I am immobilized and miserable 4 days post surgery

Hi Dawn,  I'm sorry to hear of your recent accident.  I had a similar accident missing the 3rd step off of my front porch. That was July 25th.  I had surgery (2 plates and 15 screws) the following morning.  The pain was aweful  while hospitalized and receiving IV Dilaudid.  Once I was switched to oral Percocet I had better and longer pain control. Once discharged from the hospital  I only needed the Percocet for about 7-10 days.  Then I just needed Tylenol arthritis strength 2 in the am and 2 at bed time.  I'm now 11 weeks post trauma and I don't take anything except occasional Tylenol.  Now onto your question. Of all of the entries from fellow "hobblers" I haven't read one story of a "fast recovery."  This setback has completely disrupted my entire life!  I live alone, can't drive and my family are miles away.  The immobile recovery has been grueling for me.  I'm still NWB.  I see my Orthopedic surgeon next Tues and am hoping that I can start to put some weight on my right leg.  The research I've done explains that due to the complexity this type of fracture is one that takes time and patience.  Hang in there and thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.   If you don't have one, I highly recommend a knee scooter with a wire basket and a long handled grabber to help you get things at a distance.  Keep me updated as I know exactly how you're feeling and it has been a roller coaster of emotions!! Rhonda

Hi Dawn,

Unfortunately there is no quick recovery. I too fell down stairs two months ago today and broke my talus, fibula and tibia along with dislocation. For me the cast for six weeks was the hardest part so far. I am in a boot now and doing physical therapy. Hang in there girl, accept help from friends and family, you will most likely need it, Crutches get easier. I also rented a wheelchair so I could transport things around the house, anything to regain some independence, Hopefully pain will decrease I didn't really have any just weird sensations, tingling, zaps, stuff like that. I would definitely contact your surgeon if pain doesn't go away. I have been learning to be patient with myself and realize this is a long, frustrating process. The people on this forum have been wonderful, encouraging, and very helpful.

Take care!  You will be back to walking before you know it! 

Hi Dawn,  sorry to hear about your accident.  I haven't dislocated my ankle but have had many bad twists and sprains in my youth from soccer (I've just had to have an ankle fusion some 35 year s later as a result).  With a dislocation you can get massive soft tissue damage that can take a long time to repair and will be in layers that heal at different rates. You've had the bones broken and repaired as well so even more trauma.

It will get better, but slowly.  Try to get stronger meds, I had Dihydrucodeiene  and Oramorph which lasted around 6 hours and really helped.

Hope you start feeling better soon.

Andy

Hi Dawn! I am sorry about your accident. I too fell down the stairs resulting in 2 ankle fractures (on the same foot). I was in a cast for 8 weeks. Now I am getting around on crutches. My foot hurts and is swollen when standing up. I also hate being forced to lay around and; spending so much time at home is nothing to write home about. When I wake up, I try to feel some kind of positivity about my situation. I remember being told swelling is normal as well as pain. It certainly doesn't make the swelling and pain go away, but it does make them more bearable. I don't know how long it will take for me to recover. Any progress is welcome. I am trying to have a different perspective of time when it comes to my recovery and focus my energy on getting better. Easier said than done. When frustrated, I have no recourse but to accept the way things are. Dawn, I do wish you a speedy recovery, take care.

Hi Dawn and others sharing this horrible experience,  feel free to private message me if you'd like additional details or questions of my accident and recouperation!  Everyone have a great evening!  

I am three months into this journey. It does get better every week so hang in there.  I fell July 4th and broke my tib, fib and talus and tore several tendons in my foot. It was a horrible sight!  

I was seen in the ER the night of the fall and a trauma surgeon reduced the compound fracture with no anesthesia. He apologized quickly and then set it! The tissue was compromised and he likely  saved my foot so I can’t really complain although I did scream. I screamed a lot! Then a shot of meds and it was somewhat better. 

The days after the surgery were the worst I have ever experienced. The nerves firing an misfiring  made my foot and ankle feel like it was on fire. The only relief I found was sleep and that was due to pain meds.  I was helpless because I also fractured my right ankle in the fall. One misstep in flip flops (because I’m southern and we love these stupid things) was all it took.  I went from being responsible for a great deal at work, I’m a CEO at medical treatment center, and at home where I thought  I was superwoman,  to having my sweet husband help me potty and bathe and my adult son take care of me at night. That was a humbling experience. 

Some things I had to find out through a blog:

Rent a wheelchair- you will both  hate and love it 

Knee scooters are great but not right after surgery. You will fall- trust me on this one. 

Watch for infection especially if the fracture was open. Mine was and I landed in the hospital for a week and had IV infusions for 42 days. 

Elevate even at night- it makes a huge difference 

Take bird baths- no one cares if your hair is dirty 

Allow your friends and family to help- you will need the help and the food they bring. 

Bedside potty chairs are underrated. They are not pleasant but quite useful. 

Amazon has bath benches, ramps and other products you will need. They deliver quickly and were a lifesaver for me. 

It’s ok to wait for a post. I look forward to it every night.

If you have a Kindle read all of the free books. I am on my 13th so far

Last- be kind to yourself and rest, east lots of protein and healthy vegetables.  Private message me if you have questions or just want to chat. 

It gets better but you will have to be patient. If I can find patience anyone can find it.  

Hugs! 

Karen