What is your experience of hardware?

Hi Caroline,

I am glad it is all behind you and you can have a normal life.

My PT told me that they take the hardware out if there is a problem.

It appears it can be many years or any time after the surgery

if there are problems but usually it is OK with most people who keep their hardware.  

How is the weather in Aus. now?

We are having a couple of really wet days which is alright with me

since I can't drive my car or go out.  Living on a hill complicates even further things. 

I live in the SE of England?  Where about are you in Australia?

Are you retired or at work?  I retired early.

Keep in touch when you can.

Molly 

Hi Molly,

The weather today is raining but about 19 degrees Celsius. So still quite warm as we head into winter. I live in Victoria, in a regional town 200 k north of Melbourne. I wad working when I had my accident, but had to stop as I was in the wheelchair for months after surgery.So now i just work part time ,mostly from home. I have a very understanding boss.i shall keep reading yoursts as i am keen to now how you are progressing. I still think about the hardware removal. The doc says i can get it out if its worrying me, but i dont know what that actually means. I dont know if the stiffnes is from all the screws or what! I have pretty bad scars but i have got over worrying too much about them. All good wishes, CAROLINE

Hi Caroline,

Our weather is not warmer than yours and temperatures can be lower than 20 C.  

It has been quite wet these days which is good for the plants and we are bound to have some sunny days soon.

Yes, it is hard to know if the stifness is due to hardware or not.

I can't face another surgery unless I have a real problem with it.

So, I just concentrate in getting better and try not to think too much about it.  I am in my 5th month and not doing that badly but there are days 

I might think the opposite.  Sometimes I forger to use my cratch.

I guess this is a good sign.

My knee troubles me at the moment and I will have an x-ray.

It is great if you can work from home.

I do a little work at home too otherwise it can get awfully boring.

Have a good end of the week,

Molly

Hi Caroline- I had hardware removeda month ago for cont pain. I know we are all different but it did not help stiffness at all ... I am 10 mos s/p bimalleolar fx. OS told me not to expect stiffness to be gone- that can last for years

Hi Caroline

 Have you been doing exercises each day for your ankle? physio etc? The stiffness is probably due to not enough exercises. I was really diligent with mine ( 50mins a day for the first 10 months) but have got a bit slack now at 12months as the ankle is 95% ok. I really should do them daily as I notice added stiffness and pain if I stop doing them for a few days.

Hi Sue- I do my ankle exercises at least 5 days/ week - and swim laps 3-4 days a week for week. I had PT for 6 weeks and was told that everyone varies due to age, injuries and health issues. Ivan pretty much do what I want too- just stiff in the mornings and if I sit for long.

Mmm surprising!? Sorry to assume you weren't doing any..Yes until recently mine was stiff when I first got up.

No worries- was sure not trying to be blunt😉. I am typing in my phone and try to keep messages short. I had HWR a month ago and a lot of stiffness has come back on both sides but mostly the medial ankle... but was expected and starting to improve. Posterior tibial tendinitis is also back from surgery but I know this will improve- can't wait to swim again- hoping scabs will be gone by next week so I can restart!

Hi Jan,

I am getting HWR in 5 weeks. I can't wait. Please keep posting your progress.

Thanks!

Helen

Hi Jan,

Just wondering how are you making the progress after HWR. How much better than before the HWR?

Best wishes!

Helen

Hi Helen.  The issues that I had before the surgery are definately better- I still have stiffness and dealing w/ some medial side nerve pain.  Had surgery 6 weeks ago and it was definately worth it.   

Thanks Jan for the update. Do you regret having HWR?

Hi Sandra,

I am not only able to feel the screws and the plate all the time, but also can touch them over the skin. One of the screw is stick out, I can still see it even I ware socks.

It feels odd for all the screws and plate inside your body. Therefore, I am getting all the hardware out in 3 weeks.

 I am at the end of 6 months post surgery.

Oh no. Just the thought that this may be what I'm heading for makes me feel stressed. This has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. Not only had it put my life on hold as Im NWB and not strong enough to to do much anyway. And absolutely hopeless with the crutches ad I don't feel safe, but as I'm the main car /tried mum and wife, means that the work my 18yr old son does has been put on hold. So no money for him!!! He's learning to drive at the Mo and I'm also his main Instructor so that's on hold too!! Thus is so debilitating and stressful. I wish you well with the removal and speedy recovery. S

Hi Sandra,

After we served our time, you look back. It won't be as bad as it look initially. But do prepare for the long recovery.

Which foot of yours? If it is left and you have auto car, you should be able to drive after the cast off.

After 3 months, you should be able to walk without aid for short distance.

I am over 6 months today. I can walk pretty normal. People won't tell, if they don't know I had injury. But I still feel the pain, not much though. I still can't run.

After my HWR surgery in 3 weeks, I will back to the crutches again. But I will give myself 12 months from HWR - total 19 months for full recovery, if FULL recovery is possible.

In regarding to the screws and plate, don't worry too much about them. They will stay there. Many people keep them for more than 20 years without any issues.

Do you see PT?

 

I would suggest you call your OS office and speak to a nurse.  We are all very different w/ the surgery and experiences.  I am over 10 mos since original surgery and could see the plate and screws on the lateral side.  Had all hardware out 6 weeks ago.

 

Hi Jan

How are you feeling since the hardware been out? Do you have any healing issues? I'm having mine taken out in

3 weeks. I hope everything goes well.

We're you put to sleep for your surgery?

I have been on such a long journey trying to get my life back with this matter.

Could be worst but it could be better!

I thank you in advance for your help and time. Please reply back when you can get some tine. Thanks again so much! Veronica

Hi Veronica,

I am having my hardware removal in 3 weeks too. - on 22 June. Doctor told me that they are going to put me into sleep while operating the foot.

Helen

Hi helen. Thanks for replying. 19mths.!! OMG. This feeling is horrid isn't it. Your brave to go through another surgery, don't know if I could do this again. Mine is the right foot, so going to be a while b4 I can drive. Which is also killing me. As main driver. Big thing on for my son in 2weeks, and needs me to take him with all his filming gear!! Don't know what's he's going to do. Taxi will cost a fortune and he not making much as it for a charity.

😔 God this is all so frustrating and so annoying. Getting more n more depressed by the day. 😢 😢

Hi Jan. I have to admit. When reading comments on forum, that there are more people who are getting the HWR rather than keeping it in. So don't look good really. I'm just hoping I'm going to be one of the ones who can keep it in without any trouble? Longest journey ahead I think 🤔. 😢 😢. Wishing you luck with the removal. Sx

Hi Sandra,

You don't need that long if you keep the hardware in. I was able to do pretty much anything after 3.5 months with a bit pain and didn't last for too long then. After 5 months, I could sometimes forgot it.

So keep positive. It will get better soon.

Helen

Hi Sandra,

My surgeon told me that I would be able to run again after 12 months after the surgery. However, I am having HWR surgery in the end of 7 months. After the HWR I need another 12 months to get the full recovery. Therefore I give myself 19 months. But I have gone back to work 2.5 months after the initial surgery, though I was taken by taxi to work for 8 weeks. I am on workcover - the insurence campany paid for the taxi.

So don't get too stressed. Try to think positively. Also try to elevate and ice your foot as much as you can. It would speed up the healing.

Wish you speedy recovery!

Thank you helen. I try not to worry, but I am the world's worst for it. It drives me and my family mad. But I do try. Didn't get told anything about ice once I got home, but only my toes are on show?! Tomorrow can't come fast enough, so roll on 9.30. X

Will have to try and change heads..... My positive one hadn't been on for such a long time.

😔. Thanks helen x

Sorry. I didn't realise that your foot is still in the cast. You can only ice it after the cast off.

Hi Heleb

Thanks for your reply. I hope your surgery goes well for you. Be ready to get your life back right? I know I will be. It's been a long journal. Keep us posted how things go ok. My prays are with you. Thanks again . Veronica

Hi VEronica!  I know how you feel- I was sooooo ready to get it all out.  I am doing ok.  It has taken 6 weeks to feel like the surgery was a success- the pain I had prior to the surgery is all gone.  I was cautioned about 'unrealistic expectations'- and well- I just had this expectation that my ankle / foot would be the same as prior to the original break.  But otherwise , I am doing well and would do it again under the same circumstances.   I had to wear a boot for 5 weeks and was NWB for 3 (due to poor healing issues following first surgery so MD was very conservative).    I was given a nerve block-  not put to sleep though I do not remember anything.  the block lasted a good 24 hours- I never had any really bad pain  I took pain meds only for the first day.  I hope all goes well!!

hi Helen, I am curious- did your OS tell you it would take 12 mos to heal after your HWR?

Thanks! Same to you!

My PT told me that it would need 12 months to get the bone to heal for running, hiking and rock climbing sort of activities. I did those activities before the injury.

That is encouraging! I am soooo looking forward to get my life back.

Oh- wow you are active.  I was told I could start running and hiking at @ 6 mos but to wear a brace.  I am sure it depends on type of injury, age, other health issues.  since my HWR- I can really feel how weak my ankle is again and I do not like that at all!  My balance is awful too- but have started yoga and swimming - 

 

Hi Jan

Thanks so much, for the infor. Where did they put the nerve block at? What part before did you have the healing problem with? On mine, my incision has 2 spots that won't close up. The rest closed up fine. But at the 2 spots, is where the screws are. And they hurt. Thanks again so much, for your time and concern.

I'm so glad, you are feeling so much better!!!

Veronica

Hi Jan,

That is real worry if 6 weeks after HWR you still not back to pre- HWR state. I was expecting to get to my current state within 3 weeks after the HWR.

How long did you get your HWR since the initial surgery? Mine will be a few days shorter than 7 months.

I am 54 years old. Very fit and healthy. I was able to run 10km in 55 minutes and hik 35km a day before the injury.

I m sure you will be faster- I was NWB for 3 weeks and in the boot for a total of 5 weeks after HWR - OS was very conservative as I had issues with healing after first surgery- most are up and walking in no time. I had HWR 9 mos after ORIf. I m 59 and also active and healthy.

Hi Veronica- I was so groggy that I m not sure where the needles were for the nerve block! Poor healing issues were at the lateral ankle- both the bottom and top of the incision. It opened up after cast was removed- I saw an OS that also specialized in wounds. He put me in an una boot for 2 weeks and it healed- finally! I was NWB until it healed! How about you?

Thanks Jan for the info.

My initial surgery healing wasn't too slow. I had cast for less than 6 weeks, than allowed FWB. I had never been given a boot to ware.

I certainly hope I would allowed FWB in less than 3 weeks this time. My surgean told me that if everyting goes fine, I could allowed weight bearing on the second day. But my real wish is to get ride of the pain after HWR. I am doing pretty good at monment - able to walk close to 10kms in one go, if I pushed for it. My husband is very much against my HWR, not about the cost. He thought it is very silly to take the risk of another surgery and there is no guarantee it could get better.

Hi Jan

I couldn't wear the hard booth. It made my skin just tear open! I have to wrap ir real well and wear the soft cover from the inside of the hard booth, each day. I hope after the hardware comes out, I will do better in healing. I'm counting my days down to have it done on June 23th..

I'm going to the hospital as a out patient.

My doctor says it takes only about 45 minutes to do the surgery. They are going to put me to sleep for the surgery. And my doctor is telling me, that I will be able to walk on it, after my surgery. Hum, I don't know if that will be true or not! Also she said that I can go back to work after! If I'm in any pain after, I'm going home to bed, not work. That's crazy! Thank you for listening. Veronica

Helen- you will do fine- 3 weeks is not 'standard'- it was just becasue of my past 'issues'- normally, my OS would have me up and wt bearing in a day or 2.  He was funny when I went back at 3 weeks to have stitches removed- he did not expect me to make it to 3 week w/ being NWB!  he was surprised when I told him that I had 'behaved'.  I was able to walk all I wanted before the HWR- but.... had some nerve pain and was having to wear flip flops.. and 'tripped' going up a decorative step last week and tore a huge chunk of skin off of my big toe... it is healing fine but in a very awkward place so not walking much YET!  I can barely wait to get back to normal life!    You will do fine though- 

 

Veronica- I hate to see you  had such issues w/ the boot, but sounds like you made it thru ok despite.  That boot can be 'rough' for sure.  My surgery also took about 45-50 min- had both the plate and screws out on the lateral side and also had the screws out on the medial side.  Oddly enough- it is the medial side that has been bothersome w/ the nerve pain.  I had it before so should not be surprised.  Is yours on the lateral, medial or both sides?   I have read where some walk out of the ambulatory center on 2 feet!  You will do fine!  I hardly needed any pain meds- it was not bad for me at all.  Was she serious about going back to work after?  That is crazy talk!  Take the rest of the day - I cannot imagine.  It is a procedure- PS- mine was done laparscopically on the medial side- they had to cut a small area on the lateral side to slide the plate out.  Otherwise, I only had a total of 6 stitches....

Jan

Thanks My right side of my ankle healed fine. And I have no pain there. It's the left inside of my ankle, that's where the problem is, where the plate is and 2 screws are.

My doctor said, that the plate

there is a long plate, but it only has 2 screws to hold it. And it shows it, on my cat scan. So I may have another big incision, to take it out at. I just want it to

heal fast! Another thing I am concerned about, I do have alot of scar tissue and it hurt too

A plastic surgeon looked at it and said I would need to have a skin Graff to fix the scar tissue. I don't want to have that done. I'm just hoping once the plate & screws come out. I can be able to just walk again. Yes, my doctor said, you can be able to go back to work. No way, at least for a few days. I'm not going to rush things and be damaging myself.

I've been thru, to much already! My surgery is on Friday the June 23th. So I'm going to rest the whole weekend. And then see how I'm doing on Monday!

It sure would be great, if Monday I would be ready to go back to work!! I love my work, but my health comes first!

Thank you Veronica

Glad you have your priorities straight- your health should come first.  Best of luck- you have been through a lot for sure!

 

Hi Jan

How are you feeling these days, since your hardware removal? Are you walking around yet? I hope you are getting better.

Can you give me any tips I can do or expect after my surgery? I have about 2 more weeks to go yet, before my surgery!!! Thank you

Veronica

Hi Veronica- I am almost 9 weeks past the surgery and doing well.  I had a wound infection last week which was totally weird as the incision was totally healed!  Antibiotics cleared it right up.   Am dealing w/ posterior tibial tendonitis but I had that prior to the HWR so can't blame that on the surgery! your date is coming up- you will do fine!

Hi Jan

Wow, it's always something, when we try to get well!!! Was the infection at your incision? Are you able to walk now?

I hope you can!! This is a long journal!!!

I'm counting down my days till June 23th.

I put on a shoe last nite. It feels ok but my wound still hurts. Get well real soon!!!

Thanks Veronica

Yes- it was at the top of the lateral incision. Was very strange as it had been entirely healed for a few weeks. I am walking - I know you are so ready for this surgery!

Hello sandra...it happens when you have thin ankles...i felt the plate all the time...i knew i had to have it out.the ankle was also stiff and the heel hurt....dont be stressed...it will get better.keep positive...after the hardware removal...my ankle stopped swelling....and i had better motion...i was back to work in two days but you have to be careful for the bone to heal.it shall get better