comes in my favor. I to am supplementing myself with turmeric capsules, garlic extract, omega 3, flax seed, krill oil capsules, vitamin c, multi vitamins. I am just doing my own research on how I can hopefully help much body heal at a better pase, but who knows if that will help. I'll just let time tell me. How long did you keep your foot elevated for? Mine seems like once I out it down it really swells and hurts since my circulation is still pretty bad.

Hi they say time is a healer but hey wish I could forward time I had a ttc open ankle fusion with a nail and several pins I've got to say before my op I could not walk att all and the pain I was in was gone . But I was eight weeks in cast 4 weeks in a walker boot . And am now just on crutches and in 2 shoes . A complete different pain but can't see me walking without socks any time soon 14 weeks post op I thought I'd be cured but I think in real money it's going to be 6 months .im 50 in good health . But plz to all my ankle friends ur ready when ur ready do not rush recovery ur body nows best . I'm over the worst every day is forward good luck to all .

That's sticks not socks lol .

It sounds a bit like mine. I had to have an external fixator before they could do the surgery. The surgery was on April 26. I now have a boot. I am hoping to go on a family trip to Israel leaving on June 14 and am scared I won't make it and scared if I do. I won't have to do much walking and will have access to a wheel chair if necessary but wondering if I will be strong enough to dress bathe etc. I can't put any weight down and walkin with the walker or rather hopping is tough. I am 73. In good shape and doing Physio and exercises.