PRE AND POST SURGERY CONCERNS ?

I was worried about being too swollen also but they did my surgery as scheduled. My foot was extremely swollen. I iced as much as I could and elevated my foot constantly. I still had a good bit of swelling/brusing but it was down enough for surgery. They couldn't use the stitches that dissolve because of the swelling. At the two week appointment they looked at the incisions, removed the stitches and gave me a boot. I was told No weight bearing until the next appointment which is five weeks post surgery. My first broken bone too and I about cried when they told me surgery. I just assumed it would be a cast. I understand your anxiety. I was the exact same way. I am hoping to be able to weight bear at the 5/6 week mark. I have my follow up on Monday.

Well, I'll start by saying everyone is different in recovery but there is a general timeframe. I had surgery done about 4 days after my break and there was swelling still. Pain is subjective but I was fine not continuously using narcotics after my 2-3rd day post op. I used Motrin in between for inflammation and extra pain control. I would recommend to you to request a nerve block if they don't already offer it for the fact that it lasts for a day or so after sx, the most painful time, and just helps with the comfort. It does wear off immediately so plan on premedication about 24 hrs later a few hours before that! I was also offered a pain pump type thing that I declined. It runs out after 3 days but I didn't want to have to have it out and less risk of infection the better. You're going to need to organize for life after surgery and for at least 2 weeks. See about help with housework, order a splint/cast cover from Amazon ($12) to shower with, get groceries, reading materials, good lg ice packs, and anything you can do to be comfortable on the couch. You will require assistance with many things. Swelling still happens frequently with minimal activity but it abates with elevation. You're going to want to live the first week, at least, with toes above the nose. Inflammation slows healing and circulation. Avoid caffeine while bones heal, and ice ice ice. Ice is amazing. I give myself my morning coffee and then mostly drink water. Eat nutritious things, and talk about your frustrations because they will happen. I wouldn't expect you to weight bare for at least 6-8wks and by then your muscles will have atrophied so expect, and request if not offered, a physical therapy consult. This is a game changer unfortunately. I am 4 wks out and NWB still with my next appt being the 8th of Aug., maybe then I can start. As for your 2 week appt, expect a cast off, recast, stitches or staples out (I had disolvables so nothing to take out) and or a walking boot that you probably won't be using to walk but to hold foot in proper placement. I elevate and iced often and Dr was impressed with progress and could tell I was taking care of it. You can premidicate for comfort. Don't shave after cast/splint removal-I cut myself pretty good because of all the dead/soft skin. You'll be tempted. Please use this forum! it's a lifeline I think. It has helped me so much. I had a plate, 4 pins, and a screw placed. I'm a fairly active person and it's hard to be still! You've come to the right place!

Hi Susan. Did they put your ankle in a cast?  I fractured mine in 2 places on May 27th and was a a soft splint for 3 days, then a cast until the swelling went down. Had surgery just about 10 days later.  Keeping your foot elevated really helps. I had never broken anything before this and as a 68 year old i tried to get the doc to just do a cast because I was afraid of surgery because they said it would be 3 hours long.  I had a local for my leg before general anesthesia and I never felt anything when they were doing the local.  This was done outpatient at my hopital. My recovery nurse told me to take pain medicine before the local wore off so I wouldn't be in pain waiting for the meds to work.  I was pretty much pain free using Oxycodone for 2 days but it made me so sleepy.  The third day I switched to Tylenol 500mg every four hours and by the 4th day I stopped all pain meds.  My leg and foot would swell and turn red so I kept it iced and elevated.  And yes, when I had to lower leg for bathroom or even with it resting on my knee roller it was uncomfortable, but not unbearable.  I found a foam rubber leg rest that really feels good and elevates my leg 2 feet in the air. I went from a cast to a walking boot a week later, but no weight bearing until 3 days ago, 57 days after I slipped on wet, muddy grass on a hill. I've finished 2 physical therapy sessions and actually walked with crutches into my library and grocery store today, but I still can't drive and I had some leg pain and foot swelling tonight because I overdid it.  But nothing horrible.  I started writing in a notebook each day how I felt, all the meds I was taking, how I missed not getting to go outside except for Doctor's appointments. How bored I was, and how just doing simple things like feeding my cats was so labor intensive.  I joke that it took so long to fed them at breakfast they really had brunch.  If you have wood floors or not heavy carpeting I would suggest a knee roller.  Also a shower chair.  Amazon has zillions to choose from that are very reasonable. They also have ice packs that are long and can fold around your ankle. I was terrible using crutches until I could put a little weight on my foot so I got down the stairs to my front door and then outside my two - step landing on my bottom.  Better to be safe than fall again! Also if you are put into a walking boot later, you can purchase a shoe leveler online that fits over your tennis or athletic shoe so it's the same height as your boot . I have a RX for 8 PT sessions because your calf and thigh muscles tend to atrophy a little from non use, making it hard to support your foot when walking. You may be told to start flexing your toes and signing the alphabet with your foot even before therapy though every medical place has different protocols.  I remember thinking that fateful day that my summer was ruined, my work (I sing) was over, and how the heck was I going to be able to handle this, but I did and still do and now just abut 2 months later (I can't beleive it's been that long!) I'm on the other side of recovery and able to do so much more.  Today I went to PT in the morining, then sang at a faciilty in the afternoon, went to libray and grocery store, had dinner with my daughter and her boyfriend, then leaned the kitchen and one bathroom and still have energy close to midnight.  You will get through this.  Just take it day by day.  Good luck to you!

Hello Susan

I wrote to you in another discussion.

I broke my ankle lower Tib/Fib and Talus completely dislocated while walking my dog. I broke it June 19th and had surgery June 30th because of the swelling.

The pain after surgery was awful so if you are prescribed pain pills take them. Don't try to extend the time between.

Hi Susan!!

I hope your surgery went well today and that you aren't in too much pain. Keep elevating and stay strong! Remember that each day will be a little easier than the day before.

Let us know how you're doing.

Melissa