Positive experience so far after surgery yesterday
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hello everyone! wanted to share my experience with ORIF surgery yesterday and how I am feeling today. I had a plate and 3 screws put in to reattach a piece of my lateral malleolus (fibula). I do have a pretty high threshold for pain, I would explain my break as very uncomfortable, but little actual pain. Before I went into surgery yesterday, I asked the anesthesiologist and the nurses to please say positive things about my outcome, pain level and surgery success while I was under, because some scholarship supports the sub conscious mind as being open to such thought while under. I can't say for sure that they did, but the worst pain I had was when I was waking up from surgery and has gone down so fast that I am hopeful that they did oblige me and it worked. My pain has subsided already to an occasional 1-2 level with mostly none and my foot feels better than when I went in. Other factors include a positive attitude in myself, I have been sticking to my schedule of meds by setting my phone alarms to go off when it is time to take them, and I am icing and elevating as I am suppose to. And a wonderful shout out to my doctor and his team for taking such good care of me! Obviously that is the biggest factor. I can't be sure that this worked or even just my belief in it did, but I am so surprised by my outcome that I wanted to share this with anyone heading into surgery. What if it was a significant factor? If anyone has done this or does it in the future, please share your experience. It could possibly help others like it may have with me! Speedy recoveries to all!
Gina
0 likes, 6 replies
sandra91776 gina01213
Posted
Gina
Sounds good so far
I was very lucky and experienced little to no pain after surgery
The pain I had was when I began walking again
But at about 12 weeks post op things did get better
I am now 8 months post op
I got really depressed first 4 weeks post op I am a very active person and sitting around and not being able to go about my regular routine was awful
Its a long road back but a positive attitude certainly helps!
Good luck with your recovery
gina01213 sandra91776
Posted
I know what you mean about not being able to do anything and it getting to you. I had surgery yesterday, but I am 3 weeks in to a broken ankle. I am usually quite active myself. Glad you didn't experience much pain either after surgery. I was warned that when I begin walking again that there will be pain. If it means I am on two feet again, I will work through it. At what point were you able to bear weight? I have an appt on the 17th and will find out then, but just curious. And thank you for the information and for the good luck! Right back at you!
sandra91776 gina01213
Posted
At 4 weeks post op my cast was removed and stitches removed
I was given a walking boot and told I could bear about 25% weight
In addition to screws in my ankle I had a long screw that went through back of my ankle one side to other to stabilize the ankle
My ortho stressed to me to be very careful because he didnt want that screw to break
So I was very careful and at 7-8!weeks I was xrayed and bones had healed
I now could go FWB with boot and go to PT He also said I could take boot off and try walking which I did in the house
Felt so strange! And it hurt but after 7-8 weeks of no pressure in the foot it was to be expected
I cant say enough about my PT experience
They gave me the confidence I needed to get rid of the boot and walk again More like a limp in beginning
I was about 12 weeks post op when I felt confident enough to walk in sneakers
In January I had the stabilizing screw removed to improve ROM
It was a quick and easy procedure only drawback was having to wear boot again for two weeks
When I went back a few weeks ago to have those stitches removed I told him still get some numbness in the ankle
He said it could take close to a year to get feeling back
All in all Im back to my regular activities
gina01213 sandra91776
Posted
I am so looking forward to walking again,though that will be some time coming. You don't realize how much you really rely on your feet and legs to do stuff and get comfortable until that ability is compromised. But on the flip side, you also realize how creative, innovatative, and strong you are, too. I am glad your PT experience was so positive. I can only imagine what it is like to begin to walk again after so long of not doing it. Plus the added fear of re-breaking it on top of relearning to walk, something that was once so normal. What an experience this whole fractured ankle (or whatever kind of issue brings someone to this point)! I so appreciate you taking the time to explain your experience, because even though there is a light at the end of my tunnel, it is so far off right now. But to hear about your journey (and others') to your light helps me keep my positivity through it. So, thank you 😃
sandra91776 gina01213
Posted
You are most welcome Feel free to ask any questions
I found this forum later in my recovery Its been so helpful
Good luck
joshua33604 sandra91776
Posted
i just had reconstructive surgery on my peroneal tendon Tuesday. Already pain free but the boredom is getting to me fast. Finally left the house and went for a ride today. not sure what helps with the boredom. lol