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.
Hello All
Mike
Very interetsting story and am glad to hear that it is progressing in the right direction. I work not far from mahwah as I work in Bridgewater. Other side of 287 but close by standards in NJ.
Trina
Welcome to anklebreakers:-) if one can be welcomed into this group? But I wish you all the luck in the world in your recovery and your PT that is sure to follow just like it did and still does for ewach of us in this Group. We all feeel your pain and frustration but believe us when we tell you it will get better as time passes.
Keep smiling and working all of you it is our only way out of where we are all stuck at this time.
Don
Hello everyone,
I had the fortunate experience of breaking my ankle on new years day. So I spent most of the evening and early morning inside the ER. I was released with no knowledge of how to use the crutches to go up and down the stairs, so therefore I had to scoot up the stairs. Oh, not to mention my parents had to come and take care of me, (30 years old), and they wondered why I cried all the time. After suffering in pain for a week, and slowly recovering another week, my schedule surgery date was upon me. Of course I didn’t think that I would need the surgery because I wasn’t in as much pain that would require me to take any meds. What was supposed to be a routine same day surgery became an overnight stay with no sleep. I was finally released in the mist of a snowstorm to scoot up the stairs again. I went back the following week to get the hardware checked and to make sure there wasn’t any infections, only to hear that I would get a regular cast until the swelling went down from the torn ligaments, and to come back next week to get the stitches removed. Unfortunately that was would have been yesterday, but I’m in Chicago and we got entirely too much snow for me to go out in. So I’ll go back on Feb 7th for another follow up. I was told last week that it would take 6 weeks after the surgery before the cast comes off. I just wanted to let everyone know that I feel your pain. I am happy that my parents are able to help me through this process, but I’ll be glad when it’s over.
Hi Mike.
Amazing story! My doctor originally told me I had two choices: Surgery with metal plate & screws or just casting the ankle. I thought, “well… I’m not thrilled with surgery so maybe I’ll just cast it”. The doctor, however, recommended the surgery stating that if I didn’t I’d have MAJOR problems with arthritis in the future. I opted for surgery. I broke my ankle June 2nd. There’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not limping “as much” anymore. I’m thinking by my one year anniversary I’ll be in pretty good shape. On another note, as I said before, my brother lives in Mahwah, and my nephew’s daughter works at the Mahwah Bar & Grill. Are you familiar with it? When I lived in Ramsey we used to frequent the AB&G (Allendale).
Kris
Hi Mike.
Amazing story! My doctor originally told me I had two choices: Surgery with metal plate & screws or just casting the ankle. I thought, “well… I’m not thrilled with surgery so maybe I’ll just cast it”. The doctor, however, recommended the surgery stating that if I didn’t I’d have MAJOR problems with arthritis in the future. I opted for surgery. I broke my ankle June 2nd. There’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not limping “as much” anymore. I’m thinking by my one year anniversary I’ll be in pretty good shape. On another note, as I said before, my brother lives in Mahwah, and my nephew’s girlfriend works at the Mahwah Bar & Grill. Are you familiar with it? When I lived in Ramsey we used to frequent the AB&G (Allendale).
Kris
Hi to my fellow New Jerseyians, I too am from Mahwah. Must be a favorable area to break the old ankle. Here is my story, hope it helps. I am just starting to rehab it for the second time.
I broke the Tibia and Fibula on July 12th 2007, originally the hospital said I would need surgery, I went to another OS and he advised that we can treat the injury non surgically, told me that probably 7 out of 10 would do surgery. Of course I liked hearing “no surgery” and followed his proceedure, well 4 months later after trying a bone stimulator and rehabbing the injury myself as advised by my doctor I decided to go get another opinion. These second and third opinions were amased at how bad my injury was, I had no healing at all, I had been (as advised by the first doctor) walking on a still broken ankle, they said it turned into a plafond fracture (the tibia was crushing down on the joint and advised that he could not do this surgery that I needed a trumatologist. Anyway, I got a great doctor (traumatologist) who performed surgury on Nov 6th, put a plate and screws and he had to relengthen the leg, my leg shortened an inch so bone grafting was done and a external fixator was screwed into my leg at my shin and through my ankle bone and also into my toes. Now I was non weight bearing for 6 1/2 weeks after the Nov 6th operation and I had another operation to have the external fixator removed, two weeks with a cast and four weeks with a boot, all 12 weeks were non weight bearing. I just got the ok to start walking two days ago and yes it hurts alot. I am a 41 YO ex bodybuilder who still works out regularly at 250 lbs(I am sure being this heavy doesn’t help) been going to the gym and doing as the doctor said and push it a little, did some leg presses, riding the bike, basically rehabbing it myself, quite sore the next day mostly under my foot and in the ankle joint on top. I would advise anyone that breaks and ankle to have the surgery, the tibia is a weight bearing bone and the recovery without (in talking to others who did not have surgery) is much longer and less successful than having the plate put in…look at me I would have been healed up many months ago. Good luck, hope my story helped!
For some of the items brought up!
Partial weight (25%) is how you start on crutches. Gradually increase over time.
Tumpettes..no idea what these are..and Sandra, stay away from the sonic machines. They are a big fraud anyway.
About the socks..I had the same problem. My skin was super sensitive for quite a while. Use gauze layers inside socks and then put on socks and then oversized shoe with soft jel edges. I bought expensive running shoes (ASCS) and that finally improved things greatly for me. I wore them to work for several months but could walk normally. Any other shoes would start to cause me big problems.
About the weather..we are having a sleet/ hail storm right now. I love the winter weather. But we are well equiped to handle it. I use to ski, but no more! Still like walking in the snow though.
Sticky:
When I was give the o.k. for weight bearing I was told I could only put 10 pounds of weight on my foot and increase by 10 pounds weekly. This was on the extreme side but in any case, don’t over do it.
Kris
Ashley (not very Croatian!), from a very windy Sheffield – still threatening snow. I know when I am back at work, weather will be a deciding factor in whether or not I get there, and you are being very sensible. I know how you feel about getting the plaster off – mine was really hurting my ankle during the last week. Hope it goes well. I could stand on my worst leg as soon as the plaster was off, so hope you wil be able to. Hope you are managing with all the bills.
Sticky – when my plaster came off, the whole area woke up – pain and swelling. You ought to be using crutches and let them take most of the weight to start with – gives a good upper body work-out! Take the advice from Shel and go slowly. It will get better.
I am still taking paracetamol at the moment – full whack – and it is really helping me to move more easily. Only real problem is that tightness around the inner scar and some tenderness where shoes press. But I keep perservering, and will buy some different shoes. One new pair of trainers so far, which don’t aggravate scar quite as much.
I find socks a real problem. They are either too itchy on the scars, even if they feel okay on my hand. Or not quite the right length. If they cut across the scar above my metal plate in the wrong place, it gets annoyed.
Carol, interesting they can just take some bits out if they irritate. On the work front, I am still waiting to hear from personnel. I know I wil have to see Occ Health, but hope to get back end of February on some basis – I can’t afford to lose salary over the long term. No idea if they do a risk assessment, but then you do work for Social Services!
Had wondered about the leg press for when I get back to the gym. Will give it a go, but that’s a couple of months off for me I think. The trampette sounds a good idea, and I will try the wobble board.
Has anybody heard of sonic waves? They have a machine at my hairdressers (also a health/beauty place) that you stand on and it vibrates – uses sonic waves. Supposed to be good for health and weight loss. I would still be worried about my bits of hardware jigging around, or my ankle hurting. Anyone tried anything like this?
Expecting my mum this afternoon, so making a token effort at housework. Cannot get the vacuum cleaner upstairs – no idea when – not that I mind that much.
Take care if you are out in the cold.
Sandra
Sticky, First and formost… How much weight did the doc say you can put on it? The first week I had mine off I was NOT to put ANY weight on it if it hurt. Then slowley I was to start putting a little at a time. I didn’t put full weight on it for three weeks after at least. Unlike many broken bones the ankle will hurt alot after your cast is off. I have had mine off for just over two months, and still have some pain. It takes along time for things to get back in place, tendons, ligiments, muscle, etc I hope that helps, I guess at least you know now that is normal.
Hi..
I got my cast off Weds past..
I’m still on crutches, the pain in my foot and bottom of my leg/ankle is terrible when weight goes on!!!
Can anyone help…..
Sticky
Hi All Anklebreakers
Sandra- Yes I had hardware removed- Originally I had nine screws a plate and a wire wrapped around both sides to hold it all together cos I broke both sides and I had the wire and one screw out in December mainly cos it reacted with my skin and my mobility was poor- It seems a lot more mobile since and less pain- Mine still gets stiff though and there seems to be no pattern to it-
I do the wobble board at physio weekly- that helps- also the leg press and the trampette- The trampette is good for strengthening- I bought myself one ( only £15 in sainsburys) Just do fast walking on it-
For my scar I have used Vitamin E cream ( body shop) – it has worked very well and helped it to fade quickly – also helps mobility.
I am still not back at work- work have told me that I have to see the OT Dr first and my work environment has to be risk assessed – so am still at home waiting for an appt-
I say we all deserve a pat on the back – any progress is progress – so all keep postive and keep going – We WILL get there in the end !
Take care anklebreakers
Carol ( in avery windy London)
As for the crutches EVERYONE stares at me and not in a nice way so I reside to sitting at home. On a happy note it is 6 days and counting till this beautiful cast comes OFF ! HOORAY ! I know everyone on here will be able to relate to what I am saying as they either went through it or are currently going through it. I feel like I am coming out of the abyss.
Hospital bills are flying in and they aren’t looking good. Too much money and I am not making enough to pay them. You try to talk to someone and they are like Oh Well you have to pay them.
I am with you Sandra as yesterday we here had gail force winds and now we have a winter weather advisory for tomorrow. I already informed by boss that if it is as icy as they say it will be not to expect me at work. I almost KILLED myself last week on the ice and snow and with it being so close to freedom I would like to be EXTRA careful.
Clark – the whole geneology thing is cool. I am half croatian and get mistaken for being italian and no nothing about my geneology.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and be safe and keep warm !
Ashley
FOR CLARK
Not sure about online info that far back. The Church of Latter Day Saints might be helpful – if you have not already used it. UK Censuses can be seen online back to 1841 and there are genealogy sites for different countries in UK (and local ones). Some parish stuff online if you know the area, but a lot of it you would have to do in person. Plus there are places where you can get passenger lists for ships. Or, there are people who do this professionally if you want to pay!
Not good weather here again. Gale force winds. Threats of snow. Just a light skirmish so far. So will be walking outside again.
Sandra
Kerri:
I broke my ankle i JUNE and I STILL have to hold on going down stairs. It’s a long process.
Kris
FROM SANDRA
Anklequest – just noted your comment on crutches. So I have this to look forward to when I go solo.
Sandra
FROM SANDRA
Thanks to Kerri and Anklequest for the tips on scar tissue.
I am massaging the area, but will push it a bit as Anklequest suggests, and try some scar tape/plaster to avoid rubbing.
Plus when I am next at physio will ask about the wobble board that you suggest Kerri.
I am trying to find new ways of moving my foot and stretching it out – involving pointing it in different directions and moving big toe, so there is a pull on the scar tissue.
It is reassuring to hear that other people have had similar problems and can share stuff – that’s why this site is so useful.
Kerri – I know what you mean about the plateau. That’s how I feel at the moment – things are moving so slowly. But I am determined to keep at it. Hope things improve for you soon.
Sandra
Sandra,
Scar tapes (plasters) helped me a lot. It reduced the red lump along the line and also helped with the shoe rubbing problem.(I also wore oversized running shoes for months which helped greatly for the rubbing problem.)
More important..about that inner scar..it tends to adhere to underlying tissue. In order to restore the normal elasticity underneath you have to start “moving” the scar in all areas every direction. (this is more than just message). Slowly, over time(several months) the entire scar will loosen up as connective tissue expands underneath. You will eventually have normal tissue with no adhesive sections. After a disasterous adhesion I was lucky enough to run into a medical professional who knew a lot about this and showed me exactly what to do. It worked and now my scar has no adhesions; the scar moves normally and is bearly visible..after 6 months of pushing it around a little at a time.
It amazes me how many good tips are on this board that you have to discover for yourself or get from suggestions from others. Like the pea bag thing. After 6 months I got that tip from someone which was far better for me than anything else I used. Perhaps someone with a broken ankle who has a lot of time could write them all up and post them somewhere.
Clark..I wish you all the best. Sometimes it is good not to wait so long so that there is more bone for the docs to work with. It’s a tough call!!!
Don, Sparta is a nice little town. I occasionally go up there to a card/office supply store. From Ringwood it is a very lovely drive through the mountains.
Finally, about crutches. People were very nice to me when I had the crutches. Now they are trying to run me over again.
HEY ANKLEBREAKERS,
I’M THINKING OF TELLING THE DOC THAT I WANT TO GET THE FUSION OVER ASAP, AS I KNOW ITS NEVER GOING TO GET BETTER AND ONLY WORSE. I SEE HIM ON THE 15TH, AND I’M BETTING HE WILL GO ALONG WITH IT. SO I MAY HAVE IT DONE BEFORE MARCH. TIME WILL TELL. DON, I’LL KEEP YOU AND EVERYONE POSTED.
SANDRA, THANKS FOR THE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE GENEOLOGY THING. IF YOU KNOW OF ANY WEBSITES THAT CAN HELP ON YOUR SIDE OF THE POND, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I’D LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OLD HARRY, SOME 500 YRS AGO.
TO ALL ANKLEBREAKERS, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, TAKE YOUR VITAMINS, AND CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS, KEEP UP ON YOUR EXERCISES, AND KEEP YOUR CHINS UP. AND WATCH YOUR STEPS.
CLARK
Hey all glad to hear from all of you.
Clark
I wish you luck with Fussion and your recovery. I know it has been a long haul. I remember you saying you were trying to move just before the break hope it works out better this time for you.
Anklequest and Kris
Cool to see others in this area. Mahwah is only about 45 minutes from my house in Sparta NJ. As for the Doctor My wife and I got lucky in that respect he is the one they called in when they airlifted us into the hospital from About 1 mile from our house, Which is where the accident happened.
To every one keep working and fighting. The struggle is worth all the hours of tears and work .
Don
Hi Everyone,
I have been reading all of the entries but haven’t felt much like talking lately. I think I have hit a bit of a plateau in my recovery and have been a little discouraged. I broke my ankle (trimallelor) not sure how to spell it, on 10/14/07. I am walking without a cane now. My biggest problem is going down stairs without holding on to a railing. I went to the surgeon today for a follow up appointment. He x-rayed me and said I was doing great. I can stand on one leg and stand on my tip toes. The physical therapy I have received is superb. Without them I think I would still be on the couch. I have religously been going 3 times a week since the beginning of December.
Sandra,
My scar on the inside feels tight also. When you go to therapy ask them to put you on a wobble board. I hold on to a bar and do circles clockwise and counter clockwise. It stretches that area and it relieves the tightness.
Well good luck to you all, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
FROM SANDRA
We have ‘Dancing on Ice’ here in UK where celebrities join professional skaters. One of the contestants fell in practice last week and broke his ankle, so is off the skates. He was on TV Saturday, two crutches, and non-weight bearing on that leg. That’s reality TV for you!.
Anyone else find themselves watching TV drama/soaps to see if those with crutches/boots etc. really look the part? Or if they ‘slip up’ with their acting?
Sandra
CLARK
Family history – you can go back a long way!
Have been doing my famiy tree for a while, and spasmodically. I can get a bit obsessive about it and bore my children in particular. I am half English, half Scottish, with some Irish in the pot. A lot done on-line – but I am at the point where I need to check actual records to make sure of info.
Something else to aim for.
Sandra
QUESTION FROM SANDRA
Does anyone else get a lot of notice when walking on their crutches? Definitely not my imagination as people smile at me nicely when I look back.
Sandra
FROM SANDRA
For VAL – I had to wait a week for surgery until the swelling had gone down a bit. If they do surgery when you are swollen it can create problems. I remember feeling all my bones moving around and did not like it, but a wait is not that unusual.
ASHLEY – I used to get horrible spasms in my left leg when it was in plaster. Like restless legs, but much worse, and I could not do a thing with it. Continued after plaster came off, but hopefully a thing of the past now. Pain is to be expected with this kind of injury I guess, and in my experience it’s different pains at different times. Hope you have support in managing yours.
Lots on the HARDWARE again. So far mine is staying put, but I am still stiff and get pains. Stiffness has got betterm, but room for much more improvement. The bottom of my metal plate gets really achey when it is cold, by the way. What did you have out CAROL?
I was discharged from the hospital a couple of weeks ago – after four and a half months. Told to go see my GP if I have any problems.
I am concerned about my inner scar, which is irritating and adds to stiffness. In the right place to get rubbed by any shoes I wear, and not healed up to the same extent as long scar on outside of leg. I massage it every morning and night with Bio-oil, which helps. But it is frustrating that it still can feel so tight and I am so aware of it when moving. Has anyone used the plasters that you can stick on scars, and if so, did they help?
Still walking outside on two crutches mostly, using one for shorter distances. Have had quite a lot of pain, and physio suggested I take full dose of paracetamol for a week – two weeks to see if this enables me to move more freely. The pain affects how I use my foot. Anyway, been doing the pain killers for couple of days, and movement is much easier, as is sleeping. This is supposed to give my ankle/foot time to get into a ‘normal’ walking mode and prevent problems further down the line. Then when I stop,the pains may return but walking should have been re-programmed. Also have another seven weeks of physio exercise classes lined up.
Thanks for the tips on flying with hardware. And it may amuse some of you to know I was worried about getting an exercise bike as they work using magnetic resistance. But I have been assured that all my pins and screws will not fly out of my bones!
On the work front, I go down to half pay on 12th Feburary apparently, which seems two weeks early to me, and they took a week’s leave off me – so will be checking this out. Hoping to get back last week in February, but checking out support first – and on what basis.
Not sure Occupational Health will come out to me DIANA, but will not be visiting them until I am due back, or just before.
On the health front, just had a second blood test to see if I have an over-active thyroid. Plus, being referred by GP for a bone density scan. (Over-active thyroid can cause problems with joints.)
Just for sharing – on nutrition, I read a couple of months ago that salt depletes calcium/limits absorption of calcium. Last week that women who eat a bar of chocolate each day are more likely to get osteoporosis as chocolate also depletes/limits calcium absorption. (Not sure about men). So give up salt and chocolate, which would also include a lot of fatty substances and you will all end up super-skinny. But . . . I think that also weakens bones!
SARAH. Well done. I think everyone here will have drawn on reserves of strength and determination – whatever their age. Just before coming on here, I have spent some time writing and visualizing where I want to be over the next couple of months in terms of recovery. One goal is to be able to walk in the park with confidence with one crutch. Second goal is to be smaller and lighter, as I think my ankle would appreciate that.
Sometimes I get frustrated and think I am going too slowly, but when I look back to when I did my injuries at the end of August, I have made huge progress. Driving also gives me much more independence. VAL – I hope you read this! And like other long-termers out there, I intend to make a lot more progress.
Hi to DON AND CLARK AND ANKLEQUEST and anyone else there, and especially to any ‘newbies’.
Sandra
Anklequest & Don:
Hey you “Jersey” guys…. I’m originally from Ramsey, NJ. My brother still lives in Mahwah. What a small world!
Kris
Hi all anklebreakers
Dev- I had soem hardware removed in December- my original surgery was June ( nine screws- plate and a wire to hold it all together) I am 49- It does feel more mobile since the removal however I had to revert back to two crutches for two weeks and that was hard- still feels stiff soemtimes and like you are starting again but if in the long run it is better I guess its worth it- I had mine removed cos I didnt have much mobility and the wire was reacting with my skin-
Good luck with whatever you decide
Carol ( london)
Hi Don,
I’m familiar with Morristown hospital..an excellent place! I live in Ringwood, and had my surgery at Chilton Hospital..not that far from Morriston. However, no top tauma guy for me…just the ortho guy on call that evening whom no one knew. yes, keep up posted.
DON,
WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED AND UP TO DATE RE THE FUSION, BUT IT MAY NOT BE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS OR SO. GOING TO RECOMMEND TO THE DOC AT THE NEXT APPT. (FEB. 15) THAT THEY DO IT SOONER THAN LATER, SO IT MAY WELL BE IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS. ITS HURTING NOW MORE THAN IT USED TO, TAKING MORE NORCO TO MANAGE THE PAIN, AND THE SOONER I GET IT DONE AND RECOVER THE SOONER I CAN START PLANNING MY MOVE TO THE NORTH COAST. AT LEAST THATS THE PLAN. THE LAST TIME I PLANNED THAT I BROKE MY ANKLE. NOW, I’M TAKING EXTRA SPECIAL CARE NOT TO BREAK THE OTHER ONE.
TAKE CARE, AND YOU KEEP US UP TO DATE AS WELL, BUT I KNOW YOU WILL.
CLARK
Gretings all
I am also in the boat of having (ALOT) of metal in my body. My Doctors the did my surgury are the head of Trama surgery for Morristown Hosptial NJ. They hav enever expressed any idea of removing any of the pieves of metal from me. And after having it all put in I don’t think I plan on getting any where near a hospital and my Doctors where there are sharp pointy instuments at the saqme time ever agai good lord willing.
Clark keep me informed how the bone fuse goes they asked again I told them I was going to hold off interested to see how it takes and how recovery is? I also know that you will give me the streight scoop on it and we some of the same injuries so keep on smiling bud and hope all goes well for you .
and to all of the other ankle breakers keep working
Don
Dev..Strange, these doctors. My doctor told me he’d be happy to do the surgery if that’s what I wanted but gave me no guidance whatsoever. Another doctor told me not to do anything if it wasn’t bothering me that much for surgery is risky. I found out from someone else that in younger people they remove the hardware for after about 30 year the titantium materials might cause reactions in the body. I guess they don’t expect us to live long enough for that..hence the reservations??? After all this time I still do not have a good answer but keep gathering information.
Also, I’ve flown many times too and there’s no reaction at airports. However newer and more sensitive equipment might someday detect the hardware. Someone else told me I can never have an MRI because of the metal. Yet someone else told me it didn’t matter. And all of these people are in the top tiers of the medical profession.
Anyway, I hope to find out these answers someday.
The pea packs are the best. Better than anything in the drug store. And keep those feet elevated. I’m at work…sitting down a lot lately instead of walking, and things are getting worse (swelling). Walking seems to work great as long as it is not too much!
I’m glad to hear most of you are improving!!!
Hi to all ankle breakers – I did have a hard time getting into this website for a couple of weeks. I gave up but tried again tonight and found all of my “LOST” friends again.
Thank you ALL for your input -Gill & Anklequest – I’m 62 (tomorrow) and I feel your apprehension about removal of hardware. My Dr said he would do what I want. However – my ankle is stiff at times and I do feel the “hardware” but no pain. It was just 10 months since my fall. A neighbor is 5 years and still has hdwr and is not bothered by it. I don’t know if it is just in my “head” or what. I really don’t want surgery and the recovery again even though Doc says only couple weeks – no matter – any type of surgery is always a risk. Maybe if I was younger and wanted to stay more active (I used to walk 2-3 miles daily)I would consider but even though I’m lucky and covered by insurance and disability pay – I think I’m going to wait it out. Everyone seems to think the ankle is stronger with the extra support. Anyone my age that has had hdwr out? Do you really feel the difference?
Everyone take care and watch your step.
Sandra – I have flown many times after surgery and I was silly on my first flight and told them – they made me go through personal wanding session. Then I heard and read that most docs use a special metal that doesn’t set off alarm. I tried next time – and you guessed it – no alarm so now I don’t say a thing. I have 6 screws and a plate.
Best of luck to all the “new breakers”! You will survive the pain – take the pills as long as you have pain and I used frozen peas bag wrapped in towel for my “ice pack” and it was great. You can refreeze many times. And keep the foot up on a pillow for a long time. I slept with pillow up until about 2 months ago.
Wishing you all quick recovery.
Dev
Gill:
I broke my tibia & fibula June 2nd (metal plate and 5 screws). My orthopedic doctor told me there isn’t any reason to remove the hardware. I suppose if it was bothering me, it’d be a different story but I haven’t had any problems with mine.
Kris
Hey Gill,
Glad to hear that you are that far along and at the point where the doc advises that the hardware should come out. Perhaps a good thing. Could mean that your ankle is healed to the point that you no longer need the hardware there, and taking it out means that once out and healed there is no chance of infection. I have several plates and screws and pins after 10 months, and was advised by the dentist that I can’t have my teeth cleaned without amping up an hour before the appt. without taking 4 500 mg AMOXICILLIN to prevent possible infection from the cleaning tools I guess. The ortho doc says that its not necessary unless you have an artificial hip joint or total knee replacement, or something like that, but the dentist won’t allow the cleaning procedure without the drugs, so it could be that. Imagine getting an infection in the bones and losing them. Better safe than sorry.
Have heard that broken bones heal stronger at the break than before the break, but don’t know about ankle, such a complex joint, along with shoulders. Very complex. So that’s another theory.
And maybe your just so damn healty the doc thinks your better of without em.
Remember, one of the cardinal rules of the Hippocratic Oath is “DO NO HARM”. And perhaps having the hardware still inside after healing is more negative than a postive.
Thats the best that I can come up with for now. I was talking to my doc at the last appt. in January and he said that my ankle was going to be fused, and I asked if I would be losing my hardware, and he said, yes, buat that he would be replacing it with twice as much. Permanet, I’m guessing. But it doesn’t bother me. Glad to set off those damned alarms anyway, if I ever travel anywhere by plane again, that is.
Glad to hear that things are good, though. Keep your chin up. At least it may be an outpatient visit though, eh?
I’m betting the rest of the gang has some answeres out there.
Hey Sarah,
Quite a story. Glad to hear that you are doing so well. A record breaker for sure. Being an athlete I’m sure has much to do in healing, and the mental toughness. Very inspiring, but like Anklequest, I too am curious about your age. If its not too personal, can you give it up? Inquiring anklebreakers want to know. You are an inspiration, too be sure, but I think no matter how much I tried, or fought, my situation will never change, and that you are doing so well is a great combination of luck, fortitude, drive, ambition, and a leg/ankle that will heal. Perhaps I should throw in divine intervention as well. Getting religion in my old age.
Glad you are doing well, but come on, spill the beans. 25, 30?
Take care, all anklebreakers out there, and remember to WATCH YOUR STEP.
Clark
Clark
To have the hardware removed or not
It`s now seven months since I broke my ankle and had a plate and a couple of screws put in. The hardware doesn`t bother me so I was surprised last week on a routine visit to my orthopaedic surgeon when he said I should be re-admitted and have the plate and screws removed. As I`m managine fine, what is the advantage of this? I just see more discomfort, difficulty in getting around for a couple of weeks and more time off work (I don`t get paid for sick days). I know other people who have remained with pins and other steelware after surgery.
Would be grateful for your comments / advice.
Sarah,
Wow, you are doing terrific in terms of what seems a horrible enjury. I am wondering..how old are you? Age can make all the difference. I am 62 and was told that if I’d been 18 I would have healed in no time without any of the after effects like I have now.
Hello,
I thought I would try to post something positive in case there are others like me who are looking for ideas of how soon they can get back to life.
11 weeks ago I broke my leg (fibula side), crushed my ankle through the head of the joint (the actual name is a Pilon and my surgeon, from the U of M, said there has only been one case written on in medical journals…stay tuned mine will be the second), and a dislocated foot.
I play a sport, Roller Derby (flat track, modern day, amateur, very real) and I took a hit and my foot turned around on my leg and then the story begins.
9 weeks ago I had surgery to place 3 plates and 13 screws into my leg and ankle.
Here is the kicker…I am SWELL. I cycled from the second week after surgery (albeit I had to tie my good foot to the pedal (stationary bike) and did my training with one leg), have been swimming since week 3, do my off skates and core.
I started skating again a couple of days ago in week 8; no jumping, sprinting, etc… but its skating and I was told less then 3 months ago that I may never walk again.
In my case, MENTAL toughness was and is huge, I by no means am suggesting for anyone else to do any thing, but in the face of a very serious injury there was not time for me to worry about pain (cause yeah it hurts though I lie and tell everyone its cool) or to be fearful. I am on a path and an injury will not stop me, I will listen to my body and let it heal, but this is just the beginning.
I have learned an incredible amount about my self; I know that I will cycle till I shake and with one leg, that I will learn to swim, that I will succeed cause I am mentally tough now and now I believe in myself.
I was an athlete before, I thought that being the captain of our travel team was about the apex of my ability, but now I know its only the beginning…this experience can be incredibly empowering.
Hi all.
4 days until my 6 week check up! Fingers crossed I get out of this cast. Had Surgery (Plate, 6 screws + Bone Graft)… After a non union!!!
What are the chances this cast is coming off… I just bought a new car and want to drive ASAP!!!
Cross your fingers the word “NON UNION” Never comes into your life.
Sticky.. ($ $)
Hi all anklebreakeres
and val i had,nt broken a bone before my ankle break and i am fifty six i was so mad with myself.they have to leave the swelling go down so ten days is fine,they have to do something for you no going back now.they know what they are doing,just think you are not on your own,there are a lot of us ankle breakers out there.good luck for tuesday,take care,
Val,
What Clark said about staples does not apply to everyone…I watched the doc take the 40 staples out one at a time while sitting up on the table in his office, and it did not hurt at all. It was like little pin pricks if anything. (Perhaps if you don’t watch, you might feel it more.)
Also, Sammy did have to wait for his surgery too (in Korea where the hospital he was in didn’t sound that great)) and his went well from what we heard.
Hope you are doing well.
HEY ANKLEBREAKERS,
CORRECTIONS, DAMMIT!
WHERE TO BEGIN? MARTIN CRANE ON “FRASIER” NOT SEINFELD. TWO PIECE COMFORTABLE SHELL CAST WAS AFTER 2ND SURGERY, NOT THAT IT MATTERS, BUT HELL, IF YOUR’E GOING TO BE IN ONE FOR AN EXTENDED LENGTH OF TIME BETTER TO BE COMFORTABLE. WHAT ELSE, ITS 1235 PCT HERE IN CALIFORNIA, STILL WATCHING THE TUBE. BILL MAHR HAS A GREAT SHOW, “REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHR”. KITTERY WAS PART OF THE MASSACHUSSETS BAY COLONY BACK THEN AND ENDED UP IN MAINE WHEN THEY REDREW THE BOUNDRIES WHO KNOWS WHEN. EXCUSE ALL THE MANY TYPOS THAT I CONTINUE TO THROW IN, AND ….
VAL, WELCOME TO THE CLUB, BUT SEEMS MANY DOCS WAIT TO DO SURGERY UNTIL THEY ARE READY. SAMMY IN KOREA HAD TO WAIT, WHAT? 14 DAYS OR SO? AND JUST WAIT UNTIL THEY TAKE OUT THE STAPLES. DON’T FEEL THEM GOING IN BUT TAKING THEM OUT IS A BITCH. I KNOW, SORRY, I SWEAR TOO MUCH.
THE COLLEGE KIDS ARE ALL BACK FROM WINTER BREAK, AND CARS AND PARTIES EVERYWHERE ON MY STREET. MAKES ME ALMOST WISH I WAS YOUNG(ER) AGAIN. BUT NO. GUESS I’LL STAY WITH 55.
NITE KIDS.
CLARK
Hey Anklebreakers,
Haven’t been able to participate since the last on the 21st as my wired transmitter that controls the wireless keyboard and mouse died, or one of the three did, and so Dell replaced all three, being unable to diagnose which one (rather like a ’70’s Dodge electronic ignition; when in doubt replace all 3 parts) so they finally arrived from backorder (but gotta luv those extended warranties, mine runs out in Feb) and now I’m back online. I could still point and click, but couldn’t write anything. And Don, I just replaced this keyboard, I’m sure as hell not going to use my cane or my crutches to type any entries, altho would no doubt make fewer mistakes, or my shoes, but anyway…
It was good reading all of the latest anyway. I was lucky with my swelling. Had surgery the nite of the accident (trimalleolar) and my ankle was swollen after in the boot, but not so much that it caused any problem, lucky I guess, and I’ve never had the shooting pain in the leg, Ashley, but it sounds like a nerve thing, or muscle spasm. I have all kinds of pain, but nothing in the leg or the calf.
Shel, sounds like you had a rough time with your swelling and cast. I was in a boot after the 1st and 3rd surgeries, and a shell cast that joins togather wrapped with an ace bandage (very comfortable if you haven’t had one, wish I still had it) and you can adjust it to fit the swelling. Every case is different, as is every doctor, and that’s why they call if “practicing medicine” I guess. But we all get through it, somehow. I’m going on my 10 month since the break, still in a boot, so you should guess that for some this is not an easy fix.
Anklequest, sounds like you had a tough time with your wound. Glad you had no infection either, what with all of this super Staph going around; MRSA I guess it’s called. Almost as bad as the flesh eating disease.
Sandra, its really good to hear about things in the UK. Thanks for your input on the health care system. From the spin we get in the States it sounds great, and may be pretty good, but your stories tell that it has its problems as well. Really sorry to hear about all the hills in your town, all the climbing and walking. My ancestry is originally from England, first known relative was “HARRY”, not Harold, just Harry, who married Elizabeth back in 1535 Portsmouth or Plymouth, who begat John, who became a shipwright, ended up with his own shipyard, and his grandson John was a cabinboy who left for the colonies in 1620, or so, right after the Mayflower, landed in Kittery, Maine, now part of Massachusetts, and he started the whole family line, just the cabin boy, on through the revolution (oh, sorry about that) and every single one of us are all related to that kid, but doubt they all know that now. Dropped the “E” at the end of the name to show solidarity to the revolution, and the loyalists kept the E, so that’s fun, brother against brother thing, all from that one kid. Are you into geneology at all? Perhaps you could do some digging and see if you could locate the original Harry.
I guess I love to run on, and on, and on. My right anke is gettin worse painwise, and I think the fusion is coming sooner than later. Taking walks with the dogs still good, but on the sidewalk, dealing with the inclines and depressions caused by driveways is a bitch, and makes me walk in the gutter, much easier on the ankle. I try not to generate sympathy when I walk but the inclines and depressions really make a difference. I will never laugh at Martin Crane on “SEINFELD” again. Relax, I know he’s just a character.
So, thanks for letting me break in the new keyboard, now that I’ve taken if for a spin. Rides like a Caddilac.
Take care ANKLEBREAKERS, and rememver,
WATCH YOUR STEP.
Clark
Question for the Brits:
How do they get the people with broken ankles into the upper levels of all those flats that don’t have leevators?
By the way, I see you all are much improved over the past few weeks!
I know that you are all smart enough to figure out that when I do this exercise I am laying down in bed on my stomach, so that I am doing toe raises into the bottom edge of the mattress. 🙂
Don
Val
Sorry to hear of your broken bones, but you are in the right place for people to talk to. Yes it does seem like a long time, but it really is not that long. It takes time for the swelling to go away and for the Doctors to see which way things are progressing. Surgery always scares everyone just the mention of it. The best thing you can do is have faith in your Doctors stay involved in the decisions when and how they are made and by all means be active in your recovery. Do everything you can to get back on your feet and do your PT, when and how they tell you. It is the only way you will get back to good health.
Ashley
I too have times when pain comes into the ankle. For me it is the muscles, Tendons and ligaments that just get tired from walking. When I lay down on a weekend the pressure seems to go to that area and then makes it had to walk when I get up. I found for me it is better with exercise. Once I get the muscles, Tendons and ligaments moving and loose the better I am able to walk the less pain I have.
One excercise that has worked the best for me ( now don’t laugh) when I lay down in bed. ( I just got a new temperpedic I lay my feet over the edge of the bed and then do (toe ups) of foot raises into the mattress. The mattress pushes back against my toes and front on my foot and it is soft and resistant enough to give my muscles, Tendons and ligaments a good work out. Makes it much better in the morning to walk. I do this once at night when I go to bed and then in the morning before I get up
Just a thought as to how it works for me maybe it will help others.
Don
Val..I had a swollen foot and a nasty open wound (and 3 breaks–a trimalleolar). Because of the wound they decided to do surgery in a day and not give me a cast. I had a splint for 3 weeks but never a cast because of the wound. No air cast either. The surgen told me some of my skin would come off as a result of the swelling during surgery and the wound and it would take months to heal. Sure enough, they could not sew the skin together very well, some skin rotted off and it did take months. This is what might happen if your foot is too swollen. Fortuately it all healed well but I was frightened about the whole thing…much more so about potential for infection than a broken bone.
It does seem a long to me that you have to wait. It must be very frustrating waiting around for surgery. I had never had a broken bone before either and it was bad enough waiting for a day in a hospital emergency room (no beds available..also scary).
I didn’t give you any answer. If you read this board you’ll see there are plenty posting here that have had serious problems. Every situation is different. But do post and let us know your story.
My doc waited only until the next day to have the surgery, would have done it the day of but nobody was available. They SHOULD have waited! I had to go back days later and have them take the cast off becuase it was too swollen, then yet again in another week another cast. The swelling is always a problem with an operation, so my guess is that you will be just fine to wait, seems strange I know!
Anyone who has had the plate/ pins out let me know as that seems to be my next step. One of the few “small boned” people that it is really killing!
I just broke my ankle almost a week ago..two breaks on the inside and one on the outside. The bone Dr tells me i need surgery to have screws, pins and a plate put in. The surgery is scheduled for tuesday. What worries me is that will be 10 days after i did it. Isn’t that an awful long time to wait to operate? Its very frustrating cause i am sitting here with my leg elevated all day and i know its healing improperly. I am 48, never broke a bone before.
Well….I see there isn’t a whole lot of comment on here in the past few days. I need a bit of help maybe someone can advise me here.
I am getting a ‘sharp shooting pain’ in the injured leg mostly at night when I go to lay down in bed or I just close my eyes. I am thinking that this is soft tissue damage and that it is healing or whatever but I didn’t know if anyone’s PT or Doctor ever told them about this.
I am anxious to hear any comments. THANKS !
Ashley (12 days and counting till the cast comes off)
SOUTHERN DIALECT BROKEN ANKLE JOKE.
A YOUNG GIRL ENTERS THE LOBBY OF THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND WALKS UP TO THE RECEPTION WINDOW, SUPPORTING AN OBVIOUSLY BEATEN AND BROKEN OLDER MAN ON HER ARM.
“HELP, HELP ME, I NEED HELP FOR MY BROKEN ANKLE” SHE YELLED.
THE RECEPTONIST NOTICED HER WALK IN AND SAID, “BUT MISS, THERE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE ANYTHING WRONG WITH YOUR ANKLE. I JUST WATCHED YOU WALK IN”.
“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, MAMM?” SHE ASKED. “JUST LOOK AT MY BROKEN ANKLE. WHY, HE COULDN’T EVEN WALK IN HERE BY HIMSELF, HE’S SO BEAT UP. MY AINT JUST BEAT THE CRAP OUTA HIM. JUST LOOK AT MY BROKEN ANKLE”.
OH WELL.
Hi all anklebreakers
Sandra
as it happens i am seeing occupational health tomorrow,Thursday,last time i saw them i was still in my cast and petrifide of cominng down stairs,my husband had to make a ramp for me to get out the back door,had to see them in a wheele chair,it was the hospital i worked in so no problem there,they said they could have come to the house,and that they told me that, in the letter,[no way]if you would prefer us to visit you at home,was this letter,this meeting i can limp into,so let them come to you,put the ball in their court.they can walk you cant,take care.
Hi to all
Diana, sounds like you had a tough time in hospital – and a silly nurse. Heading towards half pay myself and hoping to return before end of February. Got a letter from work today asking when I would be going back, suggesting I should go to Occupational Health first.
Fine – except it’s in an old building, and I hope I can get permission to park next to it. Plus it is in the basement down lots of old, tiled stairs, and long, semi-dark corridors. No idea if there is a lift, as I have never seen one. Will need to phone up first and find out – there ought to be given disability legislation.
Enjoyed reading the rest of the posts since I last looked. Managed not to knock any flowers in the commode when I was using it! Though did manage to knock a jug of water all over the bed, with me in it and unable to get out.
My ankles have been more achey this week – it’s been cold. And I have had bad earache for the last two days. If it’s not one pain it’s another. Off to GP tomorrow as long as it does not snow.
Moving very slowly when out – people who seem to be 20 or 30 years older than me are going faster and passing me by, or asking if I need help.
Still it’s quality not quantity that counts so the physios say.
Take care out there.
Sandra
Clark
If we get bored we can always try our crutches and canes to type that might be interesting 🙂 As for feet my workboots my get in the way.
Don
Don,
My messages have exhibited many errors also. But no matter. We all get the point. Let us all be glad that we are not typing with our feet!
Clark
I see that I should be more careful when I type big fingers little keys:-) Sorry I will try to correct some of my typing
Don
Well Gang back to the grind again. Back from weekend starting the new week at work, weekends are so short.
As far as funy things??? When I was first married I got hurt a week back from my honeymoon and ended up with kee surgury. My wife was back at work I was home on the second floor apartment and my truck had a clutch.. Well I couldn’t drive because it was my left keee that was operated on. I had to go to therapy so since my wife couldn’t get time off and I had to get there I got on my only other mode of transportation. A 450 Honda Hawk Motorcycle..
Strapped the crutches vertical to the backrest, stood up when I had to shift the gears as the only part of the left leg that bent was the toes and stopped the bike lewaning towards the right to hold it up. Went to the Doctors parked the bike and then walked with the imobilzer into therapy. All of a sudden the Doctor shows up storms into the office and askes in a very agitated and loud voice as to who the idiot is driving the mororcycle is and why they left their crutcheds sticking up in the air?
All the patients in the waiting room looked out the window and then looked right at me 🙂 I asked the Doctor if I should go back out and lay the crutches down on the ground along side of the bike so no one would see them? He shoot his head madfe a loud moan and shook his head as he stormed into his office.
I will try to think of other adventures that come to mind as I go along. Some people may find funny. 🙂
Don
Hi all anklebreakers
just another few weeks and i will be down to half pay,how fast has the months gone since september,i am going on my fifty seven and of course all my family want me to take early retirement,thinking of me they say.nothing to do with the fact they will all have an on call childminder for all my grandchildren on their doorstep if i do,dont get me wrong i love them all.i work in a busy hospital with elderly care patients the wards are so long i would have so much walking,heavy lifting ect,i have a big decision to make.I think i am the only one that didnt mind my stay in hospital, i was just glad of a bit of a rest at the time,it was bankholiday weekend, had my op the night of my accident,next morning ;friday ; they had me up and running on a zimmer,which i thought was a bit much as i was still drugged up to my eyeballs going up and down staires on one crutch at my age, no joke, i think they wanted rid as they needed the beds, anyway next day was told i could go home after cast was infilled,so this twit nurse came along pulled cast off,and put new one on,waiting for husband to pick me up,when all a sudden there were patches of blood seeping through my plaster and they were getting bigger and bigger things did get a bit scary for awhile,twit nurse should not have removed cast at all,only infilled it.so i had to stay in all over bankholiday weekend after all so there,take care.
Hi all:
I have another potty story to tell. While in the hospital, once they were able to show me how to use the crutches, they brought a commode in and put it next to the bed so I wouldn’t have to use the damn bedpan anymore. So when I had to pee, I’d use my crutches to pull the curtain around the entire bed and commode… make my way off the bed and do my thing. I’d get back into bed and use the crutches to pull the curtains back into place again. While pulling the curtains back into place, they knocked a flower arrangement off the shelf and it landed, right side up, inside the commode. I had quite the laugh as I was thinking how I was going to explain this to the nurse who had to empty the commode! When the “male” nurse came in, I explained what happend and asked if he could rinse out the base of the flowers and refill it with water… he looked at me like I had three heads!
Kris
FROM SANDRA
Hi,
CAROL. Aiming to return to work the last week in February, but will discuss with employers first. If I need it I could go on to half paid sick leave. I had also thought of doing what you are – using leave to break up the time. But I am hopeful I can work most of the time at home. I have a book contract – teaching text – to deliver on, and have lost time on this, so need to catch up. And there is other stuff I can do, like research, pick up extra marking/admin.
Sounds like some travel attached to your job. Have you claimed Disability Living Allowance? – I understand that people can get the mobility bit (after six months off).
I think it would be great if I could get a mobility sticker. It’s really frustrating not being able to use the disabled spaces at the supermarket, when I seem to be more disabled that some of the other people using them! (Same in the States?)
KRIS – my first this week was filling the car up with petrol.
The crutches do cause other problems. No bursitis yet. I had terrible callouses from hopping with the frame, which have gone away now – the Bio-oil helped. And I get quite a lot of aches across the top of my back and under shoulder blades which I know is from crutches.
PROGRESS. Having a better week, though a bit stiff today. But my right ankle – also fractured – is more achey today, probably because I have done too much and depend on this stronger ankle.
Still worry about my poor toes on left foot. Three of them in the middle that don’t work like they used to. But medics and physio not concerned about it, as they don’t see it affecting walking.
It’s trying to brighten up here in Sheffield. Waiting for my brother to come so we can go out for lunch. He’s nearly one and a half hour late (typically), but he does have quite a way to travel.
Have a good weekend.
Sandra
From Sandra
Thanks to Don and Clark for you kind thoughts.
Kris – well done. I always dress standing in front of my bed in case I need to fall backwards.
No funny jokes. Just life. Went to supermarket yesterday and got too much. Two trips back on forth to car with one crutch. Have to park in the road as the drive is to steep. I have a flight of stairs up to living area, so have to place bags on stairs, move self up with crutch, move bags etc. Had to do two trips like this. Sat down to relax, then thought I would eat the snack I bought. Could not find it in shopping, so went back out to car in the dark to look under the seats – with difficulty. Did not find it and felt cross. Came back in, looked in a shopping bag and there it was!
On the humour front, I am sure most of us have experienced some ‘dark’ humour while in hospital, or laughs at our own expense.
I had things to put my legs in which are called ‘trenches’, but for some bizarre reason kept calling them ‘troughs’. Don’t have a think about pigs and no reason why I did it, but it made the nurses smile.
Sandra
Sorry, can’t think of anything funny at the moment, however, I did just get out of the hospital today. I was going to go to a friend’s going-away concert tonight, but decided it would probably be too dangerous without a hard cast on yet. I don’t want to get stepped on. So, my friends are going to try and podcast the show for me.
So now I’m on the outside, trying to learn how to get around on crutches and a leg that I can’t bend. My wife has been so supportive throughout everything.
With all the misinformation I’ve had to put up with, some of it is finally in my favor. I thought I was going to have the hard cast for 5 or 6 weeks, but now it turns out that the hard cast will come off 5 or 6 weeks from the operation, and it’s already been a week. I’m scheduled to get my stitches pulled next Wednesday and get wrapped up.
Sammy
Hi Anklebreakers,
Seems that many have taken a break from things and may be busy with their lives, rehab, trying to learn to walk again, whatever, and that we need to laugh. I watch “CURB YOUR ENTHUSASIM” on HBO, which makes me laugh out loud, but that’s me, and I don’t laugh at much. So in the interest of raising the comic discussion I googled Broken Ankle Jokes and was directed to Aarons Jokes or whatever, and here was this broken ankle joke. I don’t have any others. Are their any more out there, or really outrageous situations that you’ve gotten into? Well share them if you feel like it. And to start, here’s one of mine:
I moved from my little ranch to as neighboring town after my 3rd surgery, and had one last trip to pick up some things that I had tied down in the back of the truck. I stopped in to a small grocery store parking lot to retie the load and placed my crutches at the back of the truck against the bumper, fat dumb and happy, and drove off whistleing Dixie. I was about 10 minutes out when it hit me, and I had to pull over and check the bed for the crutches, and nothing. Damn!!! I drove back as fast as I could to the little store and there, in the middle of the parking lot, cars everywhere, just as they were when I drove off except now on the ground, untouched and not stolen, were my crutches. I could not believe it.
OK, not a joke, but the best I can think of right now.
Now move on the the dumb joke. It’s cute.
Take care everyone, have a great weekend, good football coming up, and if you like the playoffs, no better reason to put your ankle up under the pillows, grab a cold one, or talk someone else into it, and watch the games.
Take care.
Clark
Dead bunny
A woman with a broken ankle was gingerly hobbling along on crutches as she attempted to walk her dog. Because of her handicap, however, she was having a lot of trouble keeping the dog under control. Finally, the dog lunged forward, the leash slipped out of her hand, and the dog went running down the street. She called and called, but the dog wouldn’t come back. Since she couldn’t chase after it, she eventually gave up and went home.
A couple of hours later she heard something scratching at the door. When she went to the door she found her dog standing there with a dead rabbit in its mouth. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was the neighbors’ pet rabbit. She knew she would never be able to tell them what happened, and since they were out of town for the weekend, she hit upon a plan.
She took the rabbit into the bathroom, washed it off, and blew its fur dry. Then she took the rabbit back to the neighbors’ backyard and put the rabbit back in its cage. She thought the neighbors would discover the rabbit dead and think it died in the cage. They would never suspect what really happened.
On Monday, there was a knock at the door, and when she answered, there was her neighbor standing there. He asked her if she had seen anyone in their backyard over the weekend. She said no. He said, “Did you see anything strange going on around our house or yard?” Again, she denied seeing anything suspicious. She said, “Why are you asking me these questions? What happened?” He said, “Well, something really strange is going on in my backyard. On Friday our rabbit died, so we buried it in the backyard. But when we came back from the weekend, it was back in the cage!”
ALRIGHT, SOMEONE HAS GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING BETTER THAN THIS.
CD
Congratulations Kris
As you said it may not seem like much to saomeone else but to us anything that marks improvment is a milestone.
Good luck all keep working
Don
Carol:
I too, ended up with bursitis… it sucks! I also received a cortizone shot which did ABSOLUTELY nothing. PT just seemed to make it worse. Once I stopped doing the PT and just left the shoulder alone it got better. It still bothers me at times. Especially when I sleep on that side but it’s MUCH BETTER. Icing it is your best bet. Good Luck.
Kris
Hi All Anklebreakers
Sandra- I am really glad you are making good progress and things seem on the up thats great news- I too recieved six months full pay as I work for the local authority ( social work is my background )I now work across twelve schools helping them to deliver extended services-I have been off since June double ankle break – smashed my left ankle to bits- (9 screws, plates wires etc)- I am still off of work and now on half pay- luckily I had my mortgage protected so financially I am not losing which is a relief- I have had discussions with my work about going back to work in early feb if consultant says I can when I see him on the 30th – I think I will do 3 days per week and am going to use my leave for two days per week up until the end of April so that I can have a phased return- I have to say that my work have been so supportive and couldnt be more helpful which is really good. I feel for those of you who have had to go back so soon- it must be added pressure
I am still using one crutch outside as I had another op in december to remove hardware- I find my leg is sore after physio – I agree with Sandra financially it seems better here in England but the health care probabaly isnt as physio once per week is not enough- I have bought myself a trampette so that I can walk to build up strength- i would reccomend it-On a negative note my GP has also diagnosed me with bursitis in my shoulder and have to have a cortisone injection – this is as a result of using the crutches for seven months – so ankle breakers beware ! You try to get your leg better but then because you are walking differntly everything else suffers ! I would say to all the new anklebreakers -try to take each day at a time – any progress IS progress – u need to be patient as it takes time- this site has given me hope and helped me to remain postive that i will get better eventually!
Good luck to all ! ( Carol in rainy gloomy London)
ANOTHER MILESTONE…
I’m in my 8th month of “recovery” and this morning I was able to put my pants on with holding onto something! It’s the little things that I get excited about these days!
Kris
Clark
I hope you include yourself and alot of others in that group. Thank you for the kind words and I also read your list of injuries and assorted fun things:-) I am the one that is impressed in your determination and never give up attitude. Together there is nothing tht we can fail to accomplish.
Sandra
Gives us all something to soot for as we work through all of this
Keep Plugging along everyone
Don
SANDRA and DON,
As I said before, my hat is off to you, both, if I wore one. You and your assorted injuries, beyond just a broken ankle. are an inspiration and you both have my deep respect.
Hope both of your recoveries are going well. It does take a bit of time.
Clark
Greetings all
Sandra
I can indeed sympathize with you. I also have to broken ankles and other parts. Was non weight bearing and wheelchair bound for 3 months. Keep up the work for me it has been, 13 months since the accident and 10 months I have been back and walking. I know it seems like you are all alone in the PT and in the pain of it all, but your not. There are others that have been through it and are here listening and willing to talk all about it.
So keep plugging everyone someday we will all get to the end of this journey. And we will look back and tell some funny and some amazing stories.
One that comes to my mind is when I was in rehab. I was there for about 1 and ½ months when it started to really get me depressed. My mood changed my attitude got sad and obstinate. I went to PT in the afternoon and there on one of the benches was a lady about 60 years old working out doing her leg lift and arm movements. She would chat with you as she did this and always in an upbeat mood. I watched this day and noticed the
Immobilizer on the leg was up over her hip. So the whole leg could not move it asked her why it was so high if she had knee replacement.
She told me they went into surgery and replaced the knee and told her they would look at her hip when they were in there. They did and replaced both, about three weeks into her recovery the hip got infected and had to be removed. She had been back in rehab for about 1 month with No hip in her at all. They strapped it up for support and let her go to PT till the infection was cured and then they would do it all over again and replace the hip when it would take. After I heard her story I didn’t have a bad day I just thought of her and her winning personality and kept right on working till I got to leave that place.
So Remember no mater how bad we have it there is someone else that is not as lucky or is in worse shape then we are. Keep working it will all be behind us eventually
Don
AND FINALLY –
Last one today. Ashley – hair looks much better and made me feel more positive. Well done on the walking to Diana, I am impressed.
Went to hospital yesterday and saw a doctor I have never seen before who discharged me. Said I had a very serious injury and they would not expect me to be walking at this point. Told to ‘plod along’ – yes, his words, and not to walk on any uneven surfaces – which is just silly where I live. Anyway, off sick for another 5 weeks, but hoping to plan for some kind of supported return to work. Not actually getting any support with learning to walk again from physio at present.
Now have to go to my GP if I need any help. This the practice, where one of the women GPs phoned me on discharge to inform me that if I wanted to be seen I would have to get to the surgery as they would not come and see me at home. This, with two broken/fracured ankles, non-weightbearing, hopping on a frame, not allowed to do stairs which I would have to do to get out of the house, and effectively housebound.
Hopefully, I won’t have any reason to go, though I can at least get there now.
I have come a long way from by breaks, but still have a distance to go. Those of you new to a break, amazing how much you can achieve with some determination. So keep positive.
Sandra
FROM SANDRA
On bathroom experiences. I injured both of my legs so could not get out of bed. Presented with bed pans and a ‘lady bottle’ but could not use these so had to insist on the commode. Not nice having to use this, but no option.
On my first trip to the real toilet, a day or so after surgery, I had two legs in plaster. Left one non-weight bearing and was told I could hop on right fractured ankle, using a frame, to do transfer to a wheelchair. I thought ‘Hop on a plastered fractured ankle?’ but did it anyway, was wheeled to toilet and promptly had a fainting fit as a result of the effort. Nurse shouting at me to keep my eyes open and soaking paper towels with cold water. Then flat on my back in bed with oxygen mask on.
My first fainting fit in hospital was very dramatic – like an episode of a hospital drama – nurses and doctors rushing to the rescue. (So other patients told me). Don’t remember much about it – just the oxygen and being in bed. I have never fainted in my whole life, so this was all new to me.
On waiting for the op, I waited for a week for swelling to go. Day of surgery was told to be ready from 8 a.m. Actually went down at 11 p.m. at night. Was in a right state. Cracking migraine. Completely dehydrated. Vomiting nothing. Probably explains why I did not get the morphine control right – see below.
On pain control, just before op it was explained to me how to use the morphine drip – press the button etc. Somehow I heard press it twice, which in fact cancels out the ‘shot’ so you don’t over dose. The read-out showed me as having 76 attempts and only 20 hits. They took me off it then as I was not screaming in agony, despite not getting my full quota! And clearly I was not able to work it properly. Just shows what good an education does!
Sandra
FROM SANDRA – ON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
In the UK treatment is free. However, that does not mean there are no problems. Having stayed in two different hospitals, I can tell you that the quality of care, cleanliness and environment varies. The food was also not good and dire in the second hospital, which is partly why I lost nearly two stone after five weeks in hospital.
On the financial side, I don’t agree that everyone is okay here. I am a University Lecturer, i.e. a professional job with six months full pay. A lot of people don’t get that, e.g. my brother works in manufacturing and gets one month. People working in lower paid occupations can be very badly affected by this – unless you take out private insurance for accident and sickness, which not everybody can afford. Benefits are low, and would not cover cost of a mortgage for example. Jobs can be at risk if people take too much time off on sick.
On the physio side, the NHS is not great, i.e. not enough of it. Reading some of the posts here it seems as if those of you in the States get more input – no doubt paid for by healthcare insurance.
By the way I lecture and research in Social Policy – health, social welfare, families and state etc. including comparative welfare. This whole experience has given more information that I wanted on health, social care, and the experience of disability.
Interesting to hear about your experiences in the States.
Sandra
ANKLEBREAKERS,
Just started reading the paper and found this in todays San Francisco Chronicle. It says it all. And the key is the 6 billion dollar profit the hospitals made for one year. Key is the statement of the non insured subsidizing the rates the insured get. Just thought I’d send this out. Hope I don’t get sued for copyright infringment. Oh well …
Disclaimer, I DID GET THE MEDI-CAL RATE, DID NOT HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING OUT OF POCKET. I LUCKED OUT, BUT AM THE EXCEPTION, NOT THE RULE. HOPE THIS ISN’T BORING ANYONE. IT AFFECTS ALL OF US.
——————————————————
Hospitals charge ‘whatever the market will bear,’ study finds
Victoria Colliver, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The prices that California hospitals charge private insurers and patients vary dramatically – even after factors like the number of uninsured and the severity of illnesses are considered, according to a study released Tuesday.
Sponsors of the study, which include the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the Pacific Business Group on Health, say hospital consolidation – or a lack of competition within a region – appears to be a major factor in determining how much a hospital will charge for its services.
“We see what appears to be hospitals charging whatever the market will bear,” said Peter Lee, chief executive officer of the Pacific Business Group on Health, which represents 50 large employers responsible for about $10 billion in health care expenses.
For example, North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield and Vaca Valley Hospital in Vacaville, run by NorthBay Healthcare System, had operating costs of about 12 percent above the norm after adjusting for wage differences but charged 100 percent more than the state average, the study found.
The study, which was conducted by consulting firm Milliman Inc. and based on state data from 2005, found that insurers and patients paid $18 billion that year for services that cost hospitals $13 billion to provide.
The study’s sponsors said that clearly demonstrates private payers are subsidizing hospitals for low payments made by government programs like Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California.
The study did not address hospitals’ list prices, which typically are not billed to anyone who has health insurance. Rather it looked at the amount private insurers and patients pay after negotiated discounts.
Hospitals in Northern California are generally more expensive than those in Southern California, where there is more competition. Hospitals in large networks typically are able to demand higher payments, as are those in more isolated areas with virtually no competition.
Sacramento, where CalPERS and many of its members are located, and the South Bay region were the costliest areas in the state, according to the study. For example, the average cost paid by insurers to hospitals in the Sacramento region – an area dominated by hospitals affiliated with Sutter Health and Catholic Healthcare West – is nearly 30 percent higher than the state average, even after adjusting for regional wage differences.
Officials from CalPERS, the country’s third-largest purchaser of health care, said the study’s results validate the fund’s decision three years ago to drop the costliest hospitals from its network. Most of those hospitals were affiliated with Sutter Health.
In the San Francisco region, which includes Marin and San Mateo counties, the cost for hospitals to operate is 6.2 percent higher than the state average – after accounting for wage differences – but the hospitals collect close to the average for services. The study’s sponsors said greater competition in the Bay Area accounts for the difference.
Kaiser Permanente hospitals were not included in the study. The state does not collect comparable billing data from Kaiser because it’s a prepaid system, according to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.
Hospital officials, for their part, found the study confusing and questioned its significance and accuracy.
“We don’t really understand it. The numbers don’t make any sense to us,” said Jan Emerson, spokeswoman for the California Hospital Association, a trade group based in Sacramento.
Emerson said private insurers have long had to make up for shortfalls caused by Medi-Cal and Medicare. “We all know we have a broken health care system,” she said. “We all know government payers don’t pay their share, so commercial purchasers have to make up for that.”
Steven Rousso, principal with HFS Consultants, a hospital financial consulting firm in Oakland, said it’s no secret that large networks command greater negotiating power than stand-alone hospitals. “The health care market is no (different) than any other marketplace,” he said.
Lee, of the Pacific Business Group on Health, said greater transparency is needed to spur reform, reduce costs and improve quality of care.
“In most markets, having the information about what things cost helps competition,” He said. “In health care, having it be impossible to tell what something costs appears to help one side over the other.”
Victoria Colliver
San Francisco Chronicle
——————————————————
CLARK
Hi Anklebreakers,
Ashley and Kris, thanks for responding. Informative.
I guess one of the first things to mention is safety net considerations if you can’t work and pay the bills. If it is work related, definately file a work comp claim and go from there. If personal, and not somenone else’s negligence (wet floor in the produce isle, eggs on the floor at the dairy rack) and you are out of work, file for your states Disability Insurance. You pay into it and it usually covers you for a year. Unemployment insurance can ususally pick up after that for a year if you are then out of a job. And finally, if it looks long term, with a serious disability which prevents you from being able to work, then definately for Social Security Disability. Easy to do, not easy to get unless your case is a slam dunk. Most are automatically denied, but go through the appeals process. They will first offer you SSI (life payment at about $8-900 per month with Medicare added, and a social worker), more designed for substance abuse, developmentally disabaled, problems, but they offer that if they see that you may prevail down the line, becuase it is almost instant. Then good luck getting your real disability award which usually is substantially more. The key is to not give up if that is the direction to go.
Ashley, I had no ins going in, but when I knew of the second operation coming up I finished my MediCal paperwork, and as I had already applied about 2 months earlier for a cardiac/cholesterol problem (typical toxic bachelor stuff, I’m OK) I never finished it off, just wanting help with my R.x’s, but MY CO-PAY WAS $2429.00 PER MONTH, yes, not a typo, which meant that I would have to cover almost $2500 per month out of pocket before they would pay anything, due to my retirements (but no medical ins) and thats why I never followed up on it. Then I learned that my file was still open, not used, and covered catastrophic accidents like mine, so thats why I finished the paperwork, with MediCal paying a small contracted percentage of what I owed, which really makes one think about just what a bill really is.
At the ER they have to treat you, and you only promise to pay, but the cost is premium, and you pay through the nose, which is why any coverage offering ER coverage is great.
In hospital patients without insurance are usually bille 3-5 times as much as the person in the next bed is with Blue Cross or Blue Shield or something like that, as those rates are all contracted also. The hosptals figure they will make up their losses off the backs of those unable to pay and they really stick it to em! There is an appeals process in most billing departments to lower the bills, if you promise to pay, which most people never can or could. Thats where a medical bankruptcy comes in, and contrary to what the Bush administration did in rewriting personal bankruptcy laws last year or so, they really only cover credit card debt, but thats also important here, as one day your working, getting paid, making your payments, good credit, several cards, and the you break your ankle, not working, perhaps no coverage or a dispute, and you start to live off of your credit cards, and then, boom, broke, can’t pay, and that can be added to your bankruptcy. All the credit card lobby really got with the new law is that a small percentage of credit card debt has to be repaid and cannot be written off, which means that after bleeding you to death while you were good with the card, they still bleed you for a bit afterward, but do not drain you.
The biggest disappointment for meical billers is when you get coverage. Ashley, my ambulance ride, a 20 minute trip to the hospital, two guys, one rig, OK, one can figure that total bill to me to be about $500-750. Wrong, try $2500.00. I contacted the ambulance service and asked about the high cost, and was told that non insured cover the cost of contracted insured rates (I had not yet finished my MidiCare app) and she told me that had I had MediCare my bill would be $150 to MediCal, and nothing to me, but that she would gladly set up a payment plan for the $2500.00, which they would not lower or negotiate.
I said I would call back, and when I did, over a month later, told her that I had MediCal and thanks anyway.
These hospitals, insurance companies and medical supply/equipment companies gouge everyone, insured or not. Cooincidentally, at least with insurance companies and the like, they now pay their CEO’s and board members Millions of dollars per year, off the backs of something that in most of the developed western countries is usally free, or very low cost.
AnkleQuest, for info, Great Britain, Canada, and most of Europe have FREE medical, unless its cosmetic or elective non necessary surgery or medical care, and pay for that with a hefty gasoline tax. Not free, but you will never go bankrupt becuse of a medical problem, minor or major.
Greed seems to be the culprit to me. No reason that everyone can’t make a decent living working for a single payer non profit medical plan that doesn’t break the backs of those that need it.
OK, climbing off my soapbox. But interesting feedback for sure.
Just took my Norco and Ibuprofrin, coffee is ready and waiting to see what’s next. Have a great day, ANKLEBREKERS, AND WATCH YOUR STEP(S)!
Clark
Clark,
You asked and I will give my prospective/situation. I have healthcare which I recieved in Novemeber of 2007 through my employer. It is not good coverage actually it sucks ! but we didn’t know that until I got hurt. It is not taken at the local hospital around here and I pretty much have about a 50.00 co-pay for my PT (when it starts, I have been checking into all this stuff).
My medical bills have not started to come in yet but online I can see the claims that they have paid (so far nothing it all has to come out of MY pocket which is NOT DEEP!)As I layed in the ER that day and they said we don’t take this insurance the wheels in my head kept on spinning. Every state has a medical coverage act should you qualify. It is an act that was passed ours in PA is called Hilburton Provision. You have to qualify (income and situation along with other factors taken into consideration). Every situation is different so don’t think you can’t qualify. Also to deal with peoples medical bills (that have been protected) and need paid. Most medical providers will take a % off of there bill (the bill is known as subrogation) and you will only have to pay the left over part. IE: You have a 1,000.00 medical bill and you call and say I will pay this if you reduce it by 50%. They will say well….and you say then I won’t pay it. They say I will get back to you. (You always start at the very highest amount and negotiate but sometimes they come back and say OKAY ! reduced by 50%)They WANT MONEY for what they did and are willing to reduce there bill to get any amount. Don’t be afraid to turn anything into your homeowners policy, renters insurance and/or auto policy you will be suprised what is covered. I might have to do the same thing !
Ashley
Clark:
My insurance paid for all but $2,000 of my hospital stay which doesn’t include out of pocket expenses for ambulance ride, Orthopedic visit co-pays, PT co-pays etc. The hospital has since turned this $2,000 balance over to a collection agency but they can kiss my ass. I was out of work for 4 months and although I received TDI, it still set us back. If my total hospital bill was $15,000 and my insurance paid all but $2,000 I would think the hospital should be happy with that… what about those people who don’t have insurance and they don’t receive a dime? (sorry… I know you were one of them). So, eventually I plan to send a letter to the President of the hospital with my complaints about this, but in the end… I have no intentions of paying that $2,000 bill.
Kris
ANKLEQUEST,
THANKS FOR REPLYING SO FAST. MAN, I REALLY LOVE THIS SITE. IT’S THE ONLY TIME I’VE EVER BEEN INVOLVED WITH OTHERS LIKE THIS, AND ITS FUN, AND INFORMATIVE AND MAKES YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS ARE GOING THROUGH BECUASE WE ALL SHARE THE PAIN, LITERALLY.
AS I SAID, I HAD NO INSURANCE WHEN I FELL. I HAD PREIVOUSLY WORKED FOR AN INDIAN TRIBE AS A TRIBAL POLICE OFFICER (RETIREMENT JOB REALLY) AND WAS SERIOUSLY REAR ENDED AND THE TRIBE REFUSED TO COVER ME. SOVERIEGN INDIAN NATION TREATY THING. SO WHEN I FELL I HAD NOTHING. ON MY THIRD DAY THE NURSE AND THE DISHCHARGE COORDINATOR CAME IN AND THE NURSE LITERALLY SAID “YOU HAVE A HUGE BILL, NO INSURANCE, YOU ARE RETIRED AND WILL NEVER PAY US, SO WE ARE KICKING YOU OUT” AND THEY DID. NO CRUTCHES, NOTHING. A VERY LOW AND SORE POINT IN MY RECOVERY, 3 DAYS INTO THE ACCIDENT. THE FUNNY THING WAS, AS EXPLAINED BY THE LADY IN HOSPITAL FINANCE, DURING MY SECOND VISIT FOR MY REPEAT SUGERY, THAT MY CASE WAS THE BEST FOR THE HOSPITAL, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US TO KNOW, THAT UNLIKE MEDI-CAL AND MEDI-CARE, WHICH CONTRACT WITH HOSPITALS AND PAY PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR AS REPAYMENT, BECUASE I HAD NO INSURANC, WAS NOT WORKING OR ABLE TO, WAS “INDIGANT” NOT HOMELESS OR BROKE, JUST UNEMPLOYED AND UNINSURED, AND THUS ELIGIBLE FOR DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR REPAYMENT BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, WHICH THE NURSE AND DISCHARGE COORDINATOR KNEW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT. SHE SAID THAT IN TERMS OF REPAYMENT MY TYPE OF PATIENT WAS “HOSPITAL GOLD” IN MONEY RETURNED, AND SHE WAS SORRY THAT THEY HAD KICKED ME OUT.
SO, MY STORY, NOT EVERYONES. BUT I OFFER THAT FOR INFO FOR EVERYONE, IN CASE THAT EVER APPLIES. IF YOU LOSE YOUR HOUSE, YOU CAN AFFORD MEDICAL INSURANCE, IF YOU KEEP YOUR HOUSE, Y0U CAN’T, AND IF YOU GET HURT, AND CAN’T WORK, YOU MAY END UP LOSING YOUR HOUSE. NO WIN SITUATION.
THANKS FOR ANSWERING, ANKLEQUEST. AND TO THOSE THAT WANT TO, CHANGAE YOUR NAME IN THE SCREEN AND BE ANNONYMOUS. BUT ONLY ANSWER IF YOU WANT TO. JUST THOUGHT ASIDE FROM THE PAIN OF THE INJURY AND REHAB, THE FINANCIAL PAIN WAS WORTH TALKING ABOUT.
TAKE CARE ALL.
CLARK
Clark..you bring up an important topic. We have some Brits that post here too so I’d like to hear from them about their coverage.
My surgery cost about $ 26,000 and other stuff brought it to about maybe $38,000. Fortunately I have good insurance which covered almost everything. I didn’t bother to add up the many trips to drug stores for misc. stuff (crutches, ace bandages, etc) since it seemed so unimportant at the time.
I feel that it is by sheer luck that I have insurance and others do not. The very first thing I was asked when entering the emergency room..”Do you have insurance?”.
I do not know what the answer is here, but I do know many people that have no insurance. Some are family members. It seems to me there should be some basic coverage of some sort for everyone. Should broken ankles be covered in a basic plan? I think so. They are “accidents” even if sometimes caused by foolishness.
I recently read that giving basic health care coverage (such as in the Netherlands, for example) is cheaper than the way we do it here in the US, with insurance companies making a lot of $ and some people not getting care they really need.
“The devil is in the details.”
Meanwhile, everyone take care. I really appreciate this board!!!
ANKLEBREAKERS:
THE NEVADA DEMOCRATIC DEBATE IS ON, AND BEING A POLITICAL JUNKIE AND HEALTHCARE A MAJOR TOPIC THESE DAYS, FOR THE SUBJECT OF DEBATE, AND PERHAPS TO RAISE A DEBATE, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK ANYONE CARING TO ANSWER HOW THEIR BROKEN ANKLE(S) AND ASSORTED INJURIES PROBABLY RESULTING FROM THE ORIGINAL INJURY AFFECT YOUR LIFE FINANCIALLY? NOT TRYING TO BE PERSONAL HERE, OR MAKE ANY STAND FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES. BUT WE CAN ALL PROBABLY AGREE THAT HEALCARE IN THE U.S. SUCKS THESE DAYS, IF ONE EVEN HAS IT, AND SO HOW DOES YOUR BROKEN ANKLE AFFECT YOU? FOR INFO, ASIDE FROM THE MORTAGAE SUB PRIME CRISIS, PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY HAS NEVER BEEN AT A HIGHER RATE, AND MOSTLY CAUSED BY MEDICAL, NOT CREDIT CARD PROBLEMS.
FOR ME, I HAD NO INSURANCE WHEN I FELL, AND MY THREE TOTAL SURGERIES AND HOSPITAL STAYS MAVE HAVE TOTALED OVER $200,000.00. WHEN I LEARNED THAT I WOULD NEED A SECOND, REPEAT SURGERY, I FINISHED MY MEDI-CAL PAPERWWORK, WHICH PAID FOR THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD OPERATIONS, AND NOW DUE TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY OF OVER TWO YEARS, I JUST STARTED RECIEVING MEDI-CARE, AND HAVE PURSHASED AN AARP SUPPLEMENTAL POLICY. SO I LUCKED OUT, AND HAD NO OUTRAGEOUS OUY OF POCKET PAYOUT, AND THIS DID NOT RUIN ME, BUT I THINK I AM THE EXCEPTON HERE, NOT THE RULE.
SO, ANKLEBREAKERS, A SERIOUS QUESTION. PERHAPS WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP EACH OTHER WITH TRICKS OF THE HOSPITAL BILLING TRADE FOR THOSE THAT NEED IT.
THATS IT.
CLARK
Hey Everyone
Isn’t it just funn the webbles you get to meet here?
Kris
I can understand the short recovery from the hip replacement. when I was stuck in rehab for 3 months I saw lots of people go in and out, that had hips and knees done. I would not even think about doing it now, I don’t think I could face another operation. I had 4 major operations in 19 days with a 5 day layover due to infection in the leg. The operstions were each more then 6 hours on the table.
So I think I agree I will wait as long as I can. I tolds my Doctors that them and me and hospitals and sharp object are NEVER EVER HAPPENING AGAIN 🙂 oh well tile will tell. Keep working everyone it is worth every minuet of pain in the end.
Clark
I can understand what you are saying. At times it never seems to end the operations the pain the swelling the work and more work to get back to some part of your life. But we will all get there with that work under our belts.
Talk to you all soon
Don
yo those bathroom stories crack me up. i kept thinking about all that bad stuff happening when i was in the hospital, so i held it in until i got home. i had to get a catheter when i was there, that sucked. also when i was at the hospital seemed like me and sammy were in the same boat that morphine didn’t work for me it just made me throw up because i kept using it to no avail.
also did those of you who have stiff ankles ever think about using a heating pad for about 10 minutes then doing range of motion exercises? i dont know if it would be a good idea or not but whenever i wake up my ankle is so stiff but once i get a hot shower it seems that my ankle is much much more moveable. also i guess that half hour walk to my classes really helped out yesterday because i now have more range of motion. only problem is my foot and ankle swelled up so big when i got home and took the boot off.
ATTENTON ANKLEBREAKERS:
A brief hello to EVERYONE and ALL out there, suffering from single and double ankle breaks (SANDRA, my hat, if I wore one, is off to you!) broken tibs, fibs, talus, and even the under reported and much maligned calcanium. Its not easy being us, thats for sure, but we don’t have it as bad as others,
but again, most of us being subjective creatures, our situation and pain is ours, akin to us, not the guy or girl across the that may have it better or worse. We have to live with it, long term, short term and the highs and lows and suffer the good and the bad.
I’ve had over 10 sugeries from OJT (on the job) injuries from my career in law enforement: 6 knee surgeries (varying degrees, same one aach knee 10 yrs apart eventually causing a medical retirement; two arthroscopies/easy, two full cut menesectomies/harder, and two full cut double incision to repair torn anterior cruciate and medial collaterol ligaments), lower back surgery, right shoulder rotator cuff surgery left shoulder declined, double bunionectomy, and a serious and perhaps minor personality reaaranging near skull fracture and concussion, so I’ve had my share of hospitals.
They are there for a purpose from which hopefully we all benefit, but when you enter, hand over your dignity, privacy, loss of personal power and control, and trade it for well intentioned but necessary (I guess) rules, dicipline, bad tv channels and reception, questionable food, humilitaion, loss of control over bodily functions, and thrown in catheters, and fleets, painkillers that don’t work and sleep that will not arrive. And then somehow, when you think it can’t get worse, your out, done, on your own. And thats not easy either.
After my last surgery, an out patient same day procedure to remove two screws or pins, that ended up becoming a long plate placed up the backside of my Tib or Fib, don’t know, screwed with about 6 screws into my bones, to stop any forward backward movement of my ankle, placed underneath my Achilles or part of it and below the calf, major cut, maybe 8-10 inches, and very very painfull, ending up a 4 or 5 day hospital stay. I finally decided to try to get up to use the bathroom, for the first time, perhaps my second day after surgery, I tripped and fell, knocking the poor guy in the other bed out of his position, crutches going everywhere, the armpads both off and under the beds, etc… but I got up and continued on, all the while hooked up to the IV with the antibiotic, and other assorted lines, did my thing and made it back to a roomfull of angry nurses (my roomate ratted me out, I was supposed to have help, I guess) and they gave me what for and made me feel like a 10 yr old, and perhaps deserved it.
Morphine and Demoral just stop up all forms of bathroom usage, and make way for catheters, and fleets. Hospitals are definetly not fun. Can’t wait to go back.
ASHLEY: Stairs are not that bad; use the railing if you can, hand off one crutch or double up on the opposite arm (from the rail) and remember to steady and brace with the crutches and rail, so lift your good leg first, steady on the rail and other cruthes and then balance, plant your good leg and lift and pull up your weak leg, and going down stairs, brace and rail for strength and balane, and placing weight on the rail and crutches and good leg, lower your weak leg down, plant it, and then using the crutches and rail, lower your strong leg down and plant it, and then repeat. Strong leg up first, weak leg down first, at least thats the way I recall it, and it works for me. The rehab guys used to say “STRONG LEG GOES TO HEAVEN, WEAK LEG GOES TO HELL”, and thats an easy way to remember it. Don’t learn alone, have someone stand by to catch you or balance you if you fall. But its easy once you learn.
As far as a convention goes, I was only half serious, as I know how hard and financially tough it would be for most of us, unless as do it regionally as Kris suggested. But it would be good to meet and match names with faces etc… Something to think about, though.
Everyone take care, get better and remember to WATCH YOUR STEP.
Clark
Sammy..
GET OUT of the hospital!!!
Well…since we are all dishing on bathroom experiences I will give you my story/s:
Every bathroom trip is a new experience FROM FALLING TO TRIPPING AND STUMBLING, I have fallen off of the toilet (yesterday)I have fallen in the toilet(at my mom’s house b/c I have a brother who doesn’t know how to put the seat down). My favorite is the bed side commode b/c I refused (while hospitalized) to go on a bed pan (it would of been cold) In a night gown new to a broken ankle and not had surgery yet (the bones could be felt moving) attempting to get on a bed side commode (while pumped full of morphine).
The road to the toilet is a long hard travel one….hah
As for sleeping I didn’t sleep in the hospital either (even with all the drugs) people in and out all night blood pressures and everything else being taken it was horrible. I hated it. I still don’t sleep through the night and it has been 4 weeks.
Clark – I think an ankle breakers convention would be nice but we would have to go somewhere without stairs b/c I can’t do them I was never taught to.
Sandra – I would rather have the rain than the snow that we have. I hate trying to crutch around in the snow. Be thankful and I hope you hair looks nice. I was thinking about getting my hair cut too !
Janelle – I was/am worried about the whole blood clot thing. I had some bad pain in my calf that i think/thought was a cramp.
Have a wonderful day !
Ashley
P.S.
4 weeks DOWN 3 more to GO !!
hi all anklebreakers
Anklequest
Yes i did walk up all those steps had in mind to stick my ankle in the spa while no one was looking but to many people around,well you never know.yes it was hard going,took my time i have been to bath before without a bad ankle and was able to see alot more i love it there,its so historic and Edwardian. and Sandra you are right about the cobbled streets i had to watch every step.we went to the bolanical gardens in Cornwell last year now thats somewhere i wouldnt like to attempt at the momment.On the way back to our hotel everyday i would walk heel to toe full weight ;no limping;but i did know there was a bed waitinng for me at the end of my exercise,asked my pt today if that was alright and said it fine relaxes the muscles in the foot,one thing though hotel sheets are very rough on the foot lucky i took my fluffy sock.hope your all copeing well.take care.
Sammy:
No… haven’t driven over the crutches yet. I guess in the back of my mind I’m thinking they may come in handy again some day, though I PRAY I’ll never have to drag them out of the basement!
Great bathroom story. When I was in the hospital, I had to use the bedpan one morning… I REALLY had to go. The nurse came in and “set me up” and asked that when I was done if I could put the pan on the table. What was she thinking???? My ankle’s in a cast, propped up on pillows and I can barely move around in the bed. While attempting to move the bedpan with one hand, the bedpan spilled all over the bed. Of course this right after I had washed up. I was Sooooo upset, I started bawling! Ah yes… the good ole hospital experience… there is no dignity!
Kris
Clark:
That’s so funny you mentioned an ankle-breakers convention. I was thinking the same thing although it would be pretty tough to coordinate since some of us are east coast, some west coast and some over the pond.
Don:
My workmate’s husband had his second hip replacement the week before Christmas. He’ll be going back to work in two weeks. Sounds like hip replacement is a much faster recovery that an ankle break… who would have thought?
Kris
I wrote a real negative entry here, then decided to erase it. I know I’m not that bad off, I’m just starting to get really angry and frustrated with everything. Less than a week to go before I get the hard cast, I have to keep that in mind. I can’t think of a good reason to stay here anymore. I don’t feel the need for painkillers anymore, and should be able to get a prescription for antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, right? My wife thinks I’m better off staying, but I’m mobile enough to go back to teaching private lessons at my house, at least. I work at 3 part-time jobs here: private English lessons, bartending at our foreigner bar/restaurant, plus I just finished setting up a small boat shop in my front yard to build kayaks for the tourist season for a sea kayaking business I’m trying to start. I can see that my fleet isn’t going to be ready by summer, so I guess that means I’ll have another year of R&D for summer of 2009.
Anyway, time for toilet humor!
Anybody have any bad experiences trying to go to the bathroom? On my second day here, I thought I’d take a crack at walking with the crutches, and took a painful and long trip to the bathrooms, which are on the opposite side of the clinic, not in the patient’s rooms. The restroom stall is plenty big enough, but doesn’t have a set of railings to grab onto, just one, and it has this candy cane knob on the end that is loose and bends over in any direction you put pressure on it. Real freaking safe. So I thought it all went well enough, then I pulled up my pants while still on the toilet and reached behind me to flush it and it overflowed! I tried to escape but I couldn’t, there was no time. My pajama pants got totally soaked from behind. Fortunately, my wife was waiting outside in the reception area, and I got her to get me a fresh pair of pants. Pretty embarrassing, but it could have been a lot worse. I’m much more careful now, but in my almost 2 weeks here, that is the only time I have seen it overflow. Like it was just waiting to catch me off guard.
KRIS You asked if I’m a permanent resident in Korea or not, and the answer is yes. I came here March of 2006 to teach English, and ended up getting married to a Korean woman this past November. This isn’t the promised land for me or anything, but it’s good enough for now, and a much better life than I left behind. I’ve gotten out of teaching as much as possible, but we plan to stay here for at least another 3 years and work the family farm. Maybe go to grad school here as well. By the way, have you driven over your crutches yet with your car? 🙂
Sammy
Sammy
FROM SANDRA
Hi Diana in South Wales. I live in Sheffield, England, which is allegedly like Rome, built on seven hills. It’s difficult to go anywhere without meeting a hill, and as I discovered to my cost, my lower leg does not like going downhill.
Walking in a crowded street is not something I have done yet – quite a challenge (and there are some cobbles in Bath I think). I thought I might walk in the Botanical Gardens here (top end is flatter), but had forgotten about all the steps down into the main entrance – would I do it on my crutches? – so need to suss out the side entrance. Tried a park on Saturday, but the car park was a nightmare – rough stones, puddles, mud – so I just drove away.
I do a lot of pacing in the house intead. Exercise class went well last night and everything feels okay this morning.
CLARK – agree about the crutches. I was aiming to get on to one for returning to work, but am still using two most of the time outside. Physio says balance is important, and my body feels more balanced that way. I did both my ankles, so I also don’t want to overwork the stronger one.
It’s also important to work on core muscles – abdomen, pelvic floor etc. If they’re not strong and working effectively, everything else below is affected.
Hi to JANELLE again. And to ANKLEQUEST – you are chalking up the mileage as a recoverer.
Being as positive as I can. Realistically it seems that some of the consequences of breaking an ankle might last an awful long time.
I am off to have my hair done today. Another new destination, with awkward parking, and hopefully not too long a walk.
And maybe it will stop raining!
Where would you hold a convention? It’s such an international site.
Sandra
a few words to add to my earlier entry: the whole time I was having trouble after breaking my ankle, I had all the swelling and pain too for months.. forced to go to work and file papers when I was still using a walker and for only 2 hours a day! Ortho Doc kept sending me to PT because of the swelling and pain I was having… All the swelling it turns out was from an untreated blood clot.. that I probably got at the time of my injury. Now I think they should have looked into my pain and its duration closer as I also have a history of blood clots… duh! the Physical Therapists were even trying heat therapy.. now that is a no no when you have a blood clot it causes even more pain.. will write more soon
Diana,
The very lovely city of Bath which I’ve been to twice is NOTHING but hills and steps!!!! No wonder you had a hard time. Even people without ankle injuries have a hard time. I saw all kinds of tourists huffing and puffing there. And all the steps to those old wonderful Roman baths…did you actually do that???
BACK ON TRACK, AFTER ACCIDENTALLY SENDING THE PREVIOUS OUT.
DON, CONT:
BUT DO NOT DO THIS!, or the cantalopes and ballons you casually refer to your ankles after swelling up, (I prefer basketball) will need a lot more elevation, ice, and time to heal. Pamper yourself, use you crutches. Using your new ankle after a rebuild is like breaking in an engine. Do it slowly, increase the endurance, and change the oil every 500 miles. With ankles that means bear weight slowly, elevate with pillows, ice, and use your crutches. Just my opinion, of course.
Anyway Don, thanks for staying in touch, sorry to hear about the femur and hip replacements, but that is down the road as you said. I am most thankfull for the health and safety of your daughter. Thank God she was not in the car. The last thing you need is a repeat of all the above, and a trip to the hospital after 3 surgeries and 16 days total does not exactley make me want to re up for my fusion, but will have to anyway. Wonderful that she was home safe and sound.
Take care, get better keep your chin up.
Clark
ps Anyone up for an ANKLEBREAKERS CONVENTION? I bet we’d have fun, and obviously alot to talk about. And it would’nt have to be tomorrow, just down the road.
Anyway…
DON,
Glad to hear from you. We should form the fusion club. My doc doesn’t see any other way out. Its bone on bone; Tibia and fibula on talus. I am my own barometer also, but want to time it so that with healing I can move up to the north coast, where I was headed before I had my minor slip and fall. My pain level will determine my operation date, and I can live with it for now. I moved to a small cabin/cottage that has everything I need, and with the recliner in the center of the living room, everything is within 10 feet of the chair, bathroon, kitchen, front and back door and bedroom. I hop all over the place with just my exo skeleton (my handy strap on velcro boot) which I really could not do without. Of course for longer ventures I pull out the cane and longer ones the crutches.
ATTENTION ALL ANKLEBREAKERS: Don’t be embarrased or hesitate to use your crutches. There is no shame, and should be no embarassment, and they serve a vital pupose. I need mine and am glad to have them and use them when I need them. I fell actually no hesitation at all to use them. It seems that many of the later entries here (AND YES… YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) seem to want to dump them and walk as normally as possible. DO NOT DO THIS!
Hey all
Welcome back thought for awhile I lost you all for good. That would not be fun so I am glad the site is backup
Clark I think you are right that we are the only ones facing fusion of the ankle. ot something I recommend for a fun time. I have told them I am not ready to do that just yet. I was told that I am the barmoeter and when the pain gets to bad go back and we will have it done then.
I guess always knew that it would happen in the end. The other operations that I face are a knee and hip replacement. but I also hope to put that off for the longest time down the road.
Nancy
Believe me we can all apreciate the pain you are going throught, but keep up the work you will get through this.
My daughter had friends sleep over friday night they left to go to take sat tests. on the way the new drive swerved to avoid a deer and crashed the car. My daughter thatnk the Lord was home but her one friend ended up in the hospital wioth a broken femur and had to have a rod put in. He other friend got off woth some bumps and bruses. So Saturday night I had to return to the hospital that I spent three months in a year ago. what a Joy that was(last palce I ever wanted to go back to) but all in all the kid is doing well and should come home soon.
The wife and I started to tell her bette do your PT or you will never get out of here, They had her out of bed on Sunday night man things do move fast.
Well good luck all talk to you soon
Don
hi all anklebreakers
thought i had lost you all for awhile,been reading all recent letters,every where seems to be so different,i live in the uk south wales to be exact,i broke my right fibula and tibula had two long screws one side and a plate with i dont know how many pins the other,was in a cast for six weeks and was told it would take at least another six weeks recovery.i couldnt have put my foot to the floor for at least eight or nine weeks,i feel so sorry for us all.there are so many people who dont realize just how painful and restrictive it is.the problem is we look ok, anyway.been away for a few days to the amazing city of Bath in the uk,this was a big test for me.ime in my fifth month of breaking my ankle and getting out a car and going into one shop i can deal with,but when you see a long street with shops people everywhere is very wish i hadnt come feeling.never the less i limped along with the best of them had to keep sitting down,my foot was killing me.from the middle of my foot to the top of my toes was like one long cramp.personally i think i had over stretched my foot doing to much exercise if thats possible.then i decided to walk into the pain and out the other side it sounds silly i know.put my heel down and made myself walk on the ball of my foot and then my toes.then start again it hurts but a few days later my foot started to ease a little bit.its a hard thing to do.for thoes of you that can, try it very slowly.it might help going to pt tomorrow will ask her.take care.
Sammy, I didn’t sleep at all for 4 days..a little doz here and there. the hospital was noisy, people crying, nurses in and out. I had some hullucinations from the morphine…which had a very bad effect on me. It made me very sick. It was like someone talking to me in the distance, in whispers. I can see why some people think God is talking to them and think they are prohets, or whatever.
After 4 days, no more morphine, just some tylanol which was OK. I still didn’t sleep much at all until after about 3 weeks.
Also, to those of you who are older than 18, the healing will take time and like Clark said, do not push it. On the other hand, you do have to “keep moving” as my doctor said.
I’m almost at the 2nd year and still have swelling. I have a friend in her 50’s who didn’t get completely better from a trimalleolar until after about the 4th year. now she’s back on a treadmill.
FROM SANDRA
KRIS – I have tired the upright bike in my physio class and getting quite good on it. Still deciding whether to buy one for home.
Like you I need to develop muscle. Physio commented by hamstring was weak, and I know calf muscle is weak. If I sit in a traffic jam while driving, I have to put hand-brake on and go into neutral – cos too long with my foot on the clutch and my calf starts to tremble.
Good luck with the cycling. Sandra
SAMMY
I think that ‘broken-ankle’ is shorthand for damage people do to that area of their bodies, given the ankle is partly formed by the tibia and fibula (leg bones), so yes you should be on this site.
On sleeping in hospital – I was in for 5 weeks in two different hospitals in the UK and never managed it! Just kind of dozed, being woken by lights, nurses, other patients, all kinds of sounds – including buzzers and hearing aids that had been taken out but not switched off. They make this awful high pitched noise.
I am sure you will sleep better when you get back into your own bed.
Sandra
Sammy:
I agree with Clark… do you have any family in the states that could possibly help you with getting in touch with a Dr. here? It sounds pretty scarey what you’re going through. You said you live in Korea but is it your permanent residence or are you just living there for a temporary period of time i.e., job related?
Kris
Hey Sammy,
Thanks for writing back so soon. And I swear I am going to make it through this letter without any typos. People reading this must think I am illiterate.
Broken leg, broken ankle, whatever. You belong here at this site if you want to be here and I am glad to hear from you and be able to converse. Amazing how different cultures treat different things medically. It doesn’t sound like much fun, thats for sure. I would hope that being in Korea you would benefit from that old school eastern medicine thing. But can’t tell from your letter. Seems they barely tell you anything anyway. Hopefully you can get out of there soon.
Have you had a chance to get any second opinions from any Dr’s. in the States, or any western medicine practicing Dr’s. there locally? Not that your doc and hospital isn’t practicing western medicine, I don’t know. May be something to check out.
Hope your leg gets better, ankle or not. Keep in touch and thanks for writing back. Keep your spirits up.
Take care,
Clark
Hi everybody,
Does anyone else have trouble sleeping in the hospital? I finally started taking sleeping pills, but I still wake up in the middle of the night. I woke up around 4:15am yesterday, then waited until 5 to ask for an ineffective pain killer, then forced myself to wait until 7 am before asking for another PCA to be hooked up, and I still had to argue with them about it. They don’t get it, and I can’t get it across to them. Now that I know the score, I’m being much more reserved about how often I pump the morphine (or whatever it is). The good news is that the pain is really starting to recede. I had them remove the catheter on Sunday because I didn’t feel the need for it.
CLARK- You asked for details, but I don’t really have any. I only saw the doctor for a few seconds since the operation. He told me the xrays looked excellent. I tried to tell him about the painkiller injections, but he wasn’t even interested, just joked about how he’d heard that I’d complained to the nurses about the pain after waking up from the operation. They go into no detail explaining operations, meds, down time, recovery time, nothing. That’s Korean style. In fact, when you go to a doctor in Korea, you don’t have to fill out any kind of medical history forms or anything, they’re not even interested. A good friend of mine was badly poisoned by medication he’d been prescribed here, which is now the focus of a big lawsuit in the states, but the doctors here haven’t even heard a word about it. Also, when I saw my xrays, they weren’t the prints, they were picture files on a computer in the operating room. I only saw them for a few seconds, as I could only get in there on crutches, of course, and my leg was killing me from being up-right. I remember that the tibia was broken in 2 long, diagonal breaks at opposite angles, but I’m not sure how close to the ankle it extends. So maybe I didn’t break my ankle at all. Maybe I don’t belong on this site. I could be an ankle-breaking phony! I’ll try to find out soon, and expose myself if necessary.
Sammy