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Resting post op and post talus break

Posted , 3 users are following.

Woodyra
Woodyra

Hey there. A little over a week ago I broke my left talus while climbing. I had surgery 4 days ago, and got plates and screws put in. This has been a hard one, as it is for anyone I’m sure. I’m an extremely active person and can’t stand sitting around all day, but I know it’s what I need to heal (long road ahead with a bad talus break). This summer, I was suppose to work full time as a gardener at a large garden— I would be the only one working there. I wanted to know what people’s opinions were in regard to the next few months ahead in resting terms. I’m having a hard time making a decision as to whether I should continue working at the garden or find a more stationary, relaxed job in order to rest. I’m split right in the middle. What did your recovery and rest time look like? Is moving around a lot beneficial or detrimental to healing (I have about 7 more weeks of no weight on the foot)

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • jennifer85262
    jennifer85262 Woodyra

    Posted

    Hi,

    So sorry that this happened to you. It just stops everything short, I know. In April I hurt myself and it turned out to be a trimalleolar fracture of my right ankle. Different injuries but the same situation. 

    I have to recommend to you to find a more stationary job. I cannot imagine how you will manage gardening in a large garden with no weight bearing!  I know it's tempting to mess with the fates but ankle injuries that do not heal correctly can really hamper your quality of life for a very long time. After reading all of the horror stories of multiple surgeries and months/years of pain and no WB, I quickly decided that being inconvenienced for two months (for me) is a much better thing than the alternative!!

    So follow doctors orders, stay off the foot and use RICE method, keep your calcium up. I also take Turmeric, Ginger and Garlic to keep my blood flowing nicely as after I left the hospital I was no longer on blood thinners and wanted to keep my chance of clots down. (Do not take those things without checking with a doctor to see if they contradict any medication you are on OR if you are on blood thinners!)

    Good Luck!!

    Jennifer

  • kpower
    kpower Woodyra

    Posted

    Woodyra,

    I know how devastating it can be to lose your mobility-- even if for a short while.

    Broken talus injuries, so I understand (I broke just my malleolus bone) can be challenging in recovery, so consider that.

    Of course I don't see how anyone could do work gardening while non-weight bearing, so that is probably not what you are asking. Perhaps you want to know if, in perhaps 6-10 weeks (if all goes well) you can return to your work while still in recovery.

    From what I know of gardening there is a lot of lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking. That vigorous activity is probably not feasible in short term (1-3 months) for a recovering talus patient. Of course you could be a rare exception and be able to power through it without adverse effects, but I am inclined to doubt it.

    You might be better off seeking sedentary employment for the next half year to a year to get a chance to heal your injury the right way.

    Good luck to you.

     

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