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sprained my broken ankle?

Posted , 5 users are following.

lisa36090
lisa36090

HI there......

I am looking for someone who may have experienced where  I am at with my broken ankle. 4 weeks ago, I tripped and fell and broke my ankle, right side, and the fibual bone ( the bottom part of the bone.) I was placed in a cast. AT the 3 week mark I was sent to the ER as my cast was causing my toes to go blue.....it was maybe a few hours with blueish color toes. As soon as the cast was removed- the toes turned back to normal color. I was then placed in an air cast- with no instruction how to use it- and sent on my way- with the docotrs orders being YOU CAN WEIGHT BARE. Well this did not sit right with me, and this ER doctor did not call my surgeon, and I know he said it would be 6 weeks to weight bare.

I came home, and my foot would not reach the bottom of the air cast- again the doctor at ER said- no biggie- over time it will with streching. Again long story- I slipped on my crutches and twisted my broken ankle......painful! wow!

I was rushed into the cast clinic- which was now open- and the surgeon took x rays and came and said- well your broken ankle is now sprained ( on the left side of the right foot now )- he then said that according to my x rays- there is no fusion yet, and the bone has not begun to heal- according to the x ray......

I told him what the ER doc had said- and he said , no no no no!!!! I cannot put weight on this ankle at all!!!!!!!!!!! then showed me how to use the aircast properly.....

question- anyone sprain a broken ankle? and more...anyone have no healing yet at 4 week x ray????

the ankle is still very swollen, foot swollen, foot swollen, and now bruised on the other side......

thank you.

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • gabbyapw
    gabbyapw lisa36090

    Posted

    Hey Lisa;

    Yes! I know what you are going through. I broke my ankle ( fibula right bottom side- (lateral malleolus) on February 8th of this year.

    I went to ER and they put me on a splint until seeing a orthopedist. After 2 weeks they put me on a cast for 6 weeks and after that they gave me a walking air cast for 7 more weeks.

    Im on week 14th week now, and every time that I went in the past and had an xray, after the 6 weeks period and then 7 more, the bone will be broken still and no signs of getting better. Doctor told me that it was normal and some people heals faster than others, and indeen I was in the " others group" today after 14th weeks I had another xray last thursday and noooowwww is that the bone is showing some improvement and connection is starting to happen on top of it.

    Believe me , this has been a nightmare but only lotssss of patience and faith is what up held me.

    I was Put on the walking boot after the 8th week... So cases are different, but if it hurts and you can't bear it... I recommend you going for a second opinion.

    Again, im in week 14th, and still there is a lot to improve! Per doctor, Im waliking without the boot already and is like starting to walk all over again. It gets swollen very fast. He said it may take up to a year to completely heal. Im 27 and healthy ( non smoker) and yet my bone is taking its sweet time to show any improvement at all.

    I hope you feel better! I know crutches and the boot can be a pain!!! Again, if you keep having pain and or your foot feels tight and or turns blue again, dont heaitate to look for a second opinion!

    Best regards,

    Gabriella

    • lisa36090
      lisa36090 gabbyapw

      Posted

      Thank you for your response....smile

      14 weeks??????? oh dear!!!!!!!!!! dont get me wrong, knowing there is a light at the end of this tunnel....but 14 weeks!!!!! my goodness! I am already antsy, and fustrated with the entire process and I know patience is key right now.

      Yes I find the boot heavy and clunky- but I do enjoy being able to take it off for the bath, this I enjoy.

      Why do some people take so long to heal? Did your doctor share this with you?

       I am very pleased to hear that you are healing now, and are feeling better......

       

  • daphne23784
    daphne23784 lisa36090

    Posted

    Hi lisa I broke my ankle tib. and fib. on 18 Feb. had surgery plates and screws. I was nwb until 22nd April, then pwb now fwb, I still use my crutches a lot and have a fair amount of pain and swelling. When I was told I can start walking I asked the surgeon how the healing of my broken bones looked because I could only see the plates and screws on the x-rays. He told me that all they check for at that stage is that the plates etc are in place as they can only see bone fusion between 8 to 12 weeks after surgery, I go back in June again for u final check up so I hope all will be ok. Hope this helps.
  • Tituscanby1
    Tituscanby1 lisa36090

    Posted

    Broke my Fibula and dislocated my ankle at same time. Same as a sprain. Medic I'm Ambulance said not broken. Stood up during night. Passed out, face planted. Carpet burn on face. Further damage. 3 days later went to Dr then Hospital. Xray showed fibula snapped like a carrot and out of alignment. Asked me why I didn't come straight in. Then it got worse. Every week or so new cast. Either too tight or too loose. No healing after 4 months- Nrw surgeon said it should've been operated on immediately. Ligaments and tendons stretched and mushed. Swelling crazy.

    Bone graft just after 4 months. Into 8th month. Learning to walk. Swelling less. Partial weight baring. 50- 80% but in small bursts.

    Plenty of elevation.

    My advice:-

    *Trust your gut.

    *Don't be afraid to go to Hospital if things aren't right.

    Change specialists if you aren't happy. I have a favourite orthopedic nurse and Dr.

    *Knee SCOOTER a must. Been using most mine everyday since first week. Can get anywhere faster. But be careful.

    *Patience- who knows how long your journey will take, but be prepared for the long hall. Get a seated hobby- reading, music , crafts, ps4 etc.

    *Take pain meds as prescribed. You're not being a hero by skipping them at this early stage.

    *Get a special leg bag for showering

    *get a shower bench or chair

    * get your lounge seat raised with help from your disability store.

    *raised toilet seat

    *Bed lever to help you get up safely

    *know there are others like you. And we will get there in the end. Ups and downs..

    @(+*+)@

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