Trimalleolar Fracture Recovery…what have your experiences been? I’m having a bit of a hard time.
Posted , 3 users are following.
So I broke my ankle by tripping over my dog on the stairs, while carrying my baby. Baby was unharmed, thankfully, but I sustained a Trimalleolar fracture...where I broke all three parts of the ankle bone and my fibula. I had a plate and 11 screws placed including one that goes through the tibia (shin) and fibula (other lower leg bone) to stabilize it since I really injured my ligament that would normally be holding those two bones together.
I am really young for this injury as it usually occurs in people with weaker bones, as in osteoporosis, which I do not have.
I have worked really hard at PT and have been completely compliant with my restrictions the whole time. Things were going well, and I had been working on strength and flexibility. Then I recently returned to work. I work 12.5 hour shifts where I am walking and standing a lot, sometimes with a lot of lifting, but it is primarily standing that hurts.
Over time, I have weaned myself off of my medications and only take one prescription and then use over the counter meds to cope with the pain. I have been back to work for a month now and about a week ago, I noticed this swelling above the plate that was really sore and I couldnt even sleep with it. Then i started having more swelling and sharp pain toward the front, inner part of my ankle. When i checked for signs of a blood clot, it was so tender, I could barely touch it with my fingertip.
i think the outside of my leg might be scar tissue but it just suddenly popped up...and not sure what is going on in the inner ankle. -It almost feels like there's crackling under the skin. And the pain feels like a screw is trying to poke out the other way. I contacted my dr and physical therapist but havent heard back yet.
if you've had any similar type of fracture, what was it? what did you do about it? So worried
0 likes, 3 replies
barbara66703 madeline96253
Edited
go back to the surgeon and insistent that he help you or refer you to someone who can. not all surgeons a highly trained . a lot of surgeons have not done these procedures long enough to have developed good skills. the success of any surgery is dependent on the skill of the surgeon. many patients think well the surgeons have to be good or they would not be able to practice . that is not true they have a license to practice on US doesnt mean they are good and that doesnt mean they are well skilled.
i am very sorry to hear about your accident. of all things to have happen. i sincerely hope you can get your life back ... living with constant pain is very stressful..
sending blessings your way.
jacqueline07362 madeline96253
Edited
Madeline so sorry to hear about your experience. I am about a month into the same injury and surgery so it's a little scary to read about your experience. I agree with Barbara- get another opinion!
There's another poster here who said he was trying another kind of therapy- so sorry but I can't remember the name of it at the moment but his name is Danny. Read through some of the other posts here to see if you can find it. I'd not heard of this treatment before but was going to research it as he said some of his friends had had good success with it and recovery, If I come across his post again I'll let you know.
Best of luck to you and please keep us posted!
madeline96253 jacqueline07362
Edited
I contacted the Ortho office and they want me to come in but have not scheduled me yet (and I work this weekend so I am nervous about that).
Please do not let my experience worry you! Truly, I have been doing really great just up until the last week or so. My job can be very physical and I have caught myself putting more weight on the affected leg than I probably should (even though I am 100% weight bearing).
I see a team of Ortho providers and I actually have worked with them professionally. I have limited options as far as insurance but this team of surgeons is who I would recommend to anyone. I know people from all over the country have travelled to get care from these guys! They're that good! I think they just need to look at it-like yesterday. I will update soon!