Ankle ORIF

hi there, yes i just went through this. I severed my tib fib left and fractured my right ankle. I also had surgery, three plates and 13 screws. I understand and know those sensations well. Ive had my cast off for 11 days now and it is definitely getting better. the burning, pins and needles were very scary for me but I was told this was the healing process and nerve pain, which will ease. Things will get better, a little everyday. I'm a few weeks ahead of you in the process, things get better. I am a positive person too and that helped me a lot. I didn't realize how little patience i had until i couldn't go anywhere. So that was my positive i guess, i learned to slow down. You will find that every day you get a little better!

Hi chrissy,

wow that sounds horrendous, sorry to hear you are going thro it, I wouldn't say my situation is similar but I can relate, I too have ankle problems long story short sprained 3x, ruptured ligaments which required surgery and now living with arthritis in my R.Ankle and now being told fusion of said ankle is the only option, that was 3 years ago, 2 years ago I was involved in a car crash where someone hit me and the force was such that the impact of the seat belt dislocated my shoulder tore the cuff and broke the collar bone, I had 3 surgeries one was to fix the nerve problems and another to fit a metal plate, I very fast fell into the depression stage and just wish I was as strong as you, all I can say keep thinking positive and stay strong... sorry I couldn't give you any info or advice just some encouragement 😊

Yes absolutely I wil. Thank you once again.

Hi there,

I also had an ORIF left ankle on June 20th. Broke my fib and lower tib, got a plate and 8 screws and a fib tib syndesmosis screw due to some tissue damaged. I got my sutures removed yesterday and luckily the incisions healed well. I am in a different predicament as I was only immobile for 3 days in a back slab and then my leg was just bandaged up and left out in the open, no cast, no boot and I was told to move my ankle as much as I could and put my back slab on only when I go outside for a layer of protection. I am non weight bearing for 4 weeks until I get that one month xray. The he will decide on the weight bearing. I was scared because everyone has some sort of a cast for at least 4 weeks. But my dr. said the hardware is stable in the leg and he wants me to work on non weight exercises like ankle pumps ans such. So still no cast for me two weeks later.

I had that pins ans needles feeling but they go away little by little. I elevate my leg most of the day, luckily as I am on summer break from teaching and got a good partner to take care of the kids and the house. The pain will go away with time. Can you move your toes? My leg is getting way smaller than my other leg so expect muscle atrophy from non weight bearing. I am hoping that I'll be able to bear weight and get that leg up to the same size and the potential of limping also scares me. This recovery process is long and even at two weeks post op, I can feel it.

Good luck to us and we will both be fine!❤

Oh my GOODNESS. May God please Bless you and your surroundings for smooth recovery. It has been the most painful experience for me to break my ankle in three places. Hopefully you will be able to use your other foot and leg soon to help you get around. I also pray for you to have lots of help right now. It's great to be positive, sometimes it is depressing. You will be able to get through this. I would help if I could.