Fractured ankle in 3 places fusion and graft in 2 days

Posted , 3 users are following.

Wow!  I fractured my ankle after a car wreck last April 1st. I know.  Some April fools day.  It has been a rough 10 months. Walked on ankle post op due to pain mess and not feeling pain.  2 revisions later.  I was in horrible pain and they finally took out the plate and screws.  Had to find a foot and ankle specialist a few months.  Really glad I did.  Now ankle is terribly unstable and in a wheelchair.  I have my fusion in 2 days and I'm curious what the best pain regimen is?  I've read that use a long acting pain med and short acting.  Any advice?  God bless you.

I read this:

You learn more in ten days of agony than ten years of comfort.

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Mary,

    I read your story and feel for your loss. What a shame to have your recovery aborted and now 10 months later dealing with a rickety, unstable ankle.

    If it were me I would weasel out of any fusion surgery the medics want to perform on me, unless there was absolutely zero other choice to regain mobility. But that is just me.

    As far as pain meds go, none of the them is without side effects and possible dangers (like opioids and NSAIDs).

    The lowest amount you can take for the shortest period is best. But I know people's tolerance for pain varies immensely.

    • Posted

      Hey, just got released today.  I must tell you, I slept the first day.  Then last night at ten o'clock, the dialysis stopped working.  The pharmacist prep repaired the dilaudid.  Problem was, most of the dilaudid was diverted and replaced with saline and the nerve block started wearing off.  So I was in pain all night and by 8:00 in the morning, I cried for an hour because my pain was so bad.  So I got home and fixed the pain problem.  I was so glad I went to the pain clinic because I had mess separate for the surgeon who does not understand how bad the pain is.  Thank you and awaiting your reply.

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