Bilateral Ankle Fractures, anyone else?

Posted , 6 users are following.

I broke both ankles November 17, 2019 and had trimalleolar fx with dislocation on left, and bimalleolar fx with dislocation on rt. Surgery on left ORIF on the 19th, cast only on the right. My question....anyone else have experience with BOTH at the same time? I have read, and watched a lot of things about recovery from ONE side only. I am interested in anyones experience with recovery of both at the same time. The doctor has given me a vague timeline. Maybe some unique challenges, solutions, perspectives? I can't relate to someone hobbling on one leg or using one of those scooters for one knee. Right now I am in a wheelchair, and unable to bear any weight on either leg. Once I go to partial weight bearing, how in the world do I manage to stand up without bearing all my weight on either leg? I got questions. And I am not in PT yet because there is nothing they can do with me until I have the go ahead to bear weight. Thanks!!

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi

    I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through, I broke both my ankles about 12 years ago - i also broke quite few other bones so was in hospital for about 7-8 weeks then when I came home i remember being in a wheelchair for a bit.

    Did you have any specific questions?

    Have they given you any idea of when you'll be able to weight bear?

    Wishing you a speedy recovery!

    • Posted

      One practical question is how to get my stuff from one place to another. I live alone and to get my stuff from the bed to the couch I have to make a dozen trips. I don't really want to stay in the bed all the time. I use a slide board for a couple of things and it can be a pain in the butt to carry around as well. How did you manage that?

    • Posted

      I used to keep a backpack on the back of my wheelchair and kept things in there like a bottle of water etc and then you can carry quite a few things in there in fewer trips, also getting a flask to carry tea/coffee is easier than trying to wheel while carrying a mug or glass.

      Just try and keep positive and remember this is temporary - its really tough but it won't be long till physios start getting you back up on your feet! if you have any more questions just ask - i'll do what i can to answer as best as i remember 😃

  • Posted

    Annie

    I am sooo sorry to read this

    I only broke one ankle and thought it was worst thing that could ever happen

    I hope you find the answers you are searching for here

    I wish you all the best

    • Posted

      same. been 7 weeks now and its awful. cant imagine what breaking both ankles must be like.

  • Posted

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    annie

    I feel for you. I am recovering from One ankle fusion and it has been bad.

    I got this to help me move things about.. a walking frame on wheels with shelves. you could push it sitting in a wheel chair

    I'm in N w england and the nhs physio prescribed it before I left the hospital ..for free.

    Also hire a mobility scooter so you can get out and about.

    I hope you recover soon xx

    • Posted

      Thank you for the suggestion. I am not sure what you mean by a mobility scooter, but where I live my driveway is very steep and it would be dangerous to try to go down it. I have already spent a lot of money on equipment, so buying or renting yet another thing is out of the question. But that shelf with wheels is a good idea. Thank you.

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