Posted , 10 users are following.
I have concluded from reading everyones posts that this will not be a quick process. I am a doer not a whiner, and I have all of you with experience to share, I am now organizing my world around me to make life easier. Could you share some "short cuts" on getting things done?
0 likes, 20 replies
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christina80204 Suzie03
Posted
Get a knee scooter! Ice ice ice elevate elevate elevate! Order groceries they a pick up service like Walmart that friends / family can just go have put in their trunk and bring to you . Apply for financial aid or set up payments for med bills. Don't rush things!!!!! Keep a sleep schedule. Get up at a decent time, go to bed at a decent time. Bathe every 2-3 days don't go longer or you will feel disgusting! It's ok to where nightgowns. Eat healthy. Take vitamins and FIBER!!!!!! U may need a laxative . Cinstipation comes from pain meds and from non activity. Ask people to run errands and come see you! They may not offer but don't mind -- just need asked! Hth
lloni Suzie03
Posted
I haven't walked since June 2016. I'm 66 but was active with arthritis until this accident. I broke my left ankle in an auro accident so it was pretty bad.
After a couple of surgergies and a cast the doctor concluded i need a rod inserted in my heel and up my bone marrow in my shin. That was in 2/3/2017. I was starting to walk until until that surgery. I haven't walked since. I know he did it because my bone was not supporting foot and it was pointing the wrong way. I was also in and out of nursing homes last year because of recurring infection. Once I was finally home I bought vitamin and mineral supplements and started on a regime of getting healthy. I was anemic, and had vein problems. I started a series of vein ablations to increase circulation in both legs. My right knee is also severly arthritic. Then I had breast cancer in April and was tremendously lucky and only needed a lumpectomy and one radiation treatment. But my oncologist has really helped me. He sent me to get iron infusions to fix my anemia. So I ok now. He's having me get a colonoscopy because my tests say I'm losing blood. I still have an open wound from the Feb. Surgery that hasn't closed. So I do that 9/15/2017. The vein ablations reduced the painful swelling in that leg too so I can wear sandals on both feet now. Milestone! But I had to install a chair lift for my stairs to remain in my condo. My oncologist's referral has lead me to Cedars Sinai Medical center to get two second opinions. I only went there because my orthopedic surgeon seemed to have given up. They can't tell me anything until they run some tests. One doctor isn't available until October. My oncologist also ran a bone scan on me a year after my accident and is now giving me bone hardening injections every 6 months. I wish someone haf thought to do this a year ago!!!! But it is what it is. I would have done a lot of things differently, sooner if I'd known it was going to be such a pain in the ass. But I am a fighter and a lot of wonderful people have been sent my way to help me so for that I am very grateful. So I still have a long way to go but I haven't given up and feel better this last few months than I have in years, except for my legs. That's going to take a little longer.
rosie39920 Suzie03
Posted
Be patient. Give yourself time to heal. Understand that some days are harder than others. I'm starting week 3 post op for a broken right ankle. Each week I've been given a new apparatus- splint post surgery, cast and now NWB boot. Each time I've had to readjust to the new thing on my foot. It can be frustrating. For the first two weeks post surgery, I went without undies and wore a dress or nightgown and this made life a little easier to use the bathroom. Get a hobby as there is only so much tv/Netflix, etc that can be watched. Don't stay in your bedroom. If you are able, go outside, even if it's on your front step and back. Hang in there. It is going to take time.
lloni rosie39920
Posted
At least my bedroom overlooks a nice big lawn and a pool just beyond that! But I had so many infections last year that I don't want to fo swimming until all my wounds heal up. My doctor changed his mind again. He may have to take the rod out of my leg. Just not too early. That was encouraging news because a previous visit he said learn to walk with it! I can't walk with that thing rattling around in the marrow of my shin bone. It has to come out at some point if I'm ever going to walk at all. And then it has to heal up before I can get a knee replacement in the other leg.
I get out up to 5 times a week getting procedures done to improve my health, or getting tests etc. My hobby is doing whatever is necessary to get stronger and heal quicker. But I do watch a lot of tv on the weekends. Progress is slow but I feel much better now than 6 months ago.
melissa49122 Suzie03
Posted
Suzie,
Don't lose hope. I am 7 weeks today post op for a triple fracture and dislocation od my left ankle. I have 2 plates and 12 screws. I was cleared yeatwrday for full weight bearing in the boot for a week and can ditch the boot when I feel comfortable. I am now walking with just one crutch and can walk with no crutches but my balance still needs work so I like to have the one crutch. I can also stand on one leg with my left leg for 25 seconds (as long as I hold onto something for balance). Have faith in yourself. Everyone is different and just because some people weren't able to walk for months doesn't mean you wont. Good luck hun and stay positive!!!!