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Ankle Surgery and now rehab

Posted , 2 users are following.

Guest
Guest

On January 30, 2018 I had Arthritis removed, my arch reconstructed, my ankle reformed with 3 screws and my Achilles lengthened. I was 8 weeks in a cast nwb and now,2 weeks in my boot. I was told by the pa I could go full weight bearing the day I got my boot. Needless to say I broke down and sobbed when I could not stand on it to get in the shower that night. Now two weeks later i can get in the shower and I am 50/50 walking just with the boot no cane or crutch. I still can not get in my shoe due to swelling. Some of these forums have helped me so much. Last night I was back to two crutches the pain was so bad. The ups and downs are so hard. I have worked full time since 2 weeks out of surgery, I am an office manager but I am up and down. I am just wondering how long it took anyone else to go full weight bearing in a shoe. I start rehab 13 weeks after surgery. I had the pa tell me after 2 weeks in the boot i could try a shoe, I feel like a failure sometimes, but than there are times I think i am making strides. Thank you everyone.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • tricia09818
    tricia09818 Guest

    Posted

    Full weight bearing as soon as you got the boot? That doesn’t sound like correct protocol at all. When I got the boot it was no weight bearing, then partial weight bearing with crutches, then weight bearing with 1 crutch, then full weight bearing with boot. THEN in a shoe, with an ankle support full weight bearing.  That was a process of four weeks, all the while having physical therapy. The PT made sure my gait was correct and helped me strengthen my leg and foot so weight bearing would be easier. 

    Sorry your process got rushed. I was back to work at a bit less than 12 weeks, Work 12 hour shifts in a busy ER. It hasn’t been easy-swelling and discomfort at the end of the shift still (it’s been 3 weeks back) but it’s getting a tiny bit easier every day.

    It sucks that it’s a long process. Hope you’re better soon! PT really helps.

    • tricia09818
      tricia09818

      Posted

      Oh, and get a size bigger shoe too for the first few weeks of walking. I’m just now in my regular size shoes again.
    • Guest
      Guest tricia09818

      Posted

      Thank you so much, I followed my own way lol. I started walking with my crutches with a little weight at a time. I am 2 and half weeks in my boot and can walk some with just the boot. But I am using a crutch or cane to help. I go back April 27 to see the Dr. First time since surgery. I think the PA was pushing/thinking I could do it. I decided it was on my time. I haved loved these forums they have helped me so much. I have had a few meltdowns but overall I am committed to getting back to life. I just have to realize it will take time. Thank you for responding. I hope it gets better for you as well. ❤
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