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I broke my ankle mid Sept 2015

Posted , 8 users are following.

Paulusdw
Paulusdw

had operation end of Sept to fit three pins due to displacement of the bone. I had a partial cast fitted, then mid October had staples removed and a fibreglass cast fitted, also to partial weight bear using a boot. It's now a month post op and my foot is badly swollen, although I'm not taking any medication as the pain is manageable.

my next appointment is the 12th Nov. The consultant originally gave me a two month sick note from work which expires on 22nd Nov.

I was hoping to have been back at work by the end of Nov, I get really frustrated & angry that I can't carry anything or even put socks on, having to rely on my wife who is getting frustrated by it 😐

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  • misty34883
    misty34883 Paulusdw

    Posted

    August 8th I broke my ankle and sprained the other, had surgery on the 18th and came home with one plate and 16 screws and two screws in the other bone.  I also had surgery to clean out bone fragments from the ankle joint - doc said I "demolished" my ankle.  In additiom to the ankle surgery they lengthened my calf muscle to alleviate troubles with my achilies due to inacivity and being in one position for a lengthy amount of time.

    I had two soft casts - one from ER at time of accident and one after surgery.  One  week after surgery,I received my bright pink plaster cast - chose pink to lift my spirits.  End of September the plaster cast and stiches were removed and I received the Cam boot (or as I called it the damn boot).  Had several falls off the scooter and crutches basically due to stability - but scarry and bruised nonetheless.  End of October the boot came off and I was given a lace up brace and onto crutches - start physical therapy to learn to walk and migrate to a cane, which I am hopefully will be in a week or two.

    Most difficult part of this process was / is the pain and swelling.  Pain is manageable now,and I take nerve medicine 3 times a day to help with the nerve pain.  The swelling is an issue that I handle by elevating my leg and placing ice behind the knee, takes it down and then I can function -- I have learned that ice is my new best friend.

    Another aspect of this injury is the feeling of isolation and inability to do things for yourself -- shower, etc.   Thankfully I have a neighbor who had hip surgery and understands what I am going through, as my friends don't but that is due to them not havng had an incident such as this.

    Thnkfully I have worked from home though the process, but it hasn't been easy.  I have been into the office twice, and am hopefully to be back in the office by the 1st of December - doc told me in the beginning it would be about three months and I guess he was right - but that when I returned I would be in the brace, on a cane and had to keep ankle elevated during the day to help with swelling and upon return to home more ice.  

     I did use a light tote bag to help me "carry" items with the scooter and crutches, and found that a cup with a lid and handle were also helpful.  The tears of frustration and sadness don't help much - but in reading posts from others I have adopted the mantra that this too shall pass and in time (which I have to be patient with) I will be back to "normal" and doing the things I did before this unfortunate accident.

    I wish you a speedy recovery -

     

    • Paulusdw
      Paulusdw misty34883

      Posted

      Wow. The pain must have been unbearable with what you have gone through.

      I only had 10 stitches & 2 screws one side/3stitches & 1 screw the other side.

      I have experienced a lot of swelling but managed without pain relief other than at bedtime to act as a precaution.

      Ive had my stitches removed and am on a removable cast to put partial weight on.

       I'm just hoping that when I have my next appointment that the cast can be removed and to start physio, as I need to get back to work.

      No work = No pay and Christmas around the corner, not good.

      I do get frustrated at the inability to do the basics of washing and dressing myself.

      I have started using a small bag to carry light items in, which helps a little.

      I have found myself feeling depressed at times, and thinking, am I ever going to be back to normal, having been used to an active & social life.

      I think, reading the posts, we all realise that it is a slow process, but one day we will all eventually return to our previously " normal" life styles.

      We have to remain positive.

      Good luck & a speedy recovery

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