Fibula Surgery (a happy recovery)

Hi everyone,

I've read a lot of stories on this forum, some which made me feel even more anxious and upset about my recovery. I thought I'd share my story to spread positivity and show that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

So, on the 9th January I had a fall outside on the concrete floor, and managed to fracture my fibula in two places. I was put in a cast for a 5 days, until I met with a doctor. I was told my fracture looks stable so I needed to get a xray done whilst putting weight on it. If my bone stayed stable, they would give me an airboot. So, went for the xray. The doctor came back and told me that fracture worsened as I stood on it, and I needed surgery or it wouldn't heal properly. So, they plastered me back up and two days later I had the surgery. They put a plate and 6 screws in my fibula. When I awoke, everything was all blurry, but I couldnt feel any pain due to the nerve block they gave me. The first 3 days after surgery were the worst! Anyway, I kept my foot elevated and took the medication. My stitches were removed after 12 days, my foot was bruised, stiff and just looked weird. After stitches removal, I was xrayed and then my ankle was placed in a fibre glass cast, they let me choose the colour lol. The doctor said to come back in 5 weeks and I should be given a walking boot. Within those 5 weeks, I experienced numbing and tingling sensations in my toes it was so uncomfortable. I had my cast changed 3 times as it loosened as swelling decreased.

So the 24/02/2020, was the most awaited day of my life! On arrival, the doctor said to go get my plaster removed and go for an xray. After everything was done, I was called in.. The doctor said my bone had healed perfectly! He asked me, where my other shoe is? I replied, I thought I was getting a walking boot? He laughed and said no, you dont need one, you can start walking without one. I was so baffled and overwhelmed with happiness and confusion! He helped me stand up, and put slight weight on my foot. It felt amazing, after nearly 7 weeks, my foot touched the ground. I took my first steps when I got home. It was a very wobbly, funny experience.. my ankle was still very stiff but there was no pain around the incision site or my ankle in general.

13.03.2020: I've been going for physio, and I am on my third session, and I am now walking without crutches!!! I can finally walk up and down the stairs, I can finally walk around the house, carry my own cup of tea, cook and feel normal again!

I'm going to drive this weekend, I have a manual car but I'm really looking forward to it, I missed my car so much!!

I used to be a gym freak before this happened and I was scared this accident would inhibit my ability to do exercise as I used to. I can confirm that Ive been going this gym and I feel completely normal! My ankle is fine, no pain and the swelling is very minimum.

I had a slight limp in the first week but that gradually got better after sticking to the ankle exercises the physio gave me to do at home.

I just wanted to share my story with everyone so they feel better and do not always anticipate the worst. I was not expecting this outcome at all, but you just need to have faith, we can do it!

I wish you all a speedy recovery x

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