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how long would you expect a complex fracture to heal in?

Posted , 4 users are following.

callum80308
callum80308

Broke my fibula and disrupted my syndesmosis joint both of which required surgery and I was just wondering how long I should expect it to heal in.

Thanks

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • MsCamboot
    MsCamboot callum80308

    Posted

    Hi Callum !

    Not well up on the medical terms. I have an ankle full of plates and pins and my SUGEON told me I'm at the worse end of the spectrum regarding ankle breaks and that my ankle was a mess. I broke my tibular, fibula completely in two breaks and something was broken off another bone in the ankle because of this my ankle was dislocated because it had no structure at all and nearly came out through my skin. I'm week 14 weeks post op and still in camboot/ moonboot. I went to see someone who I thought was going to be a consultant/ specialist and still not sure who I saw but he was very young and wearing scrubs. He told me to go home, take off boot and try to walk. I did as advised and had a fall which made me think I'd broken my foot ( my foot was already hurting and swollen ) I was in AGONY !!!!! I called my daughter and I had an X-ray to also check that my metal was still in place luckily it was and I hadn't broken my foot. All this has put me back a few steps with my recovery and I'm waiting to see a physio to try to walk. My foot can't take my full weight now so not sure what happens next. The ankle is very complex and most people expect you to be up and running in 6 weeks. It doesn't happen. All the best with your recovery and everyone is different and heal sometimes quicker than others. I'm nearly 60. Of course if you only broke one bone in the ankle you will probably up and running before someone like myself. There are many factors to consider.

    • callum80308
      callum80308 MsCamboot

      Posted

      Hi,

      Sorry to hear about your injury it sounds really bad.

      Have you had any success in bone growth? Its always a worry dealing with medical issues and I'm really bad for worrying especially when its to do with! Has your surgeon said anything about the recovery time? Or is that what they expected it to be like?

      Thanks

      Callum

    • MsCamboot
      MsCamboot callum80308

      Posted

      Hi Callum !

      No my surgeon said nothing about the recovery time only that I had to be very careful as it was a very bad break and then told me a few negatives but he hopes I prove him wrong. I'm now back in Australia and this surgeon is in the Uk where I had my accident. A very good surgeon and he did a really good job. I have had 3 X-rays since my op and my bones have had some growth but are not completely healed but are well on their way but I'm not too worried as I'm nearly 60 and I'm not going to heal as quickly as someone much younger. I'm talking calcium tablets which I've been taking for years anyway. Have you tried calcium tablets Callum? I know I feel a bit unsure about walking without the boot as I've already had a fall and I'm frightened of my injured ankle caving in although I'm only a slim person. How weird is that thought with something as simple as walking. I know what you mean about worrying because I worry too and I'm not working or got an income coming in and I worry about paying my bills and work are wondering why I'm away for so long. Hey I would love to go back to my former fit self and be up and running off to work but believe me I just can't do that or drive too. We can only do what we can do. I believe you will be fine Callum and you should get another X-ray because you could be in for a nice surprise and get positive feedback. Keep positive and keep walking the ankle walk until you come out the other side stronger and with more compassion for the wounded. It certainly makes you see things differently and it's an experience although a bad one, but I believe everything gives us insight and strength to face the world and help others in their time of need. I still have my own pity parties and no one is invited but I have to get up, brush myself off and tell myself better things are coming. You are not alone Callum and I find comfort in this forum with others in the same boat. We will all get through it.

    • callum80308
      callum80308 MsCamboot

      Posted

      I'm almost 12 weeks post op and at 11 weeks no bone growth was evident on the x ray. I haven't tried calcium tablets as my doctor hasn't recommended them. Hoping it will be good news at my next appointment!

      Thamks

      Callum

  • natava
    natava callum80308

    Posted

    My lovely ankle bust took 3 mo of no weight bearing. After that I got the all clear and started walking on it little at a time. Still swells almost two years later but it's all sealable.
    • callum80308
      callum80308 natava

      Posted

      Hi natava,

      How long did it take til you could walk and drive?

      Thanks

      Callum

    • natava
      natava callum80308

      Posted

      I was no weight bearing and no driving for three months. Once I could start putting weight on it- it was just a few days before I ditched the crutches. I couldn't walk miles yet ... But it was ok for daily life.
    • callum80308
      callum80308 natava

      Posted

      Had your bone healed by the time you started weight bearing? And did you have surgery?

      Thanks

    • natava
      natava callum80308

      Posted

      I did. 2 plates and 9 screws. Yes it healed. When I started walking on it after three months it felt weak and a little sore. It got progressively better. I still have swelling though.
  • Paulusdw
    Paulusdw callum80308

    Posted

    Hi. I broke my ankle 11 weeks ago it his Friday, 9 weeks today post op.

    I have 3 pins, but no plates, and am still not fwb, not walking, driving, nor working. I have not yet had any physio, even though the junior doctor told me that I will be discharged on 10th December! What planet or these "experts" on? As other people have stating on here, everybody is different regards the healing process. It is seriously affecting me, wondering if I will ever walk again, as my foot & ankle are still swollen, not being able to wear a normal shoe. It is a long, dark journey, that unfortunately is a waiting game. 

    • callum80308
      callum80308 Paulusdw

      Posted

      Hi,

      Has your ankle shown any bone growth on the x rays as after 11 weeks mine hadn't! We'll both get there eventually but for now not being able to walk and drive is such a hindrance and unless people you talk to have been through it then you feel like they dont understand what your going through. It try's your patience so much and you do feel like it wont end but fortunately it has to eventually!! Waiting is the worst part I have 5 weeks til my next appointment and its horrible as I have no certainties my leg will be any better.

    • Paulusdw
      Paulusdw callum80308

      Posted

      Hi. No, my ankle has not shown any bone growth.

      As my job requires me to be on my feet & driving for up to 12 hours a day, it has caused me a lot of stress, especially financially.

      I avoid speaking to friends as nobody can believe the slow progress, which makes me feel crap, and wonder if there is something wrong with my ankle.

      I wake up everyday realising that I'm not progressing, and the fact that I've still not been offered physio, foot & ankle still swollen doesn't help. My next appointment is on 10th Dec, I too don't feel very positive that this journey will ever terminate. Good luck with your next appointment, we all need to try & stay positive especially at this time of the year., as difficult as it may be at times.

    • callum80308
      callum80308 Paulusdw

      Posted

      Its actually really difficult to get people to understand. When I found out on Friday no progress was made I felt really bad and struggled to sleep through stress and anxiety. Its probably best to speak to people someone who suffers themselves or has done from an illness mentally or physically as they are more understanding! I've been told by my doctor they'll let me walk on it even if its not healed after my next appointment unless the hardware snaps. Its quite likely we have both had bad breaks and that's has slowed the healing! Socialising is the best thong for you I've gone out and socialised today and feel better surrounding myself with people I like as it takes your mind of it for a little while. There is nothing wrong with your ankle it will heal eventually! Let me know how your appointment is would like to hear something positive to do with ankles.
    • Paulusdw
      Paulusdw callum80308

      Posted

      It is really difficult to accept that the progress with a broken ankle is slow.

      It is normal to have sleepless nights as many thoughts are running through your mind. I sometimes think that I will never return to work, nor get back to normality. I went out to a charity event last Sunday and met up with a group of friends, I previously went for a meal with work colleagues, which was hard for me to do. I did feel better for socialising with friends, I don't want to be judged though. An ex work colleague came & visited me at home today unexpectedly. It was a nice change from watching tv all day! He showed me a letter from hospital saying he needs two new hips & a knee replacement, which made me feel better. I was hoping to be back at work now, or at least to be driving. I did ask about driving at me last appointment and they advised against it. It's hard for me to accept loosing my independence temporarily, but it's not forever.

      I will update you on my next appointment of progress, hopefully I will get discharged.

       

    • callum80308
      callum80308 Paulusdw

      Posted

      I also have a fear of being judged but the majority who judge you will be people you either wont see again or you just dont care if they see you or not! Watching tv has ran out of enjoyment now so socialising is best. I thought id be back walking and driving by now but for now have to get through it. Best of luck in your appointment.
    • Paulusdw
      Paulusdw callum80308

      Posted

      Thank you for your kind comments.

      It really does make sense what you say.

      I hope it's not too long before you are back walking and driving, you will get through it.

      Thanks again, I do appreciate it

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