Physical therapy

No but hey PT is no miracle, you can do all that pretty much at home too if you want to start. Only went to PT a few x's then did same stuff at home. Only thing that gets you walking is you increasing your range of motion, and yeah it hurts on the way. Cut yourself a break, I think we all pretty much thought we would magically step down and skip along, lol no, long process. I'm now 6 months out, went out with friends last night, had a few drinks and today my ankle was huge and swollen just from that - takes time.

We all have different bone structure,  different ages And different surgeries. Therefore the way we heal and the length of time it takes us is different. I personally laid flat in bed with my leg elevated for three months. I started walking little by little, but never to the point where my ankle hurt. If it started hurting I stopped immediately.My surgeon said I should only walk as far as I could without it hurting. Over time, my ankle is getting stronger and I can walk farther. I never had physical therapy. My surgeon said I only needed to start walking

I had the same injury as you on June 11th, and nearly four months later I’m up and walking constantly (I’m a teacher and I walk /all day/) with a couple of Advil in the morning and not a lot of pain. I did a lot of PT though— 6 weeks of 2x a week. I didn’t start walking until 7 weeks out of surgery though, and that was with boot + two crutches. Two weeks of that and then I was on one crutch. A week of that and then no crutches. Three more weeks in the boot without crutches and I finally got the go ahead from my doc at 13 weeks to walk without the boot. That’s when I started to make real progress and I felt the PT started to be really helpful. When I was just working on range of motion (when I was in the boot) I could see how people would quit and just do it at home—it was mostly the same exercises over and over. But now that I’ve been without a boot since Sept. 13th the sessions are strength building and gait training—and they’re invaluable. 

Like people said, it’s a slow slog. Someone on this board at the beginning told me it was a four month injury before you’re back to a semblance of normal. I think that’s been really true for me. Be patient with yourself and take your time. Definitely go to PT, but don’t worry it’s going to start late—I found it was much more helpful toward the end of the process anyway. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, any time you’re out of your boot (laying in bed whatever) spell the alphabet with your ankle—gets it moving and rotating. Just doing that three or four times a day had a lot more effect than I expected. Also just pointing my toes and then flexing my foot.

Hang in there. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself. I’m sorry your family is making you feel bad! I definitely remember the guilt at being an invalid! It won’t happen overnight but you /will/ walk again! 

Just wanted to respond to the "boot" - it really can throw you off - I had one for 6 weeks and now I have a twisted pelvis. Not sure if you know they have "levelers" for the other foot to try and get them more even.

Good luck. 

That is a long wait - maybe you need a different PT.

 

I'm in my boot too. It's very painful. My foot is definitely twisted to the side - and it will have to be "straightened". My mom shakes her head; she knows I'm going to go through a very painful process. My foot is still swollen and horrible discoloration. But my PT appointment is Monday. However, I won't be doing any walking. The ortho-doc said walking is still not something my ankle or foot is ready for yet. I also have a trimalleolar fracture. 

If you are being made to walk; I assume your fracture is healed? 

I'm nearly 50 years old, I think my fracture is taking a bit longer - although the doctor stated it's right on track  :shrug:. 

Personally, I'm tired of being home - my mom is definitely not always very considerate. But she sees the foot; and she can see that it's in really bad shape.

I just want to go back to work. I miss my office. I can't wait to drive. I don't like being dependent on people. I've learned the hard way that I'm A LOT MORE helpful and generous than those around me. This accident is teaching me a hard lesson about what I can expect (or not expect) from family and friends. And that has been even more painful than the fracture. 

Hang in there - we shall overcome this "small" mishap in our lives.  

Missy