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Navy

Posted , 7 users are following.

Bikde
Bikde

I broke my ankle 7 months ago, I had to get 14 screws and two plates put in. I was back on the ship within 4 months after the break. I have been going to physical therapy once a week, since I ve been able to start applying pressure. Since I ve been back my condition has gotten worse, they damaged my nerves during the surgery and the swelling has increased. I work 12 hours a day in engineering on the ship, I can barley walk at the end of the day, and have a limp most of the time, but ships medical insist that I ll be back to normal in no time, these are also the same people who when I initially broke it thought I had only sprained it and made me walk to medical. My physical therapists keep telling me to get off the ship before I damage it more, and that it s not going to heal while I m working the way I am. At this point I don t know what to do, I know they are lying to me but I don t have anywhere to turn. Seems like some kind of torture. Wondering what I should, or anything that will help out this situation.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • mjp2365
    mjp2365 Bikde

    Posted

    Hey Bikde... Former US Marine here... Going through a broken ankle and surgical repair myself right now. Have you tried going up the chain of command at the med center? There has to be someone who can help get you off the ship until you are fully functional, which could take a year or longer according to research I've done on my own and things I've been told by my doctor. Appeal to a higher position until you get the help you need. You can ruin your ankle for life if you don't get treated properly. Have your physical therapist write a letter stating what he has told you and get that to the highest authority you can. There has to be a way brother. I'm pulling for you. Semper fi.

  • warren31723
    warren31723 Bikde

    Posted

    I had a bimollear fracture the advice the marine Corp guy gave you is spot on. Takes a year or longer to be 100%.
  • stephanie07051
    stephanie07051 Bikde

    Posted

    I agree with them it should take up to a year or longer for it to feel normal. I broke my ankle 9 months ago and I’m on my feet all day at work as well when I get off I’m limping and in pain as well. I know it can be very frustrating! 
  • kpower
    kpower Bikde

    Posted

    Bikde,

    Sorry to hear of a comedy of errors you went through with the medics after your ankle injury. Apparently the medics that supervised your care have not treated many ankle injuries, nor do they realize that an unhealed,   chronic ankle condition can lead to more serious, mobility-threatening conditions like ankle arthritis later in life.

    It sounds like they botched your ankle fracture surgery and you are suffering for that too. Add to that your demanding work shipboard as an engineering specialist and it adds insult to injury (i suspect, depending on the size and sea stability of your ship, that your ankle also has to contend with an unstable, rolling walking platform as well).

    I hope you get safely to shore and get the treatment you need and deserve.

  • kathy18445
    kathy18445 Bikde

    Posted

    Bikde......how can these navy medical doctors not know that being on that  ankle is very painful especially for that length of time.   Something is not right here....ankle pain is the worst.   
  • heidi20884
    heidi20884 Bikde

    Posted

    Something is seriously wrong and needs to be attended to ASAP...and the longer you put it off, you risk  possible irreversible damage. If at all possible you need to see an outside specialist who can evaluate your situation and offer a solution. Good Luck!!
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