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BROKEN ANKLE 1/2/18

Posted , 3 users are following.

JannyB2018
JannyB2018

i broke my ankle...both tibia and fibula and had surgery with plate and screws. I’ve been in casts with no weight bearing since January 4th. This past week my surgeon put me in a walking boot, but I am still having swelling, ugly redness, and PAIN.  I have always had a very high tolerance for pain but this thing has really taken its toll on me! I hate taking pain medicine but have no choice, and even so, I still end up in tears many nights trying to sleep. I am, by nature, a very optimistic person, and I’ve been determined not to give in to depression, but I am really fighting it especially since I thought the new boot was going to have me actually walking again.  WRONG.  I am a very young, active 71 year old, and I am very healthy otherwise. I have never broken any bones before and have never had to depend on anyone to take care of me for anything.....Can anyone tell me how long it will be before the pain will stop and I can actually walk like a normal person again?  Thanks!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • e51145
    e51145 JannyB2018

    Posted

    Hey babe. I am 58 and had the surgery. I am 10 wks post op, and I'm now Fwb with the boot. To me, the boot hurts worse, cause it rubs against the incisions. I think ,(in my short experience) that you have about till about April 1, till you feel relief. But by us being older, take vitamin D3 everyday. That definitely help older people. It help our old bones healing up faster.

    • JannyB2018
      JannyB2018 e51145

      Posted

      Thanks so much for the reply. You are right about the boot hurting more... I am taking the Vitamin D3 and decided yesterday to start drinking some bone broth every day as well. I think I’m doing everything right, but I guess I just wanted to see if this much pain was normal. It has just surprised me because I am not a complainer, but even last night I was in tears again with the swelling and throbbing. I try to hide it from my family, but I am just worn out with it.
  • kpower
    kpower JannyB2018

    Posted

    Hello Janny,

    Believe me, I empathize with emotional distress about your situation. Most of us ankle patients do go through a period of depression during our lowest point in recovery. We get through it though and so will you. The only way out of your distress is through it.

    It is important to have faith in yourself and your body. You are stronger than your circumstances.

    The feeling of helplessness and dependency on others is a shock to many, especially those of us who have always prided ourselves on our independence and self-reliance. It is indeed a profoundly humbling moment, and hopefully we learn a life lesson in the process.

    Each patient journey is unique due to the overwhelming number of variables involved-- a lot of moving parts go into injury and recovery.

    The sooner you can get off prescription pain meds the better-- improving both mood and healing.

    There's plenty of good time-proven advice on these forums to help you fashion a treatment and recovery regimen that will give you the best possible chance for a happy and successful recovery. Your outcome is in your hands alone.  The medical system is just part of your team.

    Good luck to you.

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