Broken ankle-2 years later

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Well I just thought I would let everyone know that almost exactly two years ago I had a trimaellor ankle break which I never thought I would walk again from.  Slowly over the past two years I have re-learned to walk and run on it.  It has gotten better with time.  Two weeks ago I decided to see how healed it was.  We went to Disney World.  Which if you don’t know you walk ALOT….. As I told my husband this was a great test to see how it would hold up to all this walking.  It did amazingly well.  There was only one time that it twinged enough with pain that I took an hour break to put it up.  Otherwise I just kept going and it was fine we went to all the park (even some twice all day long for one week and it held up really well.  It still gets swollen here and there and it still lets me know its not perfect but I figure since I still have metal down there and since it was hanging off my ankle at one point I can’t complain.  

1,654 thoughts on “Broken ankle-2 years later”

  1. Hello!

    I want to apologize. I thought my posting went through. Apparently not. The morning of my surgery, at 7:00 — I was to be at the hospital by 10 — my insurance declined to cover. Maybe it was a good thing the posting never went through, because I was very angry, and I think it showed in my posting. 🙂 But, I talked to my surgeon a few minutes ago and he is willing to fight them with me. He read to me what the person – a Dr. – wrote regarding why he refused it. Something regarding how much swelling there is, and how the surgery will not better my situation. True, that is exactly what my surgeon has said all along. There are many complications — this is not your standard fusion, I realize that. But, we have to try — my surgeon said that today. He said, “We must try, your situation is too serious. The next step is amputation. It is my job to try anything to help you.” It is, too. Oh well. I guess we will see. My surgeon feels we will definitely have it approved and done by the end of the summer.
    Thanks for asking about me. I’m sorry my post didn’t go through on Thursday telling you all about this. I talked to Clark on Thursday — he’s a good one to vent to.

    I’m glad to see you still working at it, Lee. I can’t imagine that it is fun.

    I hope everyone is taking care — and I will keep checking in, I’m still very angry. Or more, frustrated. And, honestly, today when he said the next step is amputation — I know that, and have known that — but, it is still very scary to me.

    Okay, I hope you had a good wknd, and to any Vets on here, thank you for your service.

    Take Care,
    Trac

  2. Hi all,

    Pretty quiet out there. Just checking in on Trace and others. Give us a shout … some of us are still here.

    I’m now just working through PT. Having a terrible problem with tendonitis and plantar fasciatits. Experimenting with different shoes, insoles, arch supports, etc. No fun, but much better than being in the boot and hobbling around. Today, at PT they stretched and poked, massaged and manhandled all the scar tissue then pushed me on the strider, leg press and balance. All in all, it was a good session. I’m moving pretty well and controlling pain and swelling with Ibuprofin. Boring stuff, but that’s my update.

    Hope everyone had a great long weekend.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  3. Trace – thinking about you today, sending positive thoughts and good wishes your way. Post when you are feeling well enough and let us know how you are. My fingers are crossed for you and this surgery.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  5. Trac,
    I think they harvest the bone from your hip to act as a supplement, perhaps a wedge, or some type of addition, to the fusion process. I was told that they were going to do that in my case, and it adds to the pain, but when I awoke, alas, no incision and no harvest. I had an Ankle Arthrodesis Fusion, in which they place two very large (about 6inches by 1/2 inch) stainless stell bone screws up into the Calcanium, Talus and into the Tibula. Very painfull, the most so far, but as I mentioned earlier, it gets bearable after about 4 days, otherwise, just grin and bear it and keep getting the shots.
    In the fusion I had, they cut the botton four inches off from my Fibula, and they may have used some of that for whatever added bone tissue they needed. The Doc said that is usual and normal in that type of fusion, and you lose no stability, as the connecting tissue, tendons, etc… keep the remainging fibula in place and there is no floating or loss of stability. Aside from not having the “ankle bone” at the bottom of your leg, you don’t notice it.
    What are you doing up so late. If you feel like talking, give a cell or home number and I will give a call, if you want.
    You said you did get disability, and there are many types. I hope you meant Social Security Disability, becasue if you don’t have it, you are still eligable for it, I would think.
    Take care,
    Clark

  6. Hello!

    Thank you so much! And, Clark, thanks! I am on disability, Medicaid and get a bit in food stamps. I had to finally get an attorney, after losing 3 appeals. Fortunately, I had worked in a non-profit setting w/attorneys, and one was willing to help me, for only her costs. I was just saying to a good friend that lives in San Francisco (I miss living there immensely) that Nebraska is so different from California as far as help. And, I was so used to dealing with Cali programs. However, I am rather glad all of this happened in NE as it is a far more affordable state.
    Thank you for your support. I am a bit nervous about this surgery. I don’t know if it was a mistake, but I watched on the internet the surgery being performed. It was a little different, but it gave me an idea. Yet, w/the two tendon transfers and then I wonder why he is taking bone from my hip? What is that for? I know why he is doing a bone marrow aspiration (he wants to do a biopsy) — but, I forgot to ask what the actual bone is for, any ideas?
    Oh well — and Clark, I think it is important to sound off about the other “ailments” that can come with this, because, I think a lot of us suffer more due to the loss of our financials and independence than any of the pain. And, then dealing with becoming that person who needs “handouts and charity” when you never thought you would. It is hard to deal with.
    Who knew ankles could carry this much?

    Take Care!
    Trac

  7. TRAC, and Lois, thanks for your thoughts.
    Me again, with a thought. You mentioned some of the hardships that we had all gone through, aside from the ankle and medical problems. there are of course financial problems, medical bills, bankruptcy and foreclosure (in my case because although I stayed for two years after being rear ended while working as a Tribal cop, I did quit, fed up with the politics and lack of professionalism, etc… and after I did, two months later the carrier, Reliance Casualty, Pennsylvania, filed bankruptcy in Federal court, becoming the largest US WorkComp filing in history so far, but AIG would have beaten them if the Fed had not baailed them out), and because of that, and our US treaty with Native Americans, the Tribe refused to cover me further, or put me on the newe policy, even though I had suffered two torn rotators and a broken back, all soft tissue, degeneration over time, and ths finally, my bankruptcy, in which I lost my ranch, horses and truck, everything that made working for something, really something, and thus, after 3 Social Security filings, and appeals, and being forced back to work after back and shoulder surgery, on me, with two refy’s to the ranch, with almost a $2000.00 monthly payment and finally just my disability, I lost it all.
    But, I would have nothing now if not never giving up on pushing for my Social Security disability, which, 2 years after you recieve the monthly, comes with MediCare. And thus at least added money to supplement my police pension, but the medical is really important.
    Depending on how much you have worked and paid in to the system, you must determine what your monthly disability award wouild be, and it is tax free.
    Social Security will offer you SSI immediately if they think you have a case, and if your award would be over the $880.00 or so going rate for SSI, then fight for your awardl. If you have not paid into the system much and it would be even or less than SSI, then take the offer and you will immediately get the SSI and MediCare, togather with no two year wait.
    Many people are uninformed about this and take the deal right away, and literally sign away their rights to their proper award. If in doubt, contact a Social Security lawyer, but stay away from the Binder and Binder brothers firm, as they will do you no good. I actually fired them before I won my award on my own, as they had done nothing for me at all, and then after I won they tried to sue me for more than they normally would have been entitled, so be careful.
    Trac, it looks like you would be an iummediate shoe in for SSA disability. Check it out.
    Life is short. I know I probably tell more about myself than most would, but my situations have been complex and not always ending in my favor. In other words, I am tired of getting screwed by the system. Tribes that do not honor work comp, state work comp that fails to act when the tribe does not, the Insurance Commissioner that could care less, mortgage companies that take advantage and will not give and inch with a disability case, and on and on and on.
    Fight for your rights, demand what you have coming to you, and if you are not plugged into the system but should be, then be an advocate for yourself and get plugged in.
    Trac, good luck on the 21st. You will do well. I just know it.
    Clark

  8. Just saying hello to everyone,,, (including Clark).

    I just continue to be amazed at all of you who have had so much more to cope with than just your broken ankles. I cannot imagine trying to recover from this injury and having to cope with lack of medical insurance, concern about job loss, or worry about losing a home. It’s no wonder you guys sing “… and the home of the brave.” Because brave you truly all are. Best wishes to everyone and keep moving ahead one step at a time.

  9. Hello Trac,
    A quick reply. Thanks for your reply. I haven’t kept up for quite a while, and as I said I weaned myself away from the blog awile ago. I was glad to respond when I heard via AnkleQuest and others that you had some questions regarding fusion, etc… But I do not keep up on a daily basis.
    But… Keep being optomistic. There are so many breakthroughs these days. I am sure something can be done about your knee. I have major reconstruction on each knee; arthrpscopic repair for a buckethandle tear to the meniscus, which needed a full cut to the knee for more meniscus work, then a full cut for ACL and MCL repair using strips, like thick Linguini cut from the Pateller Tendon for biologic repairs with bone grafts, all three ops to each knee, first the right in 1982, after my police retirement, with that surgery using the Patella being groundbreaking then, and then the left in ’91, same deal. My Patella’s hurt now, where they harvested the pasta (joke) but they just started and it may be a winter cold weather thing. But now they do all that with just the scope, and I have 4 scars like traintracks, 6 inches long, two each knee, but they are fading and barely show anymore. The point is that change happens, and new things come along all the time. I bet they can get you into an external brace for your knee that will have you up and around on a rocker sole in an ortho shoe in no time.
    I will check in here and there and if any questions will be available for answers. But I wish you well and know that it is a major step forward and you will be glad it is over. But it will be painful. At least mine was, with the fusion more painful than anything thus far. But with what you have already gone through it will be a walk in the park, as soon as you heal up a bit.
    Take care.
    Clark

  10. Hello!

    Clark, thank you so much for your post. It is very fitting that you posted today. I had a very difficult day, all my friends went golfing, and it reminded me that, unless something really changes, I won’t be golfing again. And, for some reason, it really hit me with a sadness. I think it is due, in part, to the upcoming operation(s). As I was sad, I did remind myself that 7/09/07 was the date, so, this upcoming July is only 2 years. And, I know that sounds long, but, it really isn’t. Not when you consider at one point, I was in for an amputation consultation. I am hoping, that like you, Clark, I can use some devices to get up and walking. We have tried braces. Perhaps, someday, my knee will be able to be corrected, surgically, and I will be up and around. But, for right now, I am finally mourning the loss of my mobility, as I once knew it. The hardest part of your story, Clark, was the difficulty in other ways. I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. I cannot imagine. I can imagine the lack of funds and insurance, as I had that myself, but not being without someone at home to help. I keep giving thanks that I was surrounded by people who wanted and want to help. I, too, am now on disability, medicaid and food stamps. A far different lifestyle than I had 2 years ago. No more Chanel lip glosses…or cute shoes. And, oh, have I gained weight. I didn’t realize how much of an emotional eater I was until this accident.

    Well, Clark, thank you again for sharing your story, it was very helpful. I know that I am going to need surgery on my left ankle, after we finish the right one — as my dr. said it needs correction as well. But, it makes it so much “easier” to look fwd to when I hear from others how long it takes. Ok, I have PT tomorrow. We are trying to stretch the tendons for the tendon transfers — not the most comfortable. On a good note, I am learning how the body works. Far more than even 12 years as a massage therapist.

    Thanks to everyone else for sharing your stories, as well. And, your knowledge.

    Take Care!
    trac

  11. Greetings, Anklebreakers!
    Just a brief hello on the 2 year anniversary of my ankle break, a TriMallealor (quintuple, really) break that fractured both Tib and Fib Mallealoi (the protubing “ankle bones” that we can see and feel), as well as splintering the base of my Tibia and Fibula and top of my Talus as well. It occurred on May 18, 2007 at 1100 AM at the local lake while walking the dogs. I was about a half mile from my pick up truck, and luckily the damage was so great that it seperated the pain circut to my brain, and the pain and shock that I knew was coming never came, and I started a crab crawl on my rear end slowly to my truck, until discovered by other dog walkers that were unable to walk their dogs because mine were blocking their doors, and alerting them to my situation, out of sight down below on the bank. They drove me to the Ranger Station, then off to the hospital for Xrays, relocation and surgery that evening. An all day event. The following morning, my board certifed Ortho Doc said that “I don’t think we will have a very good outcome here”, saying it was one of the worst breaks he had ever seen and that he doubted that it would allow me to come back all the way. And he was right. THe first surgery inserted a plate with screws along the inside break, and screws along the outside. A month and a hslf later back, completely out of allignment thanks to the hospital kicking me out 2 days after surgery with no crutches because I had no insurance and was using a borrowed walker, which negated the surgery because it is very hard to be non weight bearing with a walker, when you live alone. By the second surgery, my MediCal had kicked in, and I stayed 8 days, too long really, with crutches and a red carpet, and another plate along the outside as well, with screws, of course. But the damage was still to great, and 45 days later I was back for an outpatient screw removal (sure) and stayed 5 more days with the most pain yet, with an Achilles plate inserted behind my calf and behind, next to the Tibia, my Achilles tendon, which was reattached. Ouch!
    Then bankruptcy and eviction and relocation to a small cabin in an adjacent town with everything in storage, and still much pain, and at 6 months post op from the last surgery, with all that hardward, with the advice of my Doc, I elected for a fusion, which removed the side plates, left the Achilles intact, and fused the Calcanium Talus and Tibia into one large bone locked into a 90 degree angle, and now, over a year post op from that, last April 9th, tomorrow starts my third year. Enough of the background.
    I relate all that because I hava been gone from this post for awhile now, moving on as most do, as newcombers arrive and oldtimers dissaper, as is the natural order of things. But I owe it to Christy, whome I sincerely thank for this blog, and to all of you, old and new, whether you recall me or not, to relate how things are, and what one may expect, like Don, still contemplating fusion, and Trac, going in on the 21st, very soon, and to hopefully relay a message of hope.
    Of course I had already submitted all of this, and more, earlier today, and I know the rules, having lost many posting to the void, and should have copied and saved, but did not, but will when this is completed, and hopefully it will show. I even thought that it may be shorter, as those that may remember me know that I may have been a bit long winded, but this seems no shorter, and nor should it, as it is my story to tell, and don’t read it if you don’t care to. One has to say what one does, and short circuting the process shortcuts everyone. But there are no beefs or gripes. Just a desire to tell all of you how things may look a year or two down the road.
    I am doing well, except for the weight gain, which I expect will shed after I relocate and move north and get back into life. But it is well over a hundred degrees today, for the 3rd day in a row of early summer heat, and even CJ the Chow Chow has no disire to combat the elements. My pain level is very low, when I take my Norco 10’s (2) in the morning and evening, and when I do not take them, the throbbing and nerve pain returns, but over all it is much less severe. I fear it will always be there, but it also covers the 6 knee ops, 3 foot ops, one shoulder, one back surgery and a serious head injury I incurred from 10 years as a police officer. But the pain is much much less.
    Thanks to orthopedic shoes, and soles, the left a height adjustment, and the right a rocker sole for my non operating ankle function, and a brace and cane, I get around quite well.
    A disability plate really helps, and the docs now offer a wallet card indicating the hardware in your ankle for ease of security at airports. Make sure you take advantage if able and applicable.
    The biggest complaint, and perhaps the most serious that you all can relate to is weight gain and sleep problems. It is very hard to sleep and toss and turn with an ankle boot on, but very hard not to sleep without it, due to emergencies (fire, flood) and pain due to fragility and fraility. But those are inconviences, sleep apnea is a killer!
    I suffered from sleep apnea anyway, but it became much more severe after the break, and finally submitted to a sleep study which placed me on oxygen, with little success, and now will soon be getting a BiPap forced breathing machine, with nasal pillows and snorkel, to force me to breath in deep REM sleep, as my brain fails to remember to breath on its own in REM at night, and not drift off into unconsciousness and near death, as I had before, because of the change and worsening of my sleep habits.
    But the main point is that you slowly get better, you move on, and it all gets better. For those that return 100 percent I applaud you and am glad for you, and for those that are rewarded with less, you learn to deal with what you have. None of us are invulnerable nor immortal, thank God, and we all start to fall apart as soon as we are born, so this is good practice for what certainly comes next. In my case the good thing is that I was now eligable for Social Security Disablilty, and MediCare, actally from being rear ended on duty in my unit police unit in my retirement job as a Tribal Police Officer, back in March of 2000, but because of all that, which had not yet kicked in when I broke my ankle, and with AARP supplemental coverage which covers whatever Medicare does not completely cover, I am now in better health than I would be if I had no insurance, which was the case when I broke my ankle, in that two year no coverage zone when granted SSA disability but not yet awareded because of a two year wait (perhaps hoping that one will expire) before it is awarded, but MediCare is truly great. I was not awarded SSA disability until Nov. 2005, so MediCare did not kick in until Nov. 2007.
    It is truly too bad we do not all have a single payer non profit health plan now, and we may never have, because of the capitalist for profit model the insurance companies big Pharma now use, because we all know that it is breaking the back of labor and the economy in general, but perhaps it will he an “option” with the Obama health plan. At least I hope so. If we still utiilize the for profit model, at least one would hope that the greed may be lessened and the public good enhancend, but insurance companies are already balking on the proimise to cut 2 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. Greed and profit are too too big to combat, just as in global warming, to costly to fight, so we all suffer short term gain for long term, perhaps extinction level, loss. Sorry, enough politics.

    But things do get better, the pain decreases, mobility increases or gets better, and life goes on. We are stuck with what we end up with anyway, so we must try to live with the consequences anyhow.

    Remember to go slow with your recovery. One of the things I was most struck with in reading other postings was how fast and how hard people worked to
    “get back”, running, jumping, etc… to return to normalcy, for social life, exercise, relationships, the gamut of reasons, but an ankle injury really goes at its own pace, and you shortchange yourself at your own detriment.

    Listen to your doctor and your rehab therapist. They really do know mostly whats up, and if something seems really wrong, get a second opinion.

    Remember that everything is subjective, not objective. Our injuries, however slight, or serious, are our injuries, and are the most injurious to us, and we must live with the consequences. One must still remember that others, less or more, are going through their injury, and sometimes it is hard to see things in that light. But on the whole members of this blog have been the best. I thank all of you and others now gone for listening to me go on, and on, and on. Not really, that bad, kidding, mostly. But still, Thanks!!!!

    And thanks to Christy for starting this website, and maintaining it, and keeping it going. Many many thanks indeed!!!

    It will get better, be better, and on your anniversary dates, which may seem very far off right now, they do come and go, and things fall into place, and one gains perspective. And we adjust to whatever we are left with.

    I hope everyone continues healing and growing. And my thanks, again to all of you.

    Take care Anklebreakers, and remember, Watch Your Steps!

    Special hellos to AnkleQuest, Don, Sandra, Nick, Andy, and many others I can no longer recall the names, but hope you are all doing well.

    Clark Drown

  12. Kelley, belated thanks for the research offer – haven’t been on computer much the past few days….

    went back to doctors yesterday – two more months in the boot – pt starts today – absolutely does not want me to return to work until June 10th – that situation has still not improved – taking it day by day. Good luck on your interview! Hope everyone is doing well.

  13. Hey Wes,

    I guess you could say my area of expertise is Business Development / Project Coordinating. The recruiters that are most beneficial to me tend to focus on executive support. I’m meeting on Monday with the office of the recruiter who’s always on the Dr. Phil show, cross your fingers for me!

    Thanks for your help 🙂

    Kelley

  14. Kelley,

    I never heard back from you..
    My cousin is a recruiter in Dallas.. He does recruiting for IT and if thats not your area of expertise he may have friends within other areas there.

    Let me know,
    Wes

  15. Nicole,
    You took the first step in getting an EMG. Good for you!
    One thing I would stress is to immediately begin desensitizing your feet, rub your feet, softly touch them, touch them with a soft sock, then slowly progress to rougher textures, thus getting your feet used to the feeling, run your foot over a tennis ball, back and forth. At first, this will not feel good, but it will — eventually.
    I, and a few others on here, suffer from CRPS — Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Some others suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Both of which can be the result of trauma. But, it is best to wait for your dr.s interpretation. I take Neurotin to treat mine, but it does not work 100% of the time, sometimes not even 40%. It varies. The rest of the time, movement helps immensely. I know it is uncomfortable, and even quite painful (at night, my feet will burn so badly I sleep with a cooling pack in my night splint), but keep working through it, really — it is the best answer. But, this is where your dr.s response to your testing is necessary, because there are many ways to handle different nerve pain.
    I have so much nerve damage, that when my MD was doing my EMG, I asked if she was going to do my right leg and she replied, “I already did”. OOPS! HA!
    Maybe we should look at it as a good thing that you felt the EMG probe. 🙂
    But, really work on desensitizing your foot — it really, really helps.

    Otherwise, as per my usual response, pie…pie and tea always make things better (at least temporarily). Of course lately, most of my pies have been sugar free as many of the Senior Citizens around me are diabetic…a bit difficult to make a really satisfying sugar free pie.

    Umm, actually, come to think of it, if you’re not moving much, pie isn’t such a good answer…

    Alritty! My brother just sent me a text saying I needed to have my junk out of the living room before he comes home from work, or he won’t take me to to the Occupational Therapist to get measured for my brand new set of custom wheels tomorrow – YEEHAA! So, I better get busy and begin picking up. Good Luck to you, Nicole —
    and I hope everyone else is doing well!

    trac

    PS one of the Elderlies that I mention so frequently on here died yesterday. she was my buddy, we hung out chatting over coffee every morning, running errands, playing bingo. tomorrow is a memorial service. if I do not seem sad, it is because, while still a bit shocked, I am rather glad she passed quickly, as she had pancreatic cancer, quite painful. But, it is never easy. She was only 64. Not really elderly.

    She’s not the first one to go of our group. Sheesh, Recreating & working w/the Elderly, while extremely fun and enlightening, sure can be a heartbreaker. They always say I’m good for their spirits, but I wonder if they truly know how good they are for mine. I tell them. Repeatedly. But, I hope she knows how much she kept me smiling, when I really didn’t want to.

  16. Nic,

    I agree with Lee, it sounds like nerve damage. I want to WebMD and read the symptoms for nerve damage – you might wanna check it out. I’d also go see a doctor if you can.

    Good luck!

    Kelley

  17. Lee, I have looked through all of last year found a few posts.. my computer doesnt like me very much these days and every time i scroll down to new post on page it freezes and starts back at newest…. ugggh annoying .. anyway if anyone else has same pain in toes and any tips on helping this i would appreciate it alot.. feels like toes are being squeezed in a tight shoe.. stings like a sunburn can bend them a little

  18. Nicole,

    You probably have some nerve damage. It happens. Go back and read some of the posts from last summer. There were people with quite bad toe pain and did a lot of research. I think there are some discussions about medication and PT for it. Let us know the results.

    -Lee

  19. Question:

    does anyone have alot of toe issues since ankle break. my toes are so painfull dont bend very well but always feel tight like wearing a shoe way too small. very sensitive almost sunburnt feeling. i stubbed them the other day and almost went throught the roof. i still have very limited feeling on bottom of my foot however went for that emg nerve study..eeekkk never again and still waiting on results just curious if i am alone in this
    my foot hurts more than my ankle and always has.. its irritating how it works

  20. Kelley, what a nice offer for Susan! I hope things are going better and you’re able to get some clarity on how to move forward with the toe touch and walking, and that you can get some agreement with your boss on how to manage during this time. It’s always interesting to me that the companies involved with health care are almost always the worst when it comes to employees needing medical leave. Trac had a similar problem and ended up losing her job. It’s just SO wrong!

    I’m pulling for all of you out there.

    I had a bit of a breakthrough yesterday. Ever since my first foray into PT last September, I’ve had a really big problem with scar tissue and a locking sensation on the tibia side of my ankle that caused quite a limp. Turned into tendonitis and plantar fasciaitis (sp?). While not debilitating, it was quite painful and really irritating to not be able to get past it. I’m not sure what happened yesterday – maybe some scar tissue broke away or maybe the repaired tendon on the other side is give me better support, or maybe the PT who was so rough yesterday moved something – but it is 80% better! No more locking, no more pulling. Dare I say it almost feels *normal*? Maybe it’s the passage of time – I have no idea. I thought I was going to be stuck with this limitation forever and I have some hope now that I may one day see an almost normal ankle. Who knew? Well, it’s not normal yet, and I’m nowhere near running, jumping, skiing, or many of the things I want to get back to (wearing heels anyone?), but it’s all quite encouraging. I feel great!

    Take care all.
    -Lee

  22. Hi there,

    Susan – Do you have short term disability? I didn’t and the 2nd week I was out I didn’t receive pay, which is why I went back to work so soon. Unfortunately, as an employee our fate often lies in the hands of our superiors who often do not take everything into consideration. I’m sure you are well aware of the dynamics in your office and you will do what you feel needs to be done to secure your position. I really do hope that everything works out.

    If you live in a decent size city you could look for support groups who surely have methods of helping people who need rides, or any kind of help. I’m in Dallas, and there are a couple that I came across. I have plenty of free time now so if you want me to put my research skills to work just let me know what city you live in and I’ll see what I can come up with.

    Kelley

  23. Susan – it sounds like things are tough with your employer. My understanding is that they have to put you on disability and give you a medical leave if your Dr. says it’s necessary. That said, the Dr. usually puts the worst case scenario on the paperwork so they don’t have to file it again. My first surgeon put me out for 12 weeks after my accident. I was actually only out 2, though worked from home. Same with the second surgery – was expected to be out 4 weeks, was out 2, but from home where my leg could be elevated above my heart much of the day. The “toe touch” direction is similar to mine. The Dr wanted me to be touching my toes to the floor and putting a little pressure on them (25% of my normal weight, he said). The goal was to get my body weight to stretch out the achilles and limber up the ankle a little, as it was stuck stiff with scar tissue. That did not mean to “walk” on it – it was just a little pressure as I was crutching. I do, however, agree with Anklequest, that a second opinion could not hurt.

    My update is good. Had a CT scan last week and saw the Dr Wednesday. Looks like there ares me gaps in the bone growth, but there is enough bridging bone that he’s not worried about me walking on it. Turns out I did just a little too much and caused it to swell up like a balloon. So, I’ve backed down on the walking, spend a few hours in the boot, and lots of massaging, soaking etc. All is good on my end.

    Happy Mother’s day to all you Moms!

    Cheers,
    Lee

  24. Susan,

    Your trip sounds absolutely horrible. What a bad “break.”

    You need to see another doctor for a 2nd opinion. Ask around to see if there’s another doc with a good reputation who specializes in ankles. I was told by my doctor (I had a similar break)that many people who have this type of break cannot work on their feet all day for at least 6 months. I don’t see how you could do your job for at least a few months. I’m all for doctors encouraging people to get back out there and not use wheelchairs (most of us here did not use wheelchairs) but this sounds like way to fast to me. This situation sounds like it would put me into a clinical depression if I wasn’t already in one.

    I went back to work gradually after 6 weeks but could do most of my job sitting down with my leg up under my desk; plus people helping me out with various tasks. Even then it was tough to get around. I did drive to work with my left foot but sure was very careful about that. At the time I was also quite fit for being 63 and walked my dog 2 miles a day, so that was helpful.

    Will continue..Hi Wes!!!

  25. Part 1 – Fell down the steps on Good Friday taking my dog out for a potty break – two freakin steps – was told that I had two breaks in the tibia and a nasty break in the fibula – plate and screws inserted in the fibula (right leg). Surgery the following day. Was told at that time no weight bearing for six weeks.

  26. I’ve actually considered trying to drive with my left foot 🙂 or taking off the boot and putting on a sandal and toe driving 🙂

    Pushed myself a little bit yesterday ankle/lower leg swelled something terrible. Will send another post with how I injured myself, etc.

  27. Susan, I type my messages in here then BeForE you click the submit button, copy your message and you can either wait to see it went through and check the page.. or.. you can save it to a ms word doc real quick like juuuuust in case it doesnt show.. I made that mistake here a few days or so ago and likewise do not see my post lol…

    Kelley.. what type of work do you do,, (ahh..my question mark button on the lap top isnt working..haha)
    My cousin is a recruiter in and for the Dallas area.. I believe its in the area of computer IT type stuff ..

    Wes

  28. Part 1

    Broke my right leg/ankle on Good Friday. Fell down the steps – two steps while taking my dog out for her final potty trip of the evening. It was raining and I was barefoot as usual – guess I slipped – don’t know it happened so fast – knew it was bad – heard the “snap” when it happened.

    I was not home – in another state – rural mountains of southern VA. Nearest hospital was over 30 miles away. When I got to the hospital I was told that I had two breaks in the tibia and and bad break in the fibula which would require surgery and a specialist which they were not equipped to handle. I was transported to another hospital (1 1/2 away). Xrays redone – surgery next day (Saturday) – was told at that time absolutely no weight bearing on right leg for six weeks. Part II to follow shortly.

  29. Susan, you may have to break it up into several pieces.
    Also, type it up into Microsoft Word and copy so you don’t have to retype it.

    Life is frustrating!

    Good Luck!

  30. Have tried 5 times now to post my story. Long, long posts – each time I have hit the submit comment button and then the post disappears and nothing. What am I doing wrong? I know that this will post. 🙂

  31. So this is my third attempt to tell everyone how I broke my leg/ankle. Wrote out the saga earlier today hit the submit comment button and nothing so here goes again :-).

    Good Friday I fell down the steps – stupid – two little steps – taking my dog out for her final potty trip of the night. It was raining and I was barefoot as usual and I guess I slipped and next thing I know I was down but as I hit I heard the “snap” and I knew that I had broken something. So I was not at home and was with my boyfriend – he has property – rural mountain property in southwestern Virginia. Closest hospital was over 30 miles away in NC. So off we go. Hospital there says that I had two breaks in the tibia and a major break in the fibula (right leg) and that I needed surgery and a specialist and that they were not equipped to handle it. So they transported me to another hospital (1 1/2 away). They redo the xrays and I had the surgery on Saturday where they did the plate/screws in the fibula. I was told then that absolutely no weight bearing on the right leg for 6 weeks. I was released that day (Saturday) at my request because I had to get home to Maryland. Had a 2 hour day back to the boyfriends place to get my dog and then a 7 hour day back to my home. 12 days later had the staples removed by the surgeon who had done my knee surgery several years earlier. He put me in the boot at that time and told me that I should be toeing down whenever I was on my foot. My work insisted that he give an anticipated return to work date so he gave the date of June 10 which is two months to the day of my accident.

    I am a quality assurance/fraud investigator for the government. I survey/audit assisted living facilities/personal care agencies etc. to determine quality assurance compliance and investigate potential medicaid fraud. Working conditions vary – building conditions are never the same.

    I also have the added twist of having suffered from clinical depression and have dealt with that for several years. Job stress/burnout was the contributing factor so the job is probably not looking to work with me now. This is probably the final straw. I’ve been working for them for 20 years now. Probably more information than everyone wants. Thanks for listening. Hope this goes through.

  32. Hello!

    Kelley, prior to the accident, I was a massage therapist, and I will second what your sister and Anklequest say, it does help. I have severe scars from skin grafts and used massage therapists to massage them on a regular basis. This helped them to become soft and pliable, plus not so raised.

    Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. I will be interested in reading what Anklequest has to say, as she is filled with useful information. I can understand how you feel. When it all happened to me, I was very scared. I would begin by contacting everyone, esp. your bank/mortgage broker. It is important to keep a level head, especially now, as your healing needs it, also, it make it easier for you to work with people that may prove to be difficult. I know, it is such a difficult and scary time right now, but, as Anklequest said, there are ways. It took work, but, people helped. I know in my town there are many organizations that help. Also, do you belong to a church? Also, it is very difficult to ask people, but, Catholic Charities is a fantastic organization, helps people regardless of denomination. As far as medications, your doctor’s financial dept may know how to help you get them for free, if not, I will show you a website. Most medical/hospitals have a financial hardship program, you can apply for. If you have a pet, there are programs to help you feed your pet. I got most of my medical equipment at a reduced amount, some free, by utilizing a medical loan program. You can go online to find this. I know in my city, the United Way has a line (you call 211) and you are connected to people who know how to get you help. If you are unemployed, immediately apply for unemployment, as long as you are looking for employment.
    I know these aren’t specifics, but, I was able to find a lot of help when, after my accident, I found myself financially exhausted and let go from my job (they said they would pay my benefits but did not and did not tell me, so my cobra waiting period had passed).

    Good Luck, Susan — I hope you get some help.
    Happy Healing to everyone and Happy Mothers’ Day to all of you Moms! 🙂

    take care,
    traci

  33. Right ankle break on April 10th not 100% sure of all details yet – fell down the steps on Good Friday taking my dog out to do a potty break. Was actually in another state visiting when this happen. Ankle immediately swelled to the size of small watermellon. First hospital said that I broke the tibia in two places and the fiblua and that I needed surgery and a specialist and that they were not equipped to do it. Very rural area by the way. They transported me to another hospital (1 1/2 away) where they re-xrayed, etc. and they did the surgery – plate, screws in the fiblua. I was told at that time 6 weeks of absolute no weight bearing at all on the right leg. When I came home to Maryland I saw the surgeon who did my knee surgery a few years earlier. He removed my staples 12 days after surgery and put me in the boot. He told me at that time that I should start toeing down when I walked with my walker, etc. My job involves quality assurance/fraud investigation for Medicaid. I survey assisted living facilities on site as well as personal care facilities to determine compliance with federal regulations and to ensure that quality of care, etc. I know that at this time I can not go to the provider’s facilities and inspect them . I pushed myself today and have been on my feet for the past three hours my ankle, lower leg has swelled like you wouldn’t believe and it hurts really bad. I’m going to go back as soon as I can but I don’t want to push myself and end up doing damage to my leg that causes me harm later. Thanks for listening.

    Kelley, sorry you lost your job. If I wasn’t 51 with only a high school education maybe I wouldn’t be so worried about losing this job. I just know that I can’t compete with college graduates. I’ve been with this company for 20 years and I’ve worked my way to where I am. I’m the only one at this level where I work without the “education”.

  34. Kelly,
    Pushing the scar around for a few minutes a day is likely enough, but it needs to be done. A physical therapist friend told me to do it and it was very helpful. Good Luck!

    Anklequest

  35. Oh, one more thing I found out. My sister who has broken both of her feet at different times told me the other day that I am supposed to be massaging the actual scar hard enough to enable it to tear away from the scar tissue underneath. That sounds like a bad way to spend an evening. What if I just talk to it nicely and give it aromatherapy? That’s funny, I crack myself up at 5:43 am.

    Can anyone confirm this mid-evil form of massage?

    I would like to respond to you guys in more detail but I just got a new laptop (company took my other one), and I haven’t caught up on the posts.

    Nighty Night,

    Kelley

  36. Hi guys,

    Susan I am sorry that your employer is not an understanding person – mine wasn’t either. I was fired last Wednesday. I was only out for 2 weeks and then when I returned I missed 2 more days and had to leave a little early on a couple due to the painful swelling. They got be because I showed up at 9 am when the meeting started, but I was supposed to be there at 7:45 – news to me.

    When I was in the HR office they wouldn’t give me any answers, they just kept saying, “We’ve had this conversation.” So I’m on the hunt here in Dallas, TX for a new opportunity. I can walk now, so that’s good. It’s actually great, I’m just kinda bummed about the overall situation.

    Anybody know any awesome recruiters in Dallas? You can see my sleep schedule is a wreck b/c I’m typing this at 5:33 – haha.

    Have a great weekend everyone!!!

    Kelley
    Bimollear 3/11/09

  37. Susan,

    What kind of job do you have?

    (Also, How did you break your ankle & what kind of break?)

    I’ll give you some advice but would have to know the above first.

    Hopefully this problem can be resolved in a reasonable and rational manner.

    Anklequest

  38. Hey everyone, doing an emergency dump right now. I did send a post last week – rather long one detailing how I had broken my ankle and for some reason it didn’t show up and I just didn’t have it in me to retype it. Hope this one shows up.

    So, right now I’m in serious panic mode – my work had insisted on an “anticipated return to work date” so my doctor gives a date of June 10th which is 2 months to the day of my break. I am informed today that I am no longer being paid because they (the powers that be) feel that I can return to work now. But I can’t return to work until my doctor signs off stating that I can physically do everything that my job entails. I’m so scared I don’t know what to do. Today is the 4 week mark. I go back to the doctor next Thursday. I can’t survive a month without pay – I’ll lose my health insurance and I won’t be able to make my mortgage payment next month – I don’t know what to do. My boss makes the comment today that I should at least be making the attempt to come to work and that if she had a broken leg she would be coming to work – come on really? I don’t know – someone tell me is it me? All I know is that I honestly just don’t know how I can do it.

  39. Trac, I’ll have some pie please 🙂

    Party Party 🙂

    Started a part time job with step dad to pass the time and bring a few extra dollars.. literally.. about 175 total a week.. mmm weak.. lol but it juuuust gives us a tiny bit while starting the school thing… dinky classes to get going since the program I want doesnt start til next year. But I have to have at least one class completed to be accepted and doing others in the mean time as well will get me that much closer to getting my Bachelors after I’ve completed my Associates

    Susan, this is not Drs advice and I NEVER told you this was Ok.. hehe.. but my friend broke his entire right leg. So he borrowed / swapped vehicles with someone who had a small truck that was easy to slide in and out of with an automatic.. there was no hump or center console in the way so he was able to slide his right leg further over and drive with his left 😉
    I can hear a bunch harping on me now for giving that advice, but hey..it is what it is, take it with a grain of salt, talk with your Dr and know your bodies limits..what not to push and whats a good limit TO push…

    Wes

  40. Good Morning Everyone, It’s raining pretty hard here in Maryland and I’m sitting here surrounded by my cats (3) and my beagle with a cup of tea 🙂 no pie Trac but I’ll pretend 🙂

    O.K. so to answer some earlier questions on Good Friday I took my dog out for her last potty break of the evening and slipped and fell two steps off my boyfriend’s back porch. Heard the bone break. This happened in the mountains of southwestern virginia. Closest hospital was over 30 miles away in North Carolina. So off we go – my leg/ankle had immediately swelled to at least three times the normal size – get to the hospital they take xrays, etc. by 1:00 in the morning they tell me that I need a specialist so they send me by ambulance to another hospital an 1 1/2 away and they do they thing and tell me that I need surgery and that I have broken the tibia/fibia and that I need a plate/screws etc.

    Had the surgery on Saturday morning, was released Saturday evening – had a two hour drive back to the boyfriends mountain place – than had a 7 hour drive back to my home in Maryland the next day in a pick-up truck with me sitting sideways with my legs across the front seat and my dog sitting along side me – talk about a trip 🙂 – so that’s how I broke my leg/ankle 🙂

    Saw my surgeon up here four days after I got home – he takes the staples out 11 days after surgery – then tells me totally different stuff from what the doctors in NC told me. The doctors in NC tell me no weight bearing for 6 weeks – doctor here puts me in the boot after he takes the staples out and tells me to start putting my foot down now – I’m only three weeks out – then he tells me I’m supposed to keep my leg elevated above my heart so I’m confused as to what I’m supposed to do – he’s not being very clear or easy to talk to right now. Actually yelled at me last week when he took the staples out cause I asked for a wheel chair in the event that I was able to get out to the store or something cause I was hopping on one foot with my walker and I couldn’t visualize myself hopping down the aisle in the grocery store and he said nope he wasn’t getting me a wheelchair and when I asked how I was suppose to get around he said I was suppose to struggle and to work. I was totally stunned – I’m not lazy and I’m one of the hardest working people I know and this has been really hard for me. So anyway – long post this morning – what does everyone think?

  41. Hi All,

    Susan – I know how you feel about being concerned about work. I think what Lois is getting at is that all of us are different. Each injury is different, each body heals differently, and each of us have different home and work set ups. I had a pretty ugly trimalleolar fracture with dislocation, and my healing has been tough. I went back to work on my crutches and in my boot at 8 weeks post surgery. But, I work at a desk and was able to elevate on a chair most of the day, as well as ice several times a day. My employer got me a freezer for my office so I could keep ice packs on hand. I had to hire a college student to drive me, as I could not drive for 12 weeks. This time, I’m 6 weeks out from surgery, and have been working at home since week 2. I’m going back to the office, again in my boot, tomorrow. Will elevate, ice, and hobble around as before. 8-12 weeks feels pretty reasonable to me. I wish you the best of luck as you figure it out, and Im so sorry to hear you’re on your own through this. You need support and help – let us provide the support, and I’m full of ideas as to what worked for me.

    Trac – I’m glad to hear you’re re-scheduled for surgery. It is hard to hear about the next one before you’ve even had this one – I know how that feels, but nothing like yours. We’re rooting for you. And I know what you mean about feeling down in the dumps. Sometimes it hits me too. With this last little set back, I’m beginning to realize that my leg will never be what it was before my injury. There will always be limitations. Mine will be pretty minor, I think – I’ll be able to walk and drive and run my daily life, but I’ve finally realized that skiing is no longer in my future, nor is running and probably hiking. It’s hard to face. It’s depressing. I can only imagine how you feel, being such an outdoorswoman. Sigh. Feel free to vent. I can feel ya, sister!

    Lois – get that think in your foot checked out! It is not unheard of for the body to spit out loose foreign bodies. I had a lot of bone fragment in my joint, which got cleaned out with the scope in the last surgery, but it’s possible it would have worked itself out on it’s own. And bodies spit out glass and other stuff. It could be a stitch that never dissolved and is being worked out. If it’s a screw or staple, you need it removed. Let us know …. fascinating how we all work.

    So, I went for my CT Scan on Friday. Results will be delivered when I see the Dr again on Wednesday, but for now, I’m back in my boot. It hurt after 2 days in shoes and 1 visit to the PT. The nurse told me the report did say there was bridging bone in the fibula, but maybe not strong enough yet. I may just need 8 weeks to heal, not 6. I can live with that. I’m disappointed, but I want it to heal, so I’m not going to challenge it. Will let you know how it goes on Wednesday. And, Wes, yes I am taking my calcium, vit. D and magnesium!

    Take care all – I’m thinking about you all.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  42. I broke my right ankle – plate is in my fibula – I am on my own and don’t have anyone do drive me and all my coworkers live on the other side of the town. Doctor said it could possibly take 8-12 weeks for the bones to heal.

    Can’t talk right now will come back later….

  43. Susan,,, some questions for you. (perhaps you answered some of them before but I cannot recall) How did you break your ankle?
    Is it your right or left ankle? (driving is different depending on which ankle)
    What exactly did you break? One or two bones?
    More straightforward or complicated breaks?
    I believe you said you have a plate and about six screws like I have, Is this correct? Is that plate on your fibula?
    Are you on your own, or do you have a partner (or even a coworker who could drive you to work?

    Also, what do you work at?
    Do you have to stand while working or can you sit?
    If you sit, can you elevate your leg while working?
    What does your employer say?. Does he/she have a way to accommodate you working to make it easier for you. For example Lee seems to be accommodated by working from home at present.

    These are questions which might help us give you better answers for when you might realistically be able to return to driving and employment.

    Also, what is it that you are concerned about with your doctor?

    Trac,,, thanks for your response to me. I really appreciated it. I know that it seems like a silly stupid minor problem because it is, but wanted to mention it and ask because I am sure somehow it is related to the broken ankle. Just another one of those dumb things. Don’t you ever feel bad about having a down day, believe me you have been through so much, that it’s amazing you are as optimistic as you are kiddo. I’m all for the pie and tea too,,, and beautiful weather in the Midwest sounds good. We had a gorgeous day here today too in British Columbia. Perfect temperature and perfect sunshine,,, a great day for lunch on the patio with the relatives I mentioned, but a bit of wind this evening and it’s supposed to rain overnight or tomorrow. It has become so muggy outside this evening though that a lightening storm would not surprise me.

    Wes, how is the school going?

    Take care,, Lois

  44. Hello!!!

    Weather is beautiful here in Middle America. Had a brilliant day of shopping and rolling around the lake.

    Susan, your Flashdance reference was perfect. I laughed out loud. I remember my first shower on my own, in my home. I so recall sitting there just letting the water hit me. I took 3 in one day, they felt so good.

    Lois, I had something similar — not exactly as you described, but quite close. For me, it was a piece of wire. I was due to go in for a knee manipulation, so, he simply repaired it while I was under for the manipulation. So, unfortunately, I don’t know what they would do for you — but, I’d have it checked out.

    I really was feeling in the dumps all day, yesterday. Things are good, they really are — but, I was so bummed. I couldn’t look up, because I felt like I would be looking my reality in the eye, and I didn’t want to see it. I’m tired of everything being so hard. But, then, the next day it’ll all seem fine. My dr. said that our next step will “probably” be a hamstring lengthening. CAN WE DO AND HEAL FROM ONE SURGERY FIRST, PLEASE????
    Oh well. We shall see.

    So, I’m bumming over how I thought I saw a temporary end and now — yea, maybe not, and I’m bumming over not being able to really enjoy the outdoors…

    Susan and everyone, wanna, come on over for pie and tea? We can commiserate together… 🙂

    Alright, take care — I’m going to lose myself in a book about a small restaurant in rural France, and pretend.

    Have a good one!
    trac

  45. Hi everyone. So I have a new one for you. Last weekend when we were away, the bottom of my heel started becoming more and more sore, and I felt like something sharp was jabbing me when I walked. The bottom of your heel is not the easiest location to examine, but I could see some mild swelling and a thinnish black line under my skin which was something around a 1/2 inch or less in length. It sort of looked like someone had imbedded a black staple under my skin) And yes,,,this is in the heel of my bad ankle leg. Then it stopped hurting and I have been busy so I sort of put it out of my mind.

    Today I had relatives visiting and they remembered me mentioning it last weekend, so three of them examined it and declared that I did indeed have something imbedded in my heel under the skin. So, because I am certain that I have not stepped on anything,, I am wondering if perhaps a screw came loose and worked its way down into my heel and is lying sideways under the skin, or as my neice said she thought it might perhaps be a broken shard of darkened bone. Anyway, as I indicated, it is not bothering me at the moment, but I should likely get it checked. So, I was curious to know if anyone one here is aware of this happening with screws or bone splinters and if so, does one wait for them to work their way out or do they have to be dug out???

    I keep checking in to follow how everyone is doing. Lee I am sorry about your setback. Susan, are you hanging in okay and keeping your spirits up? Hi to everyone else as well. All the best, Lois

  46. Susan, It usually says ‘awaiting moderation’ yet it still posts 🙂 I only had one not post for awhile when I stuck a link to a picture in there. The program about had heart failure not knowing WhAt the picture was. Sadly, 🙁 it was just a picture of me.. I must be pretty scary looking
    😉

    Keep your chin up and whine away on here. After I got past 3 or 4 days with staples out I finally started massaging the spot gently with my fingers and got brave enough to put it in the water.

    Lee, youre probably right about that skier guy, and anklequest too. He stayed off of it a lot longer than most of us and when he did start rehabbing he went 150% working like an athlete. I do know that as I am at the gym 5 days a week now, 2.5 hours a day (switching through different muscle groups), then geocaching 4 or 5 times a week (lots of hiking and walking off of trails and on uneven groung) I took a couple different physicals and scored off the charts above others who havent had injuries and are in great physical shape. I even had to go high speed up and down ladders, do high speed squats, lunges, straight leg toe touches, jog, run, etc and hearing I surpass the others was AmaZiNG!!!

    StiLL doesnt mean I have full mobility back yet though.. I can put toe against a wall and bend forward flat foot and get my knee to the wall. Now I’ve improved over time and am able to bring my toe 2-3 inches away from the wall on good days and still get my knee to the wall.

    I am still worried about exactly what you said had happened to you though… I fear if I get the hardware out, that it may cause fracture at the screw site and leave me off my feet even longer.. One day I’ll get brave enough though…lol

    Have you bumped up your vitamins to help the bone heal faster since now there are holes in it… could or would that help any…

    Anyhow.. I gotta run,
    I too am keepin a close watch on all the posts even if I don’t always comment

    As Louise would say,
    Cheers 😉

  47. I sent a post yesterday – not sure if it showed up – it said something about “your comment is awaiting moderation” – what does that mean?

  48. Hello to all!

    Lee, that absolutely sucks! I was just about to type – dang you can’t get a break — but then I re-read it and it made me giggle…didn’t even mean it that way. I know that feeling of when you are ready for it to be over and then…it isn’t. Well, I hope it isn’t too bad and you can get the boot off sooner than later.

    My surgery has been rescheduled for 5/21. Memorial Day weekend. I could’ve waited — but it would’ve been middle of June. I just want to get a move on this. Otherwise, things are pretty good.

    I hope everyone is doing well and getting stronger. And, that it is getting a bit easier. I will keep sending good thoughts everyone’s way.

    Take Care!
    trac

  49. So I’m checking in Lee 🙂 – I’ve been reading everyone’s posts but sort of being miserable by myself.

    Sorry for the setback/complication – hang in there.

    Question for everyone – I may have asked it already – if so, sorry – how long before reasonable expectation of returning to work? Friday will make 3 week date of break – Saturday 3 week date of surgery. Staples came out last Friday. I go back to doctor on May 14 and then we will discuss pt until then I’m to continue to keep leg elevated, etc. Looking for a “realistic” time frame – just so that I sort of have an idea of what to expect. How can I go back to work when I’m supposed to keep leg elevated, can’t drive, can’t walk? I’m scared….

    I finally got to take a shower last weekend after the staples came out – oh happy, happy day. Put a chair in the shower, plastic bag over the foot, and I just sat in the shower – oh god – sort of like the flashdance song – what a feeling 🙂 – I could have sat there for hours 🙂

    Not sure about things with my doctor – may run some of them by you all in a few days – need to think on them some more – hope everyone is doing well – thank you all for thinking of me….

    Susan

  50. Well I have an update. Saw the Dr today. There’s a little complication with my metal removal. At the main fracture site, it appears that I have broken the bone again at one of the screw hole sites. He won’t know for sure until he does a CT scan. Darn it! He told me to give it a go in my shoe and if it starts hurting badly, put the boot back on. I guess it’s not too big of a deal – the treatment is to keep the boot on for a few more weeks. Totally sucks. I was hoping to be good to go for now. But I will give it a go in the shoe and see if I’m ok. If not, back I go into the boot and slow down the PT.

    Sigh.

    More when I know it. Hope all out there are doing well. Kelley, hope your doing ok. Check in and let us know. Susan – how are you coming along. I’m checking in and happy to keep you company!

    -Lee

  51. Hi all! Wes- I just had to watch the Tanner Hall video – anyone who can break both ankles and then be back on the slopes 10 months later is something I’ve gotta see. Geezsh! That crash was icky to watch. You could hear the smash and I can only imagine the pain he felt. Turns out he broke both heels, the talus, and the tib fib. And he broke BOTH at the same time. Yikes. I guess the difference is that he is a top notch athlete with training expertise at his fingertips. My PT was telling me that prof. athletes do nothing but work to come back faster. It’s different than for us normal people. So, it is possible, but not usual.

    Kelley – you can expect some level of swelling for 6-8 months, and then sporadic swelling here and there for years to come. MY PT told me the daily swelling will happen for at least 8 months, and she was about right. At 8 months, mine was only swelling up at the end of the day and then only really bothering me if I’d been on my feet too long. I’m expecting the same now after my 2nd surgery.

    Trac – So, I’m amazed. They tried to fuse you in the first surgery and it didn’t take? Is that because there was too much broken bone? And now? What’s the difference now? Do they think that they have bone surface to work with so it’ll work? So, what’s the plan for that next surgery? Have they rebooked it? I do hope so – I want you to be abel to move forward with your life. It’s been a long time!

    I don’t have much of an update. Just waiting out my time to get back to PT and out of the boot. It’s been 5.5 weeks now. It’s moving slowly. But I am walking around well in the boot and wiggling my foot as much as possible. Not driving much, but I can get to the store and back for groceries. It’s amazing what you can do when you have to! I see the Dr on Wednesday and hope to be free then!

    More late. Take care all.
    -Lee

  52. Hello everyone!!!!!

    Anklequest….that makes sense about the flat footed ness and ingrown toenails I guess. I have never had one before, so yeah I guess so. Still havn’t got round to go to the docs, but will need to if it hasn’t gone some more by like tuesday or something! :S And thanks as well Wes for your input. Dont know why your fingernails are breaking! Thats rather odd. lol!

    OK, so I have had my one year ankle break aniversary! 23rd april was the one year mark, and 24th for the sugery! Eeek! So strange to think this time last year I had only got home from hospital yesterday, and wa drugged up to the MAX on painkillers, and the like! Seems like an age ago, but on the other hand, it doesn’t seem like 2 minutes ago either! Strange. I have done so much since I broke and dislocated it, and almost hard to remember life pre break. But it does get much better for those who are not as far along!

    Off to a theme park tomorrow, so that will really test it I guess being on my feet all day in queues and stuff, as I havn’t been on my feet for THAT long, well actually no thats a lie….I went round NYC like a fortnight after I was walking (go me!) so yeah…it will be fine Im sure! 🙂

    Hope everyone is doing ok!
    Kelley, I cried soooo much when I was trying to cope with day to day livin! If you need help with showering, you could always wear a bikini/swimcostume just to make u feel fresher, and get some help that way. Would make life a lot easier. Wish I ahd thought about that when I broke mine! lol!

    Louise xx

  53. Kelly..I love your post! Very funny! You are in luck! Only a bimalleolar so not nearly as bad. You should be in good shape in no time…maybe 10 years or so.

    Houston Wes. I was told something very interesting this week by a colleague who broke a bone in the bottom part of area below the ankle. She was told absolutely no activity for 3 months and had a cast up to her knee. Her doc told her that people start far to early with pressure on broken ankle and foot bones, and that if she waited longer she would not have problems in the future. And this turned out to be true. Has never had a problem since the break she had in her 20’s, as if it never happened. Could this have been tha case with the skiier that you brought up? Or, perhaps the breaks were not as serious as some of ours.

    Trac! It is sad that you have to find out all this stuff so belatedly. Who initially treated you? What kind of accident did you have? Sounds pretty bad!

    All the best to all the broken ankle folks out there! Don’t rush to get going too fast! It takes time to heal.

    Anklequest

  54. Oh ya, I saw a guy ona TV show, Tanner Hall, a sports junky. He wrecks on skis BaD..broke both abkles. He was skiing again in 10 months. Hmm HOW.. I wonder how bad the fractures were (bi or trimalleolar?) They said he couldn’t put weight on them for 3 months then was on crutches.
    Maybe womeone can find more on his injury level online?

    Wes.. I’ll have what he’s having 😉

  55. Hi Kelly, of course I should say everybody heals differently & at different paces/levels, but u did say u didn’t want to hear 1 or 2 yrs..lol..so considering you’re noticing the swelling is down in the morning (as mine was too) and huge after work, I’d say u got a good shot of getting it down over the next 4.5 – 6 months if you stay ontop of it. Being as it was a bimalleolar too. I am a tri & found I wasn’t elevating it high enough during the day. its suppose to be wAY up there but I would just lean back in my office chair (safely and with a comfy throw pillow under my lower spine) and elevate it onto another pillow up on my work bench. The best way I kep the swelling down was when I had it higher than my heart and when I was able to keep my heart rate more relaxed. Of course two things that happen naturally as we sleep 😉

    how far along are you now? casts are off? you able to massage it yet or still in the realm of letting the cut feel more healed?

    I remembered trying to get over the shower hump when I just read your post. I had forgotten about that. I had to grab the top frame of the shower door and lift myself over it. That SuckEd.

    Trac, things get invented all the time, You may actually be right and the Drs are just too negative to realize it 🙂 Thatd be cool if something came out that got you to that level of mobility/walking/running, getting out and about again.. then when you get there you can go back to the Doc and say, “see, I told you I’d walk again”
    😉 keep your chin up and keep those Drs on their toes. And how about that warm weather 🙂

    Wes

  56. Hi ya’ll, I haven’t posted in a while – but I have comment on the “first cleansing”, hahaha.

    I was at my mom’s and she offered to help, but I refused b/c she hasn’t seen me naked since I was a baby – forget it, I’m 31! So as I tried to get in the stand alone shower I realized that hopping over the floor railing with one leg was impossible. It’s like trying to lick your elbow. So of course I start crying, feeling sorry for myself, etc… I don’t remember how I got in but I did. Then I sat there, on the seat, and cried – then I realized I was crying in the shower and how pathetic that was and cried more. I think it’s a mandatory experience in all this.

    So I was in the soft cast for 2 wks – hard cast for 2 wks – now I’ve been in a moon boot for about 2 wks and will be for another month or so. I stopped icing, massaging and stretching my foot 10 days ago and I can tell a difference – it definately helps, I will restart tonight.

    Here’s a question for the experts. The swelling is going down, I can tell in the mornings after my ankle is rested. And of course, when I get home from work it’s huge again. I have it elevated so my legs are at a 90 angle with my hips. Should I be wrapping the ace bandage tighter? Should I just deal with it (have no choice I guess)? How long does this lovely effect last. I bet you’re gonna tell me a year or 2.

    Trac – you’re a rockstar! I’ve never ran for sport, only necessity. But if I can ever start running agian I will for you. Now, running in the woods is iffy, I think danger follows me and I’m not Grizzly Adams.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

    Kelley (bimollear break 3/11/09)

  57. Hello!

    Lee, those are excellent recommendations — they made my showering so much easier. And, if you have a tub, get a shower chair/transfer bench. My aunt’s insurance paid for hers because she got a prescription for it,

    Well, I found out today that they tried fusion before and it didn’t take. He pointed out on the x-ray where the original surgeon tried. Interesting. I’m finding out a lot, I still don’t have any solid memory of the accident or two weeks after. I laughed and said,”I still believe I’m going to walk.” My surgeon replied, firmly,”Perhaps it is time you start telling yourself that you will never walk again. At least not naturally and for any distance.” I mean, I’ve heard this, you all know I have — but I guess I didn’t listen. I know what he is saying, acceptance leads to progress, right?

    Thanks for listening, things will be fine, they always are — different, but fine.

    90 degrees tomorrow! Crazy for this time of year…

    take care –
    trac

  58. Louise, I thought the nails thing was just me. I haven’t gotten an ingrown yeT.. but have to babysit not only my toenails but my fingernails too. They seem to be so easily broken, even if I don’t snag on anything. I feel like a girl having to continually have a fingernail file nearby evEryWhere I go.

    I thought maybe my bodies using whatever it used to keep my fingernails strong for the rebuilding of my ankle? Not sure, let me know too 🙂

    Wes

  59. LOUISE,
    My suspicion is that you might be a bit more flat footed than you use to be so your toes are not quite lined up the way they use to be. My toes are more sensitive to pressure than they use to be and I now still wear oversized running shoes or I’d have lots of toe and ankle problems. I cannot wear anything tight on my broken ankle foot. like you i am sun sensitive and, yes indeed, my ankle did swell up once when exposed to the sun.

    Keep us informed of your “activities!”

    Anklequest

  60. Well, my foot is still quite red although the swelling has now gone down! Thank goodness. I was sat in a park for about 5 hours having a picnic, playing ball games, listening to music and stuff with some friends, whcih was really good fun, but I just wish I hadnt burnt quite so much!!!

    The doctor wasn’t very helpful. He asked me if I had been on holiday and done it, to which I replied no, and he raised one eyebrow, with a slight smile on his face, and said “Well,maybe you should stay out of the sun in future!” Erm…..you think?? I THINK I may have worked that out! He then gave me a steroid cream to put on my foot and told me to ice and elevate it. He just said that as my foot is prone to swelling anyway, the added heat made it swell. I didn’t get my actual ankle scars burnt, it was the top of my foot, whcih is very sensitive. I get burnt easily anyway, and yes, it was warm last week, but not scorching heat!! My skin is like vampire skin,it sees the sun and shivels up.

    And to make matters even worse…I am taking anti-malaria tablets as of next week, which make me even MORE sensitive to the sun! Rubbish!!!!! Is that even possible? hee hee. (off to thailand on the 4th may, in case you were wondering why I am taking the malaria tablets……sooooo excited!)

    But the metal is still achey, and ankle is still stiff! Just want it out really I think. hmmm….

    Sounds like a bit of a gross question, but does anyone suffer now from ingrown toenails more than they did before? I have nevr had one in my life, and then since I have had the cast last year, I have had about 3 or 4, and the one I have now is rather painful! 🙁

    Hello to everyone, but also hello to susan!! You saying about your hairwashing, really brought back memories. I remember standing on one leg leaning over the bath attempting to wash my hair! It makes me smile now, although I ended up in tears on sooo many occasions before. You should start to get into some sort of routine though after a while…I did towards the end of my castness! hee hee.

    Hope everyone is doing well, ad enjoying any sunshine you might have (althoug remember children…sun protection please! lol!)

    Louise xx

  61. LoL..
    1st time I showered after surgery..yA.. I was so down & didn’t want 2 or believe I could maneuver round 2 do anything, even felt like I’d just lay there until the cast came off til I showered. but I’m not sure if it was encouragement, a feeling of mental strength that overcame me … or the sMeLL of me that overcame me 🙂 I crawled on knees to the ground level shower, wrapped a towel real good around the cast, another nicely around the knee to keep water from going down into it and for padding, then another on the tile and removed the shower head to take a shower half in and half out of the shower on my hands and knees. tears od sorrow were shed, BuT..so were tears of joy..lol..who else could understand that but those right here 😉

    hey everyone, remember my Geocaching I was doing to rehab? 🙂 well I was told today that my navigation system was defective from glitches I described to the manufacture so I had to send it back to have a replacement sent out. they said it could take 7-10 business days or longer 🙁 no toy for two weeks.. now I’m bored again 🙁

    I got to a point as I would be hiking across shrubs and off trails that I would stumble while using the nav and walking. I have rolled my feet in the hidden grassy dips and came out without pain nor swelling, still able to continue on 🙂 tHat’s a level I wanted to desperately get to again. That ones owed to the wobble board excersices I continue to do 🙂

    Trac, I ran across a lady at the gym today who’s dad had ankle fusion after a bad motorcycle accident and yet he ran a race out of sheer determination and militant mentality. She said he was determined and got to that point and was happier than any pain he had ever felt 🙂

    Wes

  62. Susan – I remember the feeling of being clean, but realizing how much effort it took! So, I have a few tips for you:

    1. Get a shower chair or stool. You can use it in the tub or in the shower stall. It lets you relax, get under the shower stream, and not risk additional injury. Try the drug store, medical supply or order on line.

    2. Handheld shower head … if you don’t have one, see if someone can help you hook one up with a diverter on your shower. Let’s you do a quick wash without getting fully in. Great for your hair too if all you want to do is wash it.

    3. A cast cover – I used trash bags and tape and a towel the first time. It worked, but was a pain and took 10 minutes to tape up. With this surgery, I went to a medical supply place and bought a cast cover that lets me get fully in the shower without fear of it getting wet. Easy on, easy off for about $20. You can find them on the web and order by mail … http://www.medcareproducts.com/castcovers/

    or

    http://www.drycorp.com/content/cast-bandage-protector-information/index.html?gclid=CMGGtrPz_5kCFRYiagodMDQ7LQ

    The second one will let you go swimming, if and when you feel up for it. Again – I could not first time around. Second surgery was easier and I have been swimming several times. Feels good to move my body.

    Or, get creative and see what else you can come up with. The tools make it all easier, but there are less expensive, creative solutions that make life just simpler – which is what you want and need right now. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

    I’m cheering for you!
    -Lee

  63. Susan,
    Hee Hee! I always say when I grow up I hope to be those on here! Describing washing your hair took me straight back, I would get so frustrated — and I never felt fully clean, and water would be all over the place. Yes. It does get better. But, as my other night spent bawling in cleansing self pity attests to — there are always those days that are crappy, too.

    Well, guess what? It is finally sunny and warm here in middle America — so, I’m going to go roll around, see if I can catch a bit of that sun glow Louise mentioned. Enjoy your day!

    Blessings,
    trac

  64. I want you all to know how much it has meant to me to know that you are here and that you have been so willing to open you hearts to me. I know that you understand how I feel even if I don’t quite understand everything yet. I think you are the most amazing group of people and you give me faith that I too will get through this. Trac one day when I grow up maybe I’ll be like you….

    So, last night I washed my hair in the kitchen sink and then hopped (walker) into the bathroom and straddled the tub with the good leg in the tub and the bad leg outside and managed with do a halfway decent wash. God, it’s amazing how good it feels to be clean :-)! Took 4 towels to do it but I was clean (so was most of the bathroom floor :-)).

    O.k. will check back in later, take care everyone,
    Susan

  65. Good Morning to all!

    Louise, sunburn, eek, hope you get some answers about the swelling. I’m a fair skinned redhead, so I know all about that unpleasant road…

    Reading the posts to Susan reminded me, yet again, why we are all so lucky to have this blog. The support and understanding is amazing. I know that I have been comfortable enough with everyone on here to be “up and down” and not worry about consequences. That is a nice feeling, when other aspects are unstable.

    Susan, I can’t really add anything, except, I’m that person you were afraid of becoming. I did lose my job (which, ironically, was w/a very well known public health non-profit who did not want to have to become wheelchair accessible so they eliminated my position), my savings, my apt, my cat, even my wheelchair was “repoed” (HA! What kind of a person makes a living repoing wheelchairs?). But, you know what? I kept posting on here, and kept laughing and the universe supported me. A pharmaceutical company donated some of my meds to me for as long as needed, my dr.s agreed to see me at a far reduced rate until I could pay in full. And, yea, I did have to do a food bank run, and, I’m now on disability and medicaid. Not enough to live luxuriously, but enough to live. Never imagined it would happen, and it took some getting over pride in accepting it. However, it was a post on this site that helped the most, I (sorta) jokingly said that I was going to sell the pies I made, people on here loved the idea. Guess what? It has worked. I keep making pies that give me enough extra to pay for a social life. It is crazy what an accident can do to your life, here it is, almost summer again, and I’m facing my third summer in a row of — yet again — another surgery leaving me in a cast, and I want to cry. And, I do. I’ve almost forgotten what it feels like to run the trails. To get really deep into the woods where you can hear nothing man made.
    Or, just get up and go without having to call someone and ask for a ride. But, I feel okay with where I am in life because I let myself have these feelings, just not consume my time. So, let yourself have them from time to time, it helps. It also helps to realize how many of us went through a very dark time early on — I know I did. Wow. And, now, in relatively short times we are laughing. You will be, too. Feel free to post whatever you need to. I would post things my friends didn’t understand as significant, such as “I showered standing up today”, and people here understood the significance. Please, stick it out with this site, everyone becomes virtual friends and it helps immensely! 🙂

    (I do want you to know, however, that I am not the “norm” so please, do not think what has happened to me will be happening to you — I am one of a handful who broke and dislocated both ankles, along w/shattering every bone in my right leg, incl. knee, and shattering my left arm and wrist. This has left me in a wheelchair, unable to fully extend my knee, thus, unable to walk — my ankles, however, have healed nicely. But, I’m still getting a fusion to help w/my leg stability.)

    As always, thanks to everyone — oh, I use coconut oil on my scars, I get it in bulk and melt it down as needed. It works wonderfully and smells good, too. I hope to find out next week when we are going to reschedule the surgery. I have been told that I will be in the nursing home over my 40th birthday. That sucks. I tell ya, there’s a story to be written in here somewhere…

    Take Care everyone, and glad to see the healing!
    trac

  66. Hi all,

    Louise … sunburn, booo. Did the metal heat up and burn your skin? Curious to hear what the Dr says. I will try to keep my scars out of the sun all year. They’re pretty frankenstein-like, so the less sun, the better. How did you do it? Sounds like there might have been some fun involved! Do share!

    Susan, I SO understand how you feel. I am very independent and the primary “do-er” in my family. With the injury, I was unable to do anything for so long, it was just depressing. And I cried a lot. And yelled at my husband and kids. And felt very sorry for myself. It does go with the territory. So, just let it happen, then pick yourself up (emotionally) and knock out what you can one item at a time – like ordering groceries on-line. Then figure out what you can do without or let go, and then actually let it go (in my house, that was cleaning, home-made meals, etc). For the rest, ask for help. It was hard for me too – but then I realized that I am always happy to help others when they need it – in fact, I love to help – so all I needed to do was swallow my pride and ask. My friends came out of the woodwork. And, we hired a little outside help for the rest of it. This time around, we all knew what to expect, so our needs have been many fewer, plus I has us all stocked up and prepared ahead of time. Can’t do that with an accident. Anyway, long-story short – it’s normal to feel out of control and depressed. It will pass as soon as you get moving again. You just need to get through the first 6-8 non-mobile weeks when you’re stuck at home and then it gets so much better, when you can be out to PT and talking to others. the time will pass slowly – I recommend Netflix – but it will pass.

    Let us all know how else we can support you!

    Cheers and stay safe all.
    Lee

  67. SUSAN, hang in there. I found those feelings of depression, helplessness and fear were the WORST part of the whole ankle break experience. UUggg. This blog is where you find the “been there” friends who REALLY understand what you are going through,,,and most of us experienced what you are feeling. It was the support and encouragement of the people on here that got me through. Those unfamiliar awful feelings will begin to lift as your physical healing takes place. Use this blog as your life line, and rant, complain, or have a pity party any time you want to. People on here will listen and understand.

    Ouch LOUISE. That does NOT sound like fun and thanks for your warning. Keep us posted. Last summer when sitting in the sun my bad ankle just kept getting hotter and hotter, as if the metal in it was badly overheating. After that, I made sure I kept a face cloth, a t shirt or something around to throw over it for a bit of protection. No swelling though.

    WES, nice to hear from you and thanks for your hello. Anklequest, hello too. LEE, hope you are coming along okay, TRAC, all the rest of the “old people” and all the “new people” hugs and wishes to you. For me, my ankle is good enough most of the time and life is good. Lois

  68. Wow Loise I never wouldve thought of the sunburn.. I have gotten sun poisoning snorkling in Florida before. I have a good olive italian skin tone so don’t sunburn too easily. That’s all it took to keep me unaware of being careful of the salt water & reflective sun..sure enough..it was like the flu. I found my new best friend – a spray u can get @ walgreens or walmart – I believe its called Solercane.. its a half sized aerosol can..expensive 4 such a tiny amount but it feels GOOOOOD.. it may not help the swelling but WoW it sure relaxes the burning feeling & helps.

    I’m w Anklequest, what’s that Drs number w the reversal swelling miracle? 🙂

    Susan, its normal to feel down, that’s what’s great about so many here. Theve been through it and have experienced it.. normal. I am a very independent person, that made this injury VeRy hard. But the sooner I accepted that I couldn’t do it on my own, the more energy I was able to aply to healing; both physically & mentally. I believe the hardest thing was using crutches and carrying my food plate and even more difficult, my cup, to the table. 🙂

    All heal at different speeds.. ask your Dr what all was damaged to give you a better idea of what needs to heal and about how long or how slow you will need to take it.. Of course bringing it on to this site there are a lot of different people from a lot of different levels of healing, injuries etc that can tell you what speeds are safe and which may be too quick.
    Keep smiling.. we’re here
    Oh, and I was so worried about losing my job and how long til I’d be able to work right again. supporting a family wife and 4 kids sure scared me. But somehow everything seems to work out and someones watching over all of us in this tough time.

    😉 Wes

  69. Ok, so memo to everyone….do NOT get your ankle, or foot of the broken ankle sunburnt…it swells to the size of the football!!

    Hello to everyone! I havn’t posted here for a while, as have been a rather busy bee, and had not really had any probs, until getting sunburnt yesterday!
    Yes…it IS only april last time I checked, but I am very fair, and my foot is HUUUUUGE! And very red! Booo! I am off to docs in a bit, coz it is notgoing down, even with elevation and ice. Oh…thought my ankle would never feel like this again. Cant walk on it, and its a big red ballooooon!

    So…hello to everyone, hope everyone is doing well.

    Louise xx

  70. Thanks everyone for your kind words and encouragement – much needed right now. Yesterday was one week from the surgery. I have decided that (for today at least) my pity party is over. I’m going to do everything I can to get myself back to where I was and try to keep myself mentally focused and motivated. I know that is easier said than done but I can’t allow myself to sink into depression as well. So on the positive side I went online last night and order groceries to be delivered today 🙂 one less thing that I need to ask anyone to do for me. For me that is one of the hardest things – the feeling of not having any control at all over my life. So I at least got my own groceries :-). Go back to my surgeon on Thursday to have more xrays and hopefully to have the staples removed. Will have to ask him more about my injury. My injury happened in another state Easter weekend and I had surgery in North Carolina (live in Maryland). Everything happened so quickly that I’m not 100% sure of everything so I need to get more details from my doctor. Will update soon. Thanks again for being here.

  71. Hi Judy,
    Can you please send me your medicine and/or give me the recipe? Maybe all of us could use it. Thanks for your post.
    Anklequest

  72. Dear Susan,
    I am now 7months out from broken tibia and fibula and I has gotten better.
    The swelling is not as bad as it was. I am back at work and can walk.It does get better, but continue the PT. I also asked an old Indian at the reservation what to do and he concoted me a medicine to take .
    Don’t know what it is but my swelling was bad and after starting this my swelling is minimal now.
    I know it sounds Crazy but I believe it worked.
    He said it was good for arthritis too.
    Don’t know what it was and he want tell but it only cost me $ 25.00 and then about 13.50 to get the stuff to mix with it. It take 2 tablespoon a day.
    Not a bad price to pay.Believe me I was at my wits end and I am 62 years old.
    Lots of luck.

  73. Susan,
    EVERYONE here has had a difficult time! It takes a while to get over being depressed and feeling helpless. Accept your feelings! Do believe that things will get better. Probably 6 months minimum before you can work on your feet. This varies from person to person. Plus those of us who have office jobs can sit with the leg up a bit.

    I’m an administer & do teach classes from time to time. I broke my ankle three years ago (trimalleolar with dislocation) and still, after teaching a class, it swells up. I was told this might be the case for years to come but I am 64 so who knows how long I’ll last.

    Slowly it does seem to be getting better. Admittedly my life has changed, but I have slowly come to accept certain realities, like I’ll never play tennis again, or go skiing again. There are many other things I can do, that others here on this board cannot do, so I feel very blessed in many ways.

    Finally LET people help you! That was very hard for me too.

    All the best!

    Hi to all my old friends here! Lee, good to hear things are moving along well for you.

    Anklequest

  74. Ice pack recipe: 1 Cup alcohol
    2 Cups Water
    Place in Zip loc bags (double plz)
    Freeze….very effective!

  75. Hey all, sounds like Susan you need some positive encouragement. Don’t assume your injury is as bad or not as bad as anone elses. Just do what you can daily and do your best. Try not to panic. I had two nurses after surgery show me their ankles and they really prepared me for the rehab. One told me GET A WHEELCHAIR. Despite what Doc may say you will need it. I am 5 mos post op and just started driving. Dr. said practice so I go behind wheel and am now driving self to PT. I think maybe I could have done it sooner so don’t be afraid to try when “legal” and cast comes off & you are off pain med. I hope you have some LTD. If not call all of your creditors & don’t be afraid to apply for assistance if you need it kiddo. Keep us posted and keep ankle up – wiggle as Wes suggests. If you need a wheelchair ask around. After renting one I found several friends had one in basement. Just be good to yourself. This will get better. I promise.

  76. Hi Everyone,
    Welcome Susan I’m glad you found us! I had a trimalleolar break with dislocation November 10, 2008. Like you I had a plate & screws placed. In february I had the long screw between tib/fib removed. I am going to PT 4 times per week, 2 in the pool and 2 on land. I have not been unable to return to my job as a nurse, I work 3 12 hour shifts per week. Just today I complained to my PT that this is moving way to slow for me, I worry that I am not working as hard as I should be but they assure me that this is not the case. I have never been “in shape’ and have not worked out so maybe I started out farther behind! It certainly gets frustrating but we hjave to keep plugging ahead. Today I submitted my paperwork for long term disability which I never dreamt I would have to do. Originally my ortho said 2-3 months and we are working towards month 6 at this point! I wish I could predict when I will be better, I feel like if I had a timetable I could tolerate it better. Oh well at least I can drive now and I’m off to my son’s scout meeting, Have a good weekend.

  77. Thanks for the responses. I am having a really difficult time with this. I’m so not use to sitting around and I’m definitely not use to not being able to take care of myself. I’m worried to death that I’m going to lose my job, home, etc. and am finding myself close to tears much of the time. So glad I found this place.

  78. Hello to everyone old an welcom to the new..
    Not so much that its good youve broken your ankle, but good you found this group.

    As Lee said, there are a lot of people from all different injury levels. Tell us more about it and there usually is someone whos here, or multiple people here, who’ve been through a simular injury.

    My break was July 5th 2008 and was while riding dirt bikes.. I jammed it pretty good.. Trimalleolar (broke inside and outside bone – 4 fractures but 1 was already healing ok by the time I got the surgery a few weeks later) 2 plates, 8 screws. However I did have the right boots on so it kept it from rolling – dislocating.. Without the soft tissue – ligament damage, I was able to heal quickly..

    quickly is defined as 8 months to a year, where as most are looking at 1.5 – 2 years (and could be longer for more serious situations.. it does all vary.. but this is a very vague idea).. I still do not have full range of motion (I continually hear that it will take 2 years to gain full ROM, even from other types of surgeries).. Although not having the other damage to the tissue, I still was non weight baring for 7 weeks, (some have to wear casts that entire time, some do not, depending on your Dr, your pleading and the surrounding situations of your everyday environment) I had to keep elevated a LOT.. about 16 hrs a day if I recall. It would just get horribly swolen if not.

    Someone on here turned me onto Maderma as a scar cream or ointment that I began using after my stitches (staples) came out. I think it did pretty well helping me not look so much like frankenstien lol

    I had to walk with a cane when they finally aloud me to walk after 7 weeks.. I, as many others on here will attest to, could not even bare the feeling the first time trying to walk when it was okayed by the Dr. I pushed as hard as I could while still trying to be fair and give myself enough down time to rebuild. I believe its about 2 weeks for those who really keep at walking after the non weight baring period is up, that they are able to walk without a cane or crutch.. doesnt mean it looks pretty..lol..but the more you do it and the more you massage it the better it heals.. PT PT PT…

    Anyhow.. for the time being, newbies, if you can, dont forget to stretch your leg and flex your calf muscle often.. couple to a few times aday. This down time will cause your musles to deteriorate (sorry spelling looks horrible today).. so do what little you can so when you do finally reach that big day you can weight bare again you will be able to rebuild quicker.. Because your tendons lock up pretty tight and dont alow the toe down or up motion you’ve been used to, at least not for a Loooooonnnnng time.. so being able to rebuild the muscles will be challenging too.. so massage your thighs, leg and calf as much as possible so it will work for you when the time comes.

    I am about 9 mos post surgery and jog once a week, run once every other week or sometimes twice a week, have retrained to the point I can get around a basketball court and even though I hit the gym 3 or 4 times a week and my calf is quite big now, I still can not jump as high as I used to.. I can jump and land on it pretty good now, I believe its the lack of ROM that keeps me from getting higher vertically.

    I eat the hot tub UP!! its my best friend everytime I work it out.. I massaged the scar quite a bit when I was aloud to, so that it would get built back up to pain tolerance.. because it gets sensitive BIG time and seems to get touched or bumped by the silliest things.

    Keep us informed and come to chat..

    As for Lee, Lois and everyone else I havent seen for awhile, Aloha.. Im enjoying the sun while everyone else is stuck in the snow storms.. And Geocaching a LoT.. I get a good 2 – 8 miles a day from that alone..

    Wes

  79. Hi Susan,

    Welcome to the group – so sorry to hear about your break. No fun, but we’ve all been there. Your questions are hard to answer, as everyone is different and every injury is a little different. You have to give yourself the time you need. The general guideline for the bone healing seems to be about 6-8 weeks before there’s real weight bearing. Standing and walking takes time, based on PT and what you injured, beyond the bones. You don’t say if you had a dislocation or just fractures. the dislocation make it a little more complicated and can take longer, if ever, to be “normal”.

    My personal experience was a very severe trimalleolar fracture (tib, fib and the posterior malleolus) as well as a bad dislocation with resulting torn ligaments and tendons. I too had a plate in the fibula with a lot of screws and a large screw in the anterior malleolus – or front of the tibia. I spent 7 weeks in a cast and another 5 in a boot. No weight bearing until PT at 8 weeks. By 12 I was able to drive again and walk carefully with an aircast. I did another 6 months of PT and still was having trouble, so just had another surgery to repair torn ligaments and tendons, and to fix a non-union in the bone, thought they decided not to do that once they got in and saw it up close and personal. I’m 41. I was pretty active before my injury and have not returned to that level of activity yet. But, I was able to do our daily stuff, keep up with my kids activities, and get back to work. And I even made Thanksgiving dinner for 12 4 months after the break. So, maybe that give you an idea. I paid for that for days after with pain and swelling, but it was worth it.

    Keep your chin up – it may be that your recovery will take less time than mine. I would not count on working standing up for a while – you will need to take breaks, sit down, ice, stretch, etc. for many months to come …. like a year or so. Also, go back and read older posts here on the board. You’ll find lots of folks who have healed fast, and many more who have been slow going.

    Best of luck and keep checking back. I’ve been here for 8 months or so and people come and go, but there is a core who always stick around.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  80. I broke my ankle – two breaks in the tibea and another break in another bone (can’t remember which) on April 10th – had surgery on April 11th and they put in a plate and screws. My question to everyone is how long will it be before I will be able to return to my job (which involves walking and not being able to keep my foot elevated). Your comments will be appreciated. How long before I will be able to walk “normally” again? Oh, I’m 51. Thanks

  81. Ok, so memo to everyone….do NOT get your ankle, or foot of the broken ankle sunburnt…it swells to the size of the football!!

    Hello to everyone! I havn’t posted here for a while, as have been a rather busy bee, and had not really had any probs, until getting sunburnt yesterday! 🙁
    Yes…it IS only april last time I checked, but I am very fair, and my foot is HUUUUUGE! And very red! Booo! I am off to docs in a bit, coz it is notgoing down, even with elevation and ice. Oh…thought my ankle would never feel like this again. Cant walk on it, and its a big red ballooooon! 🙁

    So…hello to everyone, hope everyone is doing well.

    Louise xx

  82. Hi Kelley,

    Welcome to the group! Sorry you need to be here – it’s no fun, huh? But we all understand. Stay with us and help those who join is later.

    So, it sounds to my like your healing process has gone very quickly. I was not allowed to weight bear after my fracture for almost 10 weeks – my calf was like a toothpick and my ankle looked huge. I was in the soft cast 2 weeks, several fiberglass casts over about 6 weeks, and a boot for another month or so. The swelling has gone down slowly over the past 9 months. My PT actually said swelling can last up to a year while tissues heal. If you had a dislocation, it can take a long time, as all that soft tissue healing take quite a while. The other thing is the metal plate. Mine was on the fibula and poked out under my skin. As the swelling went down, I could actually see the shape of the plate and some of the screws under the skin. That doesn’t do much for shapely ankles. Now that my metal is out, my ankles look more or less the same, less the scars, but there is a significant amount of thickening on the fibula where all the small pieces of bone mended back together. It’s all actually pretty cool if you think about how the body can repair itself.

    As for question #2, I went to PT 2x/week for 6 months and as I went into the second surgery in March, my calf was still not the same as my good one. Now, 3.5 weeks after surgery, I’m back down to a scrawny, skinny leg again. Sigh. I’m hoping that my progress after the initial break was limited by the damages tendon in my leg, and that this time it’ll improve faster, but I suspect it’ll take a while. I think that the faster I can get back to my usual activities, the faster I can rebuild that muscle. I never got there last time because of pain and instability, but I so hope that this summer I’ll be back up on my bike and walking or hiking. I even think maybe I can get back to exercise class, but that may be a stretch for this summer. We shall see. Be patient, take your time, and be safe. You’ll get there eventually!

    Vivian and Anklequest (hi!) – tell me about the night splint – what’s the purpose of it? To stretch the joint? Does it put you into dorsiflexion?

    Take care all.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  83. Why is it that my foot hurts the most on days when I haven’t done anything but keep it elevated? Wait, I just watched the weather…storm is coming. hahaha.

  84. Vivian,
    The night splint works wonders. You get very use to it quickly. It helped me a great deal. You hardly feel anything as your ankle remains stable so you need no pain meds. It should be recommended more often.

    Hi & happy weekend to everyone else..all my old friends. All the best to Lee and Pie lady; especially pie lady who we hope will be back on her feet someday. Lee! Great going!

  85. Kelly,

    it is completely normal being hard around the area.feels like a rock? that will eventually go away its the scar tissue massage it whenever you can as hard as you can with lotion it will help. I think they (meaning the experts) say that for every 1 week of muscle loss is 3 weeks to gain it back i started stretching mine right away.. with the boot it will pull a little more causing more restriction and good muscle work. my ankle was huge and like a rock and I am approaching the 4 month mark now and its about half the size now getting smaller every day !!

  86. Hi everyone! What a relief to find people with my same concerns. I broke my ankle (bimollear) on 3/11/09, had 1 plate and 6 screws installed on 3/19/09. I wore a soft cast for 2 weeks, a hard cast for 2 weeks, and as of yesterday I’m in the biggest ortho boot I’ve ever seen. I’ve been walking on it for the past 24 hours now and it hurts, but I expected that.

    Last night I finally got to compare my good leg to my “Frankenstien” leg. Here are my questions: 1) My ankle is swollen and very hard. Does this mean it’s close to being the size it’s going to be? I’m hoping that the firmness of the swelling doesn’t indicate that it won’t get smaller.

    2) As you all know the calf muscle is non-existent when the cast comes off. How long does it take to regain symmetry? Should I be stretching my calf muscles?

    It seems hard to believe that in 6 weeks I’m supposed to lose the boot and be able to walk. I have a pretty good range of motion right now, but my ankle is very stiff and my calf muscle is not cooperating.

    I’ll be in touch often since I am now obsessed with my recovery. Later on ya’ll.

  87. Oh forgot to say that using just any old lotion around scar helps to break up scar tissue. My PT says to massage the incision areas on both sides of foot three or 4 times a day, getting really close to scar & gently pushing and holding area down. I must admit it is working, but hey no foot modeling here either!

  88. Hi to all. Hope you all are doing well this week and looking forward to some nice Spring weather. Going to be fitted for a night splint to increase my ROM. Have any of you tried that? Sounds like night time torture, and me a light sleeper! Willing to bite the bullet & do it if it works. Still not able to drive and break was the end of November. You all inspire me to keep keeping on. Bone is slowly filling in, but still not able to walk without walker/cane. I have been discouraged about this but looking at the big picture makes me realize even little improvements are to be celebrated! Have a blessed Easter everyone.

  89. Hi all

    Trace – wow, sorry to hear surgery is delayed. I know you were gearing up for it and it’s a pain to delay. But as you said, better to know now rather than after. You want everything to be optimal for a great result. Keep us posted and know you’re in my thoughts.

    Lois – what a great story. It’s amazing how people adapt when they have to. I think it’s a little easier when you’re so young, but limitations are what you make of them. I’m finding new ways to do things everyday with this bum ankle. I think we all have the hope that things will be like they were before the breaks, and that’s not likely to happen. For me, the sooner I adjusted to that and accepted it, the better I felt about it all. I do what I can and modify for the rest.

    My update is that healing is coming along. I moved to one crutch today and it seems to be ok. A little sore, but that’s to be expected. I’m hoping I can ditch the crutches all together by Monday and just hobble around in the boot. I’ve got good dorsi and plantarflexion – certainly better than during the first rehab. I think that has to do with the metal being gone and some of the scar tissue being removed. I do still feel a little locking feeling along the tibial tendon. We’ll see if PT helps that. I get to start in about 3 weeks. In the mean time, Im working at home, taking it easy and teaching my kids how to do all kinds of things they had no idea they could do! This is a gift. I’m not going back to doing it all. They are clearly ready to take on more and can now really earn an allowance. The only disappointment with the surgery is that my once ugly scars are even more ugly now. I asked the Dr if he could clean them up a bit, but he said the scar tissue is though to work with. Oh well. No more shoe modeling for me ( not that I ever did) 🙂

    Take care all – I’m checking in to keep up with all, old and new. I’ll update when I have news.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  90. Hello. Well, and update. This morning they made the decision to cancel my surgery for now. Apparently, a couple of my numbers were too high, and they would impede healing. So, now we have to get these under control before we can go forth. I understand. I am frustrated, but I am glad they caught this, better now than when I am trying to heal from a surgery, right?
    The neurotin has kicked in and really helped with the nerve pain, so — the really only set back, is I was planning a trip for my 40th birthday in June and now will have to cancel it. I asked if I could wait until after the trip to have the surgery, and my dr. did not like the idea. Like he said, the fusion can wait, it is the rest of it that cannot, and we are doing them all together.

    It was good to hear from everyone, and like Lois, I was getting my garden ready (my neighbor built me a raised one in a box, so that I could still garden from my wheelchair, and then I do hanging veggies) but, then we got our “Easter snow” which is what my grandma has taken to calling our last snow that always comes in April. Now, planting can happen.

    Take Care everyone —
    and I will be checking back in and hoping all is going good for everyone.
    trac

  91. Lois,

    Your story was extremely inspiring to me and of all nights tonight.I just spent the last 2 hours bickering and whining about my ankle and playing the whole deck of pitty cards. In alot of pain as the weather has pulled a complete 360 here in ontario causing me to have this annoying tooth ache feeling in my leg but after reading that you know what? who cares about that.. that is the least of my worries because guess what I can still walk and appear somewhat normal doing so.I do have very little limitation when i put my mind to it. So to everyone its ok to be down and its ok to let it out every now and again however step back(carefully now) and look at the big picture. life only hands you what you can handle love the one your with and keep smiling and keep both feet on the ground. thanks lois you have truly opened my eyes to the light at the end of the tunnel.. it isnt a freight train after all!!

    freezing in ontario…
    nicole

  92. Hello to just everyone. I was checking in,,, and saw that best wishes were in order for Trac, our favorite Pie Lady. All the best to you Trac.

    Lee, glad to hear from you and that you are coming along fine, and that you had help from your in laws. Sounds like you enjoyed their visit. All the best to you too.

    Cindy, hi there. Your break happened around the same time frame as mine did. Good to hear from you.

    Our snow is finally mostly melted and spring has arrived so I have been in the garden doing all the yard clean up that I couldn’t do last year while in a cast. I am enjoying working out there, but even a year later this “new” exercise is actually making my ankle snap crackle and pop again. It was quite sore last evening and I was feeling sorry for myself, so I almost skipped going to a meeting I was supposed to attend. But, boy am I glad I went. We had a surprise guest speaker. A handsome young man in his 20’s who was missing an entire leg. He was there to talk about his job as the Coordinator for Victim Services and was looking for volunteers. He told us that he had lost his leg to cancer at the age of six. You would not have believed this guy. He was COMPLETELY mobile,,, with his single good leg and one single crutch. He did not wear a prosthetic leg. When I say mobile, I mean mobile, agile, independent and extremely personable and good natured. He is apparently also an avid and accomplished skier and is currently short listed for the para olympics in 2010 in British Columbia. So here, before leaving for the meeting I was whining about my ankle acting up, and once I got to that meeting, you can believe that I shut up about my ankle pretty darned fast and there have been no further complaints from me about it. And today, found me back out in that garden doing the clean up. There are just no limitations when we are determined enough.

    So hello to all the wonderful fighters on this blog. We will ALL overcome right? Just keep the faith. Lois

  93. Hello!

    Clark, Lee — thanks for the well wishes, and I’m glad to see you two doing so well. I, too, believe all will be fine. I wish this was the end all — but unfortunately, this is the surgery before the surgeries. Meaning, they want this one completed in order to stabilize for other work they will have to do in order to get me up and walking. They have been throwing out a hamstring surgery combined w/a total knee replacement. Or a handful of other ideas. I do appreciate the fact they are thinking, but at times I just want it all finished. Who knew so much trouble could result from not having the proper rehab of a fractured joint (in this case, knee)? Makes those exercises we are all given sound even more important, huh?
    Clark — I have lots of questions, I just don’t know exactly what they are, you know? So if I think of them, I will ask.
    I will check back in after the surgery. Let you know how it went. They way I figure it, anything that prevents future pain — I’ll take it!

    Thanks to everyone —
    And, here’s to healthy healing,
    Trac

  94. TRAC,
    Good luck with your upcoming surgery on Friday. I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. You will be fine. There is serenity in knowing that this is hopefully the final final. There was for me.
    I am 3 days short of a year post op from my fusion, and my biggest complaint is that the brace hurts because I think the right shoe (13 x 5wide) is too shallow. An Ortho shoe needs depth to handle the interior brace, and I don’t think there is enough. But good news, the original shoes I purchased are now ready, but had to go with the others becsuse of the expense. The correct shoe is twice as expensive as the ones I have now. But hopefully the new shoe will fit better. Nothing worse than going through all this and not having a good fit. Otherwise you end up with Steve Martins’s Cruel Shoes. No fun to wear.
    Rooting for you. Any questions don’t hesitate. Wish you well.
    Hello to all, new and old, but especially the old timers out there. Watch your steps.
    Clark

  95. Hi all. I’ve been bad and haven’t checked in as much as I thought I would. I’ve had my in-laws here this past two weeks helping me with the kids, cooking, cleaning and driving. It’s been great – haven’t been lonely or stuck worrying about how it will all come out. But they are leaving tomorrow and I will be on my own again to figure it all out.

    So, I’m healing well. Saw the Dr. last week. Had my stitches out and moved from the cast to the boot. Still no weight bearing until later this week – 3 weeks total for tissues to heal. Then I have another 3 weeks in the boot, slowly getting rid of the crutches, while the tendon and ligaments heal. I am allowed to take the boot off to shower and to flex the foot up and down 2-3 times a day, which feels great. So far, very little pain, but it is tight and still quite bruised up. the goal is to keep the scar tissue to a minimum by moving it a little each day. that should help with recovery.

    Trac – good luck with Friday’s surgery. I’ll be thinking about you. I know what you mean about the cast in the heat of summer. But I have to say that mine wasn’t as bad this time around. I guess because I knew what to expect. Keep us posted. The tendon rerouting is something I’m curious to hear about – I don’t know if I’ll ever need it, but if the ligament repair doesn’t work, that’s the next step for me. I’m not planning for it – I’m confident this last surgery did the trick, but I always like to be informed about other options!

    Nicole – My Dr. did mention sending me to a neurologist if the pain over the tibia does not improve after this surgery. He fixed everything he can fix and if there’s still a problem, it’s likely nerve damage. I don’t know about the specifics of the tests until I get there, but I’d be curious to hear about it once you do it.

    Thanks all for checking in on me. This next week is the test for me – try to begin walking a little, manage the house, kids, cooking etc. on my own, and figure out transportation for all…. Oh, I also went back to work today. Telecommuting, but I was bored without it, so working from the couch. Works for me. take care all. more later.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  96. Hello — it has been a little while. How is everyone doing? Lee, are you recouping well? I go in for my surgery on Friday, so am doing extra physical therapy this week in order to stretch everything and get it ready. Again, thanks to Clark for your advice. I’m not so nervous now.

    Nicole — I’m going to believe your dr. is sending you in for an EMG test. I have had a couple of these tests done. Your best bet is to read up on them before you go in, so that you understand what the test is all about. However, keep in mind, the description of the test sounds scarier than it really is. I hesitate to talk about whether or not it hurt, because pain is so relative. For me, yes, it did hurt — but it was more annoying than anything. Another thing, lay a washcloth on the floor and try picking it up w/your toes. But, really keep stretching your foot, despite the pain. I cannot stress how important stretching is for healing.

    Good luck to you!

    Hello to all — take care —
    trac

  97. Hello all!!
    Just a quick update I am now 3 months post break still have no feeling on bottom of my foot as well as limited to no feeling in my toes. I met with my surgeon who is sending me to a nerve study to see if it will ever come back naturally or if he needs to go back in to manipulate it. has anyone ever had a nerve study done on their foot?is this a painful process?
    i can feel tingling on bottom of foot when i tap the side of my foot. then it goes away. other than that all is healing well i have pretty good motion still not enough to drive my foot will move upwards just not down to go down steps on it or drive. slow process and quite painful.I do the bucket thing as well its not very enjoyable at the time but after feels very comforting. any other suggestions would be great!!

    bustedupnik

  98. Just wanted to say hi to everyone. It as been one year since my ankle break. I am doing well. I still have all of the extra hardware there, no plans of removing anytime soon. So I guess that everyday that goes by without much pain is a good day. Take care and watch your step

    Cindy

  99. Hi TraC 🙂 I missed sayin hello to you earlier 😉

    Vivian, Of all the places to whine, this is where it will truly be understood.
    Everyone has a different time on how long it took took to get some mobility back.

    I am 8 mos post surgery, had no soft tissue or ligament or tendon damage and still have very limited mobility. I’m able to fake a good walk after lots of practice, but at a close glance one can tell I’m giving it all I got. Its hard at first to believe just how much everything locks up & how it feels virtually impossible and destined to be locked tight forever. Of course talk with your Dr & get some rough ideas of time frames and amounts of movements you should be shooting for. As you said, he mentioned he expected this. He’ll know best with your particular injury. Let us know what his expectations were and we got quite a few people thatve learned to translate that into about how hard you can work it, how much rest to give it & about how long til it gets to different levels.

    I had a jaw surgery a couple years back & was so excited to eat solid food when the wire came off. I couldve swore the Doc messed up because I couldn’t even open enough to get a tongue depresser in there. The work that followed was painful, but the reasurance that the Dr gave and the examples he did on me (painful) to show the bone would not reinjure anywhere up to the level he showed me, truly gave me the faith and trust to push as he taught me. It wasn’t easy, and it was painful, but tiny bit by tiny bit (a month here and a month there) I opened up more and more.
    (if its difficult to get hold of your Dr until your next follow up, your PT shOuLd know a lot about your injury and healing time tables and show you just how far you can go).. My best friend became the 5 gallon bucket of cold/ice water & hot shower or tub to massage and stretch it in. The combo works wonders @ reducing swelling and stretching the highly worked out area.

    Let us know,

    Wes

  100. Hi – thought I would check in. I am very thankful that I am not in as bad of shape as most folks on here, it makes my pain more tolerable knowing that it could have been worse. To recap I broke my ankle on 12/30 and had surgery on 1/9. On 3/5 I went for my appointment to be cut loose and my surgeon decided I needed the plate and 6 screws removed, my skin is too thin and you can see where they are at and they are causing much pain on the surface so Friday morning I will go and have them removed and then no weight bearing for 3 weeks so the skin can heal. I will let you all know how it turns out and good luck to all.

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