So its been about a 1 year (and a month) since I completely broke my ankle (broke every bone and dislocated it) and I’m proud to say my ankle is basically healed. I have scars on both sides of my ankle and it still swells bigger than my non-broken ankle but overall I can do everything again that I could do before I broke it. In fact I have started running at the Gym and it holds up well. Every so often my ankle will tell me if I’ve done too much by causing some pain or if the weather is changing. I still have all of the metal in my ankle as I figure that I’m going to at least enjoy the summer before deciding if I want to get the metal removed or not. Any of you out there who have broken an ankle before do you still have the metal or not? Is it as simple a procedure as the doctor says to remove it? Do I have to go back on crutches at all?
Randomness of Christi
Catch-all of what's on my mind! From Movie Reviews to TV and Cats.
Well my dressing gets to come off today and I can take a shower. I will also be able to put the boot on my foot. I am still a little sore after the third surgery but I am doing alright.
Hey, Susan
It’s been a little over 3 months since my tri-mal fracture with dislocation and almost 3 months since I had surgery with screws, plate and pin. I, too, have back ache but only when standing. As soon as I sit or lay down, I’m fine (unless I’m in bed too long!) I’m using a walker now and just started using a 4-prong cane in the house. I’m sure it is because I was on my back with my leg elevated for 8 weeks. All muscle tone was lost. My Therapist today gave me an exercise to do before I get up in the morning. Since I can finally put my foot flat on bed when I bend my knees, she said to do bridges….knees bent, feet flat, raise hips. Be sure to raise hips evenly because I tended to raise the good side higher. It will strengthen back muscles, stomach muscles and quads. My back felt better just doing the bridges. A friend, who is a masseuse, said walking with a cane will certainly throw the gait off. She recommended starting with 2 canes until the limping is gone. When I walk, I have to tell myself, “Step, bend the knee. Step, bend the knee.” After a couple days, my walking is still extremely slow, but not so jerky and limpy. I still can’t bend my ankle much, also can’t move my big toe, my at least my brain thinks I’m walking a bit more normal. I still can’t climb up steps. I can climb up about 4 inches but not a full step. My therapist also has me on the leg press machine…pressing about 20 lbs…3 sets of 30.
Good luck!
Marina
judy…thanks!!! yes i have been in pt since oct…at first just doing strengthening…now doing machines and walking stuff….i dont have full rom yet…i just wish i could strengthen the tendon…thats whats preventing me from squatting/running. i thought about pool therapy…some people said its better than land therapy??? did you do both?
susan
Susan,
Opps, missed the foot exercise. Have you had an PT or plan to? One exercise is standing facing a wall and putting your hurt foot back and flat as much as possible. Rotating the foot. Doing the A B Cs. Depending on how far along your recovery is, ‘walking’ in a pool is great exercise.
Good luck!
Hi Susan!
I had horrible back, hip and shoulder pains and yes, all from the awkward limping, dragging etc of that broken mess!
Best I can say is…after just over a year after, my limp is not even noticable anymore and with that, no crooked pains!
Hang in there!
J.
hi all…i have a question…i am 4 months and three weeks since imy left ankle tri mal…does anyone else have back pain since it happened??/ wow…my right lower back aches all the time, i am going to see a chiro on friday…maybe its from the limping?? i have been weight bearing/walking since nov 25…injury was aug 31…never had back problems before.
anyone notice a particular exercise that hepled get the squatting ability back…therefore allowing you to be able to run??
thanks..
susan
Hey so I got the results from my bone scan today… So the scan shows that my fracture is healing but not yet healed!?! My doctor told me to take it easy. I’ve been taking it for 3 months. Anyways he told me no running, no intense walking. I have to go back in 4 weeks for more xrays/ct scan. If he doesn’t like what he sees I’ll be in a cast again. I don’t know what to do. I wonder if I had just had surgery in the first place would I be having these problems. I dunno
hi everyone!
This is the first time i have written on here.I broke my right ankle 18 months ago.2 bones in 3 places,dislocation. Had surgery plate and 10 screws later. Thought i would share my thoughts and feelings now i kinda feel like getting somewhere near norm.I’m sitting at home now recovering from metal been removed.It feels good to know its not there anymore.I’ve been in endless pain like most of you.I didn’t take any painkillers cause i didn’t like the way they made me feel.I am a self employed hairdresser and have morgage of my own ect to pay. so after 3 months off i had to go back to work.Idon’t know how i did it looking back now.I think staying strong and positive it the best cure.I’m also very independant and hate fuss.being told what to do(especially when you know you can’t)and helped just makes me angry. This attitude has got me this far.Good thing we are not all the same.My boyfriend and family have said it has made me a horrid person when in pain.I have only just noticed it recently when had good days.I don’t blame them saying this because like you say they dont understand.You do what you have to do.Those who really count will be there for you till you feel better.Anyways………I was booked in with the nhs on wed to have metal removed but they messed my appointment up and cancelled it after being there for 4 hours.So back in september i got a second opinion in london by a top surgeon so on friday i got him to remove it and payed.The nhs has messed me around with appointments and care too many times. I’m so glad he took it out friday as only got call today from nhs saying they could do it on the 12th february.way too long to wait again.I’d already booked off all january as said i’d need 4 weeks off.Then they cancelled and then ask me to take all feb off too.My life is already on hold don’t they understand that every day closer to feeling better counts now.
So if anyone wants a name of a good ankle surgeon in london i will tell cause i think he is wonderful.I am lucky i could afford to pay for it.For those that can’t is why i am filing a conplaint with my GP and then taking it further.I will make the doctors read this website to get a feel how it affects peoples lifes!!
good tip tiger balm is great.Also the elastoplast ankle support.Its got a plastic bit inserted in support around ankle joint.
take care
louise x
Well I didn’t get to good of news yesterday when I went to have two screws taken out. Turns out that the tendon is still not healed all of the way so He took out the two screws and put in two more that are a little stronger. I broke on of the other ones. Now I have to wear the boot again which I am not happy about. I guess I shouldn’t complain because I can still walk on it.
Nancy, thanks! Yea, I find if I keep on keeping on, life can be fun (I’ve always felt that way). I live in a small town right outside of Omaha, NE, but am a HUGE baseball fan and as long as things go as planned, I will be up for a week for a Twins game and simply enjoy my favorite state. I’d love to meet you, too. I moved here from SF, and plan to go back this spring for a visit and hopefully meet Lee from the anklebreakers2 site. Ah, thanks for the boost of support, but yea, I’m in a wheelchair for the long haul. I broke and dislocated both ankles, my right one was a compound where my foot was dangling. I smashed up my right leg, knee, hip. And left arm and wrist. I was (and may still be) facing amputation. We shall see. Trying other things first. The way I see it, just means life is now different, not worse. In fact, and I hope this happens to many of you. Since the accident my relationship has deepened (he found out he could do thinga out of love, bedpans anyone?) And I stumbled into working with senior citizens, doing activities. I’m now an honorary one. 🙂 I keep working out, doing aqua and pilates. But I reward myself monthly with something to help me feel better. I can’t afford accupunture (on disability) but had used back when I could. I truly believe in it. And I believe in this and the other site. Nights I cried, I’d post and the virtual hugs of support helped immensely! So, welcome newbies. Wish you didn’t have to be here, but glad you found us! Peace and Blessings, trac aka pie lady
Hi Everyone:
Leah: I had a bone density scan three weeks before my accident in early-July, and it showed that I have terrific bones and no osteoporosis. I guess it just goes to show that you can break anything if you hit it hard enough! I have new x-rays every time I go back to the surgeon and all of my fractures are now healed. Did you not get the results of your scan yet? It seems like an awfully long time to wait.
Lisa: Your accident is really very recent, so I’m afraid you’ve got many stages to go through, but it sounds like you’re making progress and be sure to come here to ask questions or if you just need a sympathetic ear. We all know what you’re going through. Does your company have LTD, as well as short-term? If so, your doctor should be able to disable you for a certain period of time, which would really help. If you do have to go back to work, make sure your co-workers understand what you need and see if you can find a place to continue to elevate your foot. That really helps big time.
All: I had my last PT session today. My insurance would only pay for 20, and I’d reached my limit. I have lots of exercises to do at home, and the therapist also gave me the name of a medical massage therapist. Have any of you used massage in your treatment? I have lots of scar tissue that doesn’t seem to want to let go, so she could no doubt help me with that.
I hope everyone is doing great, and also hope that Wendi’s surgery is going well today.
JudyT
Hey guys, I haven’t written in awhile. I just got my blackberry back and all your comments were in my in box. So here’s what’s new with me: I have broke my fibulia and dislocated me ankle in the end of august. Was is a soft cast for 11 wks. Started walking the first week of November. I didn’t return to work until nov.13. After my check up for that I continue to have pain so december 23 I had a bone scan. I’m going to see my doctor tomorrow. Have any of you guys had a bone scan. Let me know
Hi everybody, I swear everyday I learn something new from you guys ! I called today for more lortabs, got the answering machine and never got a call back. So I guess I’ll call back tomorrow and see what they say. I think most of are further along with healing than me. I broke and dislocated mine Dec. 7th. I like reading how you’re able to do more and more; it gives me hope. As far as depression, I do battle it at times. I’m bipolar which complicates things a bit. The meds I take for it help a lot but I still sometimes can go from hopeful to dispair in the space of an hour. But all in all I don’t think I’m doing too bad. I have my next doctor appointment Feb. 3rd. I’m hoping I’ll get to start physical therapy then. I’m not the most patient person in the world so I get frustrated at times. I guess my big worry is that my short term disability will run out on March 21. I don’t think I can get by with no income. I’m only getting 60% now. Well, I can’t do anything about it right now except hope for the best. I just want to tell everybody how much it helps to read your comments. I feel like I’ve made a bunch of new friends. And, Wendi, I sure hope you’re ok. It hurts just to think about falling. Let us know.
This site has helped me alot with healing. I am doing really good now. I can go up the stairs just fine. When i could shower I used a shower chair. I was not taking any chances on falling. I fell yesterday, just lost my footing and down I went. I think I twisted the bad ankle a little bit. There is no swelling or anything. I see my doctor tomorrow so I will ask him to check and make sure I didn’t do any damage. I don’t have much pain. I live in sunny San Diego California so only the mornings are cold. That is when it hurts the most. Keep your chins up. The days get better everyday.
Hi All:
It’s very clear from all the posts that the healing process is a slow and complicated one for our injuries. I swear, I’ve gone through almost everything written here and it gives me comfort to know that others understand and can sympathize. The most difficult part for me was getting through the first month and the drug haze that accompanied it. I was on heavy doses of Oxycontin with Percoset added in, and I was a mess until I took myself off. The subsequent months have been a never-ending series of stages of healing. Like others have said, please try to stay positive and think on the bright side. That’s the very best gift we can give our families, too. Depression is a very frightening, dark place and it’s a real struggle to stay above it when our lives have been turned upside down, but it is possible.
I’m in the seventh month since my accident in early-July and I’m at the stage where all of my bones are healed, but I still have plenty of pain and a nasty limp. The cold of Chicago is not helping at all, nor is the ice and snow, but I guess every day is one day closer to spring! If I can help any of you, please let me know, but I think the name of the game is patience, a positive outlook, elevation, and massage. I’ve never heard of Tiger Balm before but will try to find some and report back.
Sending healing thoughts to everyone!
Judy
Just a few comments for all tri-mal/dislocate surgery folks:
1. A tri-mal fracture with surgery has no comparison to a hairline fracture. The former has a lot to do and a good year to get going again. (no water! elevate! and fyi – i used vitamin E on the torn skin – almost compound but luckily not – and it caused a terrible reaction even though I am not allergic… use good old SOAP and WATER after you are allowed to get it wet). The adhesions hurt, the numbness and burning will eventually subside.
2. Swelling: raise and keep your ankle higher than your heart. It works and it is all that works.
3. Drugs: I had oxy and took it for two days and got very ill. That was all my dr wanted to give me so I had a while after surgery before I could sleep.
4. Numbness and ‘pulling’ and twinge pains: for those who had a dislocation, it is a long hard recovery, but doing the exercises is the best you can do, and elevate, elevate!
5. Do NOT get the injury wet if it is open! Also, when you do get to shower finally…you will be EXHAUSTED…be very very careful in the shower!
6. Recovery: it has been over a year and a half since my fall..I always feel my ankle, the hardware can be felt thru the skin, the scars are ugly (the skin where the bone almost came thru is always a mess) BUT….I can WALK! Almost without a limp! I can do stairs almost without going sideways! It no longer causes sleepless nights!!! (FYI, I slipped and got a hairline fracture in my leg just a year after my ankle…piece of cake in comparison!) Always be careful how and where you walk!
bottom line – take care of it and just keep plugging…it is a long haul but it does get better!
I hope this helps!
Good healing to all!
Lisa also yes, I feel numbness but the tiger balm rub when you can helps. That is just a part of this routine with the injury. The tigers balm is cheap buy it and tell your doctor that you found an ointment to put on it after…and what does he think… I just want to make sure your skin is healed before you put it on, it maybe…or you may have to wait a week or so…let me know
Lisa and Friends thanks for your response and care.
ADDRESSING YOUR EMAILS (something in here below for everyone)
Lisa, if the doctor says not to submerge in water than you need to wait until he says it’s okay. I didn’t need surgery, so it works ok for me. Everyones case is different. I had a hairline fracture on my ankle, so I was given a bootcast to the knee that velcros on and off, and told to elevate my leg, put ice on it regulary. When I traveled on a 21 hour flight overseas in September I was directed to take aspirin before I got on the plane so it didn’t clot and to walk around a few times on the plane. It helped a lot and I was in a wheel chair the whole time during airport travel, which took a lot of pressure off of my leg. Also, the doctor prescribed advil for regular leg pain, but I hate pills…I took them early on, but know I take nothing. I just do my own therapies: elevating and massage, and water therapies. Pills build up so many toxins and I just don’t want too much of those toxins in body. So my therapy helps tremendously.
Oh also, I get chiropractic once a month from a doctor friend of mine. This helps the whole body, and I feel like a million dollars for a week or so. She often finds my body way out of alignment, my hips off and such because of the compensation for the ankle. I can feel the blood rushing to my head and my body back in balance. I just feel great. If you know of a good reasonable chiropractor try that. They shouldn’t touch the injury part. They pretty much know what to do if they are good.
Also for people in severe pain, you may want to have a body shiastu or accupuncture treatment from a chinese doctor (they are really the best in the field and sensitive to your needs). I did this overseas and it was great, they put some kind of lamp over my ankle for 20 minutes that warmed and it also is a healing system, then the doctor performed the shiatsu for one hour on the entire body with emphasis on the ankle connection. Oh it was great, I can’t wait to get some more money to get another one this month. These are the things medical doctors don’t tell you, and we have to take charge of our own health. I have been in the wholistic profession for a long time and I love it, I am a ayurvedic reflexologist/hotstone practicioner. I believe in pills when in need…don’t get me wrong…the great thing is you can cleanse all of that out once you don’t need to take anymore. you don’t want to keep all of that medicine in your body until you die. It’s not healthy.
Lisa, you can’t do water therpaies so I’d advise you to elevate you leg a lot and also do a bit of gentle massage on the thigh, the hamstrings the calve muscle and wherever you can with tigers balm…be careful not to touch your eyes with your hands, buy the extra strength tigers balm at a health food store is good or high end vitamin store. Let me know how that goes if you do it. If its too painful to massage, just rub gently the tigers balm on the entire lower leg, around the ankles, on the injury and on the tops and soles of the feet. Do this whenever you have pain, ok…. Usually, it works for hours!!! I’ll find myself doing one in the morning, mid-day and before bed. It’s best chinese secret for pain relief. Also remember to wrap the foot in something warm when you do this and at all times, you will feel a warm/cooling that the ointment – as sign the healing balm is working to bring circulation throughout the body. The weather is so cold now so keep your legs and feet extra warm. Of course, these are all the things doctors don’t tell you…and we pay so much money to see them and they can’t at least tell you other options…perhaps they aren’t into other options… or perhaps they don’t know…
Also, if you are a person of faith please continue to pray everyday for your healing and peace. If you believe in Almighty he is a great healer, for he is helping me for sure everyday. I read healing scriptures this keeps my spirits up and helps me to confess his promises.
Also, the person in the WHEEL CHAIR you won’t be in that wheelchair for long, see yourself running, jumping, skipping, dancing to your favorite CD…you have to see yourself in positive images, not negative ones. Tell yourself, “I’ll be running and jumping soon, I’ll be out of this wheel chair any day now no matter what anyone says, I’ll be back to do all the normal things my body was created to do. I will be physically equipped for all I need to do. I will come out stronger and better than before”. “As a woman/man thinketh so he is” You have to feed yourself positive feed back, if you don’t who will…it’s your life and you will heal…a positive mind, patience and prayer daily. Every morning I pray while I use the 20 minute bone stimulator. I turn the computer off and telephone off and just focus on my healing, being thankful. I meditate thanking God every day for my life, and my body and healing. Remember, it could be worse!!!!! I settle my mind into a tranquil state and uplifting mode to begin my day. See positive images, and speak them, when someone says something negative turn it around to a positive. Remember words are very powerful. I know all of what I am saying helps towards a healthy mind and healing. I am a witness! Remember, this is your year in 2010 so make it a good one!!! Okay? Don’t get down! This too (injury) shall pass!
Enourgement – YOU ARE ALL DESTINED FOR GREATNESS…NOTHING WILL STOP US AS SOON AS WE ARE BACK ON OUR FEET, WATCH OUT WORLD here we come! Remember think opimistic in patience!
Hi all,
My pain subsides and then I sometimes have a bad day and it is back again. I know after my surgery and my staples came out my doctor said no swimming or getting it wet for a month after the surgery. My pool was to cold anyway. But not showering sucked. sponge bath city. Hated it. I go in tomorrow for two screws to be taken out. I am a little nervous because I don’t like to be put under. My whole foot still gets really stiff and stuff. I just try and move it a lot around and sometimes that seems to help.
Hi, Lisa
My tri-mal break with dislocation was Oct7. My dr first prescribed percocet, then after surgery on Oct 22 another less strong drug…then back to percocet. Vicodin makes me ill. Percocet with the pain made me not as ill. Ambien with percocet made me pass out and hallucinate (one Ambien and they were thrown out…it scared my husband to see me unconscious and vomiting at the same time!) My dr. didn’t seem to have any trouble prescribing anything I wanted. Nothing really seemed to take the pain away. When I mentioned that if I could just sleep, I would feel better, but the pain was so bad I couldn’t even sleep…so he prescribed the Ambien. Wow, what a trip not to be repeated. I tried to get off all pain meds quickly because everything constipated me and that was almost as miserable.
I can only tell you that eventually the pain will subside. I’m jealous of those who were able to get pain pills to work for them, but obviously I have a very low pain tolerance.
My dr said no ibuprofen/motrin/advil or naproxen because they do not promote bone growth. That’s why they prescribe the percocet with tylenol.
Good luck!
Maria, thanks so much for the advice. Just one question. I’m less than a week from getting the stitches out (2 plates, not sure how many screws). The doctor told me to not submerge my foot in water. I assume because the skin is still weak from where it was stitched up. Were you told this ? I didn’t think to ask how long. Also, did you experience much numbness to your foot ? When I feel the bottom of my foot, it’s like feeling a piece of leather.
Feels very strange. I know I had some numbness when I broke my wrist, but I don’t remember it being this bad. I don’t know. Maybe my memory is bad.
Trac,
I have read your comments for over a year and have always been amazed by your positive attitude. If you live in Minnesota I would love to visit you and talk. Any chance?
Maria, I spent 12 yrs working as an LMT and your advice was spot on. I use a similiar process still and I’m 30 months into my healing process. Otherwise, when my pain acts up, I have been able to use Tylenol or Advil. Be careful of narcotics and antibiotics. I’ve learned both of those the hard way. So love your advice everyone! And even though your level of life activity may have changed, it is just that, a change, it doesn’t have to stop. This took me a bit to learn, and I still cry, feeling sorry for myself every once in a while (the wheelchair really bugs me sometimes, or not being able to play soccer or just stand in the shower, or wear cute shoes!) But now, I know how to benefit from my pity parties and then move on. If you haven’t learned it yet, you will. Good luck to everyone and here’s to healthy healing! Trac
FOR PAIN
soak both feet in hot water (make sure it doesn’t burn you) then put them in coldwater with ice, do this back and forth about 6 times take them out to rest on a fuzzy towel. Take some olive oil, coco oil, even mustard oil (for circualtion) or pure over organic massage oil (why pure oil – because every thing goes into the blood stream and you don’t need any more toxins in the body). Have a spouse, or friend or yourself, I have neither so I massage and do some strong reflexology on my feet especially where fractured ankle foot, I never work on the fracture but around gently the ankle and more strong on the top and the bottoms of the foot. Then from the ankle strongly i go upward towards the heart with squeezing motion towards the knee with the oil and tigers balm. I put the tigers balm generously on the fractured ankle and wear I have every cramp and I massage it upwards. I also massage around the knee because my knee has gotten very sore from this ankle fracture. i do this as long as I need to and then I do the unfractured foot and leg because it takes a lot of pressure. My therapies last about an hour before bed. Also, morning is good to do one, but you may want to do a stronger session before bed. now that I have committed to this routine I don’t get leg and foot craps at night. I sleep like a baby.. I also elevate my legs for 15 min. in bed, and then relax them and I feel no pain. Elevate them also for an hour in the house or more if you can. I also take a walk around my house to get good circulation. In this cold weather the freeze is an enemy to all fractures, so i have heavy tights, and warm socks when I am in the house and when I go out. Also, I need to wear warm leg warmers on the fractured side because the leg is colder than you think. Don’t forget to wear long johns, and fuzzy socks at night to keep the leg and foot from cramping and getting cold. I dress extra warm and have two comforters…sounds outrageous…but it works. Hope this helps someone. In addition I always lay my hands on the ankle daily and pray, thanking God for his healing.
My doctor prescribed me vicaden. he didn’t have any problems giving it to me. As soon as I didn’t need it I stopped taking it and started using advil. It works great for me.
Got a question. I’ve got one more Lortab left. I’ve been taking one at night when the pain keeps me awake. I have a feeling that the doc won’t prescribe me any more. They’re very reluctant to prescribe at all. Are there any suggestions for helping with the pain that keeps me from sleeping ? It’s more like severe muscle cramps in my foot and toes than just an ache. I’ve tried everything that is sold over the counter with no luck.
Anyone have any advice. I thought I had a sprained ankle in august because of jump I came down wrong on while teaching dance to students. The ankle twisted, and 6 weeks later I only went to the emergency room because the swelling didn’t go down. I was in shock I had a ankle fracture distal tibia. It was terrible a week later I had a concert and the orthopedic doc said i could still keep the concert and sing with the bootcast and of course no high heels. I followed her advice. also, I was scheduled to go minister in a conference for one month in Africa she said i could go but I had to wear the boot cast. I took a wheel chair in all the airports which helped tremendously, I soaked it and massaged it, and the summer weather there was so good for it. I came back on nov 1 to the cold USA, saw the doctor who said the bone was growing and prescribed the bone sitmulator by exogen. Sometime if I wear the cast outside and stand in long grocery lines or the bank my ankle and legs are so tired. I have to do reflexology, cold and hot treatments and use tigers balm so that I can sleep at night. It’s now Jan 9th I supposed to see the doctor next week afte a month of the boot cast and the bone stimulator. I trust God, and I hope I’ll be on my feet soon. However at times my legs hurt so much…any advice from someone who understands.
Lisa,
She is only five years old. I think she is a little to much horse for me. When I went to try her out she was so mellow and that is what I wanted. Little did I know that I would get her here and she would be high strung. The good thing is I am not scared of her and I worked her today and she got all of her beans out in the round pen. Her treat was getting to go in the arena and graze and run. Anyway I am really careful because of the ankle. I have ridden her already and my ankle did fine. I just know that this site helped me through my whole ordeal. Knowing that I wasn’t the only one this happened to. this was my first broken bone ever. I am 42 years old. I think that is pretty good. I don’t plan on breaking anymore. LOL
Marina and Wendy,
Wow ! I can’t believe somebody has already read my sob story. Just knowing you guys have for some reason makes me feel better. Thanks !
Wendy, hearing about your situation brings back good and bad memories (mostly good). I used to train and show horses. I was in the biz either full or part time for 23 yrs. Thats where the broken wrists came from. The last one came when I took a header off a filly that I was just going to ride around for a few minutes because she had just arrived. I shattered my right wrist; the hand was hanging on by just the skin. Until now that was the worst pain ever. Anyway I haven’t ridden since and that was 5 1/2 years ago. I just don’t heal as quickly as I did as when I was in my 20’s and I am I my sole source of income. I sometimes miss it terribly but mentally the thought of getting back on terrifies me even now. I thought I wouldn’t have problems like this once I gave it up. Lol ! I guess life had other plans. Just be careful before you saddle up again. Maybe get someone else to ride him/her before you to work the boogers out ! And for those non horsey people who think I must not have been a very good rider because I got hurt so much–good horses do not get sent to a trainer; only the worst. Lol !
Oh and Lisa…
Another site to look at is Randomness of Christi – 2 years later.
Also http://www.squidoo.com/brokenanklehelp/2248990-post-comments-below?
Hi Lisa,
I to felt the same way when I broke my ankle. My husband had to do everything for me. my horse didn’t get ridden for three months and now she is a pain in my butt. I am trying to work with her now but she is just really hyper. I got depressed and wouldn’t eat a whole lot when I was down. My ankle happened in August of 09. It does get better as time goes on. Of course I never thought that. I had two surgeries and I am having surgery again on Tuesday to have two screws taken out. The rest of the screws and the plate will stay in. I should get better mobility after those two screws come out. I was walking my dogs with my husband and my son in flip flops and I slipped on some loose gravel and down I went. I kept asking my husband to help me up but he said I wasn’t going anywhere. I guess that is when I realized I really did a doozy. I broke it in two spots and dislocated it. Hang in there. We are there for you.
Wendi
Hi everyone. I’m new here. On 12/7/09 I slipped on a gravel road while hiking with my dog. I knew before I hit the ground that I had broken something ( I have had numerous broken wrists) but when the pain hit an instant later it unlike anything I’d ever felt. I was only about 50 feet from my car but it took me over an hour to drag myself on my stomach to get back to the car. I thought at first that I would drive myself to a hospital but soon realized that I couldn’t go more than 3 mph. I drove until I saw somebody out in their yard and asked them to call an ambulance. So here I am, sitting at a computer with my left ankle propped on a porta potty after 2 trimal surgeries to my left ankle and I’m wondering why I complained so much with my broken wrists. At least I could walk. I always considered myself tough but this gets the best of me some days. I’m 48 and used to living on my own; very independent, very active. I’m at my parents and it looks like it’s only beginning. I miss my house, my dogs, my job, my life. I know I’m probably only feeling sorry for myself but some days it’s like this. I could use a few words of encouragement from people who have been here. thanks for listening. Lisa
Hi! I usually post on the other site. I broke and dislocated both ankles (right one was compound). I had other injuries that have left me using a wheelchair fulltime,however, I keep excersising and working with a walker. All in hopes to get up and walking on some level. I know the frustrations. At the end of a long day my foot and ankle will be so swollen, painful, burning. Because of the size of my foot with swelling, and the new funky shape of it, I have found Teva sandals to work best. They are flexible, strong and have traction. I hope they work for one or two of you. Take care, here’s to healthy healing!
marina…
i am walking…well kinda limping walking unassisted no crutches no cane. i too have the soreness all over..low back on good side…knee swells on bad side…its crazy…i guess the good side pain is from the weight transfer.
i too am out of work…i am a nurses aid to elderly….not seeing going back to that very soon!!!
my doc was honest tho…and told me the whole process could be up to a year…like i should expect the swelling for at least that long.
do you have a link to the drew shoes??
do you have the same problem with having to buy two different sizes??
I don’t have it as bad I guess as everyone else. But I still hurt even though I just broke the ankle in two places and dislocated it. I did do some good walking today and it got swollen but I did it. I like to ride horses and I conquered that now. My walking today made me feel good almost like I accomplished something.
Hi, Susan,
I found my old posts by putting in search engine “randomness of Christi Marina”. There are two threads of broken ankle…one is “broken ankle 1 year later” and the other is “broken ankle 2 years later”. Who knew? Also Christi has quite the website with other threads. The broken ankle threads have gotten over 1500 comments each. It’s amazing there are so many of us out there that need support with this.
My surgeon made it sound like I would be back at work within a couple months, at least on light duty. Perhaps if I had a desk job, that might have been slightly possible, if they would let me recline and prop my leg! I work for an airline….I board the passengers including pushing wheelchair passengers to aircraft…opening aircraft doors…running up and down the jetway a minimum of 6 times during the boarding of a flight….running down the back steep steps to take oversized bags, strollers, and assistive devices! From what I’m reading, it’s going to be over a year before I can do that. I filed for disability (thru my insurance) and was approved so that will get me about 1/2 of my normal income. I’m so glad that the insurance company based their decision on the physical therapist’s notes and not the surgeon who said,,,,”okay, walk!”
The deep sore on top of my foot does hinder the therapy because too much movement (gas pedal) tugs on the sore. Although my foot is numb on top, I get deep stabbing pains there periodically…maybe nerves trying to regenerate?
I can’t maneuver steps. I did fly to IL for a pre-Christmas celebration with children but had to be carried up the back steps into the house and carried down. I’m walking in the house with a walker, but it’s very tiring, since I was flat on my back for 8 weeks. My back will start hurting after standing for about 5 minutes. Getting up and down from wheelchair while non-weight bearing has injured my knee on other leg from over-use. Sometimes that pain is really bad so ice it periodically. Now that I’m “walking” I’ve found the knee on my bad leg is hurting. PT says that is because of muscle loss and knee cap isn’t moving so I can’t straighten it all the way.
I’m doing leg lifts in therapy, leg presses, stationery bike. I feel fine doing the exercises. I’ve noticed that now that I don’t have to keep my leg propped up on 3 pillows and lay flat on my back, that it sure hurts to turn over in bed. Every muscle hurts just to turn over, arrange pillow between knees, etc. I seem to moan and grown. I feel like a whiner, but seems like the better my ankle gets, the more aches and pains I have elsewhere.
I can now use walker to walk into the house up and over the threshold. That was a mile stone! Of course, that’s only about 4 -6 inches. I don’t have stairs here ({HX homes are mostly concrete slab homes)and that is my goal so I can travel to visit children and grandchildren who all have steps up into their homes.
Housecleaning is a chore. I can dust most of the furniture but can’t vacuum. I can now do laundry and just started ironing again…some standing and some sitting. I’ve started light cooking as well.
And, oh, Susan…about the squatting. I’ve started those as well with the walker. I can only squat about 4 inches because the ankle won’t bend. Surgeon also seem surprised that I couldn’t bend it much. I really don’t think he’s followed many of these tri-mal fractures very closely.
I found a website for Drew Shoes that looked interesting. Supposed to specialize in problem feet. Right now the wound on my foot more or less limits my shoe choices, plus still really bad swelling and purple feet! I’ve tried the clog style slipper but can’t get it over the top of my foot.
Well, I’ve rambled enough on this new thread.
For those of you on this “1 year later” thread should check out the “2 years later” thread”.
Happy New Year
Marina
o marina…i laughed out loud at your post!!! my doc said the same thing to me…i had my tri mal fracture on aug 30, 2009…surgery on sep 8 2009…and on nov 25, 2009…he told me to walk!!!! like it was gonna be easy!!! wow…i am 6-7 weeks in…and still limping!!! he also told me the same stretch your doc said!!!
shoes…are very difficult!!!! i have been buying cheapo slip on ones…like uggs just cheaper…because my bad foot is one size larger. am gonna try some crocs….they are the same concept as uggs….slip on type shoes…just alot cheaper. and i am in pennsylvania and the winters are cold…so the fleece lined ones look warm! heres the link…am gonna go tomorrow and try them on…the ones i own now have no liner…but am able to get the bad foot into my regular size 7…so i hope even with the liner i can still do that and not have to buy two pairs!!
am still in pt….three times a week…squatting is impossible and so is leading with the good leg down stairs.
someone on here mentioned how they got the squatting ability back and was able to run…i was wondering how you did it??? any special exercises!!??
thanks all
http://www.crocs.com/crocs-blitzen/10798,default,pd.html?cgid=women-footwear
Follow-up question on those who bought UGGS shoes….what style did you go with? Looks like they are all sheep-skin lined and it’s going to start getting ward here in PHX in a few months. PT wants me to start wearing tennis shoes again, but I don’t know how I would ever get a real shoe on right now. In my house, I wear an old dearfoam that I’ve cut slits in around the sides and it still cuts into my foot when it swells. I’ve started riding a stationery bike for therapy…hippee.
Hello everyone. I just went searching thru all the posts and see Dec 8 thru Dec 27 is missing as well as all my old posts. Anyone know how to retrieve them? I thought I would print some out for my journal. BTW…I’m 58, female and had a tri-mal fracture with dislocation on Oct 7, 2009, and surgery with plate, pin, and screws on Oct 22. I also was wearing flip-flops and slipped on a pile of dirt. Weight bearing began Dec 4, 2009. Still lots of swelling and yes all the way to my knee! Still have a huge sore on top of my foot (fracture blister from immense swelling?) Most of the scabs have finally come off except for the one 1″ sq with the crater on top of my foot. I have a follow-up visit to the plastic surgeon this next week. Foot is still numb from first two toes to almost my ankle on top. I am now walking (bad foot, then good foot, etc) with a walker. We found a man’s slipper with elastic on the sides that I can get my fat foot in. It’s about 3 inches too long, but at least something on my foot besides an old stretched out sock of my husband’s. I’ll check into the UGGS that were mentioned before. I heard crocs can also lead to ankle injuries so will probably avoid them.
If anyone knows how to retrieve old posts, please let me know. I would like to refer this site to my surgeon(fairly new guy out of med school). His response to me when I could start weight bearing: “You can leave the boot off and start walking now. Be sure to stretch the heel by standing at the wall.” Just like that, he thought I could walk! At least the guy in the office who fits the orthopedic appliances as well as my therapist seemed to have a better handle on the situation. It’s a slow process but each week is better than the last!
Stay strong and united in our healinr processes!
So I broke my ankle almost 10 years ago now.. I have had my ups and downs.. I wore wool clogs for a long time after i finally got out of my cast etc. They were the low heeled ones. Now I find that every pair of shoes I buy can either work or cause me pain… Its almost just worth it to keep buying the same ones. I love boots and even the ones that look like the heel is very low can end up making my ankle hurt. Heels are totally out. I have not had many painless days in all of these 10 years.. My ankle is full of arthritis now and am limping again and have an appointment on the 11th to see where to go next. The main thing is to go on with your life as best you can. My passion is riding horses so I do it no matter what. Swimming is about the only other thing I can do for exercise. My ankle and my inability to walk normally has caused trouble in my knees and hips. Its one day at a time and don’t let it get you down.. I think I may need to have my ankle fused at this time but will tell you what happens on the 11th.
Nancy,
I am sorry you are still in pain. I am not so much anymore. But Of course I only have one plate and some screws. I also have two screws that are holding two bones together until the tendon heals. he wants to take those two screws out because it will give me better range of motion. And the tendon is healed now.
I have not posted for a while. I am the one with tri mal and two tibia plateau fractures in the knee. My Dr. calls me a double crush victim. My accident happened August, 2008 and I am still dealing with pain, swelling, and walking with a limp. I am not going to have my hardware out. (4 plates/ 23 screws)I have been to 4 doctors in St. Paul, MN and plan on going to the Mayo to get another opinion. I have decided that living like this is not good enough. I really feel more can be done.
Quick comments from older responses:
-water therapy is the best
-I think it is Judy who had a Dr. miss 3 of her fractures while on vacation. I hope you notified them of their horrific misdiagnosis. the Dr. needs to know he/she can not rely on that radiologist.
-I finally own a pair of Uggs and they are great, but pricey. When I was first able to be weight bearing, I relied on Crocs. They were wide enough to handle the swelling and so light weight and comfy.
-Socks are an issue with swelling. I have found white diabetic socks in the pharmacy area of Target to be very comfortable. I also own a number of different colored socks from a store called Avenue. I believe they are a bamboo brand of some sort.
-I also dealt with a lot of depression and still have bouts of “why me” or when will I get my life back. Get professional help if you think you need it. This is a life changing traumatic event that is hard to understand and deal with. Talking and journaling are also really helpful. The journaling shows you the progress you are making even though it does not feel like it sometimes.
-I am also very paranoid of falling. Yesterday I tripped on something and went flying because I am still not able to use my two feet the way I used to. My daughter caught me before I hit the ground. I could tell something happened. By last night I realized I must have torn some scar tissue because I had more range of motion. How crazy is that?
Here’s to an awesome 2010!
Nancy
Oh, Judy R, I cringed when I read your message. Falling again and breaking another bone is my worst fear, and I’m so sorry that happened to you.
I’m yet another one who fell down the stairs while wearing flip-flops. My left foot slipped forward off the stair, and I fell–splat–on my right leg that had folded under me at the knee. I landed on the edge of a stair, which is what snapped off the tibia and fibula. Cripes, I don’t even like to think of it any more. But, it’s doubtful that I’ll ever wear another pair of flip-flops. I’m still having trouble going down stairs, too, like others. I usually just go down one step at a time, which is really tedious, but at least I don’t fall!
Thanks for the link, Nikko!
here is a link to the uggs that I have
http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&productID=5614&model=Cozy+II
The Uggs are Couette I believe…
Mine are now worn out!
Folks, it is interesting that some of you wore flip-flops when you fell..I was wearing platforms, my most comfy shoes and I also cringe when I see people wearing them. Once I even went up to someone and told her not to wear those shoes and boy did she get annoyed (don’t do that anymore)! Iam rambling, but I wanted to say that I wore sandals (like leather, structured flip-flops) all the time as that was the only shoe I could handle!
Just over a year after my ankle break, I was rushing in my house and slipped on the wet tile (washed my dog and didn’t dry him when I saw my cat left me a dead bird in my bedroom, was rushing with a bag to get the bird not seeing that my dog had dripped everywhere!) and down I went…. I was able to get up finally, got the bird and dumped it, went to my bed and figured, I can walk but only if I don’t bend or twist my leg….
Drove myself to the doc and I had broken my leg just below my left knee. Now, here is the kicker…only you guys can get it when I would tell people ‘I broke my leg but it was a good break’! No cast! Easy recovery! Yeah, it hurt but that is all relative, huh?
Happy New Year and speedy recoveries to one and all!
happy new year all!!!
the steps…funny…alot of us have the going down problem…if i lead with my bad leg i am good, lead with the good leg…not so good..i end up doing a little hoppy thing!!!
my fracture…tri mal left ankle was aug 30 2009…so, i realize i have a long roa d still ahead…i too love the UGG slipper shoes!!!! i even buy the cheapo ones at the dollar stores…
i have faith…the squatting ability will come back…my only real issue now is…my doc has me out of work till april…i am a nurses aid…not sure i can do that again, very physically demanding, so now i need to figure out what type of job i can do.
good luck to everyone….2010…hope its the year for healing!!!
susan
Happy New Year to all!
I, for one, am not at all sorry to see 2009 pass. I broke my left foot in one place and my right leg in 5 on July 12. I have two rods, two plates and 8 screws, and had to have two surgeries to fix everything (after the first surgeon missed three breaks). At my last appointment, the doctor said that all screws are embedded in the bone, and nothing will need to be removed. Whew! Like others here, I fell down the stairs and basically broke my leg off at the shin and also crashed down on the ankle, breaking it in several places. After six months, I’m still very stiff and walk with an awful limp. I take PT twice a week, which helps enormously. I’m really looking forward to the day when the pain is gone and I’m able to walk normally, but I have a long way to go yet.
I’m curious about the UGGs that a few have commented on and plan to go looking for them! Having shoes that are actually comfortable would be a real bonanza!
Happy New Years Everyone
Another year of more progress!
Judy R, I do the exact same thing when I walk down the stairs. I hold on to the banister very tightly might I add and sometimes I turn sideways. Now that its winter I get really paranoid!
Those fuzzy back Uggs are the best shoes to me. I have nothing but comfort 🙂 I just keep asking myself why didn’t I find them sooner!! 🙂
Anna,
I was just walking my dogs with my husband and my son and I had flip flops on and I slipped on some loose dirt and down I went. i broke my ankle in two spots and dislocated it. Now everytime I see someone with flip flops on I cringe. I know I should not have been walking with flip flops but It was so hot and I didn’t want to be to hot. I now have not wore them yet. I hope I can get back into wearing them because they are not always bad. I still sit here and wonder what I did to deserve this and I guess it was just my time to break a bone. hang in there. And keep talking on here believe me it helps.
wendi
Happy new year everyone, and believe me I am for good things this year. I appriciate all the comments and feedback. It is nice to chat with people who are or have gone through the same thing. I know my freinds and family are trying to be there for me but they have no idea what its really like to be going through this. It has now been offically 3 weeks since my beak. I can’t wait till i can actually put weight on it although with all the pain i have its hard to see that day coming. I will say I def have my depressed monents. I wish I had a good story about how my accident happened but I dont. Honestly I was just walking down my stairs and for some crazy reason both my ankle gave out at the same time. I fractured on foot and my right ankle just didn’t broke. I didn’t slip it just gave out so I can’t help but think why?
The worst part is that I had surgery last jan on that same foot to have a bunion removed and was in a cast for that for months. I can’t help but think that had something to do with this cause it never seemed to heal right.
Hi folks again!
I broke and dislocated my ankle (tri mal) May 4, 2008 and during this past summer, after doing some water exercises regularly, I find I am finally walking without any noticable limp.
My hardware does seem to bother me sometimes but I have read that it helps prevent arthritis in the ankle. Since I already have arthritis, I don’t want to ask for more trouble!
After all this time, I still have discomfort most of the time and sometimes something catches inside (ligaments, veins, adhesions) on the hardware or on something. Bottom line, I am so happy to be walking again!
Shoes – I gave away so many pairs from my beloved collection of heels..I will not wear high heels again. I do wear lower heels for going out but only a couple pair with superior support. I find almost all shoes binding – still unable to wear athletic shoes for long. I also have a well worn pair of Uggs – the open back furry ones! I was surprised (though I should not have been) that others are wearing the same ones! I am still looking for an athletic shoe I can actually work out in.
Finally – please all you folks who have swelling! It eventually goes away but for a good long time – elevate the foot over your heart!!! When I finally went back to work, I had horrible swelling and was lucky enough to work from home. When I was at work, wore pants and used a jacket for padding and put my foot on my desk (not high enough though).
I still think I am lucky that after ‘breaking my foot off my leg’ I can walk! Going down the stairs still is an issue for me – I go at an angle and hold on to bannisters ALWAYS!
Good luck to all!
Hi Anna,
Yes I did go thru physical therapy as well when I first came out of the cam walker. My real healing did not begin until this year. I used to get frustrated, but now I am able to realize how far I have become in regards to where I once was. Now that I am able to do more, bend more and run I am just glad that I am getting better as the days go on. I was once worried about if I was going to walk normal, now I know that the healing of a broken bone does take time and cant be rushed….although many times I wished that I was able too!!
As a matter of fact, I was just playing Wii fit today which consisted of running in place and squatting which I know I was not able to do before!
Anna,
this sight really helped me a lot and got me through my broken ankle. I ended up getting really depressed and I made my family miserable. but I got on here and everyone got me through it. I hope it helps you to.
wendi
Anna,
Sorry for your fall. I broke mine 2 years ago in September. I have been walking normally for about 6 months. I had my hardware taken out in March. Plate and 5 screws. Everyone is different and the healing and walking times are too. Stay positive, that is my suggestion for you. The mind tends to go on a spiral at times so just stay positive. It just takes time.
Jan
Anna,
I sometimes think I feel my plate also. My doctor says that is normal. I also have two screws that will be coming out in January. the rest of my hardware is staying in. My doctor says that it is very rare that he would have to take the plate and other screws out. Hang in there. I did my injury in August and it is a very long process. My doctor says I probably won’t be normal in walking for about a year. I guess I don’t mind as long as I can walk. you are not walking on it yet are you?
hello, i have been reading all the comments on here looking for some comfort about my injury but by the sound of things it doesn’t look good. i broke my right ankle three weeks ago and had surgery in which they put a metal plate and seven screws in. I swear i can feel the plate in my ankle. Is that normal? My doctor has not discussed with me at all about removing any of the hardware. I know it’s still real soon seeing how i just had the surgery but I am scared to death about not being able to walk normal again.
wow niko…its awesome you can actually get a heel on!! i thought there would never be hope for that. also is wonderful you can run now!!
i too have found the ugg shoes with the open back, clog/mule style are the most comfy…my ankle can swell and its not as painful as having a sneaker on it.i so far have been able to fit into the same siz shoe i have always been, but i think it may be because only my ankle calf and knee are swelling now, not my foot and toes…which is kinda odd.i was told today at therapy i should see a lymphedema therapist for massage and compression wraps for the swelling.
did you do physical therapy? i have been doing it now since october, to start all i did was range of motion, just started the walking exercises on nov 25.
my doc did say the swelling could last up to a year…so it sounds like your right on schedule!!
the squatting thing is crazy!!! i try so hard…but cant get all the way down…i think thats part of the reason goin down s6teps is hard. u dony realize all the muscles involved in such a simple task until you are in our position.
keep me posted as to your progress!!!
susan
Hi Susan,
Its been a year for me since I broke my ankle which was 7/5/08. I was not able to get to a squatting position again until this year…maybe like over the summer. I was not able to run because it was not bending completely to allow me to. The first time I was able to run was like 8months after the cam walker came off. The moon boot was off on 09/06/08. I have two plates(inside and outside) and I can even remember how many screws. It was broken in 6 or 7 places on my right ankle.
I still swell at the ankle and I wear two different shoe sizes….no for real!!! I am 32 yo and one foot is an 8 while the other is a 9… it is crazy I know 🙂 My ankle may hurt at times when it going to rain, so then I may have a slight limp. I am just able to wear a heel with comfort….but not really for a long time. I definitely cant wear flat shoes because it really hurts my ankle and I feel like I am walking on pavement. I was just able to find a house slipper this year that worked with my ankle. Until now I was walking around the house in a flip flop with a thick sole because that was the only indoor shoe/slipper that supported my ankle.
But now I am glad to say that I bought an ugg shoe/slipper…(i really dont know what it is supposed to be)…When I put it on, I was like “FINALLY”. I bought so many pair of house slipper over one year that its as crazy as my shoe size!
The hard sole and the fuzzy fur is really doing me some just when I am walking around the house.
So yes, as you can see…it a slow process!
Just a little story about what happened to me:
One day I went into a store and the security system was going crazy. I continue walking and was looking back at the door like “why is it going off like that”? Still walking while my daughter is behind me cracking up laughing. I thought she was laughing at my facial reaction….when actually she informed me…that my hardware is what set the security system off..
I stood there with my mouth a gasp, realizing that I indeed had set the alarm off!!
So now everytime that happens…I just keep walking like I know it is not me….lol!!!!
Hey what can I say!
I have one plate and a bunch of screws and then my second surgery requiered to longer screws to hold the two bones together so the tendon could heal. They are taking those two screws out the first week of January. I broke one of those screws. the rest of my hardware is supposed to stay in forever. i am 42 years old. My husband calls my ankle the bionic ankle. I couldn’t weight bear for about 13 weeks also. I started walking right around the beginning of november. I don’t have to have pt. I don’t know why but my doctor said I don’t have to have it. I do have a pool so that helps a lot.
wow wendi…you and i are on almost the same time schedule with our injuries. do u have plates and screws? i have one plate on the outside of my ankle with 8 screws and on the inside i have 2 screws.
my doc didnt let me weight bear for 13 weeks…so i have only been on it now for 4 weeks. its funny though…my foot sweats like crazy now!!! i dunno what thats all about…maybe from swelling who knows!!!
how long were you not able to bear weight? do you go to pt? lol..sorry for all the questions…but it seems all my doc says is…hardware is fine…go run!!! its like…ok sure doc…with the pain…walking is slow…cannot imagine running!!!!
by the way i am 34 yo. my side to side range of motion is still pretty crappy!!! my doc did tell me the swelling will continue for up to a year!!! wow…am not liking my “CANKLE”!!! but especially cuz shoes are uncomfortable…am doing the best wearing clogs…then my ankle is free.
thanks sooo much for all your input!!!
Susan,
Sorry to hear about that. I broke my ankle in two spots and dislocated it. When it gets cold it stiffens and I can’t do anything with it. Practice makes perfect. I did my injury August 12 of 2009 and my doctor says I probably won’t be normal for a year. I had to have two surgeries. Hang in there. I can go up and down stairs alright but my foot is still really stiff. It hurts also. This sight really helped me get through my whole ordeal. I hope it helps you to to get through this.
hello all!!!! i too suffered a tri mal fracture on aug 31, 2009. i have been weight bearing for 4 weeks….have done away with crutches and the cane… very limpy tho!!but wow the swelling!!!! even my knee and calf swell now!!! anyone have any comments on how to get the squatting ability back?? i have a hard time with that due to the tendon being soooo tight!!!! also down steps is impossible…leading with the good leg/foot. when did anyone really start to actually feel…almost normal??? thanks!!! am sooo glad i found ythis site!!!
I think I will have it only if it starts to bother me. I don’t know yet. Mine only happened about 3 months ago so I will play it by ear.
I’ve had two shattered ankels, 12 yr apart. This first I left the hardware in. The second I had it out.
I’m way happier with the metal out and if it wasn’t way too late I’d get it removed from the first injury.
Removing the hardware is a little bit of a recovery, nothing compared to the original injury.
My doctor says I shouldn’t have to have my hardware out. There is only two screws that he wants to take out but he said I will not be down for any period of time.
I broke my ankle completely 9 years ago and had pins and plates put in with incisions on both sides. A year later I had the metal taken out because i thought it was causing me pain. If i had it to do over again, I might not have. I have alot of arthritis in mine now and it is beginning to feel too painful to handle. I will have to have a replacement or a fusion soon. I also have arthritis in my hips and knees which I feel is related to my not being able to walk normally because of the pain in my ankle.
Nancy, If your walking on it it probably isn’t that bad. Hopefully things will work out for you. I am walking on mine now and it is always swollen. I am a very paranoid person so I am always thinking that something is wrong. Keep us updated about the MRI.
i broke or sprained my ankle six months ago; used unoboot and camwalker and pt and got better; now six months later, my ankle, lower leg and foot are swollen and painful again and i feel clicking, popping or grinding of bone in my ankle; i feel like i am walking on a bubble or that from my lower leg on down it is in a bubble, nothing showed up on recent xrays so i will have mri; what could be wrong? scared.
They aren’t always easy to find and if you look around a CVS, Brooks, Osco type store often you can find a section with the stockings.
They worked great for me after a shattered ankel and later when I had the plate removed.
$10-15 per pair and they are so comfortable I still wear them all the time
Wendi:
Just do a Google search for “compression stockings” and you’ll find thousands.
JudyT
Thank you very much for the advice. I went yesterday trying to find one of the compression things and no body has them. I don’t know where to find them.
Just something I did, I broke my ankle a few years ago, almost tore my foot off. I had trouble with swelling, went back to the doctor about it and he just said that is how it is.
So I just accepted what he said. So last thanksgiving, we were going to a party and I felt like I should wear heels and I did. My foot swole up and it was very painful but I grinned and beared it. I was invited to a dance and again, felt I should wear heels but dreaded the thought of all the pain. So I thought what could I do to improve things and decided to buy a flesh toned compression bandage for my ankle.
Well it worked beautifully, I was able to dance, my ankle did not swell or get sore. I thought this quite a discovery and continued to wear this compression bandage during the day and only took it off at night. I did this for about 3 months and I believe it gave my ankle the opportunity to heal without swelling so that now I do not have to wear this bandage and my ankle is much stronger without swelling.
Now I do not know if this will work for you, but the bandage was cheap, like $5.00 and was something of a minor miracle for me. So you might want to give it a try.
I am so glad that you got to run. I am just ready to get back on my horse again.
Personally I found that a warm compress worked better than ice for me as regards the swelling. For the pain cold is better.
Today, after more than 10 months I managed to run again, even if for a few seconds, it felt so good.
Thanks Mario,
you just reassured me. I was just a little worried. It goes back to normal when I sleep. But of course as soon as I get up it swells. I put some ice on it but it didn’t seem to do anything.
Hi Wendy,
Yes, its normal. The swelling will continue for quite some time but dont worry about it unless it gets really bad. The important thing is to rest your foot. A couple of cushions on the coffee table while watching tv for example. Move your toes or any other parts that you can, to keep the circulation going. Im glad you got rid of the crutches by the way, now take it easy and dont try to do too much, especially in the morning as your foot will be a bit stiff.
Mario
I just started walking now without crutches and I have to have to air boot on. Is it normal to swell a lot while I am walking on it?
where did everyone go. I am curious how everyone else is doing.
where did everyone go? I hope nothing happened.
I am so happy for you Leah. I am glad it worked out for you.
Hi Leah: What excellent news–I’m really happy for you! There are lots of range of motion exercises on the internet if you do a search. I’m starting to put weight on my ankle, too, and I just try to put less pressure on the crutches and more on the ankle a little at a time. My calf and achilles are both shortened, so my PT has me stand at a table with feet flat and an equal distance from the table and just rock gently to the right (my injury side) and hold the stretch. It seems to really stretch everything. Good luck to you, and you’ll be back to normal soon!
Hi Guys, so I went to the doctors today and after 3 xrays and a CT scan I was told that I was healing correctly. I was also told I could bear weight on my ankle with my crutches. He said” I was healing but not yet healed”. Which is sort of strange but when I walk it doesn’t really hurt just pressure. My doctor didn’t give me any exercise I should do…what should I do about that? He also told me if I have pain and being to get swollen to call him!!–which that scared me :/ I have another appt in 3 weeks. I guess that’s good news. Leah
Mario: I’m sorry you’re having continuing problems. That’s the one thing I’ve been really worried about. Hang in there, and I hope it gets better.
Leah: I agree with the others about getting a second opinion. You’re at the point where you should be walking again, not waiting to see what’s going to happen. I had to have two surgeries because the first doctor missed three breaks (I have six), and it was awful. I hope your appointment goes really well and that you get wonderful news! Keep us posted!
I really think I might get a second opinion. I have had dreams of getting second opinion. I’m only 23 years old and I don’t want to have this injury hold me back from the rest of my life. Thank you guys for responding so quickly. It helps talking to people in the same situation as me… Its. makes it little easier. Thanks again
Leah,
Get a second and third opinion. Having you wait that long to see if something might happen doesn’t sound right. I had something a little worse, but I suffer everyday since the accident. I get cortisone shots every 3 months to keep up with life. Good luck and keep us posted.
Leah, I broke my ankle and dislocated and had to have surgery right away. I don’t know why they keep putting it of for you. Hang in there and maybe get another second opinion
Hi,I just came across this. So here’s my story: I broke my ankle august 21 while I was on vacation in cape cod. I went to an urgent care there and they told me to return home which is in new york. After an 9 hour car ride back home with no meds and it only in a ace wrap. I went to an ER back home. I was put in asoft cast thingy and was told to see an othro the next day. I went there and my dr told me that it was 50/50 for having surgery. I had broke my fibula,dislocated my ankle and stretched all the ligaments in my ankle. So he told me to just rest and it would heal. I returned to the dr’s 3 wks later to find out that my ankle had shifted and was not heal as it should. My dr told me to wait 3 more week to see if we have any new bone growth. Its been 7 wks of bring in a soft cast thingy and I go to the dr tomorrow morning to see if I need surgery. Have any recommendation for me. Thanks
I am sorry mario that you are still in pain. I hope that I don’t have that problem. But injuries are not fun.
Hi everyone,
Its been some time since I wrote. Im sorry to read about all your problems. Its soon going to be 10 months since my injury. I am very unhappy with the way my ankle feels. The morning stiffness is becoming worse now that the weather is getting cooler. I tried taking mobic painkillers before I sleep and they help a bit, but I cant take them for a long period of time as I also suffer from stomach ulcers and they make it worse for some reason.
My main problem is that my job requires a lot of lifting and running around carrying stuff. Im in a lot of pain most of the time and I feel like giving up nearly every day. Im trying to find a new job but its proving difficult, times are bad and Im not qualified for clerical stuff. I have to support my family and the stress is building up quite bad. I wonder if I will ever heal.
I hope the pool really helps with your recovery, Wendi. Take it easy with putting weight on your ankle, and I think everyone is frightened at first. I’m getting more comfortable every day, but I’m not exactly running any races!
Did I tell you that my husband and I were in San Diego in June? He had a work conference, and we stayed at the Del Coronado. One night we took an amazing cruise on The America and saw the city from the water. You live in a magical place!
It looks like the two of us are much chattier than others here! If you’d like to e-mail me, write to me at: [email protected] and I’ll send you my personal address.
Judy, I am glad you gave up the wheelchair. Baby steps are going alright. I have until Friday and then I can start gradually putting the weight on. I am scared. My swimming pool just got done today it should be able to be used this weekend. If our weather gets warm again.
I’m here, Wendi. How are you doing? Making progress with your baby steps? I sent my wheelchair back today, so I’m on my own with the crutches now! It really was time to let it go, because the crutches force me to put more weight on my leg, which I really am doing. I feel like I’ve just entered into another new phase of healing, though, and I’m really paying for it in terms of aching in the night now. I was awake almost all night last night. I don’t like taking the pain meds, but I like sleepless nights even less.
I start with a new PT tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it. My surgeon told me that the PTs in his office can do way more for me than the ones who have been coming to the house. We’ll see.
Where did everyone go. I miss hearing from everyone.
I hope it helps to. Problem is I hope it gets warm enough to use it. My doctor says I can’t swim until one month after my last surgery. That will be about October 15. So hopefully it will get warm again.
Thanks for all of the info, JudyR! My foot was snapped off, too, but mine was a little lower than mid-shin. When I fell, my left foot went forward, breaking it, and the right one went under me. Both bones were snapped at the shin, but it was me crashing down the broke the ankle in two places. Oh well. I’m starting to get back more of my mobility and am trying my darndest to refuse the wheelchair. Crutches are awkward, but I’d not thought of a cane. I go to PT on Thursday and will ask about it.
I agree totally with you about Oxy. I was on it every 12 hours with a chaser of Percocet for a full month. I remember these awful dreams and also jerking when I’d relax that just sent me through the roof. After a month, I threw everything away and was sick for 2 days coming off of it. Now, I just take Motrin occasionally. I can mostly deal with the pain and have realized that it may always be with me.
Wendi–I hope your pool does great things for your ankle! I’m so jealous, but pools aren’t very practical in Chicago!
Thanks for the info. I didn’t have it as bad as you. I feel for you. The baby steps so far has made the foot a little sore but nothing that I need any pain pills for. My husband says that means that I am doing it right. when I do start putting weight on it again I know it is going to be sore. but I can handle it if it means I can walk again and drive. The good thing is is I don’t have to work and my husband and son take care of me.
Judy T and Wendi,
You know what you can and cannot do. I went from ‘babying’ (per doc and trainer) to being way ahead in recovery. I still have my hardware (the copy of the x-ray is on the wall next to my bed!) and I do not know what I feel, if it is the hardware or not.
I needed to drive (I live alone and my support system is not available most of the time) so I bought a removable hand control to drive, mostly to and from the doc and to PT. It is not easy to use but I practiced in the neighborhood before venturing out.
Again, I was not able to put weight on the foot but did do all the ‘alphabet’ and other foot movement exercises. When the cast was on, I also thought I was exercising it…HA! Oh well.
All, the crutches didn’t work well for me. While I was practically running with them when I broke my left foot, my right leg is dominant and I could not do well with the broken right ankle.
If you can do it, the pool is great. At first I could not swim but did ‘walk’ frontwards, backwards and tippie toe (well, as best I could). These were great.
With the damage of the ‘dangling foot’ (I tell people my foot broke off my leg…) the nerve sensation as well as the damaged skin still feel awkward and sometimes ‘burns’. Also, when I move my foot a certain way, something gets ‘caught’ on the plate.
As to feeling the screws and hardware…oh well. I try to make people feel it to gross them out 😀
Some other notes, I was given Oxy and would NOT recommend it to anyone. If I had to do it over, I would have demanded Vicodin. I had horrible effects from the oxy after only two days (post surgery). Also, initially, I was given the wrong size boot and it made all the difference in the world walking with the right size! Make sure the stuff fits. Finally, I found it MUCH easier walking with the cane, with the cast, the boot and hated the support, just used the cane. Elevate over your heart whenever the swelling occurs!!! FYI, there is rarely swelling anymore, no limp, scars are not as horrible but there is discomfort almost all the time. I still thanked my Doctor for ‘putting my foot back on my leg’ and enabling me to walk again.
Best of luck all…
Judy t, Keep your chin up. Don’t give up. I have until friday of this week of just baby steps. Then the next two weeks I have to start gradually putting more weight on it. I am scared but looking forward to walking again. This has also been the worst time of my life. I also gave birth to one child. He is 11 now and he has been great through all of this. So has my husband. But it is just not the same not walking and being able to do anything for myself. I to am looking forward to driving again. I have one month before I can drive. Keep smiling and writing on here. It has helped me a lot.
Hi Judy R, I’m glad you posted, especially about the weight-bearing. As I think about my Saturday appointment now, I just think I wasn’t at all prepared (either mentally or physically) for the surgeon to ask me to walk barefooted. Up until that time, I was weight bearing as tolerated only with the air cast securly on, and I never thought that meant “get up and walk, you baby”. I went in thinking I’d been doing such a great job of PT, exercising and keeping my chin up, and I came out feeling utterly deflated. Even now, I’m feeling that way. I do understand that we really need to push ourselves to make progress, but I also feel that no one really understands this unless they’ve been there.
My accident was the worst of my life (I know, I’m lucky). I was alone when I fell down the stairs, had to crawl back up with a dangling foot and slide across the condo on my back to get to my cell phone. The EMTs broke down the door to get to me and then the surgeon in Florida totally screwed things up by fixing two breaks when I had a total of six, which meant a second unnecessary surgery. Sorry to go over all of this again, but there’s just such a heavy mental load to carry, as well as remembering the worst pain of my life–and I’ve given birth twice. So now, because of the flippant speech by my surgeon, I think even my husband, who has been so supportive, has the current view that I’m being a real weenie by not just sucking it up and walking. It’s just not that easy–or maybe it is, but I just can’t see it yet.
The thing here that’s not making sense to me yet is that I should be overjoyed at the prospect of driving and walking without this hideous boot in just a month, yet I’m super depressed and worn out. I walked on crutches all day yesterday and was up again all night with an aching ankle. Do I push things even farther than I already am, do I progress in my own time…
I go to a new PT on Thursday, and maybe she can help me make sense of all of of this. In the meantime, I hope everyone is having a Happy Monday and feels better than I do right now.
Thanks Judy R, It is nice to have people tell me what they have done to improve. I just hope our San Diego weather stays nice the rest of october so I can swim before it gets to cold. The pool will be done next week. Our weather is normally pretty good here.