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.
On the return to work. First day working from home. Have managed to read part of a chapter in an academic book – first time in over six months – and I still understood it. (A bit boring, but will be of use.)
Tried to log on to Uni systems from home, but found myself locked out. Apparently, they changed my password so they could access my email when I was off – to redirect/let people know I was on sick.
Waiting for them to get permission tomorrow to give me my new password!
Clark, we can put in claim up to 3 years after fall. On it, but it’s a bit complicated. They want to know at exactly what point in the hole I fell, but as I did not see it until I was on my way down that’s a little tricky! Supposed the mark the spot with an X.
Will keep on with the novel, and other writing – albeit slowly.
The Oscar news today. The Brits did well, I think. Any of you seen the films nominated and have any recommendations for a good one – not seen any myself. (I have read Atonement).
Off to physio shortly.
Bye to all,
Sandra
Hi
Anklequest, thanks very much for your response on scarring, which was so helpful I printed it off. I will leave that sore area well alone for a while to see how it goes. Good to know you can leave it alone for a while, and still have an effect (after a year for you). That seems to be the one thing that is really affecting mobility at the moment. I am stiff in other places, but have made progress.
Good point about oils – was thinking about baby oil, or olive oil.
A bit younger than you – in my 50s and you have done really well.
I have some permanent swelling inside ankle and been told it’s because when cutting in a ‘tight’ area like the ankle, vessels get cut. Physio says there’s a whole lot of dead ends down there, so fluid has nowhere to drain, and more swellings might pop up. Looks much better when I hold my leg up in the air!
Let us know what you decide about the hardware.
MICHELLE. When plaster came off I had three numb toes, plus top of foot numb. Some slight improvement, but still numbness at base of toes, and they do not move the same way as other toes. Been told this is nerve damage, and that feeling may come back – months or years? Or it may not come back. But, it’s also important for you to know that I was told this does not matter in terms of walking or balance for me – so check out with your doctor/physio. Most of the feeling is there, it just feels weir, and I was aware of this when in plaster. I had my plaster changed once as it was tight, so it’s worth asking about this. I look after my toes, massage them and move them up and down manually each day so they work to their full extent. Hope the info helps.
Hi Karen. Well done on progress. Pain does come and go, and hits you when you don’t expect it. The physio can cause pain, and like Anklequest says, you need to rest it now and again. Do you use heat at all when in pain, I have been sitting with my hot water bottle under my feet and it is quite comforting.
Sandra
Karen,
The whole broken ankle is a big shock, depressing, and all that. It happens in a flash and your whole life is changed..for not too long we hope!!!
Exercise can be too much. How about letting up a little for 2-3 days whenever it gets a bit worse. That might help a lot. This works well for me.
Michell,
I have no experience with numb toes but some do have this. Lt’s hope when your cast comes off it will end. I never had a cast because of an open wound so I could move my foot from the beginning. Also, 8 weeks? Well, plan for a bit more time. I was on crutches at that time and they were terrible so I started walking shortly after that, but very slow.
Definitely get a handicap pass. New Jersey has these for 6 months and it really helped a lot at first.
Dev,
You are doing just great!!!
I’ve not yet consulted a new doctor about getting the metal removed. My own doctor is willing do cut me open right away, but he is a surgeon. Friends tell me nOT to do it because it is not a big enough problem for me. I can walk normally and do quite a bit of activity but not as much as I use to. I do want to find out what is causing my swelling. perhaps it is arthritis and not metal. That’s what I’m going to find out. 80% of broken ankle people get arthritis and becuase we are in the 60″s there’s a greater possibility for that.
Sandra,
By now you are at work. I hope that first day goes well. For me it was very exhausting. Since I administer a department in addition to teaching, the first day I ended up talking to too many people. I did start back part time, 3 days, and then slowly increased. After a month I was full time. I did a lot of work from home.
About the scar. Start with the most healed areas. Stay away for a little while longer from that bruised area. The same thing happened to me. Just even working with massage on the surrounding areas will help. It will get better and then you can work on it later. I didn’t start this moving scar tissue around until almost a year later (didn’t know about it). Then it took months. Only now does it look good after almost two years. There is slight adhesion yet in one very small area that was all the way down to the bone. That too, will be fine soon, I’m sure.
I don’t know about the creams. I’d say even vegtable oil or olive oil or Lorenzo’s oil will work fine. Anything cheap! There’s a lot of expensive “healing” scams out there.
Finally, well, here we thought the Brits could just pack it up and live off the government if needed. I guess not, unless you live off the streets or in Bleak House! The grass seems to always to look greener on the other side of the fence.
Watch your step! Here the snow is melting. I love the snow although I know we have to be very careful on the ice. I use to ski but I guess those days are over now.
Hi all,
I broke my right ankle on December 15th. I am so glad to have found this informative support group to know I am not alone. I admire you all for your strength and courage. It’s a shock to be going about your day, feeling healthy and energetic and suddenly have your life as you knew it end temporarily.
Walking with crutches and body compensation really sent my body into a downward spiral, aches and pains everywhere now in addition to my ankle. I have also gained some weight from being inactive, just falling apart here….
Sometimes my ankle feels almost normal when walking for a little while and out of the blue will get sharp pains real deep inside. The only relief then is to sit down. I have finished 10 of my 12 physical therapy sessions and was practicing the routine twice a day at home but wondering if the exercises are too much for me. This type of pain is new to me for the past four days. Does anyone have any input on whether physical therapy can provoke pain? Even if it does, is it best to continue with exercises (no pain, no gain?) or rest it completely?
Karen
Hi all,
Like many of you, I have a trimalleolar fracture with dislocation and tendon damage that occurred on 1/23, one month ago from yesterday. I had surgery on my left ankle and received 6 screws and a plate the following day. I have experienced many of the same obstacles discussed here such as physical pain, fear of further injury, depression and anxiety regarding the eventual outcome and limitations it may pose to my once active lifestyle. I used to run, go to the gym, etc, and I’m so afraid that this injury will limit these things that are so important to me. It’s nice to read other stories and to hear that there is the possibility of a full recovery, and I’m trying my hardest to stay positive and, at this point, focused on healing. (Heck, I already managed a shower with the help of a transfer bench… at this point in my injury, the little ‘activity of daily living’ victories mean the world!)
*Anyway, it’s been a month and I’m still in my hard cast, and I’m still experiencing numbness and even some redness in my last three toes. I have feeling on the bottom of my toes but not so much on the top part. Has anyone experienced this with your injuries and if so, does this numbness eventually go away? It really has been the main source of stress for me the past few days (I figured it would have gone away by now) and I am probably going to schedule an appt next week to have it checked out, just to make sure the cast isn’t too tight or something…
Thanks to everyone for sharing your recovery stories – they really do help us newbies. I have been reading this blog for days and am so happy to have it as a resource and outlet. If this helps others here as much as it has helped me then I’m sure you understand how grateful I am that I found it! To others currently suffering through the cast stage, stay positive and good luck with your recoveries!
PS
SANDRA,
Definitely write that novel. Something I plan on trying to do sometime, but may never start, or finish. The UK is the foundation of literature, need I mention W. Shakespear, E. Bronte, J. Austin, C. Dickens, etc…
Clark
IT’S OSCAR SUNDAY, ANKLEBREAKERS.
Sandra,
Glad to hear back from you. So many positive things to hear about happening with you. Very glad to hear it. Great news that your career allows for work at home and easier parking. Also thought that your accident was private, but if not, then you should discuss the situation with a Solicitor. Statue of Limitations and all that. After all, it is what negligence, liability and insurance are all about. Just think what a chain of events and a boost to the economy that a claim presents. Definitely explore it. Your daughter should keep “mithering” you.
Tonite is Oscar night here in the States. I imagine that you get it there, although can’t imagine what time that would be. The only movie I have seen that is up for consideration, rented it via DISH NETWORK last night, is “MICHAEL CLAYTON”. Very good. Highly recommend it.
Keep up with the good news. Glad to hear that you are doing well. The pain will always be there, to some degree, for many of us. We just have to adapt and live with it and through it. Thanks for the copying tip. Actually thought of it after I lost the last one. Am going to copy this now, just in case.
Take care,
Clark
Had a realy problem sending last post.
TIP FOR CLARK – I copied it first, so means you do not have to do it all again.
Anyway, felling much more positive this evening. I think this is just a slow patch, if you know what I mean.
All you newcomers have lots of exciting challenges – plasters off, standing on your own two feet, walking with or without crutches.
This bit has just been a bit of a plateau for me.
It is really positive to read the posts of those who have been going longer.
And I constantly re-read Christi’s first message – a year on, and having made so much progress.
So I have a lot more progress to make.
Bye to sick-leave and hi to a working woman again!
Sandra
Clark et all,
Went to Occupational Health Friday and am officially back at work tomorrow – which is Monday. Doing a phased return, and working from home till Friday when I see Head of School (department). Luckily, I do the kind of job where I can work from home – so focusing on writing textbook on families, young people and the state. No doubt will pick up lots of marking soon, and whatever admin they think I should do – plus some research. Pleased to say that arrangements are already underway to get me an inner campus permit (usually goes to important people!) which means I can park closer to buildings, and am more likely to get a parking space. Just need to make sure I can hook in to Uni systems from home.
My mobility is still a concern. The good days are fine, but the pain days pathetically slow.
As for giving up work, it is no automatic route to any kind of benefit that would give me enough to live on – or pay my mortgage. If you voluntarily give up work in this country, you have not really put youself in a good position. There are benefits, but it’s really complicated, and tied up with rules.
On the pension front, I am a lone mother. Having brought up two children by myself, missed out on the occupational pension – which rules out early retirement too. Only have a basic state pension to look forward to – but that’s years off. The other financial downside of divorce is that I had to buy out ex-husband when children left full-time education. Did a few years early, but basically it means I have a mortgage until I am 70. So – I really need to work.
Did give me a lift to know I am ‘back’ – though at home. There is a lot I like about my work – knowledge, research, students (yes really). What I don’t like is all the nasty in-politics and back-biting and competitiveness that goes on in Universities over here. Well, maybe that’s the same anywhere or in any line of work.
On compensation, I did not injure myself out work. Fell while on leave. So still exploring the possibility of suing the relevant local authority for compensation – dependent on what solicitor says. I have been a bit slow on this, but being mithered by my daughter, so must get it done this week.
And if I did get compensation – who knows – I might be able to retire!
Or, if I finish my novel, that might open up some possibilities.
Important to have dreams anyway.
Sandra
Hello Sandra and All,
Hope everyone has had a great weekend. Be safe.
Tim
Hi to newbies and oldies (not agewise.
I feel like I could write a thesis on pain – different types, different levels, etc.
On my issues, at present, still really tight on inner ankle on worst ankle – the one with the hardware.
The scar is a problem – my GP (doctor) said it is keloid, though as all the problem is within the scar line, that should be hypertropic.
I keep being told to massage the scar, but there is around half an inch over the ankle bone where if I massage really lightly, I end up in terrible pain. Like someone kicked me and there is a big bruise in there – really sore. And it just stays there. So no idea if that is the end of the ankle screw, problem inside the scar, or other hardware. So right fed up with all of that.
Then there is all the tightness and aching/soreness in the area – kind of a triangle on inside of foot, from achilles tendon. Did anyone else go through this phase?
The wandering pains – outer heel, plate in leg etc. I cope with. But the persistent soreness in my inner ankle – in one place – is a bit tiring.
I have bought some silicone gel cream and am now applying this to the scar in the hope it might help. Has anyone else tried this? And I am not massaging the bit above the bone.
Plus I am persevering with all the physio and walking around house in socks (and on the duvet). I have also bought a golf ball today which I have been told to put under my foot and roll it around.
Given all my wittering on about pain, it is really encouraging to read some of your comments. Dev – at 11 months, another 5 months ahead of me, so there is hope! Well done to you. And you still have the hardware – like you I do not want to volunteer for more surgery at the moment.
Anklequest – brilliant to hear how well you are doing – again it is encouraging for me. Are you having the hardware out?
Gina, we can’t have a disabled parking badge in UK if recovering from breaks – have to be severely disabled (not us then!). You have a recent break, and lots of progress to make.
Lefty – take it easy, and as you say, do what you are told.
Hiya Don. Are you dancing tonight?
Clark. Have thought about all kinds of therapy. Read about realignment therapy the other day. May need this – it actually feels as if my metal leg is longer than the other one. Bizzare!
Anyone tried reflexology since their breaks?
Scribbled down all my woes earlier. Took some paracetamol. Have also tried heat treatment today – a hotwater bottle under my feet. My pain is easier tonight. And I can still walk without my crutches in the house. So it’s not all doom and gloom.
Sandra
HI GINA,
Welcome to the club. Sounds like you have the traditional break and treatment and are well on your way to recovery.
Definitely get the pass, whether temporary or permanent. For your sake I hope they offer you a temporary pass, and that’s good luck. A permanent one means that you’re expecting a permanent disability, or your doctor is, and as he fills it out, that would be not so good. So hopefully it a temporary pass.
Remember not to overdo it and stay light on the ankle. If its the right ankle you will have to drive with your left foot, an automatic, that is, but you will be able to get around.
Go slow, don’t worry too much, you can’t do much about it anyway and as you already know, as most everyone that has not experienced it, this is a life changing injury, but one that if luck and destiny are in your favor, you can make a complete or almost 100 % recovery from.
So keep your chin up, don’t get depressed and watch your step. Very repetitive I know, but its all true.
Take care and good luck,
Clark
Hi to all anklebreakers. Sorry about all that snowy weather. I know there is a reason why I love living in South Florida. My grandkids actually got in the pool today as it was 89 degrees – record breaking for Feb. Water is still cool but that never stopped any youngsters.
Anklequest aren’t you scheduled to have your hardware removed in March? I’m 62 and finally at 11 months find my ankle not bothering me as much. But I can STILL feel the hardward. I have no pain but do find myself limping at times as it is stiff. I just don’t want to go trough surgery and rehab again. I can’t believe it has almost been a year – to all the newcomers – as anklequest says – there is a light at the end of the pain tunnel. It may not seem so – I can remember nights crying with that stupid boot and pain keeping me up and having to sleep on my back. But it does get better and I’m finally walking about 2 miles again without the swelling and pain. Can’t wait to start swimming again as that therapy is really the greatest. Recommend that for everyone who can get access to a pool.
Take care and keep the faith. Keep positive and keep reading these great ideas and advice. It has helped me a lot.
Have a great weekend
Hi there, I slipped on my icy front steps 5 weeks ago (Jan 2008). I had a trimaleolar fracture, surgery, and all of the plates and screws many of you have.
I wonder if any of you bothered to get a handicapped parking pass? I am going to be starting physical therapy in the next week or so. I just don’t know what’s reasonable and what to expect from here- I am on crutches with a big boot now and put only a tiny bit of weight on it. I had thought I would be walking pretty well in 8 weeks or so but that seems optomistic. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Best of luck in your healing.
LEFTY,
PLEASE EXCUSE THE TYPO’S AND MISPELLING YOUR NAME. SEEMS THAT WHEN I BROKE MY ANKLE I DISCONNECTED MY FINGERS. BUT GET WELL SOON.
CLARK
HI LEFT,
Welcome to Anklebreakers! Sounds as though you already have a handle on things. Keep your positive attitude because it helps so much with recovery. And get out of that hard cast as soon as they let you. Surprised you are not in a clamshell (like a hard cast, it is a fiberglass hard shell, split in two, front to back, and when wrapped tightly with an Ace bandage really supports the ankle) or a boot. Wiggle your toes and stress your leg muscles as much as possible. Its obvious that youth has much to do with healing, so that is on your side.
I am hoping that you and Sara make a 100 % recovery, and I bet you both do. Just don’t do anything to hinder the recovery process.
In case no one has mentioned it, and I haven’t read it anywhere here before, smoking really hinders and slows bone healing, so anyone who is suffering and anklebreak, and is a member of this club, think seriously about quitting.
Glad you checked in. Stay positive, and good healing, and watch your step.
Clark
I was excited to come accross such a supportive group of people who UNDERSTAND tri-malleolar fractures and the ups and downs of recovery. I was looking for advice on removing hardware (I have not yet discussed with my Ortho). I live in a cold climate and am concerned about long term effects of this metal in my body. My ankle was totally broken and dislocated on January 24th and surgery was done on January 31st after the swelling went down. It was successful by surgical standards, but I have the same concerns as Sara about being young!! and wanting to snowboard and DANCE and wear beautiful high heeled shoes. I am in a hard cast now and have a follow up on Tuesday where I hope to get a brace. I am bound and determined to do absolutely everything they recommend so I make a 100% recovery and will share if I get any great medical advice ; )
Ok so all you ankle breakers
I think it would be cool to make snowmen and give them all crutches and arm slings 🙂 Can’t you just see that we can all then go around and identify where all the other ankle breakers are. Well all keep warm keep safe and sit infront of the fire listen to good music with a good book and someone special it is the best rehab I can think of
Don
Hi Everyone..
I love Clark’s question(s) to Sandra.
Here we are completely snowed in today. Schools are closed. Our country road is not yet plowed. I am going out to turn on our big snow blower to blow out our driveway. I am THRILLED to be able to do this without any problems right now with my ankle. I just wanted to share & let everyone know there is light at the end of that pain tunnel, even for those of us in the 60’s!!!
SANDRA,
I’m going to attempt this again, even though this also may get lost in the infinity, the vastness, of the internet.
I read your message with interest and concern, not just because you have and still are going through so much, but just because you’ve been here for a while doesn’t mean you don’t matter, not that you said you didn’t, but of course you do matter, very much.
Everyone that joins this club, with just one entry or several a week, they/we all matter, and just because we are accustomed to the routine, the hobbling, the pain, the cane or the crutches, the doctor visits, rehab, pt (or physio) as you Brits call it, we all matter.
I’m sorry you are still in pain, but other than advising you to try accupuncture or stronger painkillers, there isn’t much I can offer, unless trying to offer some mind expansion pain reducing techniques. And those would only work in extreme situations, and require almost a state of meditation. Probably too hard to explain that would bring any degree of success.
But I was curious about living in the UK, and several of your comments brought several questions to mind.
So, if you don’t mind, because inquiring Anklebreakers want to know, here are a couple.
You mentioned that you may not even want to go back to work, but is that possible? Does the UK have a disability retirement system, like our social security disablity here in the states? Some type of a pension system that one pays into? If you were completely disabled, to the point that you could not work, is there anything in the UK that kicks in to help? And as yours was not work related but private, all the more important. Of course almost everyone injured on the job here in the states gets work comp, and they change the award amounts, and the benefits all the time, but it is a safety net if you are injured on the job. I imagine the UK has a work comp system. I was rear ended, working for the Tribal Police, and ended up with a near ruptered S1-L5 Lumbar injury, and two torn rotator cuffs, but I worked for an Indian Tribe, a Soveriegn Foreign Nation, and they did not have to honor any private responsability after their work comp carrier filed for bankruptcy, and they left me hanging, so that was different, but 99.9% of all work comp cases are covered. I ended up getting social security disability, which saved me, along with my other disability pension from the real police dept. and I know that I am very lucky, but that’s why I was wondering about you and your situation. Not trying to pry or be too personal, just wanted to know.
You above all know that if you stick through this, and weight it out, that you will make it through this and you will be a stronger person for it.
Who knows what contracts we make with destiny before we pop out of the womb and start making our way, what pitfalls and obstacles, trajedys and the like await us on the road of life. No one does. But it must happen for a reason. Random chaos and the the cosmic jumble cannot be the only reason we are here, not just tossed as a deck of cards in a game of 52 pickup. There must be a reason, something, that brings it all on. Perhaps the ultimate question.
Anyway, don’t give up, and keep on. We are all still out here and you are not alone. But you know that.
Hang in there. It seems that it can only get better.
Take care,
Clark
DON AND SANDRA, AND ALL ANKLEBREAKERS, SINGLE AND DOUBLE:
Just wrote a very long, humerous distertation on everything, clicked submit, and of course it got lost in the ether.
So rest easy, you don’t have to read it. Hope the pain goes away and you both, and everyone out there, feels better.
Why could’nt I write like that in school? Oh well!
Take care,
Clark
Greeetings all you ankle breakers
Ahh teh fun of the pain 🙂 the weather plays mighty tricks with our bones. For me it is a storm coming and going not when it is here but wow it is terrible just sitting there waiting to hit.
Sandra
I can really understand the pain in the heel I have that one too when I get up after sitting, it feels like a rod in my foot is going to push right out the heel.
Ashley be careful not to roll the ank;le to much it will give for awhile yet and that is not to cool when it rolls or twists. we seem to make real stange faces when we do that 🙂
Clark
Glad to hear from you how is it all going with the moves and Dr Appointments. My Doctor still talking about fussion on the ankle but I get to put it off till after warmer weather to make a decision on weather I want to have it. Right now the weather is what bothers me most so I still am opting to wait as long as possible. Besides in July my Oldest Daughter gets married and Dad needs to do the Father Daughter dance I made it this long and am not going to do the strut and stomp when I dance. use to love to dance even use to do ballroom dancing and now oh well maybe time will change that too.
But anyway keep safe and warm all you out there
Don
Hi to Tim and Ashley and everyone else out there.
The pain is a nuisance. I had a disturbed night with ankle. When I got up it felt fine so I thought ‘great’. Sat down for a bit, got up and had shooting pains in the bottom of my heel and innner ankle, which have persisted today.
Now it feels really stiff.
Plus I had a filling re-done at the dentist, so have had a strange numb face all day – sloppy eating as a result – and have bitten the inside of lower lip.
Off to Occupational Health tomorrow – will I get back to work?
Do want to? Not sure. But I need to earn a living.
Sandra
Sandra
Hi everyone !!
I went to the ortho for my 2 week check up (since the plaster has been removed) yesterday. It was uneventful there but therapy was good. I am walking with a cane now and my PT guy said that I could just borrow one b/c I won’t need it for long so no point in ordering one !!! YAY ! Ok So I am happy about all this. On a bad note the pain has been horrible for the past 3 days. I don’t know what is up. I rolled my ankle in the gravel the other day and I think I might still be paying for it.
Sara – do EVERYTHING your people tell you to do… do not do anything different (but WEAR the boot) given the option I probably would of worn one too but I got a tennis shoe instead.
Heads up feet down and ankles straight !
Ashley
Hello all,
Hope everyone had a great day and pain free.I have had better days but days like today make all the others seem Great! We are going to get freezing rain,snow and ice tonight through Friday and my ankle is reminding me of it.
My best to all,
Tim
SARA,
Thanks for getting back to us. It is so heartening to hear that you will be wearing your boot again, and that you will try to wear “sensible” shoes until your are healed. I’d be surprised if you could even get into a pair of high heels, or flats, but thats not a dare. Just basing my experiences next to yours, perhaps. I finally got into an oversized trainer that fits my brace. I apologize to you for coming down a bit hard, but I and many other members of this club know how fragile your foot and ankle and recovery can be right now and I don’t want you to jeopardize it. This time right now following surgery and during your immediate recovery and rehab is so so important to everything else that follows, now and for the rest of your life. How you heal and what you do will be with you forever in your ankle and its recovery, forever! We all just want the best for you.
Youth and health and exuberance mean a lot in healing, and based on everything you’ve mentioned already, it sounds like you are doing well. Don’t be afraid of the future, you control it. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks of the boot or anything, it’s your ankle, not theres. They would be doing what they needed to do as well, damn the torpedos.
As far as spilled beer on your boot, foot and toes, walk into the party with a small garbage bag taped around the boot,over your sock and the boot, if it is going to be that crazy. Get some of those stickers that kids use and make it a fashion statement, and accessorize. (kidding, sortof).
But keep your chin up, be positive and don’t forget to check with your schools teams sport docs or PT’s and use the school pool. Also, if you were/are a jockette, and use the sports facilities, then you may be able to use those small jacuzzi hot tubs for arms, legs etc… that would probably help alot with recovery and circulation. Just tell the football team to leave you alone until your done.
Really good hearing from you. Glad your spirits are up.
Take care, get well, and watch your steps.
Clark
Thanks to everyone who read, and responded to my comment especially Tim, Don, Clark, Char, and Sandra. I think it is a good thing that I found this site becuase I am more likely to listen to people who have had an injury like mine, instead of the doctor who may just be practicing defensive medecine. I am going to start wearing my boot again, and maybe flats when I go out, because I don’t know if any of you have had to walk into a party and have a beer dumped all over your toes, but it’s not pretty especially when I’m wearing my boot and my sock gets the brunt of the spillage. I am going to try some of the exercises that you suggested Clark, and also go to the gym here one campus to look for assitance!
Thank you sooo much all, and I hope that everyone has a speedy and well recovery!
Final points on exercise.
We all have to work through the pain, but don’t do anything that feels really bad, or just plain wrong.
I will let you all know if walking on a duvet is worth it! Anyone else tried this?
Nancy, hope you get some success with your physio.
Sandra
Char,
Know what you mean about the calf muscle. When I started driving, mine would get the trembles if I sat with foot on clutch for too long. Better after a few weeks, but still prefer to go out of gear and put hand-brake on.
For Char and for Sara. The physio I do has been great for strengthening all leg muscles – including calf. Try seated calf raises – you could do this anywhere. Sit at edge of seat with feet on floor, raise one foot on to toes, go up and down, and you should feel this in your calf muscle (do both legs).
Another exercise is to stand on bottom step of stairs, holding on. Put front half of feet on stairs. Then go up on to toes and hold, then down as far as you can with heels (which are off the stairs). This is strength-building and also stretches out foot when you go down.
For quads, sitting at edge of chair, raise one leg, holding out straight in front of you, with foot flexed towards you. Hold and repeat a few times. (Do other leg).
Don’t forget that walking is the best exercise. Stretching out your muscles is also important.
On physio support or not – most of the exercises I am doing in my physio class, I would also be doing in Pilates in some form (often lying down). So a Pilates class, or DVD might be useful. We are also told at Physio that it’s important to use and strengthen core muscles, as what happens in that area, affects everything below.
A lot of what I do would be done at the gym anyway. It’s just about being careful, and getting some advice – as others have suggested. Plus, as I am told it’s quality, not quantity that counts. Where physio does make a difference is having the supervision, and someone explaining what is happening, and making sure you are doing things correctly and safely.
Don’t forget all the foot flexing, and rotating ankles that we have probably all been told about.
My leg muscles have strengthened a lot over the past few weeks because I do repeat the exercises from my once a week class. We also work on balance – mine has improved loads – but still more to do.
I can now stand on the wobble board without holding on, which is great.
My mission for this week, is to stretch and flex more, and to walk around barefoot on different kinds of surfaces as much as possible. This includes walking on a duvet – on the floor! This is all supposed to help ease out that horrible tightness and soreness in my inner ankle (left one). All this stuff hurts a bit, but it’s important to persevere.
Sorry for blathering on.
Off to do some more foot flexing.
Sandra
Hello to Sara. Take the advice of the others on here and wear the boot, to cushion your foot. You sound as if you have made remarkeable probgress, but be kind to yourself and take care of your ankle.
On the shoe front – are there any trendy flatties, or lower heels? Or can you set a trend? Bit more difficult in the winter, I know, and there is lots more variety in the spring/summer. But try being imaginative and see if you can be a fashion leader.
A ‘quality’ newspaper at the weekend here in UK had Mary Janes (with strap across foot) and with a heel as trendy, and better for supporting feet.
All the best, Sandra
Hi to all weather-watchers. Freezing fog and frost yesterday when I was at my daughters. Pictures in the paper of frozen waterfalls, and a Siberian-like Leeds (where I was). Last week which was half-term – pictures of children and families on the beach. Bizarre February, with another mild spell forcast for the weekend.
I think we are so fascinated by the weather, because ours is so varied.
Anyway, the cold weather is not as comfortable for the ankles, so looking forward to more sunshine.
Sandra
Thank you all for your nice responses! It feels good to get advice from those who have “walked in my shoes”. I definitely didn’t always have a great attitude about the injuries, especially the first few weeks. Now I have embraced being at home 99% of the time and have gotten lots of much needed spring cleaning done!
CLARK- I understand what you are saying about the family thing. I haven’t spoken to my father in years.. I choose avoidance rather than telling him off like I want to. I don’t like hurting people’s feelings on purpose, even a person as terrible as my dad. I always wind up feeling guilty. Although, sitting here on the couch for the last 12 weeks has softened my heart and I was thinking about reaching out to him again. Still on the fence about that one. I am really sorry about the possible fusion. For some reason, I didn’t realize what the end result would be like until I read your response to Sara. Everything you have been through and you still have such a great attitude. That is incredibly commendable!
As for the therapy, I have been doing a few things at home. I’m such a chicken that I don’t like to push it, in fear that I will mess something up. I guess that is where I need professional guidance. My problem is once I start walking I feel like my leg will give out if I bend my knee. My poor calf is so tiny, it’s 2 1/2 inches smaller than the strong one. Therefore, I walk in a peg leg fashion. It still beats hopping everywhere! Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a pool. I have heard such awesome things about water therapy.
DON- Thanks for the advice! I get tons of flack from people at work that I’m not walking yet. Some people tell me, I broke my leg and I was running after 6 weeks..oh, but the ankle does so much more! Like you said, I just nod and smile and tell them that I’m not going to ruin my feet forever just so I can work full time again. This experience has changed my outlook from the nursing standpoint. I will NEVER discount my patient’s pain, and will be able to relate and help my ortho patient’s in the future.
SANDRA- Hope the driving went well. Fog is nasty, I hate driving in it almost as much as the rain.
TIM- Thanks for the great PT advice.
I just found out that my car is going to be ready in mid-March instead of May. I never thought I could be so excited, yet terrified about driving again! I have been so dependent for so long, that I can’t remember being independent. But we all have to start somewhere, right?
Hope everyone is having a safe and great day!
Char
Good Luck Sara,
You be long gone from here–hoping, skipping & dancing a year from now –if you are careful right now and wear your boot!!! Don’t crush tissue any more that is already crushed and turn it into pulp! There’s no need. You will likely heal fast. The rest of us “older” folks will still be here asking each other for advice while you likely will not look back.
Take care!
Hello All you Ankle Breakers
Sara
Welcome to a very unpopular club but one that has a lot of members. The Ankle Breakers Club. It is the biggest pain in the $%#^%$ you will ever have. Ok so let’s see where you are. You are in College impatient and can’t find someone to get help from? I guess that kind of covers it I guess.
So you’re a 20 something who wants to skip this part and get back to life. I think that is something we would all like to do. And I for one can’t blame you one bit. But let’s see if we can help you out a little. Clark has the right idea where to start. Go over to your physical fitness areas and talk to some of the workout coaches or the sports Doctors there. Also see if you have an on Campus medical department. My daughter used them when she had colds and hurt her back and herniated 3 discs in her back.
The strap that Tim is talking about comes in all grades. The strength of the band is designated by the color of it. But if you can’t find them you can go to a sports store and get Isometric workout bands. They have handles on them and a long rubber band in between them. I could not do the butter fly stretching on the workout systems because of the pain but my trainer showed me how to do it with the isometric bands from the workout store. A lot can be done with those things.
So you know Sara all of us here have the same stuff you do the same pains the same disappointments and frustrations so Please if you ever just want to vent, ask questions or just scream and cry guess what we have all done that to ourselves and to the people on here. So step up and ask or let us have it or just laugh or cry. I myself am a double ankle breaker and have a few other metal parts due to a car accident. But out of all my injuries the ankles are the worst and the most painful.
I was sent to the gym to work on my recovery after 3 months in the hospital and went to a gym (like you have on Campus) Look for a personal trainer one might have PT experience, and then work on the isometric machines NO free weights on the ankles for awhile. Things to work the ankle slow a light resistance each time you get stronger.
Also if you are suppose to wear the boot or other supports do it Please it does no good to try shortcuts as you will just spend more or a return trip to this board because your ankle is in worse shape then when you started. So go slow and work within the guides you can learn from the people here and in your local area.
Good luck ankle breakers and be safe and no slips, falls or trips
Don
Dear Sara,
Turned on the computer as the coffee was dripping and after the boot up, your message came up in the email. Welcome to the club. Sounds like a bad break. You’re doing well in recovery for suffering a break in early December. And right now your main concern is NOT TO LIMP when walking to class? And of course you want to run and jump and wear high heels and all that, and basically be “normal” again. Everyone wants that in context to their situation, but getting there is really the question.
I too had a bad trimallealor break and dislocation of my right ankle, literally hanging by skin and tendons. That was 10 months ago and I’m still in the boot and brace and awaiting a fusion, which is a permanent joining of all the ankle bones placed in a 90% angle and will never bend or move again.
So your situation is looking good, walking almost normally, perhaps a really good outcome, and one thing this blog proves is that although we all share the same ailment, not all outcomes are the same.
So, my advice, for what it’s worth,is:
1. Check with your school for rehabilitation classes that may help with your injury, and may offer water therapy (the pool is really great for exercise, etc…) and its very inexpensive. Also the instructor would most likely be a licensed physical therapist and can help you with home exercise, etc… and save you a lot of money. I did that for my first knee reconstruction back in 1983, as my insurance didn’t cover the rehab. I was retired from the police dept. with an on duty injury, but back then “KAISER PERMANENT” didn’t have rehab, and I had Kaiser. I came back 100%$, but still ended up retired, at 32 years old.
2. WEAR THE BOOT. Don’t let vanity slow down your healing or recovery. Wear the boot. Your ankle is so fragile right now that one slip, wrong step, etc… could re break and damage the whole thing. Its not fun going back after a 1 1/2 months and having the whole thing redone. I know. Happened to me.
3.LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS A BIT. Don’t give up, and fight for everything you get back, but slow it down and lower your expectations. Don’t worry about high heels right now. I couldn’t think of anything more dangerous than placing a healing fracture on a stilt that requires extreme balance and finesse. These are your college years, after all, and your allowed to slack here and there. It’s not like your friends wouldn’t understand, with the ankle and all. Give yourself a break and step outside the normal expectations that one would presume to have. This is your ankle, and its recovery will define the rest of your life. Read these blogs, many still speak of pain, arthritis, swelling, etc… years after the healing.
I can imagine how hard it must be for you right now, one second caught up in school, sports, running, track, cheering, etc… the whole thing, a wonderful college life, and the next, stuck in a hospital bed awaiting surgery and plates and pins and screws and the fear of the unknown. What will my life be like? Sounds to me like you will get most of it back, and I’m sure youth and health play factor in a lot here, but don’t let vanity get in the way. Wear the boot, stay out of the heals, and do home exercises and check into the rehab classes.
You are doing great. But don’t worry about running and track right now. It may come, but cover the basics first. And please stay in touch and keep us informed on your progress. I want you to be 100% when your well. We all do. Just don’t take chances and do it smartly. Don’t worry about the vanity.
Take care, get well and watch your steps.
Clark
ps, did I mention too WEAR THE BOOT? Do it!
Hi Sandra hope you are well and pain free today!
Char and Sara thanks for sharing your stories. Really the most important advise that I could share with you is to take it slow,let your body heal itself. If you try and hurry things up it will only slow you down in the end. Sara I broke my left ankle on Dec. 11 I am the proud owner of a plate and 7 screws. It sounds like you are right on track with your recovery I know how frustrating it can be at times however try and be patient, My doc. has me doing some pt at home with this long rubber band looking thing. I place it under my toes and pull up working it back and forth to hopefully loosen up the ankle, also putting my heal down and kind of rolling my foot from side to side, OUCH! It is now fun. But I have been told that it is so important to get things moving as quickly as possible.
Good luck with this, at least you have somwhere to come and vent your frustrations and air out your feelings because we all have and thats the nice thing about this site, We are all different but really the same in many ways and sometimes it just is nice to talk to folks who are or have been where you are.
Hope everyone a safe day. NO slips,falls or crashes !
Catch you later
Tim
Thank you Don and Sandra. I go to PT today, so hopefully they have an answer. It is so amazing how breaking an ankle can be so overwhelming and no matter how we did it, we all have the same issues going on. Hang in there all of you, we can do it.
Nancy
Hi everyone!
I broke my right ankle on December 8. I had a trimalleolar fracture. When I was taken to the hospital my doctor said that my foot was hanging on by skin and tendons, so I had a four hour surgery to relocate my ankle as well as put in 6 pins and 2 plates bec`ause I crused my bones. I am currently a college student and my insurance does not cover any of my physical therapy but I am extremely scared that I won’t be able to do any of the things that I used to do. I mean I used to run track, do gymnastics, and cheer, and now the highlight of my abilities is being able to SOMETIMES not limp when I walk to classes. It is currently Febuary 18 and all I want to be able to do is run, and jump, and wear high heels like any average girl could do. Can anyone give me any advice on what kinds of physical therapy to do, and also if anyone is in a similar situation to mine, did any of you know how long it took you to be able to run, play sports, and wear heals again. Because I am a very impatient girl that should still be wearing the boot the orthopedist “gave” to me but it’s so ugly that I refuse to do it!
Please Help Me!
I’m really scared!
Thanks for everyone’s time!
Sandra
You may be surprised buit here in the States an eight hour trip is kind of a normal ride to do alot of things. I cover lots of ground here I got my truck in April of 2007 and in approximatley 10 months I already put on 29,341 miles 🙂 so yeah we kind of like to or get use to driving alot here in the States. But as for the trip I will i8ndeed keep you all informed
Don
Some you were getting exercised about the gun thing.
The campus shooting was shocking and tragic.
I am glad we have tighter gun control over here, but we still need to do more.
There has been an increase in gun and knife crime over here – mostly among young people – and it’s not just a media bias, though of course it is hyped up. It must be too easy to get weapons, which can be smuggled into the country.
A sad world where young lives are ended so abruptly.
Sandra
Hi to Char, Glad you feel able to share. Appreciate your comment about ‘hobbling’ – I kind of hobble and wobble without crutches.
Nancy – I was dismissed by Consultant after just over four months. No follow-up. Thought it might be a UK thing. Still with one or two crutches and inner ankle very tight. Physio today suggested I might need to ask for screw to come out some time, but not fancying any more surgery so will persevere with the exercises.
Andy, we are at – 3 or more the past few nights, but last week were a lot warmer – like 12+ in Celsius I think – but can’t work that out in Fahrenheit. But unusually warm for February. Tried finding the info on web, but couldn’t.
Nate – good bird reserve at Minsmere in Suffolk, and then there’s Welney Washes (swans etc. in Winter).
Don, Thank you for your kind words. UK is much bigger than I think some people know about. When I fell in Norfolk, it was an eight hour round trip for my children to visit – so did not get many visits down there. Hope you get to make your trip, and post a message if you do.
Tim, your family is important, and I understand how you feel.
Troy, well done on progress. I was wondering about the elliptical trainer. I don’t run, but appreciate how you feel, cost there sometimes seems to be a lot of – will never do this again!
Clark, we have different crutches here, where you slip your arm in – so not in your arm-pit. Thanks for the insight on escalators. Will definitely avoid these.
Promised fog tomorrow which is a nuisance as I am driving to daughter’s tomorrow, which involves the motorway.
A creaky, stiff Sandra signing off.
Greetings Ankle Breakers
Nancy wow I wish you luck I think you need to talk more with your Doctor and find out what you are suppose to do or if there is more he can do to help? If not talk to your PT person they can help a lot at times by working with you or recommending more PT . By working with your insurance or by calling your Doctor to get him to send a script over for mor3e PT time.
Troy
Your recovery is fantastic keep up the work but always remember not to over push the work outs. We have all been there pushing harder then we should and all of us have had the same results. We all end up in a setback when we over work the recovery.
Char
We can all feel your pain your frustration and desire to get on with life. Most times people tell you that they understand but I have found that unless you have had a broken ankle you have no clue as to the pain and hardships one goes through. Lets face it the ankle is the major part of the body that does balancing, support, lifting, stabilizing and deals with every other aspect of ones daily life.
Your attitude is great your mind is pointing in the right direction and you will work through this. When people say this is what you have to do, unless they have been there just nod and smile and then listen to people that have been there. But you keep working and keep your attitude because when you’re a nurse you can look at people and go I have been there and I can tell you first hand. And as for all of us thank you for the kind words and we will always be around.
Good luck and be careful you ankle breakers.
Don
HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY, ANKLEBREAKERS.
Imagine having a trimallealor fracture in the late 1700’s, when Washington was the first president. Good luck. May as well just give up and have someone cut it off. We are lucky to be injured here in the time that we are. A serious ankle break 200 yrs ago may have been the equivalent of a death sentence.
CHAR,
Thanks for the kind words. I have a sister named Charlotte, who goes by Char, and I was praying that she was not the one writing in. I don’t know why though, she and I haven’t spoken in years. I divorced what was left of my family years ago. Left them behind deliberately. Hard to believe we share the same genes. Some people just have evil streaks, and she certainly does. So for that reason I am glad it is you and not her, but also sad that it is you because you have gone through hell.
Yet, you are a survivor and over the hump. Surgery done, married (congratulations to you both) and starting your nursing studies. A word of advice; let your ankle heal first to get the strength and foundation that you will need later in your nursing career. No sense in getting well to fast and having it go bad later when you are working. But you will know what to do.
I too had a dislocation and a trimallealor fracture. But for some reason I had no pain at all. Too much trauma to allow the pain receptors to complete the circuit, but no matter how I was blessed and lucky. The did put me out with Fentenyl for the relocation and then I was for good with the surgery.
I don’t know why they would leave you like that prior to the relocation with no pain meds. Thats nuts. Pain management in this country and medical industry is so backyards. Perhaps because so many that don’t need pain meds and are addicted (hear that RUSH?) that everyone else pays for the over regulation.
I hobble around as well, don’t feel alone. I will never walk normally again, but I have accepted that. I doubt that most of us will ever get 100% back to normal, and great for those that do. But I think most will always have a limp, or something to remember these injuries by.
Its fortunate that you are in the nursing program, because having had the experience of a patient for your bad breaks will be invaluable in dealing with patients later, having seeing both sides.
You have a great attitude towards your anklebreak, and thats more than half the battle. Keep up the good work. As you have probably read, most to the exercises from PT you can do at home. I know how tight money can be for all of us in due to these breaks, and no sense going broke when you don’t have too. Do you have access to a pool? Water therapy goes a long way in healing.
All for now. Get well and take care, you are already on your way.
TROY:
Sounds like your almost there. Unbelievable story of recovery and healing. You surely are the exception to the rule. Very happy for you. My shoe size has changed also. My left foot is still about a 13, but my right foot is now so wide, I think I would have to get a double XL width. Couldn’t get my brace on or in my new pair of shoes that I ordered for the brace. Then I tried the shoe without the brace and couldn’t begin to get my foot inside the shoe. Still about a 13 in length, but the width is much much larger. Going to have to go to a special custom shoe shop.
Keep up the good work.
ENJOY PRESIDENTS DAY OFF, EVERYONE, AND WATCH YOUR STEP(S)!
CLARK
This site has helped me immensely the past 3 months..I finally have the courage to share my story..
On November 24,2007 I had an appointment to get my hair cut. My fiance and I had just moved in to the greatest apartment. The rolling green hills were just the change of scenery I needed. Life was good. I was just finishing up my first semester of nursing school and was about to be married in 3 weeks in Las Vegas. I was a mere 2 miles away from my house when I lost control of my truck on the wet winding road. When the back end of my truck started to skid, I over corrected and really started to drift. I started going down a hill that curved heavily to the right. I never got traction and stomped on my brakes as hard as I could but the truck wouldn’t slow down. I saw the tree coming and all I could do was scream “NO, NO”! as I smashed into it head on going about 40 miles per hour.
I am taken to the hospital that I had been doing my clinicals in all semester. The ER doc came in and pulled on my foot without me having any pain meds. My fiancé said he had never heard anyone scream as loud as I did. After that I begged for them to just knock me out! After 4 more tries, I finally got an IV and they gave me fentanyl and proceeded to stabilize the break. Right before they stabilized, I got the courage to look at it. It was atrocious! Both my leg bones were poking out to the left..it’s amazing that they didn’t break through the skin. The rest of my foot was twisted in a terrible angle to the right. I was sent to x-ray. I had a bimalleolar fracture of the right ankle AND as an added bonus, a distal radius fracture of the right arm. I was whisked off to surgery immediately.
After I woke up, the nurses told me that I came out of surgery throwing punches and trying to jump off the table. I was so embarrassed! I was the proud new owner of a plate and 5 screws in the fibula and 2 longer screws in the tibia. That night, I endured the worst pain of my life. It was terrible. I laid in bed crying until it was time to get more pain meds. The next day, I was calling every nursing instructor I had to see if I could salvage the semester. I was given permission to just show up at school to take the next exam in 10 days, and the final exam 10 days after that. It was up to me to pass. Easier said than done! I was released from the hospital 2 days later and the next 3 weeks were a blur.
Luckily, my mother was able to move in with us for 2 weeks to take care of me. What a humbling experience to have someone help shower me and roll me to the restroom in an office chair. I experienced the darkest days of my life..I spent days crying and feeling depressed. It is so hard to give up our independence. Every one of us anklebreakers knows the feeling.
By some miracle, I passed my nursing class with a B and I got married in Las Vegas as planned. My husband rolled me down the aisle..I was told it was like something out of a movie. I was even able to stand through the ceremony while resting my elbow on the altar. Unfortunately, my surgeon did not give me medical clearance to return to nursing school in January. I will have to resume classes in August. It could be worse. I still have my life.
My bones have healed, but I’m still not walking. At least I don’t call this hobble thing I do walking. My husband got a new job so we don’t have health insurance until March. There is no way I can afford to pay $250 plus per PT visit! During my last doctor’s visit, they told me the 2 long screws in the tibia have “backed” out of the bone 3mm each and are tenting the skin. They hurt almost constantly, so I am sure they will have to be removed. I will be spending the rest of my career on my feet, so I am trying to protect them now.
I am so grateful for everyone here on this site. It makes me feel so much better to know that I am not alone when I have these feelings of depression and pain. Clark, you are such an optimistic person. You are kind and knowledgeable, sharing your words of wisdom. Those of you who suffered double ankle breaks..wow. I can’t imagine. Your strength inspires me. Sandra, Don, Christi, Nate, Anklequest and to anyone I’m forgetting…thank you for sharing and the support!
Char
Hi everyone. I have been dismissed by my ortho Dr. I don’t know what that means because I still can not walk well and after 6 months, it feels like I never will. I only have 3 more pt sessions and I am done there. Just surprised as my foot and calf are still so tight. Dr. says that may never change. Just seems so unencourageing. I tried to get an appt. at another ortho, but no one would take me. Sorry all, just very frustrated today. Hope all are doing well, we have to just keep on keeping on. Nancy
Troy,
Congratz on walking again!! Very happy for you! I hope you are able to run too. I am not a runner, but run when I need to get out of a scrap and I hope I can run again at some point.
Shel,
I have done a bit of research on Asperger’s and first it is one of the hardest of things to diagnose. In fact I believe 75% or higher of the people diagnosed with it have a wrong diagnosis. The person I was referring to is a close relative and they are extremely empathetic.
Hello All Anklebreakers!!
I am happy to report that I do not have to go back to my Ortho for six months. I went this past Wednesday. More x-rays and evaluation. Doc told me I can begin trying to live normally again. No lifting anything heavy and walking with it. Told my I could use a treadmill for walking only. I can bike and use the elliptical. I asked him about running and he told me I would never run again. I was stunned and asked him if he meant “ever” to which he replied yes. I guess I can see his point but I can’t imagine that after two years from now not being able to. I have proved the docs wrong before.
I went right from plaster to walking. With two broken and dislocated ankles and a crushed right heel, I think I have done a great job since the accident of September 29, 07. I walked for a mile and a half this morning. The pain and swelling is still very present. It never really goes away but is more tolerable compared to a few weeks ago.
My shoe size has changed due to the accident. Luckily with both of my feet and not just the one. I know that sounds crazy but it’s better than having to buy two pair of shoes with different sizes. My mot comfortable shoes are a new pair of Dr. Martens. My Wolverines re fairly comfortable but a bit heavy. Both boots are lace up and I tighten them as much as I can. I have not found any tennis shoes that have the support and comfort I am looking for.
Anyways…. I hope each of you are coming along nicely and hanging tough as well.
Take care all and keep moving.
Troy
You need to research more on aspurgers. My own son has this. Yes, they can display it, but rarley do they ever FEEL it. trust me on that one. Your friend must be one of the lucky ones.
NATE,
ONLY IF YOURE MY VP.
CLARK
Clark for president! 😉
HELLO ANKLEBREAKERS. ME AGAIN!
Nate,
Just downloaded the ieSpell. Thanks very much. Haven’t looked at it yet or tried it obviously, but think it may be just the ticket. In fact, probably just what I was looking for when I brought is up several weeks ago. So, thanks again.
Frustrated? I sound frustrated? Well, I guess I am. Aren’t you? As an old Bay Area resident, you are familiar with the Richmond, Oakland, Emeryville, Union City! Berkley areas. Those are now and have been the most dangerous cities in the Bay Area, SF not withstanding, which is a battle zone itself. Google the current Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, approval ratings, forum, whatever, and you will get an idea of what is happening in Oakland. I’m really surprised that Gov. Schwarzenegger (sp) hasn’t declared martial law and brought in the National Guard. Those not stuck in Iran and Iraq, that is. Unbelievable mayhem and carnage, but most people just seem used to it and used to the fact that nothing is done. Dellums ran on a law and order ticket with backing from former Mayor Jerry Brown, now the State Atty. General. I am waiting for him to declare a State of Emergency and lock the East Bay down. Dellums is nowhere to be seen. The idea that he merely ran for the Mayor’s position to boost his resume seems to be born out. He’s actively looking for a cabinet post or VP with the Clinton campaign, perhaps even Obama’s. He ran on 20 years service in the House of Representatives and a year gone by, has done NOTHING to help the people of Oakland and the constant death on the doorsteps of that city. Perhaps with 3 more years to go, you will see a recall action against him taken up by the Oakland City Council.
You rarely hear of a good guy, working guy, family man with decent values being arrested for robbery, rape, homicide, whatever. Bad guys use guns. Tools pf the trade. I’ve carried one since 1972 when I started my career as a reserve Deputy Sheriff, for what, 36 years now, shoot every 4 months or so to keep my skill level optimum, and am ready should anything ever happen. I’ve had several off duty situations where I’ve drawn down on a suspect and held them until help arrived or taken them into custody, but never had to shoot or fire my weapon. Would never have hesitated, but just never had to. Good guys don’t abuse guns. Just the bad guys and those that go postal (temporary insanity) or end up schizophrenic like Choi at Virginia Tech or Kazmierczak at NIU.
The idea that everyone should carry sounds good on paper, but without the training (anyone can shoot) under stress (which makes the difference) which most do not have the time or the facilities to do; actual firefight, from different positions, reloading under stress, actually being shot at, is totally different from the firing range. Most well intentioned armed citizens usually don’t fare too well when the bad guys shoot back, but occasionally good things happen and the outcome is positive. Just rare. Better armed than not, and if one was to carry than one should definetly have the constant training necessary.
There are no easy answers. As I said before, the guns are already here, out there, and more being imported and sold every hour. That won’t change. Pandora’s box is open and it won’t be shut.
But if we use the existing laws, follow the recommendations already on the books things would be different. But we haven’t gotten there yet.
More revelations about Kazmierczak came out in the paper/net today. He was hospitalized in a mental health facility for a year. For cutting himself. He is medicated for schizophrenia, an actual mental illness caused by over abundance or lack of proper chemicals in the brain. He went off his meds and very quickly became a different person. And you know the rest. ANYONE THAT HAS THE PROPENSITY TO BECOME A DANGER TO OTHERS SHOULD NEVER BE LEGALLY ABLE TO PURCHASE A GUN AND SHOULD BE ON THE DO NOT SELL LIST. PERIOD. The odd thing about bipolarism and schizophrenia is that once medicated and you are OK, the first thing your brain tells you is that you are OK and therefore don’t need to take your pills anymore. In 99.9 % of all cases, when someone goes off, they are off their meds. I’m not sure about Choi. His problems were so deep seated and buried so deep that even medicated he was nuts. As his parents and other witnesses have stated. Choi was placed in a mental facility as well. Students warned his teachers, the campus police, the mental health clinic, just about everyone that could be notified, but nothing was done. No one wanted to violate his rights and face a lawsuit. They are facing them now.
But Choi wasn’t on any list or entered into any computer system that should have prevented him from the purchase of those guns. FOr Kasmierczak and Choi, that particular description, the paperwork, the law that mandates that, wasn’t followed by the state, or the mental facility never entered him, perhaps to protect his rights. Not the rights of the 6 people he killed and the 18 he wounded (5 killed on site, one died later in the hospital) or Choi’s 32 dead at Virginia Tech, unknown injured, or the husband that shot and killed (I think)his teacher wife in front of the class, or the female student that either shot or stabbed her two classmates in class, or the 14 year old kid in Oxnard that shot and eventually killed his 15 year old classmate or gender issues. It doesn’t stop. Its not an easy fix. There are no easy answers. But like the immigration problem, fix the border!first, the gun problem, fix the selling guidelines For guns, follow the existing laws, make them better, with common sense, make it harder to access a sellers license, close down the gunshows, reenact the assualt weapons ban, and change will happen. Not overnight, but it will come. The good guys rarely abuse the privelidge. Yes, I am frustrated. Because like so many other problems we, the world faces, nothing gets done, perhaps only in small tiny degress. And that makes people feel good, change is possible, things may get better. They may, I doubt it. And that won’t take away the grief of parents standing over their murdered childs grave.
Going to enact the ieSpeller now. Thanks again.
Take care Anklebreakers. Man, my tendon on top of my ankle, right at the bend on top of the foot, killed me all night long. Didn’t see the doc last week as I was supposed to. He’s off fishing again. Really! Hope he caught his limit.
Clark
Well you really can’t blame the media/television. You can blame the parenting though. I.E. columbine parents were never there to supervise the little devils and keep them out of trouble.
I think the thing about the 1850’s to 1900’s is that there were far less people. Plus you did not hear about a lot of things. There was far less reporting going on.
Also I disagree with the assertion that Aspergersyndrome types do not have a capacity for sympathy. That is just plain wrong. I know someone very close to me who has Aspegers and they happen to be the most sympathetic and understanding person I know. They are incredibly giving.
Tim,
Ducks and Geese can be trapped, no? I mean how did the Indians get a long so well.
I see your point with the drag racers. I think you glazed over mine about Australia, Britain, Canada.
Yeah I guess we just need better laws at this point.
I do have to say it is kind of a soar point for me that hunters think it is their responsibility to cull nature. This has led to the extinction of several prominent animals in N. America i.e. Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet, Great Auk, etc. Hell we almost lost Bison to this, how said would that be. The other problem is that the lead in the shotgun ammo or whatever gets into the environement and studies have shown that it does ireviricable dammage.
I definitely think there is nothing wrong with hunting, dont get me wrong. I just think there is a lot of irresponsible hunting. I keep thinking of Chenny hunting Turkey from an SUV haha. Now that is hunting. 😉
What you all have to remember about these school shootings is this:
Media
Television/games
Years and years ago, most households had guns for hunting. They were not locked up, every person pretty much had access to one. When I was growing up country boys had a gun rack in the back of their trucks to go hunting after school. IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT!
Yes, once in a blue moon someone would get hurt, accidently. Cleaning a gun, or while hunting type of thing.
Now, we have video games that young folks play with high violence. TV shows that show the hows and whys of these things. You see the shots, the gun, the blood, and you see the people suffer and die.
Someone shoots someone now, and takes out more than one, in a public place…and you get DAYS worth of coverage and special reports, internet, newspapers, life histories are told, etc.
You can take the guns out of it, but I am convinced that as long as the media stays in it, we will have many more school and mall, etc shootings.
You have to also remember that “troubled youth” often times do what they see period. We also have syndroms out there such as aspergers, and types of autism where people NEVER develope empathy, or can NEVER forsee consequences. Some just “want to go out in style” They see this as the ultimate way to be remembered. This has also been on the rise and is obviously a lethal mix. So what do we do? PUBLICIZE it all over the place.
More kids had access to guns in the 1800’s- 1950’s and we had few and far between. Once the media overtook the world, we lose more and more children everyday.
Just look here we are on a broken ankle message board and we are talking about this kid that did this, and many others. In their minds, that is exactly what they wanted.
Nate & Clark,
Thanks for your opinion. Nate Bird hunting would be impossible with a bow (Duck & Goose) however it’s not just about hunting.
People kill People, Guns don’t, It’s just all of the idiots and crazys out there that should not have them. I agree that the laws are to open to these types of humans owning guns however just look at how many auto accidents that happen that shouldn’t. This mornings Todays Show, two men drag racing on a main road at high rates of speed then one smashes into bystanders killing some, should vehicles be banned? I’m just saying…. I think we should hold those selling the guns and hardware accountable and have tighter control however allowing those with a brain the right to bear arms to protect their familys and to enjoy hunting.Remember also, wildlife must be managed by man or they will overrun urban areas due to the fact that we have taken their home in able to satisfy our own desire to live as close to nature as possible.
I knew by bringing this up it would raise some discussion and did not intend to offend anyone here, just sharing my views and not saying they are always right in everyones eyes however they are mine.
Read article at http://www.worldnetdaily.com . I have two family members in law enforcement and two that are Attorneys, there have been many very good discussions in my home on gun control and I will tell you that they seem to always lean towards the fact that people should have the right to bear arms and protect their family. The criminals will always find guns no matter where they are, that is just a basic fact of life as we know it today unfortunately. We had better get use to it and move on with how to handle the punks in the drivers seat with guns and not after they have already killed twenty or more people…. now,right now! I’m not saying get back to the wild west days at all.In the town that I live we have 22% less Police officers than we did 12 months ago for various reasons,do you think the punks know this….Hmmm, You bet they do.
Again, I hope that I have not offended anyone here today as I did not intend to. These are only my views,Right or wrong as you may see it. I thank all who have raised some good points in the discussion.
Bottom line, Take care of those you love and don’t wait for someone else to be there in a crisis, when in fact most of the time you stand alone in these types of situations.
Be safe all!
Tim
NATE,
PANDORA ALREADY OPENED THE BOX, WHEN THE FIRST SETTLERS CAME HERE BACK IN THE LATE 1500’S/EARLY 1600’S. THE BOX WILL NEVER BE CLOSED AGAIN, UNLESS WE HAVE A RADICAL NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT FORBIDS THEMS AND TAKES THEM AWAY, AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE A SECOND AMMENDMENT:
Amendment II (the Second Amendment) of the United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights declares a well-regulated militia as “being necessary to the security of a free State” and prohibits infringement of “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” The meaning of the Second Amendment is one of the most misunderstood and disputed among the entire Bill of Rights.[1][2]
THE SECOND AMMENDMENT WAS NEVER MEANT TO ALLOW JUST ABOUT ANYONE TO OWN GUNS. IT WAS MEANT TO PROVIDE A MEANS OF SECURITY, A WELL ARMED MILITIA, TO STOP OPPRESSION FROM A SITTING GOVERNMENT OR TO PREVENT INVASION FROM A FORIEGN NATION, AND ALSO TO PROVIDE FOOD ON THE TABLE, OR DEFEND YOUR FAMILY FROM THE FRENCH, THE MOHICANS, OR THE IRROQUOIS.
THE BRADY LAW, THE 15 DAY WAIT, THE INSTANT CHECK, THE LAWS MANDATING THAT ALL CRIMINAL AND MENTALLY ILL AND UNSAFE PEOPLE BE ON THE INSTANT DO NOT SELL LIST TO PREVENT COLUMBINES, NIU’S AND VIRGINIA TECH’S, THOSE LAWS ARE NOT UNIFORM ACROSS THE STATES. SOME DO AND SOME DON’T.
THE BUSH ADMINISTRATIONS DESIRE TO ALLOW THE ASSALUT RIFLE BILL TO DIE AND THE REPUBLIC HOUSE AND SENATE THAT BLOCKED PASSAGE DON’T HELP EITHER.
COOINCIDENTAL THAT BOTH KASMIERSZAK AND CHOI (NIU AND VIRGINIA TECH) BOTH BOUGHT CLIPS (MAGAZINES) AND HOLSTERS FROM THE SAME ONLINE DEALER; TOPGLOCK.COM, OR SUCH. WHEN THE ASSAULT RIFLE BILL WAS IN FORCE, NO ONE COULD BUY A MAGAZINE THAT HELD MORE THAN 8 OR 10 BULLETS. THE NIU STUDENT PURCHASED TWO MAGAZINES THAT HELD 32 BULLETS EACH.
WE AS A PEOPLE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY. POLITICS, LOBBYISTS, CORPORTE INTERESTS ARE THE FACTORS STOPPING US FROM REGULATING FIREARMS.
BUT THE GUNS ARE ALREADY HERE, AND THEY WON’T BE GOING AWAY. KUDO’S TO CANADA, AUSTRAILIA, GREAT BRITIAN, MOST OF EUROPE AND THE LIKE. THEY STOPPED THE GUNS FROM GOING TO THE MASSES. WE NEVER DID AND IT WILL NEVER CHANGE.
DO YOUR STRETCHING BEFORE YOU STRETCH YOU ANKLES.
CLARK
Tim,
No offense, but I think the solution is no guns. I know your going to hate me for saying that, but take a look at the countries that limit their citizens access to guns i.e. Britain, Canada, etc the crime rates are extremely, extremely loooowwwww. Unfortunately it is far too easy for anyone to get ahold of a gun in this country and there are sooo many accidental deaths from guns it is ridiculous. Of course I do not want to take away from your enjoyment of hunting (cant ya use a bow), but it just seems like the best way. Just my 2 cents. We have the most liberal gun laws and the highest mortality from guns. Things that make you go Hmmm.
Clark,
Not that I noticed your spelling errors, but more your frustration. Not sure which web browser you use, but if it is internet explorer there is a free add on that allows you to spell check any of your posts on any website.
http://www.iespell.com/
Hope this helps.
BTW,
Just found out that I had a trimallealor break. Woohoo! Suprised doctor said I basically had a high fibular break. I know because I just go the bill and it mentions trimallealor also from my recollection of the xrays the fibular bone or latteral malleolus bone was broken, the posterior of the tibia was smashed up apprantly. Weird thing though is that I am not 100% that the medial malleolus was fractured. Of course I just have this to go off and the arrow is not real definitive.
http://academic.wsc.edu/faculty/jatodd1/351/tibia_fibula.jpg
I cannot see how on earth I will be walking in 4 weeks if that is the case. My doc is cracked! 😉
ANKLEBRAKERS:
SORRY FOR THE TPYO’S. WISH THIS HAD A SPELLCHECK. MY FINGERS ARE TOO BIG AND TOO FAST. HOPEFULLY YOU GET THE MESSAGE. TIM, THANKS FOR GETTING ME FIRED UP AND UP ONTO MY SOAPBOX.
CLARK
HI ANKLEBREAKERS.
THE GUN ISSUE AND THE RECENT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS:
Dear Anklebreakers, that were/are in anyway involved, knew anyone involved, that teach, or know anyone that does and is fearful of kids and college students with guns, and to anyone involved with anyone or anything to do with any of this.
My heart sincerely goes out to all of you. With 30 years of police work, security and investigations, I have seen my share of homocides, gun accidents, suicides, etc… I have never been involved in any mass killings such as we have been seeing at Viginia Tech and NIU. There are no easy solutions, but the solutions we do have are not enforced, and they should have a clear cut black and white no compormise no gray area zero tolerance approach to them and they do not. Blame the NRA, the gun lobby, the Second Ammendment groups, etc… Blame them all, and blame your Congress and Senate for not finishing the job and forcing enforcement of the laws on the books. And blame the local state government for not implementing these laws, creating the lists, and entering people with mental illness into the computers that would stop the gun sales. Blame them all for not finishing the job.
In both cases recently, Virginia Tech and NIU, the killings were caused by students that were mentally unbalanced, taking meds, and in the NIU case, had gone off his meds and had gone through a serious mental attitude change, he just “gone off” and very quickly. Both of these individuals had been in the system somewhat, Choi at Virginia Tech moreso, Kasmeircsak a model student that had just gone off, after he stopped self medicationg, but both had mental health treatment, but were not placed on any kind of mental health list that would/should interface with BATF (BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS) computers, or the FBI, which also has jurisdiction or any of the local state agencies that would have had jurisdiction. If either of those students were placed on that list because of their illness, possibly they would not have been able to purchase the guns, would have been stopped by the list, and the laws mandating that anyone under care of mental health, whose symtoms or lack thereof could cause them to be a danger to themselves and others, would/should have been blocked from a sale. That would not stop backstreet illegal gun dealers from making sales, but at least would have forced them down that avenue. Ultimately there is probably no way to stop someone hellbent on killing someone else with a gun, unless the behavorial symptoms are so manifest that it is obvious that they are a danger to the public, and then should go in for at least a 72 hour commitment. In a perfect world, and life usually doesn’t operate that way.
But many say, what about their rights? Thats a great question. I would say that that persons mental health rights, at least to owning and purchasing a gun, end before he can buy one and kill anyone. I would imagine that all the families of victims feel the same way. Yet nothing is done.
We flag stolen cars, run the plate, and the officer nabs a rollin stolen. It’s easy. A drunk driver gets his license pulled/restricted, and yet they will still drive, but have to break more laws to do it, usually violating probation agreements. People with severe epilepsy are now allowed to drive untill they can prove that their prescribed medication works and they are not a danger. People with bad eyesight cannot obtain pilots licsences. Sexual predators out of prison and on known sexual offender lists cannot work for schools, live near schools, etc… Common sense.
Our personal freedom is so sacrosanct to us, though we have lost much of it lately, as big brother is really watching and listening in lately. Habaeus Corpus has been denied and restricted by the military and the Justice Dept. to military and citizens alike. Jose Padilla was held without a warrant, denied bail, for close to what 4-6 years before the Federal Govt. finally charged him with charges nothing at all related to what he was originally held for, contritbuting to Al Queda and attaempting to make and set off a diry bomb. They finally found some charges that could squeak by and he was tried and convicted, but given a much smaller sentence (17 years?) instead of the life sentence requested by the Federal Prosecutor. Im not saying he was a good guy. But we are a nation of laws based on the constitution and the Bill or Rights, and if we lose that, we are sunk. We may as well have another King George all over again, restricting and taking away our freedoms as before. Our conversations are listened into with impunity by telecoms that know better, yet give in to the fear of the ffederal government. The NSA and many of the 16 different agencies of our intelligence community are listening in on our conversations. Remberer Herber Hoover, the founder of the FBI. Had secret intelligence files on everyone and listened in on everyone back then. We should be beyond that, and the current FISA laws on the books do not stop anyone from eavsdropping, they just demand accountablility and reasonalbe cause. To be offered 3 days after the fact if necessary. Our government has kidnapped, rendered prisoners to foreign prisons where they were tortured, etc… and many were mistaken identeties, just a same or similar name, all in the name of our national security. We have become the bad guys.
Yet as badly as we have abused the constition, with all the guns out there, we cannot even stop those purchasers that due to criminal behaviour and past, and mental instablility, can still get guns because particular states (Virgina for one) have not implemented the very laws and restrictions that would have prevented at least these last two students from purchasing their weapons, which they did, legally.
Believe it or not, we are all just one enzyme, one animo acid, one protein, one simple brain chemicle from “going off” and becoming them. Thats a big diffence from “going postal”, losing it, just because you had a bad day, whatever. But chemicle changes show themselves, usually red flags appear everywhere. And yet many of us are to afraid of being politically incorrect to intervene. Yet we do not hesitate to dial 911 wheh a husband may be killing his wife in the next appartment, or vice versa, or call when we believe a child is being abused, or threatened.
We must up the ante. raise the bar, not to tolerate or accept behaviour that looks as though it could end up being a public threat. There are too many powder kegs out there waiting to go off, and at least making the call and having those people checked is the least we can do in this day and age when students, at least 10 last week, in 4 or 5 school incidents, have died because of criminal behaviour or mental illness leading to the situation where an afflicted student thinks his only way out is to kill as many students as possible before he kills himself.
Those laws are on the books. The 50 states have not all followed them. The NRA and other lobbies have intervened, and for that we all suffer.
AND IT IS UNACEPTABALE. IT JUST IS.
Clark
Andy,
I Grew up my small childhood in South Chicago then moved to Southern Illinois pre teens where most of my family resides on my Mothers side, most of my family on my Fathers side are still in and around Chicago and Gary Ind.The story about the shooting sure felt like it was in my hometown as do all of it’s kind across the nation with all of the crazys out there today.This kind of thing has got to come to a stop nationwide it is way out of controll! My son and I have always been hunters, we love and respect nature as well as our guns and recently obtained our CCW license (Concealed Carry Weapons license)just think how many lives could have been saved if someone on the right side of the law had a firearm and properly handled the situation rather than the criminal having the upper hand. Sorry….I got on my soapbox, it’s just this kind of thing really bothers me and is uncalled for.
Hope everyone has had a safe and pain free day.
Tim
ATTENTION ALL ANKLEBREAKERS:
Hope this finds everyone doing well generaly, not overdoing anything specifically, and rehabilitation going adequetly. Seems that if you are making really great strides in rehab, you will pay for it later. Based on my experience and from what I have read here, going slower than faster is better.
Lately several entries have concerned use and non use of crutches, and fear of stairs. I want to mention this again to benifit any who may need the info.
Crutches are reletively easy to get around on, and fear should not be part of the equation, but it generally is. No one wants to fall and reinjure or break something new, especially regarding stairs.
For reference I can say that since 1980 I have had 6 knee surgeries, 3 foot surgeries, and 3 ankle break surgeries, with one more expected to finish the job.
The rehab guys always use the saying “GOOD FOOT TOWARDS HEAVEN, BAD FOOT TO HELL”. Which means use the strong foot first to go up the srairs, and the weak foot first going downhill. I am not an expert, just have a lot of experience, and want to pass this along again for those that can benifit. Good luck.
THE FIT:
The underarm struts should fit comfortably just below your armpits. Not pushing up into your armpits, but just below, so that when you lean into the crutch and allow your body weight onto the crutches, you are not balanced atop the crutches, which can cause you to lose your balance and fall. When you stand on your good leg, you should stand above and free of the struts.
Your hands should hang below the handlebars, with the bars reaching about wrist level. When you start out on your crutches, your are bearing the weight on your armpits AND bearing the weight on your wrists and forearms, equally distributed. You should not hang on your crutches. But bear weight on the armpits and handlebars somewhat equally. This takes the shrug effect off your torso, and allows one to use the crutches as tools, specifically, by grabbing the handlebars of each and using it specifically in your stride. Your good leg should bear an equal part of the weight, not all of it, with the crutches. If you don’t distrute the weight equally, you can end up damaging your hips, foot and the good knee of your good leg.
STAIRS: Easily the scariest part of going up, especially down, for many people, and with good reason. You can really hurt your self if you fall.
My rehab guys over the years always said that the good leg goes first going up, and the weak leg goes first going down. It is easy, but takes getting used to. Try to have someone standby to balance and catch you until you get it down.
I have read it described the other way, and it will work that way, if thats the way you were taught, but its not the best way. In the end, whatever works for you works for you but, I will describe it the correct way.
UP STAIRS:
Use the railings if they are provided. If going up you will probably give up the right side crutch and place both under your left arm, if you can and use the railing with your right hand. Brace with the crutches and the railing and lift the strong leg up, get a good footing and lift up and lean into the stair, following with your crutches, bearing all weight on the strong leg and crutches, then lifting the weak leg when you have a firm footing. Some tend to lift the weak leg before bringing up the crutches, bearing all the weight on the strong leg. Either way works, just don’t bear all the weight on the weak leg as it defeats the purpose of the crutches. The reason strong leg first is that you are using that leg to support your crutches and body weight when you bring up the weak leg, otherwise, weak first, you would tend to place balance and weight on crutches and the weak leg, and thats placing too much stress on the weak leg, and not using the strong leg for anything.
So… Strong leg first, brace crutches, rail, lift the weak leg up. Repeat until you have reached your desired altitude.
DOWNHILL:
Obviously the scarier of the two options, but what goes up must go down, unless there is an elevator. Or escalator, and escalators can be very dangereous. Be very careful with escalators until you are really a pro with your crutches. Many people using crutches have been seriously injured doing battle with escalators. Escalators always win. Always! The rubber crutch pegs and ends can get caught in the moving stairs of the elevator, and if pinched, cannot be easily pulled away, so there you are with a stuck crutch on a moving escalator, with a bad leg, foot or ankle and the only thing one usually does is fall. And as escalators have the jagged edge thing and are solid steel, and moving, they generally cause damage. Just becareful.
Back to downhill. Just do the opposite of uphill.
Double crutch under your left arm, DEFINATELY GRAB THE RAILING, and standing on your strong leg, lower the crutches down to the stair, and then reposition forward a bit and readjust your arm, (but not to far, don’t want to fall forward down the stairs) with a solid foundation, lower the weak leg, resting your upper body weight on the crutches, and then lower your strong leg. Repeat until you have reached flat ground.
ONCE YOU HAVE THE HANG OF IT, YOU WILL END UP USING THE CRUTCHES ALONE AND GIVE UP THE RAILING, BUT USE THE RAILING UNTIL YOUV’E GOT IT DOWN. IT IS NOT AS SCARY OR AS HARD AS IT SOUNDS, BUT DON’T START OUT ALONE IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO.
HOPE EVERYONE OUT THERE IS DOING WELL.
TAKE CARE,
Clark
Andy,
About two inches of my incison was open for about 6 months. Very scary! They couldn’t close it during surgury. Then a piece of the skin died and came off too. I was told by the doc it would heal at about one millimeter a month and that’s about what happened. Today all is well with that and not noticable, thank goodness! This situation did not keep me from school. I walked around with my ankle all taped up for at least 7-8 months.
I’ll be in Delavan in May. My niece is graduating from Wisconsin Medical College and so I’ll be visiting my relatives in the Delavan area.
I’d love to meet somewhere for coffee..Lake Geneva? It would be easy for me to drive to Twin Lakes or Silver Lake too. I haven’t been there for years but at one time had a cousin who ran a boat launch and bar at one of those Lakes for many years. I don’t know what happened to him.
Andy, I’m so sorry about the shooting that happened. Ironically the day it happened this week we tested our alert system at our college. Since I work with students I sure understand their difficulties, as, I’m sure you do as well. Over the years I’ve had many students with mental health problems.
Sandra, I want to come and visit you too! Add me to the tour group of ankle breakers once you can hike again.
hi all anklebreakers
dont know if his will get through but here goes.would just like to say what a careing bunch of people you all are,if only the rest of the world had nicer people like you in it it would be a better place.take care from the uk.
Anklequest- I live in Twin Lakes and grew up in Wilmot. Not far from Delevan. My incision is starting to open up and it sure hurts. gotta go and put my leg up.
Andy
Hi to all – I posted a couple days ago but it did not go through. Clark and Nate – I think your funny quips and definately your outlook has helped a lot of us along. 🙂 Ankelquest your info has been great and everyone “sharing” is so important to our recovery.I’m almost to my 11th month and I finally feel better. Ankle still a little stiff but I’m back to walking (not 3-4 miles yet but at least 1 mile a day. I think I did the same thing a lot did. Tried TOO hard to push myself. I did a 3 mile Cancer Walk at my 8th month and then I had problems. I was even thinking of surgery to remove hardware. Doc said take it easy – it takes time. We are ALL such impatient little rats wanting run around and around. I too wanted to get back to work and out of the house. So for those of you who are “new” to this broken ankle thing – keep reading and taking lesson from us who are getting down the road. Just take it easy – try to enjoy time off and read books, write in a journal, catch up on photos albums, – etc. There is a lot to do – keep your mind busy and the pain will finally go away. BE POSITIVE!!There really is a light at the end of the tunnel – but 3 months ago I wasn’t so sure.
Miami was nice today – there is a reason to live in South FL – the WEATHER – certainly not the traffic and the nuts on the road.
Take call all – best of health and speedy recovery.
Dev
Andy,
Where do you live in Wisconsin?
I grew up near Delavan.
Hello everyone. Thanks again for all the great words it meant so much to me. I had a blood test today and my level(blood thickness) went from 1.1 to 1.4 which is encouraging because my doc wants to get it between 2-3. The Illinois shooting hit pretty close to home with me, I teach about 40 miles from there and my wife went there. Many students from our school attend NIU. I guess it puts things into perspective when I think about life and how many people I do impact. I actually feel better about my life, thanks to many of your kind words. Tim- You are so right when you think of how your wife and kids have helped you. My situation is so much like that, I feel like we have a lot in common and here I was this big, do everything kind of husband and father and now it is my daughters asking me if I need anything. It has truly brought us closer as a family. Don and Clark- what can I say for your great replies it made me feel alive again thanks. Christi thanks for the great info and Sandra and Erika I am hoping your progress goes well. 10 more inches of snow here in Wisconsin tomorrow and Sunday. Hopefully not. Again, thanks for bringing my spirits up I really enjoy everyones comments and helpful hints. Stay out of the trees and I am curious what you guys (Sandra and Tim) think warm weather in February is and where is that? -3 tonite……yikes
Andy
Sandra,
Will do! I was going to take a trip to Norfolk for some birding. I guess Suffolk and Norfolk are the top birding spots in Britain. Did you figure out the smiley thing?
Hope you are well!
Greetings All you Ankle Breakers
Sandra
I can sympathize with the overdoing it syndrome It is hard to get up in the morning have a day with no pain when your feet hit the floor and then the first thing we go and do is over do it. Ahh Human nature such a wonderful thing. You see we never quite remember the pain we just went through only that right now and right here I feel no pain and I am ready to RUN let’s go come on. Well that lasts for a bit then the bill comes due for the extra walking or carrying we did and we remember the pain all to well. It rushes back and hits us over the head to remind us where we just came from.
Yeah Sandra I have been off my crutches and cane for a couple of months. I still end up carrying my cane with me as I still have days when the weather gets bad that I need it to walk. Fortunately it is usually only that day I need it and then I am back to walking without it. I do understand your pain and worries being one of the few double ankle breakers here. So believe me when I tell you that you will know when the time is right to let go and get off the crutches and cane. But also believe me when I tell you to bring a cane along because there is no shame in needing it and using it. It is only a shame when you need it and you are too proud to use it and then you pay for it in the long run. You’re strong and determined and that attribute has helped me through some very dark times I think about things I have read on here from you and I know I can get by. You are a great inspiration to others keep working and moving forward. I hope when some of this is finished to take my Wife on Vacation to Scotland and England, when I go I may drop you a line and when can get together and go out for lunch or maybe we can hire you as a guide.
Keep up the great work all you Ankle Breakers and we will all get there together.
Don
To All,
I almost forgot,please keep the families and friends of the victims from the Illinois University shooting in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you,
Hey ladies,
Sorry, a day late….but happy Valentines Day!Sorry about that I’m normaly good about that kind of thing just not lately. Oh well hope you all had a very nice day and every day to follow. Hope everyone was safe out there and I have to say once again how much I truly enjoy reading these letters and listening to everyones thoughts and feelings it really helps me understand what is behind me and what is yet to come with this wonderful memory that I can put down as a chapter of my life. I go back to the doc. on the 27th and am really thinking he will return me to work. I am mentally ready but not physically as of yet,however I know that if I dont get back soon than It will be harder later. The problem is I work three hours from home, so I work there durring the week and have an apartment then come home on weekends.To be truthfull without sounding like a sissy it really kinda bothers me because I have been so fortunate to have had my wife and two children to help take care of me durring this process.My hat truly goes off to those of you who have weathered this on your own,you are much stonger than I. I use to think that I was tougher than nails, at least my wife and kids have always told me that but since this accident I have had a real wake up call,maybe for the right reason? Only one knows. We have family in from out of state with three small children…. WOW I forgot what a handfull they can be,but so much fun just got to watch the foot alot :)Well, hope ya’ll have a safe and pain free day! my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Tim
Enjoyed reading all the messages earlier this morning, which made me smile. Was waiting for a medicar to take me to hospital for a bone density scan. Just been brought back in an ambulance with others, so had a bit of a tour. It is hilly around me, but some of the places in Sheffield, I would have to crawl up and down the street as it is so steep.
Reminds me of Don’s comment about kneeling. I can get down on to the floor to do Pilates, so go from standing, do a roll-down and on to all fours, but find it really difficult to get back up again. Have to haul myself up on the settee. Would like to start going to Pilates classes again, but would have to crawl over to the wall to stand, or maybe use a fit ball and sit on that first. All part of the fun of broken ankles.
Went out for dinner with son and daughter the other night. Lots of anxiety on her part about where to go, and would the toilets up upstairs or downstairs in basement. Tried a tapas place, where we would have to wait upstairs for table – horrible stairs, just flat pieces of wood, with gaps between so we left straight away. Went somewhere much nicer with only a couple of steps in, but still avoided the toilets – stairs too narrow and steep. Did manage the step up to and down from my daughter’s flat, and they were easier than I imagined. This was a first, as I have not been there for six months + (since before fractures).
Lots of firsts happening all the time, like the rest of you out there. Sometimes I spend a lot of time thinking about the ‘event’ beforehand – lots of questions.
Andy, hope you are doing better with the support online. It is daunting, but if you were an imaginative and inspiring teacher, a wheelchair does not take that away. You just have to use that imagination of yours.
Don again – encouraging to hear that you are off crutches/stick for most of the time. Gives me hope.
Agree with Anklequest that you have to be careful not to overdo it. Steps and downhill in particular. I have had a couple of set-backs. Feeling stronger now, but still slow-going, and being careful.
Son thought I was doing so well with two crutches I did not need them. Pointed out that when he looks at me, he cannot feel how much weight the crutches or my upper body takes, or how much they assist stability. But both children pointed out that my upper body is strong and very mobile, so seeing me on the crutches is a bit strange!
Ashley, well done on the progress. Glad the leg looks better.
Christi, amazing to me that you can function as usual with a blood clot like that. The human body is something to admire.
Clark, keep hopping, and glad the ancestor tracing is going so well. Like your phrase about not being defined by disability, but it enhancing us. Used the term ‘disabled’ to my children, and they obviously don’t see me as such. Interesting.
One week’s sick leave left. Have to drive to place of work next week – 80 miles round trip to Occupational Health appointment, to have risk assessment. They have promised me a parking space (hopeful), and disabled entrance is at the back. Will work at home first couple of days till they have done their report. Then home to ease myself in my using leave. Now on half pay, so cannot really afford to be off an longer. Hope I can manage – but I have had to deal with everything else ankle-breaking has thrown at me.
Andy and Anklequest – both teachers. I am a Uni Lecturer. May not be teaching to start with, as it’s mostly been covered, but one of the things about teaching is dealing with all of this in front of an audience. Glad to hear that your classess have been supportive. Hoping for the same myself – though will probably be in front of students who don’t know me at all.
Nate keep moving when you can, but enjoy a rest now and again.
Trina, stairs are a bind. Experimented without a crutch yesterday going upstairs, but its like dragging my whole body weight on one leg. Definitely could not do it going down as I cannot put all that weight on my weakest ankle. One day maybe . . .
Hey – anybody done an escalator. The idea scares the life out of me – crutches, legs, height, movement out of my control . . .
Erika. Great to put things in perspective by looking back. It really helps.
To all of you out there, I would rather this had not happened, but have really learned to value the positives in my life, and about me. I have written myself a list of what I like about myself – the things that have got me through this. No saint, but I really want to focus on the positive stuff now and in future.
I agree that I can feel really happy about something very small. Like all these little firsts or appreciating the sunshine, the birds singing, clouds in the sky etc. . And the support from my family.
Hi to Tim. We have had a great week – sunny and really warm for February. Cold and gloomy at present, but we are promised more sunshine next week. So here’s hoping.
Being at home – hence not at work and all wound up by stress and interpersonal politics – has left me in a very chilled and mellow place. Would be great to stay this way when I get back, or at least be able to visit as often as I can!
Hi to anyone I may have missed out. Difficult keeping tabs on you all. I thought I might print out my messages as a record of progress and feelings to add to all my scribbles – which have helped keep me going.
Now all I have to do is crack the weighty issue of weight-loss. I think my ankles would be altogether happier if I lost some pounds, but it’s not that easy when you are less mobile.
To all of you out there with ice about – no skating please.
Sandra
For the “new” ankle breakers..you may be discouraged and in a state of shock for a while, as you adjust to a sudden dramatically new situation. Mental healing is needed as well as physical healing so don’t be hard on yourself! Look at what happened to Ashley and Erika, and it happened to the rest of us too. We went from misery to being OK but it took time.
A Cautionary tale for those further along: At 4 months I thought I was doing great..at school every day, no crutches, just limping a little, sitting a lot. Then I went on a trip with a group of my faculty for a few hours to John Jay College of Criminal Justice. There I walked with the group from floor 1 to floor 4, (about 60 steps) to a Forensics Lab. Fine!!! Then went down a few blocks to a bookstore with them. Still fine when I got home & was very happy (more like thrilled!!) to be “out”! A few days later I was set back at least a month…even used a cane again for a while. My foot was really bad. It was too many steps and too much walking all at once. I really regreted it for I know I would have made faster progress without that setback. So try not to hurry..be patient..don’t force things.
Finally..all of you, watch your step in all that horrible ice we have right now here in the Northeast!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, LADY ANKLEBREAKERS!
ERIKA AND ASHLEY,
GREATLY ENJOYED YOUR INSPIRATIONAL ENTRIES. IT IS GOOD TO NOTE THE DIFFERENCE OF BEFORE AND AFTER.
GLAD YOU ARE BOTH DOING SO WELL.
DON’T EAT TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE.
CLARK
Cristi,
What an ordeal you had to go through! I am so sorry! Thanks for sharing that with me. Good to know! I move do my leg pumps about 3-4 times a day about 20 or so. I also try and move around from room to room. It has been 2 weeks since my surgery and I probably should not being moving as much as I do, but I just cant lay in one place for more then a few hours. I just get stir crazy!
Greetings Ankle Breakers.
The words one can read on this board can amaze you! you look back and see where you came from at the start and where you are now. As I have said before many times Thank you all for everything you have done to get me through this. I also stumbled onto this board when I was searching for something else and it was and still is one of the best things that ever happened to me.
The ideas the caring the patients people have to listen to your gripes and complaints is amazing. It is also amazing that people can say things to you that others could either not understand or might not understand. Like when someone here tells you to get back top PT and to stop complaining or whineing How many other people around you could get away with some o the coments we have all heard on this board form evry one. We share more and come from a place that most people will never understand from all over the world connected in our injuries and pain and in a new found friendship
Thanks everyone of you
Don
Hi everyone,
After a month of scooting up and down the stairs, I took a chance and tried walking up with my crutches. I was so excited last night, but I tried it again today and almost fell. I was a little discouraged until I read the posts for the last couple of days. I just need to take it one day at at time. I did get a chance to go outside today and that was great. Hope everyone is having a great, safe, and secure evening.
Trina
Nate~
The clots started in my leg from a combination of the broken leg and being on birth control pills. The doctors didn’t catch it even though I had pain in one particular spot in my leg and severe swelling in that same area. Then they missed it early on in my lungs also because they said it was a strained muscle or cracked rib. They put me on pain meds and the only way they finally caught it was that I got to the point where I couldn’t breathe without severe pain in my chest and therefore ended up in the hospital. I think the main thing is try and move as much as possible (whether its just lifting your leg or whatever) without offsetting your healing process obviously and if you are on the pill (which obviously Nate you aren’t 🙂 ) then make your doctor aware. Hope that helps!
testing ,testing,
are you there ankebrakers,
Great words everyone!! I too am so glad Christy started this site. Reading everyone’s messages is what keeps me going. We can all do it, just keep on keeping on.
Erika:
Just so you know I never really put 2 and 2 together with my posts. I didn’t even remember the thoughts of being upset when I posted that message about being happy. I have just spent the last 5 min crying because of it. I was horribly depressed. I still have not so good days but overall I am happy. I have to deal with it. I AM HAPPY and I might sound nuts when I say this I am happier everytime I get on this blog and see what everyone is doing including Clark, Erika and Sandra just to name a few. You guys give/gave me something to want to wake up for in the morning to see what they weather was like in england and what kind of posts were going on today with certain topics. I sound like such a nut ball. I will stop with my rambling now but as an update PT is going great. I am using my broken ankle more and more and hopefully will be able to drive my car soon (instead of a mini cooper b/c I need my car back <— it is a standard and I couldn’t push the clutch before)
Ashley
Erika – I haven’t been that happy since I got my drivers license when I was 16. I am telling you I WAS HAPPY i even went and had a margarita for lunch I was so happy !
Andy:
I agree with Clark about how great this site is, and especially what a learning experience is. I just went back and read my first posts. Here is what one of my first posts said (in september), “I am really sick of being in my house. I have had lots of help and visits, but at night, sometimes I just start crying. My husband is trying to help, but I am definitely getting cranky.”
And: “Isn’t it weird how a trip to Walmart in a wheel chair can be the highlight of your month? Depression is somewhat setting in. My husband gets the brunt of it at night…..Anyone else have the top of the foot that has the broken ankle so painful you can’t even put your finger on it? My doctor told me it was soft tissue damage. It is really sore.”
Now 4 months later, here is one of my later posts: “Hey Everyone: I can walk!!!!!!!! I was told by my surgeon this week that not only can I walk, but that if I can I can walk with a sneaker. I actually DROVE!!!! Just to next door but at least is was driving. Wow… Does walking hurt. I put on a regular sneaker, but brought my crutches to work-in case. Glad I did. Needed at least one crutch after an hour or so. I am getting pain in the ankle and leg (broke ankle in two places and the tibia). It has been 11 weeks. Even though it’s painful…..I feel like I’M FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I also think of Ashley. I remember one post of hers. She was so sad. Here it is, “I am back at work today and I feel ok but I have a rough weekend. I can’t seem to comprehend that I am 22 and I can’t walk, drive, bath, sleep or even CLEAN my house. I spent almost the whole weekend crying and everytime someone said something to me about being hurt I cried even more. I don’t know what is wrong. To top it all OFF when I attempt to go to sleep (and finally achieve it) I have the reoccuring dream that I am falling over and over and over again. Will it ever stop?”
Now, just 1 month later listen to her! “Hi everyone ! I just got back from my 1st PT visit were I actually excercised. I can push with my injured ankle 115 pounds ! I get to do all kinds of stretches and have alot of 1 on 1 time with my therapist. My scaley skin is virtually gone. I have some small spots but nothing to extreme…. I have such good range of motion in my toes that they don’t even have to bother with them ! So I suggest moving your toes around as much as possible! I am hanging in there I walk a little with my injured leg down and can stand without the aid of crutches. I am expected to be off of my crutches completly within the next 3 weeks. My recovery looks good. I am finally starting to perk up.”
This post literally BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES! That is because i felt her happiness. It was so much like my own.
The odd thing about this happening to us is this: Before I broke my ankle, yes, I was living day to day, in my little ol’ life – relatively happy. Yet, it took ALOT to make me, you know, “jump for joy”. NOW, every few days, it seems like i am “jumping for joy” (not litterally, since I really can’t jump yet 🙂
about the little things.
But , seriously, when you read the posts, like ashley’s, she was SOOOOO HAPPY! Ashley, think back before you broke your ankle – how long ago was it that you were that happy? And it is a good happy – a happiness in yourself – for your accomplishment!
I know it is weird. I guess I can actually say, that maybe I am happy this happened to me. Because I would not be here right now typing this, I would not have met all of your, and I might not realize that today I AM STRONGER THAN I WAS!!! (yeah me! yeah us!)
Andy – we all feel where you are coming from. Keep thinking of the positive. There is so much to live for! Think of that first day at school, when you will get up and DANCE!!!!! And, you will, Andy, you will!!!!
Keep positive everyone!!!
ERIKA
Andy,
Two items: I’m an administrator/teacher in a college. When I broke my ankle someone else took my two biology classes. I came back with a cane and crutches at first, and the students were so overwhelmingly kind!!! I had no problems teaching..just had to change my methods a bit to sitting down part of the time. I was a bit afraid before I returned, for I had some tough classes but should not have worried one bit!!! You will find that your spirits will be boosted by all the kindness and caring. Have the students do more things!!!
Second, about the clots! Clots can move up the big veins in the leg to the vena cava in the torso, up to the heart..through the right atria, then right ventrical, from there to the pulmonarys to the lungs. There they can remain struck until dissolved, for they cannot get through the cappillaries to the left atria of the heart.
Beyond that, I know nothing about clots and have not had that problem.
Anyway, your worst fears will never be realized. You will slowly get better and better. Make the best of the time with your children for you may never have so much time again.
Good Luck!
ANDY,
This is a bit late and for that I appologize. My last entry was at 1027 pm 2/12 and yours was just before that at 821 pm. Sorry I missed your entry. I am sorry to hear about your situation and depression, but remember that depression is part of the healing process. Sandra, Don, Tim, Christi have all chipped in and given great advice. You will get through this. You may not be the Andy that started out with a broken ankle, but you will be a better, stronger Andy that recovers from one of the worst injuries anyone can sustain, yet so few are aware of.
It was/is the same for all of us. One second you are normal, living your life, in your routine, family and kids, and the next second you are disaabled temporarily or permanently, always with some pain, and unable to do the things you did. But you must adjust, must go on. As you know, when things get too good, too routine, just when you think you’ve got it made, fate and destiny collude to pull the rug out from you and change everything. Happened to me, to Don and his wife, to Christi, who started this thing, bless her, to Sammy, to Erika, to Anklequest, and all the rest too many to and too numerous to name. And if you follow this blog religiously, youd’e better take notes, and then just try to keep it straight. I can’t.
I suffered a catastrophic right ankle trimellealor break 10 months ago, walking my dogs on the lake. I think it was a Thursday and was supposed to drive up to Crescent City that weekend and choose between a 10 acre rental atop a mountain in state park land, or a half acre with a 3 bedroom house far enough away so my drums and music wouldn’t affect the neighbors, close to the beach right in townl. My retirement move. Never made it. 3 surgeries later, and was just fitted for a brace two weeks ago before it is to be permanently fused, probably within the next two months. Wish they had just cut if off. Could do much more with a prosthetic, but you know the Hyppocratic “First do no harm” so that was a no go. Had to sell my high performance Mustang, my baby, as I could never shift it again, and will probably never play my drums again, can’t work the pedal, but haven’t given up on that yet. Still got the music in me. (Joke!).
We all suffer pain, changes, some temporary, some permanent, but we all make it.
Don’t even think of driving into a wall. Think of the void that would be created and the lives that would suffer if you weren’t around. Remember Frank Capra’s
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”? Things could definatley be differant, and perhaps for the worst, if you weren’t around. Your wife and little girls would never get over losing you. Your students would never be the same. I’m sure your a great husband, dad and teacher. You are still you. That won’t change. Disabilities don’t define us as human beings. They enhance us. Perhaps they make us a bit better, because we have to be. You will survive this, whatever changes it brings, and you will be stronger for it. Not something you would choose, of course, and all of us would like to go back to that moment in time and not fall, not suffer the break, not have to live with the changes in our lives, but thems the breaks, man.
And that’s it. I tend to write not only about my broken ankle and the like, but about other parts of my life as well, and generate conversations about emoticons and Ampersands and probably tune alot of anklebrakers out. And I don’t know how I missed yours, but I did, and am glad you got some answers and are feeling better.
When I was at my lowest point, being single still at 55, with the crutches and cane, and now the cane and the brace, I knew I’d never get another date, or probably ever have another relationship again in my life, especially with this. Perhaps the sympathy factor, or a lady that goes for the distinguished (wishful thinking there) type with the white hair and cane. Will have to get another tweed sportcoat with the elbow patches. Still feel that way, but you never know. I was checking out disabled broken bone chat groups and found nothing, so typed in “I’ve got those low down mean painfull good for nuthin ankle breakin blues” or something very similar, on google, and “THE RANDOMNESS OF CHRIST, BROKEN ANKLE UPDATE ONE YEAR LATER” came up, and after forcing myself and troubles on everyone, Ive been here ever since. Only been a couple of months. And no one makes one read these anyway. If any entry is not your cup of tea, don’t read it.
This site’s members are a wonderful group of people with lots of support and information. A great place to check out every now and then, or click on the box and new entries will be emailed to you. And if you ever think about driving into a wall or offing yourself in someway, a very select, very secret part of an exclusive club will create an intervention, and you will never be heard from again. So watch it, your family and your students need you. Just don’t give up. Kind of like the Mafia, once a member, always a member. Only one way to leave.
WELCOME TO THE CLUB.
Clark
Andy
I can understand that part too. The involved Teacher part, my wife and I ran a youth group for a medieval recreation group we belong to. It consists of kids from 6 to 17; we teach them to do full contact armored fighting, arts and sciences, courtesy, and all aspects of the time period. From when ever to 1650 we traveled from Quebec, Canada to West Virginia. The section I covered was from Mass to Ohio down to Delaware and back up to long island. Make that into a square and we traveled that distance every year. If a couple of kids called us and wanted someone to run their fighting program for a certain event we jumped in the car and took off that weekend to be there for them. We have been doing this for 12 years now.
And after the accident that has al had to be pulled back in, some times because we can’t make it due to pain or exhaustion or sometimes because or hearts just can’t answer the call. Yeah it is hard to get out of the emotions and tiredness or away from the How come Dad is so sad mode. But believe me this will pass and you will get there again maybe not to full strength but very close to who and what you were and enjoyed to do. And another driving force you have going for you is those two kids that are looking forward to getting Dad back. Keep working keep trying and above all keep struggling it is the only way we can get through it. And besides that your not alone and with this board here you never have to be alone going through it when there are people that are in the same boat as you and understand.
Be safe all you ankle breakers
Don
To All Of You: Thank you so much for the kind words. I am glad I have people to talk to that truly understand what is going on. My major problem is that like Tim I was this person that other people relied on and needed and it was so hard for me to ask for help. I teach high school math and am doing it now in a wheel chair, which is not even close to who I am. I was the funny, dancing around, getting kids involved in my lessons kind of teacher. Most kids thought I was on drugs most of the time, but they learned through my dance moves that math can be fun. Now, I feel like something is going to happen to me. It meant so much to read your comments it brought tears to my eyes. And as my 9 and 6 year old daughters and my wife want to know why daddy is sad, I tell them daddy is happy because he has people like all of you giving me strength. Thanks
Andy
Greetings all
Andy your in great company I bet also every one on thsi board has had the same type of feelings you have right now. Yes we all get scared and ask will I walk again will I run will I be able to do any of the things I use to do? The questions never end, the doubts never end. I have been off my cruches and cane walking for for 9 months.
Now I can ask myself will I run again? Will I be able to just kneel down again? and on and on and on. We the people that have had these injuries can be very creative in our doubts and questions. We always find a way to ask new questions when one gets answered.
Time will pass things will get better. you will wake up one day and just do something that you have been working at for weeks but couldn’t do then one day Bang you just do it and keep going than look back and say HEY I just did so and so for the first time.
Keep asking questions someone on here can answer it cause we were all there one time or another.
Don
Cristi,
You may have mentioned this and I apologize if I missed it. How did you get the clots in your lungs? Is this preventable somehow? Thanks!
Andy~
Here is what I have been told, my doctor and my mom’s doctor,who also got a clot from a similar experience, told us that your body is the smartest thing of all. They put you on coumadin and lovenox because they want to prevent your body from forming new clots not to get rid of the clots that are already there. Your body takes the clot and learns to work around it. Over time it might get absorbed into your body slowly but surely but the bigger clots will be there probably the rest of your life. My clots in my lungs I still feel especially when I exercise and when its cold outside. But clots shouldn’t stop you from doing anything, like walking or anything. More questions let me know!
Andy,
Cheer up buddy, I understand your feelings I am 43 years old and am a person that is always on the go 100 mph. All of my employees and other co workers call me tornado tim cause I never stop. when I had this accident WOW what a real wake up for me. I had to ask others for their help and that did not taste very good to me. I think that we go thru many levels of feelings with this. Pain,depression,panic,anger,frustration and more but…. in the end when we start getting better we can see the light at the end of the tunnel thats when we get stonger and realy get into the healing process with our mind,heart and soal. you know what I meen? just take it slow, getting in a hurry will only make it worse, I promise. You sound very frustrated right now as did I just three weeks ago, I was pissed off at the whole world. Please just slow down and let the healing process take it’s course,it’s going to anyway so you may just as well get on board. I hope I have not said anything to offend you or make you even more upset,I’m just sharing my situation and feelings with you in hopes that they will help you and down the road you can share your’s with someone feeling the same way that you are right now. You know we here are all different but really all the same…. isn’t it funny?
Sandra,
We were over in England and Paris a few years ago, What a beautiful place. The countryside was wonderfull and you are so lucky to live there. how is your weather right now? mine is 1.5 inches of ice with snow on top. lovely huh.
Well thats all from me right now,gotta check on the Monster in law she is here and sick.
Take care all, no slips, falls or crashes!
Tim
HEY ANKLEBREAKERS, Keep your chins up!
Sandra, Glad to know that you are still chatting. Me too! Did some basic detective work and went back to the US records on my family name (remember the teenage cabin boy that came to the colonies in the 1600’s?). Did some back checking and learned that he was the son of the 3 or 4th generation of the original “HARRY” born about 1500 or so in Cornwall. That led back to Leonard, the cabin boy, who came to the colonies in 1660. So I looked up the Cornwall County home page and located geneological sites that led to a request I emailed them tonight about info on the old infamous Harry.
Wanted to say thanks for giving me the inspiration, you being over there and all. So Thanks!
Picked up my new shoes, the casual ones that I bought strictly for the brace, and asked for extra wide 13’s, but couldn’t even get the braced foot started. Oh well. Next brace appt. on Thursday, with the doc on Friday, where I will request the fusion ASAP. Sorry to hear about your bouts with pain. It is now so constant with me that I usually don’t even think about, and pop a pill when I can. That doesn’t take it away, just makes me think about it less. And when it wears off, you think about it more.
Just wanted to give you an update.
Take care, Sandra, and all.
I remain,
Clark
Hopping around Northern California.
To Christi and Diana: I would like to know about blood clots too. I am 39 and after I got my cast off I was told after a Doppler radar search that I had a “small” clot in my calf. My leg gets so swollen and am on Lovenex twice a day and coumidan (sp) and nothing seems to help. I feel like this will never get better and all the information I get is pretty scary. I wish I could go back and not have slipped on the ice that I did. Will this clot go away? will I be able to walk someday? Life sucks right now and I want to drive into a wall and end it.
Geetings all you ankle breakers
Sandra
I can understand the pain in the ankles after walking and excercising. It is very interesting getting around with both ankles messed-up. It will get better believe me I have been without my crutches or cane for awhile. I do at times go back to using the cane but that is mostly because of th weather and the arthritis in my right ankle.
The weather beats me up real good when a storm comes in and when it leaves but when it is here it is not a problem. here is a question have any of the rest of you felt like every muscle in your body is on edge when a storm is coming in and when the baromatic pressure moves it goes away and you can relax ? I mean for me it can be hanging heavy on me and then with the blink of an eye all the pressure goes away. And then I can relax a little. I am able to walk and feel no pain in my joints, but when it is there wow the struggle to just keep moving is at times more then I can manage.
Any of you have any ideas how to lessen the pressure or ways to exercise it out? Ahh well I will say the days when the pain is gone is worth every moment at times I forget it ever happened and can walk and even run a little. That makes it all worht it
Thanks
Don
Diana~
I may or may not have posted this earlier but I ended up with clots in my leg that was broken and ended up severe blood clots in my lungs. I was in the hospital for 5 days on blood thinner and then had to give myself lovenox shots for a few days afterwards. After that I had to be on Coumadin for 6 months. Any reason you ask?
Don, Pleased you and your family got some results from the law over your accident. Sorry to hear you will be in the pain club for a long time – wonder about that myself. Anther beautiful day, so I walked for about on hour this morning, after my exercise class last night, and I think I might have done over-done it a bit. Both ankles are speaking to me quite loudly – if you know what I mean. Set on early night and not too much activity tomorrow day, as we are going out to celebrate my daughter’s birthday tomorrow night.
So slow when walking on my crutches, and hope to ratchet it up a gear one day.
Nate will try the symbols again, but no stress if it doesn’t work.
Hi Clark, Still chatting.
Night.
Sandra
anybody have any experience with the developing of blood clots? please share. thanks, Diana
HELLO ALL ANKLEBREAKERS,
Erika, Im with Nate. Thanks for taking the time to offer the info from the Bible. I believe that divine intervention may be the only hope we have left, and I am always open, and praying for that. Time will tell for sure on that outcome. But it was thoughtful of you to offer it up. I may have mixed up your story with that of another young lady who did write in that she was trying to open the front door with arms full of groceries and lost balance, with her finger caught in the door, and fell. There are just so many stories that we all have, I can’t keep them straight. But I do recall reading you entry though, and the others, and it is just very hard to keep everyone straight.
Take care of your ankle and foot and keep up the good work.
Nate, so you did battle with the catheter, or foley, also. Sounds like the nurses were abit rough with you. Man, talk about insult to injury. No one needs that. Hope your all healed. OUCH!!!!
When I was in for the second operation and the longest stay (8 days) I became stopped up on Demerol and couldn’t leave a leak and I kept fighting them, but I was swarmed by about 5 nurses who knew I hated to be catheterized, and they all suddenly held me down and one, the charge nurse, did the deed. Never felt so humilitated and helpless in my life, but I loved the attention. Just not under those circumstances. You see the docs here and there, but the nurses are the angels of the hospital who go abovae and beyond the call of duty, and they have my higherst respect. I was engaged to one once, but she ran off with her best friends brother, who hoodwinked her and misrepresented himself, and I never heard from her for almost 20 years Now we live in the same city, but I don’t know where she lives, and she is a virtual prisoner in her own home because of the wife beating sociopathic jerk she married that she never should have, but that was years ago, and that was another time and another place.
Take care,
Clark
Clark,
Oh I see icsnay on the meds then. Sorry I had a feeling there was a legal issue. It is just that it looks like I will not be using them. Which means they are going to go to waste. They are the exact same prescription you take as well.