Trimalleolar fracture
Posted , 11 users are following.
Hi everyone. I haven't posted for a while but have been reading to see how everyone is getting on. I have a question I'm hoping people can advise with.
I have a trimalleolar break which I did on 09/15/16. It required surgery on 09/20/16 and I was in a cast until 11/02/16. Once out of the cast I was told to go to physio and was put in a moonboot. I was told to start partial weight bearing when I was comfortable which I did. It has all gone really well since then.
So a couple of questions. Firstly the aching. I know this is normal but sometimes it seems so random. And can be pretty uncomfortable. I just can't seem to pick it. I'm still taking Paracetamol and Diclofenac each day which usually works but some days - like today - I wake up really achy. I'm just really keen to know if this is similar to what others have experienced. I certainly don't feel sore but the aching is annoying.
Secondly I find myself still quite prone to tears. Not sure why. I've read about depression after surgery but not sure it's that. I don't know if it's all wrapped up with the time of year or what. It's not my first surgery or break but I think it's the fact that after doing it, two weeks later I also bruised my ribs. I needed looking after for both so am wondering if it's all tied up with that.
If anyone can share their experiences I'd be really grateful.
0 likes, 35 replies
beryl49544 MurphyNZ
Posted
Like you I have not posted on this site for months but having read your problem I thought I would tell you my experience since breaking my ankle and having reconstruction a year ago.
I went to physio for 6 weeks after the plaster was removed and that helped a lot but it took about 6 months before I was able to walk a few miles comfortably. During the last 6 months my ankle aches internittently especially if I have been standing for awhile. I don't think that will go away so I try to sit down more and rest it. Also I get shooting pains for no apparent reason but put up with it and I haven't had to take pain relief but just rub the ankle and keep it warm with wooly socks.
Gradually my big toe has become bent under and cannot be straightened except by forcing it which is painful so now I have to see a specialist about that. I think it may be caused by the ligament to the toe not having recovered after my ankle break.
As for your emotional problem I have no idea. I live alone after being widowed 5 years ago and try to keep busy, baking, sewing, gardening, visiting different places and volunteering for a local charity. I listen to the radio a lot and like reading too.
Having had to visit hospitals many many times with my husband I realise there are people who are much more infirm than us so I think you should try to make the most of each day and make what you do give you satisfaction. Hope I don't sound to be preaching and hope this post is of help.
best wishes B.
ihavenonickname beryl49544
Posted
The great toe is a flexor tendon contraction...yes, it can ne released.
Barometric ptessure lows and or drops will be predictable by your ankle for about five years. Just keep it warm and toasty.
I am doing just ducky after a couple of decades.
Love your positive, keep busy attitude! Thank you
MurphyNZ beryl49544
Posted
Hey Beryl. I did post a reply to you but it seems to have somehow disappeared!
In the week since I posted I am feeling so much better. I wonder if I tried to stop my drugs too early and I was really feeling it. Now though I am back on them and feel much improved. I am managing to pretty much get rid of all my aching with pain relief now. Before it only really took the edge off. Now though with pain relief I don't ache much at all. So fingers crossed I will be back to normal soon. It's given me great hope.
chrisroyston MurphyNZ
Posted
Hi,
I suffered a trimalleolar fracture disclocation on the 30th October 2016, I am now 3 weeks 5 days postnop. It has been the toughest time of my life so far, yes I can get very easily emotional like you say.
It sounds like I'm about a month behind you, have you started to partial weight bear?
The main thing I struggle with is nerve pain. My toes feel like they are being electrocuted, then hot and cold, then pins and needles, then stabbing. Makes sleeping nearly impossible and never subsides. Taking lyrica/tramadol/paracetamol/ibuprofen - minimal effect.
Have you experienced anything similar with your injury?
MurphyNZ chrisroyston
Posted
Hey
Sorry to hear you're having a rough time. It's definitely had a huge impact on me and still does.
Yes I am walking again now. I had a partial cast on for the first two weeks after surgery and then a complete cast for another four weeks. So those two plus the cast I had on before my operation meant I was non-weightbearing for just under seven weeks. Seemed like the long seven weeks of my life!
The minute I got that last cast off I was able to start weight bearing which I did. I was put into a moonboot which was a huge help. I was able to walk and fully weight bear - very slowly and carefully - by the end of the first week. It's been so nice being able to walk again!
I've been really lucky pain wise. When they operated the anaesthetist did nerve blocking so my ankle, foot and most of my leg was numb for nearly a week after surgery. It was a really odd feeling at the time. I was able to wiggle my toes but couldn't feel anything. It worried me at the start because it took so long to wear off. But since it has there hasn't really been much pain. Loads of aching but not really pain. I do get some sharp stabs every once in a while but it's extremely random and never lasts long.
My sleeping was pretty erratic for a long while. Plus two weeks after I broke my ankle I slipped in the bathroom and landed with my hand and arm down the toilet. Very unhelpful! In the process I bruised my ribs really badly and they became a bigger issue. They have only just come right in the last couple of weeks. I too was on a great cocktail of drugs for a long while - Paracetamol, Diclofenac and Tramadol religiously. Plus had Sevredol for a bit too.
I hope things improve for you. If you have any other questions just let me know.
lisajayne81 MurphyNZ
Posted
Hi, I broke my ankle moving house on the 21st October and had surgery for a trimalleolar break on the 22nd October. I was in a soft cast until 8th November and have been in a fibre glass since that came off (this is due to come off on 13th December).
I had had a terrible reaction to the general anaesthetic when I got home so haven't had any pain relief since.
Im petrified and excited all at the same time about the current cast coming off.
are you still in the moon boot and are you able to drive yet?
im so eager to get back to some sense of normality
lisa
ihavenonickname chrisroyston
Posted
elevate above your heart and ice...your symptoms are of nerve compression...
MurphyNZ lisajayne81
Posted
Hey Lisa.
I am in my moonboot for work still, mainly because it can move faster in it and I feel more secure. Plus it helps with the swelling. I hate the swelling!
I was so excited to get my cast off. I honestly felt like the day before was like Christmas Eve! I broke me left ankle so have had no problems driving at all but only drove after getting my cast off.
It has certainly had a greater impact on me than I thought it would. Getting back to normal was so nice. Fantastic that you are able to get out of your cast before Christmas. That's cool.
Not cool to hear you reacted to the anaesthetic. That doesn't sound good at all. Have you reacted to it before this? Well done to you for coping with it all with no pain relief. That is hugely impressive!
If I can help with any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
lisa94585 MurphyNZ
Posted
MurphyNZ lisa94585
Posted
This week I have had some more intense aching pains that are very brief but quite different from what I have had before. Just all part of my new experiences in life! You take care too.
lisa94585 MurphyNZ
Posted
Cherellio MurphyNZ
Posted
Hi! I suffered a trimal fracture in Aug 2014, had surgery 2 days later, and seemed to be recovering well. Half way into 2015 I started experiencing terrible pain, went to dr....the surgery had failed and my ankle had basically collapsed. I started seeing a new ortho, and in April of 2016 I had arthrodesis. Once again, seemed to be recovering fairly well, and then in the last month the severe pain came back. I found out on Wednesday that some of the screws have broken. SO, another CT scan next week and then I'll go from there. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, and it's really nice to be able to chat with others going through the same thing. Has anyone had any experience with failed ankle surgeries?
MurphyNZ Cherellio
Posted
Oh my goodness that sounds awful. I have no issues at all compared to you! I am really sorry to hear how you injury has progressed. What a long and stressful two years you have had. I can't really offer any help to you but if you need someone to talk to I can do that.
Konnie MurphyNZ
Posted
- Konnie
ihavenonickname Konnie
Posted
Such nifty mobility aids. I have used the cryotherapy machine and loved it. This was several years ago, so hopefully the newer ones come with an automatic ice maker attached...having to empty the water and reload ice was difficult...but while it was running, it was fabulous.
Merry Christmas
Konnie ihavenonickname
Posted
I considered both those things... We live in a 4 level house with stairs everywhere. I could not use the first 2 .5 weeks (cast interference) and now I am good on the crutches & sticking close to home anyway (Christmas holidays) so it doesn't seem worth it.
I hope you had a good recovery.. can you do pretty much what you want for activity?
ihavenonickname Konnie
Posted
Build a fire, grab the snacks, some wine and just chill.