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Update on ORIF

Posted , 5 users are following.

Missy1969
Missy1969

Hi everyone.

Well the PT is painful but needed. I'm currently limping with ankle aircast brace and 1 crutch. I climb my stairs because I refused to continue living on the couch. I can 'walk' for about 10 minutes without stopping. But my knee hurts like crazy (and eventually my lower back too). I've progressed; but definitely not back to 100%.

According to doc - I might not go back to the way I was before...but its too early to tell.

I'm back at work. Desk duty only, and I'm grateful for it.

I'm hurting already and tired.

By the way. Does anyone feel that their plate is irritating them? I don't know if it is plate or screw but it seems to come together into some kind of 'pointy edge' and hurts!!

I MISS WALKING! When I GET better, I'm going to walk every day !! I WILL never take this for granted again!

PS: nights are still the worst, swelling and pain.

Missy

ORIF - 08/16/18

PLATE w/ 11 screws

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • monique42871
    monique42871 Missy1969

    Posted

    HI,

    Everyone is different. I have heard of people that are able to get right back to their previous level of functioning right away, and others take longer.

    I had my Orif 4/17/18. I still limp pretty significantly and walking is a challenge at times and going down stairs is nearly impossible. I have felt for a few months that my plate on the outside of my ankle( I have two plates and 12 pins) had been bothering me, along with some scar tissue build up that made my big toe immobile. After undergoing multiple tests, it was discovered that i have a severe tibial nerve issue and in order to attempt to walk better I will undergo a second surgery at the end of the month. I will have the hardware removed, scar tissue broken up and they will take a better look at the nerve. Sometimes our injuries are severe and more time or surgical intervention is needed, but you will get better, just keep doing the best you can each day.

  • kenneth_06543
    kenneth_06543 Missy1969

    Posted

    it gets better, stay encouraged as time and months goes by the ankle will heal. continue with hour rehab and strength excercises thats the best that you can do for your ankle. don't get satisfied with just walking. join a fitness gym and get after it. everyone is different because of age and other factors but put the time in and you will be fine

  • kenneth_06543
    kenneth_06543 Missy1969

    Posted

    orif surgery 2 plates 8 screws july 21, 2017.. running 3-4 miles 3 times a week 49yrs old and strength excercises.

    • Missy1969
      Missy1969 kenneth_06543

      Posted

      thanks for the encouragement!! i want to not only walk, but i want to wear my wedge heels again 😃

    • jaide7878
      jaide7878 kenneth_06543

      Posted

      Hi there, do you remember how long you limped? I am about 14 weeks post op and still limping. 2 plates, 13 screws. I wonder if those plates are limiting. Did you have your plates removed?

      Glad to hear you're running! 😃

  • jaide7878
    jaide7878 Missy1969

    Posted

    Hi Missy,

    I had a pilon fx (bimalleolar) on 8/16/18, surgery on 8/22/18. 2 plates and 13 screws. Yes, I do feel those plates. Not so much the lateral one as much as the medial. It feels like a sharp pain that lasts a few seconds and it happens a few times a day. Very annoying. It is bothersome when I'm doing stretches also. They suggested those plates eventually come out, which I will probably have done. I also have swelling which seems to be worse by the end of the day. My surgeon did put me on something to help with that. Did you break both bones? Are you able to drive?

    Hope you're feeling better soon. Muna

    • Missy1969
      Missy1969 jaide7878

      Posted

      i had a trimalleolar fracture, and yes i am driving. what are you taking for the swelling? i come home from work, and i can barely walk.

      i know this heeling will take time.

      thanks for encouragement

      missy

    • jaide7878
      jaide7878 Missy1969

      Posted

      Sorry to hear you're still having a difficult time. Are you able to elevate your foot at work? I know it's easier said than done. I take Celebrex once a day for swelling (and it helps with pain).

  • kenneth_06543
    kenneth_06543 Missy1969

    Posted

    my doctor recommended that i leave the plates in ,unless they started giving me problems. i do want to remind you guys that ankle recovery takes time, it doesn't happen over night . everyones recovery is different. 14 weeks is not alot of time for recovery. the ankle has to be strenghten. it takes months to up to a year for the ankle to recover completely and it takes work trust me.be patient and put in the work.

    • Missy1969
      Missy1969 kenneth_06543

      Posted

      my doc recommends leaving the plates in too.. but your right, healing takes time.

      i fell in the bathroom, my head inches away from tub. in many ways, im lucky i didnt slam my head on it.

      a broken ankle is better than dead.

      a tiny silver lining lol

      missy

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