Help.....need help at home following ankle break and damaged other leg

Posted , 3 users are following.

3 weeks ago I had a fall on the stairs when my left knee gave way as I was taking a step which caused me to come down heavy on my right ankle fracturing the fibula in 2 places.

I had surgery 9 days ago and yesterday went into a cast which I will be in for 5 weeks.

I have been staying with friends but they are going away next week and I'm not sure how I'm going to cope. I live in a small cottage with a steep spiral staircase going up. There is no downstairs toilet.

I was given a commode by the hospital but it would need cleaning and emptying and I obviously can't do that as I can't get down the step into the garden for an outside bin or anything. I cant put weight on my left leg and am non weight bearing on the broken ankle. I can sleep on the sofa so that's ok.

I cant easily cook or buy shopping for that matter and no driving.

I'm just not quite sure what to do for the next 5 weeks til my cast comes off.

Its really worrying me. I live on my own having moved to a new area. Family arent keen to help and I don't know anyone else.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    see if there are any visiting nurse associations? we have them around here (new hampshire) and they are often covered by insurance.

  • Posted

    im not sure where you live..

    in sydney australia there are rehab hospitals that are covered under private health insurance for physical rehab.

    This might be an option if your house isnt suitable. At least until you are more comfortable mobilising on the non fractured leg. I did something similar - only a single fracture but complete tears on the other ankle. Do you have a good ankle brace for the non fractured one?

  • Posted

    I live in the UK. Its my knee on the other leg which is damaged. They gave me a knee brace at the hospital but it is still agony to even stand with my weight on this knee for a few minutes. I just feel incredibly useless and a big burden on everyone.

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