Broken ankle-2 years later

Posted on June 2, 2008 by Christi

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”

Jamie on July 8, 2009 at 9:43 am said:

Susan I feel exactly like you on days I am relying on everyone to take me places and seems like it is a slow go for healing that’s what it’s all about.I just got out of boot yesterday PAINFUL walking for the 1st time and weird too. But I can do it more therapy and on my hand too it hurts so bad all the time. This is a great website to share with others with similar problems thank you everyone for being so welcoming (is that a word)

Jamie
Lee on July 7, 2009 at 7:44 pm said:

Susan – you’re not wasting your money with PT. You need to do the exercises they teach you there and do them at home, daily. I’ve been at it for 9 months, 2x per week, less the 6 months I took off for the 2nd surgery. The goal is to remobilize the joint, build strength, and balance. I’m working on weaning off now … probably won’t go for more than a few more weeks, as I’m walking great and can handle much of it on my own from here on out. But do make sure that you feel your getting your money’s worth and you trust the PT. Many are great. Many not so good. You be the judge.

-Lee
Susan P on July 7, 2009 at 6:40 pm said:

Question – I’ve had two people question me today (work being one – boyfriend the other) on how long was I going to continue with physical therapy. I said “as long as it takes and my money holds out”. I’m still so far from being able to do what I used to do – realistically I need to know – I’m not wasting my time and money doing therapy am I?
Susan P on July 7, 2009 at 2:35 pm said:

Hey everyone – wanted to echo what Lee said – Trace you have inspired me from the first day I found this site and I too have truly learned from the experience. I can honestly say that I’ll never be the same again.

Lee, I’m so sorry you are having a bad day – trust me – I know how you feel and in a weird way it makes me feel better to know that others have the same crappy moments/day/emotions that I have.

You will pick yourself up tomorrow and go on but for today go ahead and be “human” – have your sad time…

I have to tell you that you all have meant so much to me – there were times in the beginning that you were all I had and that this group was the only thing that truly understood what I was going through.

Friday makes three months since I fell. My leg/ankle hurts all the time. Go back to doctor next week for more xrays and to see if I’m allowed to totally come out of the boot. Funny doesn’t hurt where I thought it would – fib side where the plate is is o.k. unless I tap against something – but overall the tib side and the back of the lower leg ache something fierce.

Still have my moments that I’m so totally pissed at everything. Still get resentful because I can’t do anything that I used to do – and then I think of you guys. I think of where each of you are and I so glad/grateful that I got to know you.

Soooo, anyway this is way too long – hang in there everyone – we will get better…..
Lee on July 7, 2009 at 12:42 pm said:

Trace,

As always, you remind us of what is truly important in life. You are where you are right now because you are learning and teaching a lesson to all. I for one am paying attention. I’m ready for you to move on now … let’s get the next step going for you. I’m praying for you daily.

So, I’m having a bad day today. My kids have gotten on my last nerve, my husband is at work all the time, and I’m holding down the fort totally on my own. Things at work have blown up a bit – one of my very favorite sr. managers was forced out and she’s gone. Life is topsy turvy and I’m feeling down in the dumps. Yelled at the kids this morning for bickering at each other. Part of it is that my life still isn’t my own – this ankle keeps me from doing what I want. I’ve gained weight and feel like I look awful because I can’t move very well. I could do more exercise and push myself, but I think I’m feeling sorry for myself. I don’t usually let myself get here, but today I am. Tomorrow, I will pick myself up, brush myself off, and get on with it. Sigh.

Everyone have a good day … I’m going to try for an attitude adjustment, but for today, I may just let myself be sad.

-Lee
Jamie on July 7, 2009 at 8:47 am said:

Susan and Lee thanks so much for imput I had out of town company for awhile and haven’t been able to check email so again thanks have ortho appt today and will see what his thoughts are
Jamie
trac on July 6, 2009 at 10:55 pm said:

Hello!

Just saying hi. Not much has changed here, I haven’t heard back from the most recent appeal, and haven’t heard about the new wheelchair. Which, I really need. I’m feeling defeated. Right now that is. I’ll get back my fight. I’ve been up and moving a lot to keep myself going. But, the pain is getting even more intense. I can expect that, right? So, I got a bill for the surgeon visits regarding the fusion. Apparently, now that I’ve lost the appeals, my insurance will not pay for any of the surgeon visits regarding it. GREAT!!!! oh well.

Glad to see everyone is doing quite well! I will check in later.

We had a good 4th here, organized a parade consisting of the senior citizens and had it led by the vets who live here. Then we grilled hot dogs and had root beer floats. We had a patriotic costume contest, it was a lot of fun. We expected 40-50 people, had over 140! And, one man, a vet came out to celebrate who hadn’t left his apartment except for dr. visits in 4 years, his wife was so happy — it was worth it just to see her so happy! And, one woman who has lost 2 sons to Iraq, was surprised by her other son showing up (he was on his 2nd term in Iraq, but was back, she knew he was coming back, just not this early) it was an amazing sight. The whole day was beautiful.

I tell you, a large part of what has made this whole experience bearable is living amongst “The Elderlies”. Talk about learning about life, history and survival…not to mention how to have a good time when your body is letting you down.

Peace and Blessings,
trac
Kelley on July 6, 2009 at 8:50 pm said:

Anklequest – I know you’re right about being happier not wearing heels. Problem is I just found out last year I am 4 inches shorter than I thought I was. I really thought I was 5’6, it just sounded like a good height to be. Turns out I’m 5’2, I guess I need to come to terms with that sooner rather than later. And it TOTALLY screwed up my BMI! And I’ve gained 10-15 lbs since the break in March, I should’ve watched what I put in my mouth more carefully.

Lee – I rolled my ankle a dozen times before this and I’ve semi-rolled it since the break, pretty scary. You give really sound medical advice, maybe you could be my stand-in PT until I get health insurance 🙂

Thanks for the tips
Houston Wes on July 5, 2009 at 9:11 pm said:

I had to come on today and post

It has officially been ONE YEAR to the date that I broke my ankle (trimalleolar fracture)

No soarness, no pain, didn’t even think about it…

I woke up early & drove my wife, sister & godson down to the beach to watch the sunrise…

We took pictures, walked the shore…

road the ferry…

& sis & godson headed home this afternoon. Now, for the first time in maybe two years my wife and I have NO kids for 2 weeks =0)

Thinking about going to San Padre (just a clear water beach within driving range)

anyhow…
We went to Shell’s fireworks display in Houston..It was Hot, Humid, Sticky, busy BUT the fireworks show was SoooOOOooo good and sOOoooooOo amazing that even my wIfE said it was worth aLL of that to see the show. We were 40 feet from the launch spot, the music was perfectly in line & it deffenately held true to the everythings bigger in Texas saying. and before I make the statement I’ll state the fact – It was rated and recorded to be the largest landbased fireworks show in the entire nation… that being said – yes, it out did Disney.. I was aMazeD =0)

It was such a wonderful 4th of July Happy 4th to those who celebrated =0)

Wes
lois on July 4, 2009 at 5:56 pm said:

Hi all, and Happy 4th of July to all Americans. No updates from me, all is well enough. Just wanted to say hello and to encourage you all. Lois
Anklequest on July 4, 2009 at 12:48 pm said:

Hi to all!!

Lee, I’m flying to SF tomorrow so thinking of you. Thanks so much for the detailed info about your tendons. Also, the information about your freind’s fusion.

I had the same experience Lee did with driving. And practiced in a neighboring cul-de-sack.

Kelly. Stay away from heels completely. Ortho docs recommend that anyway. Your life will go on just fine without them; in fact, even be better.

Mid-July when things will ease up a bit for me, I’ll post more again.

Meanwhile stay safe during the 4th weekend!

Ankelquest
Lee on July 4, 2009 at 12:38 pm said:

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Kelley – good to hear about the new job and the moving around so well. 3″ heels – bad plan. I haven’t worn heels in a year – not even kitten heals, as it makes the foot quite wobbly. Way too easy to roll the ankle and tear or break again. The bruising is likely bleeding at the ligament/tendon sites due forcing them to move in a way they haven’t in a long time and after shrinking up. Without PT, you need to be stretching, rolling and moving that ankle. From what I understand, you will always have stiffness when you stand up. It just goes with the broken ankle. I limp pretty badly for the first few steps each morning, but it gets better as I limber up and get moving.

Jamie, I wasn’t allowed to drive until totally out of the boot at 12 weeks and could demonstrate that I had enough flexibility to move from the gas to break quickly and safely. And if I drove very far, it made my foot really sore, especially in stop and go traffic. And expect quite an unusual sensation the first time you hit the brake hard – it hurts! Best to practice in a large parking lot before hitting the road. Just be safe.

All’s well here for me. Enjoying a nice long weekend and 4th of July parade. Take care all.
Lee
Louise on July 4, 2009 at 7:13 am said:

Hi everyone.

Kelley. I am amazed you are in heals at ALL! My injury was 23rd april 08, and I wore heals for the 1st time to my work christmas ball, and I was in agony for days. I only had kitten heals on as well, maybe 1.5 inches TOPS, and my ankle swelled up, and was very painful. I opted for flats at the summer ballwe had a few weeks ago. It was on a very old ship, with a million ladder like stairs and a 45 degree gangway to get onto it didn’t help really. Was a good night though! 🙂 As for your bruise….not quite sure what thats all about! :S Good to hear your back in heals though and getting on with it all! 🙂

Jamie. I never had a boot, so I cant really comment on the time to drive or anything, although when I had my cast off they told me I could drive in 2 weeks, so I did….then I went back for a minor op to remove 2 large pins,a nd they told me I shouldn’t have been driving at all, and if I had had an accident I wouldn’t have been covered! Eeek! It was my surgeon that told me I could drive in the 1st place, then he denied it when I said he had told me. (my mum was there and heard him say that too. Oh well…..good job I didn’t crash isn’t it really? hee hee.
As for getting full range of motion back, I still dont, but general day to day living is fine. It probably took about 2-3 months of PT to get it back to a level where I didn’t think about it ALL the time. Now it’s fine until something agrivates it. I walked about 3 miles through the woods yesterday on uneven surfaces etc, and it aches a fair bit today, but nothing too much to worry me, and I am 1 year and about 12 weeks after injury now. Have not had much change since about november time though. Keep with it, and sooner or later you will notice that it doesn;t govern your every thought and movement! 🙂 And its as susan P said everyone is different!

Hello to everyone else, Pamela, and all of the older posters as well, and to everyone who supported me through the first 3-4 months of my injury, you were all so helpful, so I hope now I can do the same for people who are not so far along the healing road as me. 🙂
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Louise xx
Louise on July 4, 2009 at 7:12 am said:

Hi everyone.

Kelley. I am amazed you are in heals at ALL! My injury was 23rd april 08, and I wore heals for the 1st time to my work christmas ball, and I was in agony for days. I only had kitten heals on as well, maybe 1.5 inches TOPS, and my ankle swelled up, and was very painful. I opted for flats at the summer ballwe had a few weeks ago. It was on a very old ship, with a million ladder like stairs and a 45 degree gangway to get onto it didn’t help really. Was a good night though! 🙂 As for your bruise….not quite sure what thats all about! :S Good to hear your back in heals though and getting on with it all! 🙂

Jamie. I never had a boot, so I cant really comment on the time to drive or anything, although when I had my cast off they told me I could drive in 2 weeks, so I did….then I went back for a minor op to remove 2 large pins,a nd they told me I shouldn’t have been driving at all, and if I had had an accident I wouldn’t have been covered! Eeek! It was my surgeon that told me I could drive in the 1st place, then he denied it when I said he had told me. (my mum was there and heard him say that too. Oh well…..good job I didn’t crash isn’t it really? hee hee.
As for getting full range of motion back, I still dont, but general day to day living is fine. It probably took about 2-3 months of PT to get it back to a level where I didn’t think about it ALL the time. Now it’s fine until something agrivates it. I walked about 3 miles through the woods yesterday on uneven surfaces etc, and it aches a fair bit today, but nothing too much to worry me, and I am 1 year and about 12 weeks after injury now. Have not had much change since about november time though. Keep with it, and sooner or later you will notice that it doesn;t govern your every thought and movement! 🙂 And its as susan P said everyone is different!

Hello to everyone else, Pamela, and all of the older posters as well, and to everyone who supported me through the first 3-4 months of my injury, you were all so helpful, so I hope now I can do the same for people who are not so far along the healing road as me. 🙂

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Louise xx
Kelley on July 3, 2009 at 11:52 pm said:

Hi everyone,

I’ve been meaning to post on here for weeks now and I always put it off, so I’m glad to be finally checking in.

I haven’t formally rec’d a job offer yet (was laid off in late May), but I got 1 semi-firm offer last week and it should be finalized next week, that’s great news. What sucks is I wore 3 inch heels to a couple of interviews, bad Kelley! That was a very bad idea since I just broke my ankle this March. I haven’t gone to PT b/c I haven’t had health insurance so I’m not doing as well as I should be I’m sure.

I’ve had a pretty persistant bruise on the interior part of my ankle since I started wearing heels again and I’m wondering what the cause is. Could it be the hardware I have rubbing against the tissue, or something more sinister? Also, I get these shooting pains up my to my knee that aren’t fun. They don’t happen often and it’s something I can live with though. If anyone has a clue what this is please let me know 🙂

I’m totally cool with wearing kitten heels (inch or less for all you guys) for the rest of my life. I’m not ok with starting off with a stiff ankle everytime I stand up. I think some of not being able to walk normally when I stand up is mental leftovers from preventing pain, atleast I hope so. But man am I glad I can walk! I hated crutches.

I’m gonna get back to reading all the posts so I can catch up…

Later ya’ll

Kelley
Susan P on July 3, 2009 at 3:57 pm said:

Hey Jamie, as everyone here will tell you, each one of us is different…but here is my case. I am now 12 weeks post accident/surgery. Broke right tib 2 places, fib – plate with 6 screws. Am still not totally out of the boot. I was allowed to drive after 8 weeks. Went to the car in my boot, took the boot off, put on a shoe, drove where I needed to get, then put the boot back on. My doctor told me that I wasn’t going to hurt my leg/ankle any further my driving (limited)as long as I was in the boot all the rest of the time. I am now allowed out of the boot in the house, at therapy and on flat, paved surfaces. Am still in the boot on grass, dirt, uneven surfaces etc. as the fib has not healed entirely. Have to tell you though that I’m in more pain out of the boot than in and that I have tendon pain from the damaged tendons that I didn’t realize would be a problem while I was 100% in the boot.

Will post further later as sometimes long posts do not go through.
Jamie on July 3, 2009 at 3:31 pm said:

Does anyone know after the walking boot comes off what time frame is for totally not using it? I am to go back to the Ortho on this Tue and kinda want to know what to expect I still can’t drive or put any pressure other than occasioally in boot how long does this last anyone know? Do they release to drive right away even though I don’t have full range of motion in foot or any feeling in my toes.
Look forward to hearing from you all that may know.
Jamie
Lee on July 3, 2009 at 11:53 am said:

Hi Pamela,

Welcome. So sorry to hear about your accident – quite extensive injuries. I hope all the others have healed well and the ankle is the only one causing you difficulty. So, most of the folks on this site have not had fusions, though there are a few. Clark is one. Trace has not had one yet, but like you, has had a terrible car accident and has been scheduled for one, then cancelled. Go back over the older postings and read what they have to say – I think you’ll find their comments helpful until they can chime in.

I do have a friend here in CA who is not on this Board, but had a fusion last year, while she was 8 months pregnant. Hers went very well and her motion is excellent when she has her lifts in her shoes. She works out regularly and leads a pretty normal life. There is some pain, but she says it takes about a year until it settles into normal and she knows what she’s left with permanently. I think it really depends on the injury and your unique situation.

Keep us posted and have fun reading the past comments – there are many and they are so very useful!

Cheers,
Lee
Pamela on July 2, 2009 at 6:54 pm said:

Hello All,

This is a great website , I had a car accient Nov. 08,
and shattered my Rt heel and ankle , open fx’s both knees with patella ligament rupture and a C6 fx and skull fx.!!! I spent a month in the hospital and rehab and home for a long recovery… I’ve been told that I need a subtaylor fusion to help with the unrelenting pain in my foot. I am a bit worried about being laid up again and totally dependent on everyone!! I am having a cat scan on july 18th and then will talk some more about the surgery.
I am worried that I will never be pain free , or be able to walk without a limp !!
I know you all know how i feel , not a club anyone wants to join. (at least not for this reason)
How long is the recovery for a fusion ? and is it as bad pain wise as i’ve been reading ??
Would love to hear what you all have to say.
Thanks,
Pamela
Pamela on July 2, 2009 at 6:52 pm said:

Hello All,

This is a great website , I had a car accient Nov. 08,
and shattered my Rt heel and ankle , open fx’s both knees with patella ligament rupture and a C6 fx and skull fx.!!! I spent a month in the hospital and rehab and home for a long recovery… I’ve been told that I need a subtaylor fusion to help with the unrelenting pain in my foot. I am a bit worried about being laid up again and totally dependent on everyone!! I am having a cat scan on july 18th and then will talk some more about the surgery.
I am worried that I will never be pain free , or be able to walk without a limp !!
I know you all know how i feel , not a club anyone wants to join. (at least not for this reason)
How long is the recovery for a fusion ? and is it as bad pain wise as i’ve been reading ??
Would love to hear what you have to say.
Thanks,
Pamela
Susan P on June 29, 2009 at 1:30 pm said:

Lee, I will be 12 weeks post surgery this Saturday. My therapist pretty much told me exactly what you said today. She said I needed to be careful that I didn’t overdue and develop an “overuse injury” due to the tendon injury. I go back to the surgeon on July 16th will discuss with him then.

Had a good session at PT today – added more exercises specifically geared towards the tendon issues and strengtening etc. so I’m making progress.

Hope everyone is doing o.k.
Lee on June 29, 2009 at 1:18 pm said:

Hi All,

Susan P – sounds like you’re on the right track. It’s amazing that you get some freedom from the boot. That’s exactly how I did it, but I was at about 12 weeks post-surgery when it happened. So, the pain in the lower back of the ankle is either the posterior tibial tendon (on the tib side), the achilles (in the center) or one of the peroneal tendons (on the fib side). I’ve had trouble with all of them. Big time tendonitis with the Posterior Tib tendon. It was resolved after the second surgery found a torn peroneal longus, which was repaired, and I changed up my shoes and arch supports to manage the way my foot was rotating. Regular ibuprofin also helped. All the tendons have been damaged and they can take a year to heal. In the mean time, the answer is stretching and strengthening – discuss it with your PT. they have worked wonders on mine. Still not perfect, but getting there.

Erika – glad to hear all worked out on the slip and the pain is getting better.

Trac – thought of you yesterday. It was 100+ degrees here yesterday, so we dashed out to Half Moon Bay and spent the day at the beach. 68 degrees witha fine mist over the shore, and the water was so cool! It was hard climbing down the cliff to get to the sand, and walking in the sand gave me an ankle work out, but it was just delightful. I was watching a woman on the beach with crutches and very badly mangled lower legs make her way to the shore. Nothing was going to keep her from enjoying the huge waves and coolness yesterday! Good for her. Keep us posted on your Dr visit. Eagerly waiting for good news for you.

Cheers,
Lee
trac on June 29, 2009 at 6:01 am said:

Welcome, Jaimie, but yea, sucks you had to find us. But, glad you did.

Glad it looks like things are going to be okay, Erika, but I bet it was a relief hearing that, huh?

Susan, I know all about that tendon damage. But, fortunately, they know how to work at it. Takes work, though. Doesn’t everything take work? Seems never ending.

Lee, glad things are improving for you. Progress is great.

I’m so-so. My pain is starting to radiate, but what is most aggravating is I’ve been channeling my stress into my jaw and shoulders. Clenching my jaw, I’m exhausted from pure stress. I go in on Tuesday to my doctor to discuss further options. I will let you know. I so badly want an answer. You know? Just let me know what is going to happen.

Well, I am having fun despite all, here. I should go to sleep, so that I don’t fall asleep tomorrow.

Take Care, everyone!
Hi to all —
Erika on June 28, 2009 at 7:53 pm said:

Hi guys. Sorry for not responding sooner. The x-rays were fine – no movement (thank goodness). The pain is much better now too. I am getting sooooo sick of crutches! (only 3 weeks so far). I am actually putting a tiny bit of pressure on the ankle when I walk – it helps with the crutches, and I know I am not supposed to put weight yet, but it really helps with balancing.

So how is everyone else doing? My next apt. is 1 week from this Tuesday – I am hoping to get into a boot? Is that possible after 4 weeks?

Erika
Susan P on June 28, 2009 at 4:41 pm said:

Hey Everyone – just checking in – have been having trouble getting into the site.

Welcome Jamie – sorry you’re here :-(.

So I’ve been having a reality check – doctor has given me partial freedom from the boot – I’m allowed out of the boot in the house, at pt and on flat, solid, paved surfaces. Need to be in the boot on grass, dirt, uneven surfaces, etc. The two breaks in the tib are pretty much healed the break in the fib with the plate isn’t.

I kinda thought once I was allowed to be out of the boot I would get myself back to speed through sheer determination if nothing else. Have found out just how wrong I was and just how much my leg won’t do. So I’m doing an attitude adjustment (again) and resetting my goals and am hoping that I will be able to walk my dog by September (maybe)….

Pain in new place – back of leg – towards the bottom – therapist says that is the damaged tendon. Interesting….

How is everyone doing? Trac? What’s up with you? Ericka – what did the xrays show?

Hope this post goes through….
Lee on June 28, 2009 at 11:33 am said:

Hi Jamie,

Welcome to the group – sorry you need to be here though. No fun having both an ankle and an arm broken at the same time – makes the recovering really challenging. So, the Board is a little quiet right now. I think lots of people are on the mend and getting back to their regular lives, which is a good thing. there are a few of us who have had complications and still have some trouble, so we check in regularly and share what we know, offer help to the new ones. So, again, welcome.

I don’t have any big news – just getting ready for the holiday week. We’re going to do some day trips to the beach. It’s hot here now, so the shore will be cool. I walked to dinner last night. We parked about a mile away from the restaurant, just because it was a nice night and we all wanted a stroll. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it,but I did, just fine, and no real pain. Excellent. I can now stroll. We’ll see how walking on the beach goes today.

Erika – no word from you … I’m hoping you didn’t need surgery. Let us know when you can.

Cheers,
Lee
Houston Wes on June 27, 2009 at 11:53 pm said:

Welcome Jamie,

glad you found everyone here. sorry you had to attempt 10stairs at once to get here though.. OuCH!.. Mine was from a misjudged dirtbike jump whule watching over my shoulder for kids. I jammed it..thought it was a BaD sprang..went 7 days on crutches & bucket of ice til I went in for Xray=) Trimalleolar fracture – needed 2 plates, 8 screws but haven’t set off a metal detector yet 😉

ErIKa, what’s the diagnosis? (biting nails)

Wes
Jamie on June 27, 2009 at 5:42 pm said:

I was given your website by a lady I met in MN. I fx my tibula and fibula May 8th with dislocation fell down 10 steps to basement. I was in shock as thank goodness my EMT son and husband were home. I was taken to ED by my family and they worked rather quickly. The put back into alignment right in ED. I felt it tugging and pulling but was out in twilight. I was admitted to hospital emergency surgery early next morning. I then was put in cast I fx my left had as well in the fall so cast on it as well. Hospital 5 days and rehab for 2 weeks. Released to home in wheelchair. Relying on family and friends to care for me. I am getting better it seems so slow though and it is nice to know others have been there and done it I just started physical therapy still can’t drive so relying on those people. Thank the Lord that there are ones to offer their services.Thanks Holly for giving me this website. I appreciate any feedback.
Jamie
Lee on June 25, 2009 at 3:29 pm said:

Erika,

So, what was the verdict? Is the break ok? I sure hope they didn’t have to re-set it or anything. Cute poem too – quite appropriate.

Cheers,
Lee
Lee on June 24, 2009 at 12:21 pm said:

Pam – good to hear from you! Glad you are doing so well. I tracked your progress closely, because I am just a few weeks behind you, though my metal just came out in March. Take care and check in every now and again.

Cheers,
Lee
Pam on June 23, 2009 at 9:26 pm said:

Hi all- I haven’t posted in several months but wanted to say I just passed the one year mark of when I broke my ankle& the 6 month mark of when I had all of my hardware removed ( 2 plates, 9 screws & a pin). I must say it has sure been a long journey but I am pretty happy where things are at with my ankle. I am running on it, wearing high heels & playing volleyball (things I didn’t expect to be doing one year post break). It still swells a little bit & is sore in the morning but definately not as bad as it was 6 months ago. Hang in there to all who are new ankle breakers as there is definately a light at the end of the tunnel….

Pam
trac on June 23, 2009 at 4:36 am said:

Erika –

You are not the only one who cannot sleep.
Thanks for the poem, it made me chuckle.
Hope your appt goes well today and that everything
is okay.

take care,
trac
Erika on June 23, 2009 at 2:10 am said:

Ok. So yes, it is 3 o’clock in the morning. But when you can’t sleep……

So, I started to think of a poem – (that is what I do in my spare time  ) – here it is:

It all started with going for a walk in the park.
Then my foot met a hole and everything went dark.

The pain was intense, as I looked at my foot.
“Go get the car”. I will stay put.

The ambulance comes – oh, what a scene.
But I don’t care – just give me morphine.

The light are blaring – the bumps hurt so much.
You need an x-ray – my foot – please don’t touch!

You have a bad break they tell me with care.
Go home – here’s some crutches – they give me a pair.

We go home in the car. The ride is hard – “Oh my”.
Every bump and curve makes me want to cry.

We finally get home and I try to walk to the door.
After 3 steps with the crutches-I want no more.

I look up all the stairs. I feel so dumb.
I then decide, I’ll go up on my bum.

At the top of the stairs I say ouch.
Then I look for my destination and start for the couch.

For the next few weeks, the couch is my home.
While I sit and wait to heal my bone.

I can’t get my coffee. I can’t get my lunch.
Someone cleans my kitchen – thanks a bunch!

Sometimes I feel that I am so alone – so stressed.
Then I see a picture of an amputee and I feel so blessed.

My friends come to visit – they call and they talk.
Soon I’ll be up and able to walk.

It seems so far away – but I know it will come.
Soon I’ll be up and this all will be done.

Hope you enjoyed – Erika
Erika on June 22, 2009 at 12:47 pm said:

Hi all. Thanks for the replies. Since i did this on a Friday, and it was the weekend, i decided to wait. Hope its ok. I have an appt. w/ my otheopedic on Tuesday at 10 in the morning. Will let you know. Thanks.

Erika
Susan R on June 22, 2009 at 12:07 pm said:

I managed to come downstairs today ‘almost’ normally, one foot to each step and putting most of my weight on the ball of my bad foot!! Oh happy day 🙂
Erika, hope things are okay with you today.
trac on June 22, 2009 at 6:19 am said:

Good Morning!

How are you today, Erika? I did something similar by accidentally landing all my weight on it when I had my last surgery. As Lee explained, it took an x-ray to find that it had indeed shifted a minor bit, as mine was not too much of a shift, just enough to cause a heckuva lot of pain, he was able to take care of it in his office. He removed the cast — did something, and put the cast back on, after which all was fine. So, it is important to get yourself in for an x-ray.

Let us know, and I hope all is well as can be for all. It is for me. I received a letter stating they are in the process of “reviewing your latest appeal”. Hmmmmmmm…okay.

Take Care Everyone!
trac
Houston Wes on June 21, 2009 at 9:19 pm said:

added note to Erika.. if you didn’t get a mini electric cooler when you did your surgery.. they are exPenSive.. I believe between $300-$500 I asked around and posted on craigslist to find one for cheaper & someone LeNt me one..I’m telling you, people with these injuries stick together when you find the right ones.

& if searching, ask around work, friends, & friends of family too.. You’d be surprised who has what from surgeries unrelated. The guy who had mine was made specifically to fit his KnEe, BUT I would socket it around the ankle & wrap the ace bandage to hold it in place..

((read the other post below 1st then thisll make more sence))
Houston Wes on June 21, 2009 at 9:04 pm said:

Erika,
Until you get it checked out, keep in mind swelling will cause lots of pain & no matter how much vicoden you take, it won’t reduce the swelling.. stay on top of an anti inflamitory qUiCk..advil if your body handles advil well that is. The sooner you start taking anti inflamitory the better.. 100mg an good for an hour – don’t take more than 800mg at a time… stay on top of it every 8 hrs by setting an alarm clock (even better to do 600mg every 6 hrs so u can take it a good 20mins ahead of time without overlap worries as your under your 800mark in 8 hr time frame) do this non stop for 72 hrs.. & elevate above heart raleaxing on pillows removing pressure… being as its in a cast still (if I read correctly) It could cause lots of pain as it was made to fit the degree it was at when they did surgery, NoW after a hit the swelling would be to large to fit in the cast and cause tremendous pain.

I’m not saying stop the vicoden, just keep in mind..taking the advil is more imPoRtant and ok to take the two at the same time (not Ok to take Tyl @ same time though as that is the other ingredient in vicoden)..

I was also able to get hold of a small electric powered ice filled cooler that had two hoses thatd reach my cast and a wrap section that had liquid filled chambers weaving back and forth, Id wrap it around the ankle area of the cast then wrap ace bandages to hold it into place.. the liquid filling periodically circulates – it then acts to cool even the cast.. to feeling I wouldn’t notice..but the swelling stayed down and the comfort level was great the sooner I would do it..

Good luck to you..keep us informed,
Wes
Lee on June 21, 2009 at 5:58 pm said:

Erika,

You may have shifted the fracture. It’s pretty well protected in the cast, but if the bones go out of alignment, they will need to be reduced to an anatomical position. Go to the Emergency room and have an xray done. That way you’ll know for sure. Hopefully, it’s just pain and will subside. But have it looked at – you don’t want it healing wrong.

I did this after my plate and screws came out and ended up cracking through one of the screw holes.

I’m so sorry – no fun. Let us know what happened.

-Lee
Susan R on June 21, 2009 at 1:32 pm said:

OUCH!!
Same happened to me 5 days after surgery. X-ray showed everything was fine. I agree with Susan P – see an expert asap to put your mind at rest. Good luck
Susan P on June 21, 2009 at 12:31 pm said:

My thoughts are to head to the ER and get xrays – is that an option? If not – head to your ortho surgeon first thing tomorrow a.m.
Susan R on June 21, 2009 at 11:35 am said:

Erika, have tried 3 times to post a reply. If this works I’ll try again!
Erika on June 21, 2009 at 10:12 am said:

PLEASE HELP!!!

Hi all. So, I had posted that I broke my fibula 2 weeks ago today. This past Friday, I was hobbling across the kitchen with crutches, and the crutch on the side of the bad ankle – started to slide. I ended up slamming my bad ankle down on the ground (automatic reaction). Ever since them, I am in SO MUCH PAIN!!!! I am laying here on the couch. My bad ankle is up and I am not moving it. I am in so much pain, that I am moaning outloud – I can’t even help it. I am so scared that I moved the bone or something. I am in a cast up to my knee.

Has anyone had this happen? Do you think I delayed the healing in any way?

I took two of my oxycondone pills 45 min. ago, and the pain is JUST starting to subside. This is so rediculous.

Any words of wisdom?

Thanks in advance.

~ Erika
lois on June 17, 2009 at 10:34 pm said:

My more lengthy post of the other day, obviously went into the abyss. Aaaarghh. So here’s a short one. Huge congratulations on walking Trac, but be careful. Also Happy Birthday. Anklequest hope things pick up for you. Lee, very well said… and hello to both Susans, Wes, Louise,,, etc etc and etc. Lois
Susan P on June 17, 2009 at 3:58 pm said:

Hey Trac – Happy, Happy Birthday :-)! I know that this year will bring wonderful things your way!

So I go to surgeon tomorrow – am hoping that I will be allowed to come out of the boot. Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement and words of wisdom. It is much appreciated.

Will let you know tomorrow the verdict. Hope everyone is doing well. It continues to rain here. I think it has done nothing but rain since I my break. Oh someone asked where I live – USA – Maryland.
Lee on June 17, 2009 at 12:52 pm said:

Happy 40th Trace! Enjoy the day, savor the good stuff, and know that i am wishing good things for you today and each day!

Cheers,
Lee
Susan R on June 17, 2009 at 10:59 am said:

Hi Traci,
Happy Birthday to you!! Wondering what the next one will bring? Bet you’ll be up and about again in your own sweet way.I know I have been much luckier that you with all this but it’s amazing how you learn to adapt to each new situation. Stay strong.
Susan xx
trac on June 17, 2009 at 9:20 am said:

Good Morning!

Well, today, I turn 40. I never imagined 40 would find me w/a wheelchair, living in a sr. citizen apt community, fighting the insurance companies. But, it has. However, it has also found me surrounded by amazing people, both in person and on the internet. Thanks for all your support! You helped me make it another year, happier and stronger, thanks again!
And, Here’s to more healing for all.

Take Care,
traci
Houston Wes on June 15, 2009 at 6:31 pm said:

AHHHH TRAC thats AWESOME I cant stop smiling Im sOOOooOOO ExCiTed for You!!!!!!!!!!!

YeeeeeHawww Girl!!! You GO GirL!!!!

I’m WOW!!! $&%*7!!!
wooo HooooOOOooo!!!!
🙂 🙂 🙂

And Holy cow to the two broken ankles No Fun…

And for the boss that needs a brain transplant thinking someone doesnt need PT HAAAA!!! I did personal training and am HIGHLY self motivated. I do my own PT and it is VeRy time consuming and dificult to keep self motivation eSPeCially when facing the trauma, depression and stress that are forced upon ankle breakers…

LEE said it amazing.. to follow on her tailfeathers – I kept thinking, “if only I could go back and change 1 tiny thing my life would be going normal again =(” when In reality the truth is we were meant to face challenges hands down a greater power, God, Carma, Life or whatever people see demand it .. that being the case, I’ve come to figure that there really was no chance of anyone person sliding through without something. As you said LEE, you knew someone in excellent condition and died while on vacation with his wife – somethings going to throw everyone in life for a loop.. as much as we’re gonna hate it, thats our cards and its time to play our hand as best we can.. but dont forget, its how you keep your poker face, not necessarily the cards in your hands…

😉
I think, there is a LOT of stuff I would NOT want to go through and even though this is one of them, I’m taking it and making the best of it while faking it well 🙂

For the depressed and struggling among us, you can go into the past comments on here to when I stumbled onto this site august of last year and read the struggle from sounding like I was funny and doing alright, to being stressed out of my mind about not being able to support my wife and kids, then work cutting 80% of the work force and pay and my hours to the point I couldn’t do it, thennnn to the point where the drugs came real close to ruining my mariage… I’m doing good now as many mention we get to that point, but I promise… work your way back over the 100’s of pages if you can find where I (Denver Wes) joined the group and you’ll see the horror and here a hope now 😉

I work sometimes 2 – 3 days straight 10 – 12 hour days on my feet and have no swelling.. yes pain, but equally to both legs and none to the ankles :)(not that anyone would want to work that long or on their feet, but just to see that it does come back to you)

😉

ALL MY LOVE EVERYONE,
Wes 🙂
Louise on June 15, 2009 at 5:16 pm said:

Oh boo! My last comment didn’t post! Thats rubbish! Hmmm…

ok. well…TRAC!! Yay for you! Thats brilliant….I am so pleased for you. thats some amazing progress! 😀 Keep it up hey?

Susan P. As most other people have said, you need to keep yourself busy…it is quite a long slog, and a boring, frustrating, upseting, slog, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. At 9 weeks, I was still not walking on my ankle at all, as I had to have some pins removed before I put any weight on it…I had them out at about 12 weeks. (I think I remember reading you were in a boot?) Just focus on the day to day stuff, and keep moving (literally ha ha!) The ankle is blooming stiff for a while, but I am now 14 months on nearly from a few breaks on the tibia, and fibula, and dislocation as well, metal in etc, and I am prettttttty much back to as normal as i think it is going to get. I went to New York city 2 weeks after I was allowed to walk, and did not use crutches…I also went skiing in February, (Not very well at ALL!) and I realise this may not be the same for everyone, but life CAN return to normal afterwards….just keep your chin up, and stick with it! Yes it still aches after walking a few miles, ad yes, it doesn;t bend the same ways it did before, and yes…it means I cannot wear heals without looking like a muppet most of the time, and my foot swelling to the size of a football the next day, but you will adapt to the small changes you need to make…just take it one step at a time! 🙂 And keep yourself busy too…very important! 🙂

Oh..and yes, PT is a MUST! As lee said, you cannot imobilise a joint for however many weeks, then just magically expect it to work…it doesn’t, and its hard work to GET it moving again, but do not worry about what they said…just tell them that the DR said it, and they can learn to like it or lump it!

As for me…not really much as an update As I said, I did a few miles on the cross trainer at the gym the other day, and walked home…and by the time I was home, my ankle was quite tender, and a bit swollen. I also had to do a bit of walking on saturday to get to a picnic (which was fun, although far away!) so that wasn’t so good….also flip flops dont really help so much! But never mind….a bit of sunshine has to be met with flip flops I feel!! I also was at the gym again today….need to shift a few excess pounds I feel, as that cant be good for ankle healing either! :S

Anywho…to everyone else, hello and hope you are all doing well!

Louise xx
Susan P on June 15, 2009 at 3:59 pm said:

I will now be known as Susan P – I’m the one who broke leg nine weeks ago and who has been recently whining 🙂 – Thank you again Lee for the words of wisdom….

10 week check up with surgeon on Thursday – will let you know what he says
Lee on June 15, 2009 at 3:10 pm said:

Trace – YOU GO GIRL! Good for you! Keep it up, but be careful, be safe, and I’ll be thinking of you.

Susan and Susan, can you both add a last initial to your sign-on, so we know who we’re talking to? I had not realized there were two…hope I didn’t mix up details?

Cheers,
Lee
Susan on June 15, 2009 at 5:06 am said:

YES!!!!!!!! YOU GO TRAC! SERIOUS HIGH FIVES AND HUGS AND I JUST LAUGHED OUT LOUD. I Will be thinking of you all day 🙂
trac on June 14, 2009 at 11:42 pm said:

GUESS WHAT??????????!!!!

oh, wait, sorry, I forgot to say Hello! Hello!!!
So, GUESS WHAT?????????

I decided that okay, fine, take away my rehab…blah blah blah…I know enough to help myself a bit. Like Lee said, not as much as a PT would, but enough. And, tonight, it paid off! I walked the hallway of my building with my cane, down and back — WALKED it, using both legs. Of course, I had my right ankle in the brace I used for my foot drop, and I had to pay close attention to every movement and angle, but I did it. And, then, THEN, I walked without — with OUT a cane…yeup…not all that far, but it was my first time trying. My brother was with me, we used the belt for safety, and went for it. I didn’t need him. I mean, I did, for safety, but, made it w/o him. Oh, I’m rambling, I’m so excited. I just wanted to share. It looks like the working out is paying off. So, we are going to do a little more each day, not pushing it, just building up. I think, no, I know, and I believe we can do this — makes me want to get approval for the ankle fusion all that much more!

I’m giddy with excitement. Long ways to go — it’ll happen.

Oh, I just wanted to share!
It is going to happen.

Peace,
take care,
trac
Susan on June 14, 2009 at 4:29 pm said:

Hello Susan,

Yes, there is another one here!

Believe me, this will not be your last pity party – I had one last week!!! Things do get better and you adapt to each new situation but you will still have your black moments and you just have to go through them and deal with how you are feeling. I would hate to wish our situation on anyone but I strongly believe that, unless you have experienced this, you will have no idea of what a major change a broken ankle makes to your life. I was just as guilty as anyone before I slipped and fell – yes, one second is all it takes! Just remember there are others out there who really know how you feel and are joining you at your pity party!!

Take care,

Susan.
Susan on June 14, 2009 at 2:51 pm said:

Thank you all once again for your never ending support and understanding. Hopefully I’ve had my last pity party. I swore last night that this was the last time that I was going to sit here and feel sorry for myself.

Lee you are soooo right. Thank you.

So I’m going to pick myself up and go to therapy 3 times a week and do the best I can do and go on from there and I’ll never again take anything for granted.

I take it there is another “Susan” here in the group?
Susan on June 14, 2009 at 1:30 pm said:

Sorry Trac, meant to say ‘denied’ treatment.

And Erika – you are living my worst nightmare!!! Good luck.
Susan on June 14, 2009 at 1:22 pm said:

Hello all,
Haven’t posted for a while but have checked in almost every day to see how everyone is getting on.
Trac,I have been following your story with interest – you must be at your wit’s end with all this. Living in the UK with our wonderful NHS I can’t imagine what it must be like to be offered treatment – no matter what. I don’t suppose there’s any possibility of you heading this way to get things sorted out?
Other Susan :), you are in the very early stages of your recovery. I broke my ankle in 3 places and also dislocated it on 19th July 2008. I was in full cast for 8 weeks with elevation and no weight bearing. Zimmer frame and crutches for 5 months. My PT told me our type of injury is one of the longest to heal – at least 6 months until you are anywhere near moving on. I was also told it could be 2 years until I feel as if it is MY ankle again. Hard to accept, but now I think it’s realistic. After 8 months of PT for mobilisation and gym classes (at PT clinic) to build and strengthen muscles and repair tendons. I have started swimming with my daughter to keep up my regular exercise and use my trampette occasionally. I am very lucky to be in a job where the sickness scheme gave me full pay for 6 months then half pay for a further 6. I returned to work almost 6 months post break, with support. Would your GP consult with your PT or employer to explain your injury or need for PT? I have been put back on anti-inflamatories for pain in the ball of my foot under my big toe and also up the inside of my ankle (possibly tendon?), and this has helped. I still suffer pain and swelling and had to be sent home from work last week as the pain was so intense I couldn’t walk.Painkillers, ice packs and elevation help. However, I have had 5 pain free days which has been amazing!! The first since last July. I have bother coming downstairs and walking on uneven ground as I only have 2/3 rotation and 3/4 plantar & dorsiflexion – I don’t think this will change so I expect this is the end of my hillwalking days. 🙁
If you can get a wheelchair for the forseeable future do so – I was determined I would not be confined to the house and loved my wheels! Are you in US or UK? If UK try http://www.wheelfreedom.co.uk excellent service brand new product.
Well, that’s all for now – hope this posts.
Best wishes to all and, as we are known to say, tread carefully! X
Lee on June 14, 2009 at 10:19 am said:

Susan,

One more thing. The folks at work are wrong – plain wrong. You will and do need PT, for quite a while. You can’t immobilize a major joint for 9-12 weeks and expect it to begin to work again without it. Some have managed to create their own PT regimin at home if they can’t go b/c of insurance, but I’m sure the results are less than optimal. But they are wrong for bothering you about it. It’s none of their business. It’s between you and your Dr. And not supporting it or bothering you about it is harassment. These people need to get a clue. Push back on them. Let them know you have discussed it with your Dr and it’s his/her call, not theirs.

Let us know how else we can support you. I feel your pain – I really do. I just hope we can help you find a way to get to a better place. Once you start moving on your own power, you’ll start feeling a lot better.

Cheers,
Lee
Erika on June 13, 2009 at 6:59 pm said:

Susan:

Wow. Listen to Lee. Lee, you said it perfect!

Susan: 2 years ago, I broke my right ankle in 3 places. 12 weeks non weight bearing – 15 weeks no driving. I got VERY depressed. But after 1 year, slowly things DO start to get somewhat normal again.

Now after 1 1/2 years, and FINALLY I am able to walk and get some exercise I go and break the other one! Arghh! (again, I think I said that already).

Susan: Things WILL get better. One day at a time. Are you having friends over? Have someone take you out for lunch – you can do that – with a wheel chair – right? It might be just what you need.

You can complain all you want here – I posted so many times it wasn’t funny. I had stopped coming here, because, to be honest with you, after a while you just kind of want to forget about it. Hopefully, that will be you in a year. And you won’t break the other one! lol.

Keep visiting and keep writing. It will make you feel better to vent. I just got back from a graduation party – I went and kept my foot up and visited with people. People waited on me, and it was fun. Now, my spirits are up a bit.

Erika
Louise on June 13, 2009 at 6:10 pm said:

Hello everyone!

WOw…loads posted on here in the last couple of days!!

Susan, so sorry to hear your so down. I remember being so so down right after I came home after my 2 week cast change, when I expected….well, I dont know what I expected. I expected it to be magically healed, and it wasn’t. I also had to cancel a holiday, as I was still going to be in a cast (which I did not realise before), and I sat on the sofa, and cried for hours. I also got really down when I started to walk on it again. I knew it would be stiff, but I had no idea just how stiff, and how much it would hurt, and how difficult it would be. You just have to be strong, and it’s ok to get angry, and really really frustrated, but the way you have to look at it is at least you are going to be able to walk again soon. I know it is hard, and people telling you that quite often doesn’t help, but just focus on the long term goal, which is to be able to walk again without a limp. It is a long road, but you will reach the end of it soon. I am about 15 months down the road, and yes, it still causes me problems, but on a day to day basis, it is fine, and I cannot really complain. A couple of my friends are doing a 12 mile walk for charity, and I know I would love to do it, but after walikng home from the gym the other day, which is just under 2 miles, my foot was aching, and tender, so I did not put in to do the walk! :S
Keep your chin up, and come on here to vent your frustrations by all means! 🙂 Work is just something you will have to take one step at a time! Good luck!

Trac….what is going on with your insurance company? They sound rubbish! I just find it so hard to believe that they wont pay out for anything for you!!! I love your spirit, and that you always seem so optimistic throughout, even when faced with something as drastic as amputation. Keep that up! 😀

Anklequest. Sorry to hear about your recent developments also! Keep us updated with what’s happening.

To everyone else…hello, and hope you are all doing well!

As for me…not really much as an update As I said, I did a few miles on the cross trainer at the gym yesterday, and walked home…and by the time I was home, my ankle was quite tender, and a bit swollen. I also had to do a bit of walking today to get to a picnic (which was fun, although far away!) so that wasn’t so good….also flip flops dont really help so much! But never mind….a bit of sunshine has to be met with flip flops I feel!!

Anywho…shall speak soon!

Louise xx
Lee on June 13, 2009 at 3:37 pm said:

Hi All! HI Lois, Hi Wes – nice to hear from you.

So, Anklequest, good to hear you are on top of the STAR results. I agree – not ready yet. But, if you ever get to the point where you need to decide between it and a fusion, it’s good to know that it might be an option. And perhaps the technique will get better between now and then. My thinking is that if the STAR were to fail, there’s still the fusion. But if you go with the fusion, that’s it. You’re done. Just a word of advice also if you decide to see Dr. Mann – it’s about a 6-10 week wait to get in. So if you ever decide to, plan a bit ahead. I’d love to meet up with you if you ever have time and are in the area!

All interesting comments about the medical system. It is very complicated and can be daunting. I have 4 doctors in my immediate family and another on her way through med school right now, so I had no shortage of advice and no shortage of experience listening to them wrangle with insurance companies. My Dad is a product of the academic and research system and calls “BS” on the insurance companies all the time. I guess I learned to push it from him. Trace, you’re on the right path. You need to push, challenge and get 2nd opinions. The insurance companies don’t want lawsuits, so you have to know what evidence to present to make your case. It sounds like you’ve got a great partner in your Dr. Keep using him.

Erika, yes – leg above the heart for the first 2 weeks, almost ALL the time. Remember, that the swelling is painful and not good for the healing. Ice, Elevation, rest. Those are the orders for the first 2 weeks. Take it easy back at work. Stamina is down. Your body is trying to heal and build bone. It takes a lot out of you. You’ll be fine, but you need to slow down some.

Susan – I know exactly how you feel. My accident wasn’t even 2 steps – it was a lousy curb in a parking lot. And I didn’t even miss it – my sandal slipped off of it. I’m not very old – just 41. And, yes, my life has changed forever. But, after almost a year, I have to say that things have settled into a new normal. I can get around and do what I want. Yes, there’s pain, but I’m learning to manage it and live with it. And yes, my kids always want me to do things I can’t do anymore, but they too have learned to adapt and have learned a great life lesson. We can’t take ANYTHING for granted. It can all change or be taken away in a second, which is how this happened to me. Walking 1 second, on the ground the next. It’s never been the same since. But I am happy for what I have and can do, and try not to belabor the stuff I can’t. I do my best and try. I know my limitations, but challenge them daily. My eldest brother, a Dr from Harvard with a huge life of accomplishments and praise under his belt, died 3 years ago suddenly at the age of 45 – dropped dead one morning while on vacation with his wife and 3 kids. Trust me, their lives changed drastically forever, in an instant. Just like that – gone. No one saw it coming. But there it is. So, I think about that, and the thousands of others who’s lives change in an instant with car crashes, illness, cancer, or a simple slip, and realize I’m not alone. It’s a part of the human condition to have to work through challenges and face them head on. Depression and anger are part of the mourning stages. Let it happen. It’s natural. Vent here. But then, pick yourself up and live life fully, for it could be gone in an instant. Just like the fall. We’re happy to listen to you – I know how it feels. So, say it here, and then breathe, and move forward.

Take care all. ‘
Lee
Anklequest on June 13, 2009 at 2:38 pm said:

Susan,
Nine weeks is not long enough. It takes quite a while to come to terms with major changes in life. I think I was still in shock at nine weeks. I had a freak accident, just like you. You have to morn for a while, and grieve for your past life, as if you lost something or someone, which indeed you did. You lost part of your past self! Things will get better!!!

Anklequest
Susan on June 13, 2009 at 1:18 pm said:

Hello everyone, nine weeks since fall yesterday, nine weeks today since surgery. Went back to work Wednesday. Have been really depressed lately. Still in the boot – work has not been very understanding and has questioned my need for pt. I seemed to be frustrated so easily right now …. and while I know that I said earlier that I realized that things would never be the same again I also said that I hadn’t accepted it yet and this week has made me realized that I truly haven’t. I am so PISSED – I am PISSED I fell – two steps – two steps and everything has changed….Sorry I’m feeling sorry for myself and I know that I could have it so much worse and there are those here that do so please forgive me but I need so desperately to talk to someone who understands….
Houston on June 12, 2009 at 1:29 pm said:

WoW.. sorry its been awhile.. 🙂 been so busy

Had to pop in and shoot an update right quick.

trimalleolar fracture on July 5th, 2008, surgery 3 weeks later, running by month 7, still don’t have full movement of tendons (ROM)but get along quite well as I’ve heard that could take a couple years anyhow.

I’ve been swimming at the beach, even out-performing the life guards on a FeW occasions able to help out floating heads lol.. I mean little kids getting out too far then not having the strength or energy to swim back or keep afloat.

Cool thing I did the other day
I went skating with the kids… old ragedy rental skates.. very wierd and leathery things with no padding and could feel blisters forming on the bottom of my feet before I even finished tying them… I tore it up on the floor… I was hesitant for the first ten minutes but it all came back to me..

I DID fall, but it was because my goofing around and not the ankle. I did good and didn’t feel any pain or swelling that night or the next few days.. It was stiff at times and would get tight, but it did amazingly well..

I hope all are doing well,

I’ll try to follow up and keep my eyes on here for a bit, see how all are doing..

Wes
Erika on June 12, 2009 at 11:00 am said:

Hi all. Thanks for the comments. Believe me, I cannot believe it either. I am now in a full cast (up to my knee). I have a broken fibula – the end of it is broke cleeeeean off. But, it is a clean break and they say no surgery – so compared to the last ankle, can’t complain. I do have that “mopey/depressed” feeling. I am trying to get rid of it – of course, this is the first week, so I am not at work yet. I will go to work next week. Although – my husband Joel has to drive me – it is my left ankle – but the doctor does not want me to have my foot down for the 30 minute drive? Wants me to sit in backseat with it up. Is this normal? I know it is a good idea to keep it elevated but – 30 minutes? So, at home he wants it elevated all the time for this first 2 weeks. Again – normal? I can’t remember.

Dealing with an itchy cast again too. Yuck. Bad memories – de ja vu.

Hopefully, when I go back to work, the “doldrums” will go away. I am just nervous about being tired. It seems like I go to the bathroom, come back to the couch, and I am ready for a nap! LOL.

Erika
lois on June 12, 2009 at 10:32 am said:

Hello everyone. YES, others following this board ARE VERY INTERESTED Anklequest. Even those of us who are progressing well at this time are aware that we could have future complications and are most grateful to those of you willing to share your experiences. We feel priveleged to have people with intelligence and knowledge such as yourself, Lee and Trac, who are willing to take the time to discuss and explain things in a manner that the rest of us are able to understand. Despite your own complications, you three have been amazing in the support you have offered on this blog, even to those of us who have had a much easier time navigating through this ordeal. We simply care about you and care about what happens to you.

Erika,,, I just cannot believe you have another break. Good grief. Louise, welcome home from Thailand. Susan, Nic, Julie,,, and everyone else hello to you all. Lois
Anklequest on June 11, 2009 at 11:30 am said:

Lee, Thanks so much for the info on Dr. Mann. I did some looking on the internet last night. A lot of the info is consistent with what I’ve found out & with the information discussed with my doctor. Here’s a concern. The STAR ankle joint implant lasts about 10-12 years, based on European data. Second, about 90 % are successful…(my doc says the real # is less than that) and these two items alone are enough to cause doctors and patients some reservation since statistically fusions have better stats than the above. Yet fusions are more limiting in terms of actual outcomes. I think time will tell.

Let’s keep sharing information. I’m sure others following this board will be interested.

Anklequest
Anklequest on June 11, 2009 at 11:22 am said:

Trac,
The swelling is related to and a result of all the problems. Now, can the swelling go down at all as a result of “fixing” some of the problems, is a key question. If the answer is yes, then isn’t surgery warranted? Then is is a matter of waiting until the docs think you are ready for another surgery.

Perhaps you need an advocate. Lee has her own father doc as an advocate which has been of great benefit to her. I have an advanced degree in physiology so know all the medical lingo and concepts and yet I needed an advocate. I took along my boss, who was a good friend of the the doc I went to see recently. In fact, it was my boss who suggested doing so already a year ago.

WE ALL need help if we can get it. I hope you can get some help. Even those of us with knowledge and professional experience seem to have trouble with doctors and negotiating the health care system.

FYI, both my husband and I have advanced degrees, hold higher level administrative positions, and yet cannot seem to make heads or tails out of the health care “system” that we have.

All the best!

Anklequest
trac on June 11, 2009 at 1:05 am said:

Hi.

I think it is interesting to keep reading about everyone’s research into doctors and future possibilities. This is where I am lacking, I haven’t been as assertive, as I should’ve been. Perhaps. I’m taking notes, because I am going to be making some moves here soon. According to the refusal letters I have received, the actual reason cited for denial is “excessive lymphedema as noted by MD…which could be made worse by requested surgeries”. I received another letter stating “at this time I do not feel rehab will be beneficial until edema is brought under control.” As far as the wheelchair, from what I understand, the denial is normal, you just have to push the issue and then they will approve it. My surgeon was very angry because he said the swelling was just an excuse. I suppose. He mentioned it, we’ve been treating it. Rather aggressively, actually. My surgeon said the swelling is a concern, he’s never hidden that fact.
I think it will all happen. I just have to get a bit, okay, a lot more assertive. I have an appt on June 30th with my primary, who is excellent, and we have a lot to discuss. Also, I’m resubmitting all the bills that they have sent, from the services since denied. I think things will happen, just right now, it is taking patience and faith. Nebraska, apparently, is rather infamous in denying medicaid claims. Great state economically — but very conservative. I wish I could meet with a couple of you face to face and discuss how to actually verbalize my concerns and needs to doctors and others.
Well, I think I will go to sleep now. Long day on the home front. A good one, just long.

Take Care, everyone!
trac
Anklequest on June 10, 2009 at 9:55 pm said:

Hi Trac,
I have the same questions as Lee. Are they turning you down for everything? I can see this is a very tough situation. The doc is being turned down? Why? Is it because of your knee status, which is making you an unsuitable candidate for anything? The whole thing sounds very shocking to me.

One good thing..I’m glad you get along with everyone in that retirement village.

All the best,

Anklequest

Anklequest
Anklequest on June 10, 2009 at 9:50 pm said:

Lee,
Thanks much for the info on Dr. Mann. I will be in San Fransisco doe 3 days the first week in July but it is too early to see that doc. I did discuss STAR with my doc and we do know it’s FDA status. I know it is widely used in EUrope and was developed in Sweden. In Europe they do not have the equivalent of the FDA so they can do more experimentation. fortunately, as he told me, we can wait a while and by the time my ankle gets a lot worse maybe something will look better to him. He said it is not so much the joint technology, it is a problem with the joint-bone junction. The bone often cracks.

I an so glad to hear there is such a positive outlook for you, including skiing. I too wear that lace up thing from time to time. And the compression items. What a pain. My foot gets real hot, which I hate. I am now riding my bike daily, which he said would be good for me. And, of course, my ASAC running shoes, with jel inserts that support my high arch. That arch support and jel cushion seems to help a lot.

Anklequest
Lee on June 10, 2009 at 2:21 pm said:

Trace- so, I don’t understand. They won’t let you do PT, they won’t let you have a fusion, and the won’t do an amputation? So what do they propose? You can’t live like this from here on out …. you’re way too young. Or is the amputation still an option? I know at one point you had decided to do it and then had hope that you would not need it. They have to let you do something. You should be able to find a way to move on that allows you to live a full life, even if there are some restrictions. How can we help? Always happy to have you vent and just listen. But I wonder if there’s something else we can do.

Louise – hello! Long time no see. Glad to heart Thailand was great. I know how you feel about the limitations. It’s no fun, but part of it all. Keep stretching and strength building, but no high impact activities. Gotta sit down to get down – just the way it is.

Susan – have not tried MTBs yet, as they are not very stable. I think it’s too soon to be working on those. I do often wear an ankle brace. The elastic kind offers compression for when I need to stand for a while and keeps the swelling under control. If I go out on uneven ground, I wear a lace-up brace to keep the ankle from twisting or rolling. Both are super helpful and keep me moving. My PT suggested Birkenstocks to exercise the foot – activates a lot of the small muscles in the foot and leg. So, also using those, ugly as they are!

My update – just saw the surgeon for the last time. He’s graduated me to be on my own, unless I need him again. Said to keep at the PT, build strength, balance and stamina. And I should be good to go. Said heels could be ok in another 6 months as is possibly skiing. Yippeee! So, I’m keeping at the exercise and PT, playing with the shoes and insoles to find comfort, and will head back to see him next year for left ankle ligament repair so I NEVER have to break another ankle, like poor Erika!

Take care all – thinking about each of you.
-Lee
Lee on June 10, 2009 at 2:10 pm said:

Oh my – so many new posts … where to begin?

Anklequest – Im sorry to hear about your developments. So, I have had a different point of view on the ankle replacements. Dr. Roger Mann, out here in Oakland CA is the surgeon who invented the STAR, an ankle replacement which was just FDA approved in 2008. It is still somewhat experimental, but I have seen him and several of his patients who have done quite well with it. I would not rush into it any time soon, but if it becomes a necessity, it might be worth a trip out to CA to see him. Both he and his son do this procedure. The Sr. Dr Mann is semi-retired, but does still see patients. I have it in the back of my mind for future reference. As for the arthroscopic procedure, I say go for it. I had it done during my second surgery and I have much better movement now that the joint is all cleaned out. I was down 3 weeks on crutches, and 3 weeks in the boot, but I also had a ligament and tendon repair to heal. I think the scope work is a much shorter recovery.

Posting more in another post so as not to lose this …
nic on June 9, 2009 at 6:34 pm said:

hello all!!

havent posted in a while. i am now 6 months post break and doing .. ok.. wont say good just ok. I can walk now almost normal.. for those that are observant its a noticeable limp. Still have a lot of pain in my foot as the swelling is almost gone for the most part. it feels like my bones in my foot are going to snap. i believe its due to lack of muscle in my foot that in time hopefully gets better. i still have very limited feeling on the bottom of my foot. that is the number one complaint i have had from the start. feels very numb but on the same hand very painful its the oddest thing ever I go for more x-rays tomorrow as of course the torture test AKA nerve and emg study came back inconclusive!!! and I refuse to do again! was ridiculously painful and for what?..notta
so we will see. My surgeon is a little concerned with how much my foot curves in to the left(right foot) when stretched out. afraid maybe some of the hardware shifted. the only other thing is how oddly warm it always is. to the touch feels heated and (gross) it constantly sweats all the time no matter what its the weirdest thing but who knows. my surgeons assistant not so good in the english language so any questions i wait to see him to ask. anyway i hope everyone is doing well! will post the newest results of the newest test soon!
nik
Susan on June 9, 2009 at 4:00 pm said:

So, I’m whining again – haven’t even gotten back to work yet and it has started already…. two phone calls from work today re why do I need to go to pt 3x per week – can I find another therapist with different hours. Tried explaining – I’m not the only person who needs pt…. god I don’t want to go back there….having major pity party right now – sitting here crying – I took money off credit cards to make mortgage for June – sitting here with no one to talk to who understands – sorry – if I can’t say something nice I shouldn’t say anything…
trac on June 8, 2009 at 11:18 pm said:

Hello!

Wowza. Quite a bit happening…Erika — welcome back..but…oh, so sad to hear. I can’t imagine feeling the pain of another ankle break. I’m glad to see you taking it so well. I’ll think of you. Anklequest, dang it, huh? Here it is 3 years out and now all this? I’ve had arthroscopic done on my knee, but no where else. I recouped pretty good from that pretty quickly, wasn’t too bad. My dr said the same thing re: joint replacement vs. fusion. The ankle is simply too complicated of a joint. Susan, yea, accepting it is a big, difficult, step. But, don’t give up, keep at it, it is amazing what improvements you can see just when you don’t expect them. And, I know you’ll see them, I’ll keep praying for you.
Hi, Louise! I hope you enjoyed Thailand, it looks like in pictures to be gorgeous. Sorry your ankle wasn’t the most accommodating.
As far as me? Well, I wish I had some super news to drop on ya’, but nope. I heard back from the final appeal — DENIED! (anyone watch Suze Orman? I keep hearing her say, DENIED! DENIED! DENIED! hee hee!) Everything is getting turned down. I’ve received 4 letters denying to pay for various things. My surgeon has been turned down 3 times. I am not at “wits’ end” so, that at least that is a positive. But, I am at that point where I am afraid. It is so easy for me to cry right now. I just don’t understand. In 10 days I turn 40 and I live in a Sr. Citizen Complex, have a walker and an AARP card, it is funny, it really is, and they make my life so much more rich and rewarding. But, I’m not ready to be retired, and I think I should be allowed to have a surgery to get me back up and moving. Either that, or take the leg already! I’m fine with it, really, because as I see it, amputation is progress. But, I’m too young to be stalemated (heck,I hope when I’m 70 I’m too young to be stalemated) by an insurance company, whose product I pay good money to have. I still feel positive, even if sometimes I have to remind myself aloud of that fact. I have no choice in the matter, I just feel everything is overall good, except, I’m tired, and now it isn’t just from the pain.
Thanks for letting me voice off. We all need it, and I appreciate being able to do it here.
I hope all of the older ankle breakers and newer ones are doing well! I hope you are all fine in other aspects of your lives as well.
Take Care Everyone!
Back soon,
trac
Anklequest on June 8, 2009 at 9:54 pm said:

This is the first doc that actually spent a half hour with me discussing various items and options. I do know all the terminology so he was very in depth. I feel fortunate that, like Lee, I was able to get a better doctor.

A few things I’m doing: I have jell heel and arches in all my ASAC running shoes which absorb a lot of shock. I know this for when I don’t walk using these things and these shoes things hurt more.

Since the cortisone, the swelling has gone down considerably so I’m trying to keep it down more than I did in the past.

Houston Wes…I heard of a motorcycle break like yours,,the end of the tibia was bruised, and later the person had the same situation as I now have, so I hope you are doing well and don’t have that situation.

Enough for this evening.

Anklequest
Anklequest on June 8, 2009 at 9:47 pm said:

I got a cortisone shot. That went fine, although a bit of pain for the first 12 hours, and then..presto..no pain. That lasted a few days. Now slowly things are getting worse again, but not as bad, two weeks later.

He also recommends arthoscopic surgery to get rid of broken cartilage. Anyone out there who’s had just this proceedure? How long will I be out of commission?

We also had a lengthy discussion about joint replacement which he is not in favor of, for many of these fail. Maybe in a few years things will be more advanced, so if I can hold off on fusion via arthoscopic surgeries a few times perhaps improved technology will be there. He said he knows, for much of his time is spent removing replacement joints and then doing ankle fusion.

More to come..
Anklequest
Anklequest on June 8, 2009 at 9:40 pm said:

The doc was shocked to see my foot and asked why i had not come sooner. X-rays showed bad arthritis, which will only get worse. Further, he described that my original break was very much more than just a trimalleolar. The end of the tibia had also been damaged. This was news to me. He told me never to run, or jump. Any impact type activity is out. I can, however, walk, moderate hike, etc. and ride bike. Even at age 60, before breaking my ankle, I’d been running, skiing occasionally, and generally, very active, so to hear this was a shock. (OK, I can greatly appreciate that things could be far worse!) Eventually I will likely need ankle fusion.

To be continued..
Anklequest
Anklequest on June 8, 2009 at 9:33 pm said:

After an extremely busy half year trying to keep up with 2 jobs now we have more staff, so I was able to make an appt. with a highly recommended well known doc who trained in New York City in the Hospital of Joint Diseases & Columbia Pres. This, because I was beginning to limp badly and at times could hardly walk so I wanted another opinion. I brought all my past x-rays.

For the new folks, I had a trimalleolar fracture, 4 long pins and plate with 8 screws. After a year I’d been doing quite well, even running a little. After two years, no more progress. After 3 years, things slowly got worse, especially when I started more activities. So I wondered about hardware removal, but no, that is not the problem.

Anklequest
Anklequest on June 8, 2009 at 9:24 pm said:

OK, Lee, I’ve tried posting again, my long post, and no way will it post, nor will it post portions of it. I wanted to update everyone, so will have to retype on this site. I’ll post some pieces. It’s an update on my ankle situation after 3 some years..now getting worse.

Erica, Louise, Susan, all of you who provided updates.. keep it up. It’s very helpful. Now we know one can break an ankle twice. Erica, you must be setting records.

Anklequest
Susan on June 8, 2009 at 6:56 pm said:

I’ve been researching constantly – does anyone here wear MTB shoes or an ankle brace?
Susan on June 8, 2009 at 5:23 pm said:

Hey everyone, so it will be two months on Wednesday the 10th and I think that I’ve finally realized that things will never be the same again. Don’t know if I’ve accepted it or not but….. So I’m going back to work on Wednesday. Spent this weekend at the mountains (scene of the crime) with boyfriend – leg/ankle hurt so bad at the end of the day – swelling like you wouldn’t believe – go back to the doctor on the 18th – will update then – hope everyone is doing o.k. – Trac how are you?
Louise on June 8, 2009 at 4:11 pm said:

Hi everyone.

I havn’t posted on here since april, maybe even march, it has been a long time!! Just thought Id drop you all a line to say hi, and hope everyone else is doing well.

Just to jog your memories….I broke and dislocated my ankle in April 08 playing netball, by skidding over on the netball court. I had a small surgery to remove 2 pins in July last year, then jetted off to New York 2 weeks later, and hobbled around the big apple! ha ha. I then attempted to ski in February (very unsucessfully) and since then have not really seen much change at all. My ankle is probably as good as it is going to get to be honest….its not back to normal, but its ok. I would just like to have the reamining metal out, so hopefully I can get some more movement in it.

I got back from Thailand last week, and found it quite difficult with the heat. I also noticed it on the uneven ground, and also on the beaches where the sand was at an angle. Has anyone else found this at all? It’s just the silly things like that really. Or jumping down from heights of maybe 3-4 foot or more, that kind of becomes a problem……if I put my good foot first, my bad foot doesn’t bend to let me down properly….if I put my bad foot first, I cant jump on it to land on. Hmmm… Its just little annoying things like that that will be with me forever I guess.

Trac, I am very sorry to hear about your situation. You have been battleing for such a long time, and I feel for you! Keep staying strong though, (I know it’s easier said than done!)

Erika!! Oh my….thats not good about you breaking your other ankle! I feel for you, back in that situation again! At least it was a cleaner break, and you wont have the whole ligament issues so much again!! AND you kind of know what to expect!!!! Oh 🙁

To everyone else, new and old hello, and hope everyone else is doing welL!

Louise xx
Lee on June 8, 2009 at 3:36 pm said:

Erika – Wow, welcome back? I hate to say that. What are the chances? Geeze. I’m so sorry. But I do remember you. I’ve been here almost a year and so are a few others. Trace, Anklequest, Louise, and a few new ones. So, how did you manage to break this fib this time? Was it a fall? Step in a hole? Just curious. So, no surgery this time? My bet is they put the cast on in 10 days to 2 weeks, after the swelling goes down. Remember, rest, elevation (above the heart) and ice under the knee – the cold will get to the ankle.

Take care and keep us posted.

-Lee
Erika on June 8, 2009 at 8:52 am said:

Hi all. You might remember me from last year, I broke my right ankle in 3 places – 13 screws and a plate. Got the hardware removed in November ’08 (injury was on 9/23/07). Ankle still sore lots of the time – but can’t complain. AND, I also broke my left foot at the same time.

That is until yesterday, when..while at a state park, I tripped, fell and broke my left ankle!!!!!!!

Argh!!!!!!!!!!

I broke the fibia – a pretty clean break, so I can’t complain too much. I spent the afternoon in the ER in Providence, RI. I have a temporary splint on it now.

When do you think they will put a permanent cast on?

Wow – I had forgotten about the pain. It’s not half as bad as my right ankle with the breaks and dislocation, etc. But the pain is the same type of pain – just not as intense. I am sitting on the couch with my foot up and ice on it, and it is soooo
“de ja vu”. Weird. Any words of wisdom? Anyone here break 2 ankles and a foot within 2 years? (what a klutz!).

Erika
Julie on June 5, 2009 at 7:01 am said:

Yes, I had an ankle fracture at end Oct 08.Whilst in cast and on crutches had a slight slip which jarred the broken bones, necessitating an operation to insert a metal plate and 6 screws at beginning of Nov 08.Got cast off 20.12.08 and took first steps 01.01.09.Been progressively improving.Started work 2.3.09 and had to carry loads of files. Still improved until about 3 weeks ago seemed almost back to normal and started jogging.On third time out, at end of run took a wee cramp in my heel.Thought nothing of it but next day limping badly – got worse and ended up in A&E tuesday past (2.6.09) Got s-rayed – no break but diagnosed as ligament damage to heel and ankle – given pain killers and ant immflamatories,tubi-grip to wear and told to rest, elevate, apply ice and use crutches. Am on crutches but at work and still going to health club but just for upper body and sauna,steam.swim and jacuzzi – found sauna helped last night.
Lee on June 4, 2009 at 1:23 pm said:

Anklequest – try just copying the text and pasting it into the text box.
Anklequest on June 3, 2009 at 1:48 pm said:

Hi All!
I’ve been trying to get a word doc. to post on here. Any suggestions as to why it will not post?

Anklequest
Lee on June 3, 2009 at 12:15 pm said:

Hi Julie – welcome. It sounds like you had a tib/fib fracture, maybe a dislocation? Tell us more about your injury so we can pass on any advice we can offer. It helps to know a little more. I had a trimalleolar fracture and dislocation almost a year ago. Had a second surgery on March of this year to remove the metal, replace 2 ligaments and repair some tendons. So, yes, I’ve had that … Let me know what questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer.

Trace – Oh Lord. I’m so sorry about your situation. I know you were so looking forward to having some of this work done so you could try to get back up on that leg. It is just depressing. I don’t have any wonderful words of wisdom for you other than to tell you I care, I’m thinking about you, and I pray for a good outcome for you, whatever it is. So, how long does the appeals process take? Is that something where you get to talk to real people, or is it just paperwork? And why the heck can’t you get a real wheelchair of your own? Can’t they even cover that? If they do an amputation, they’re going to HAVE to give you a wheelchair and prosthetic. So how does that make ANY sense? I don’t know what I would do in your place (or shall I say in your shoe?). I think after all this time, I might just be ready to move to the next step. It seems that you may have more freedom to really heal and move on in a new way. I know it would be terribly scary and I would not want to be facing that myself, but when I look back at the length of my journey (not even a year yet) and it feels like forever, I can only imagine how you must feel on your journey. Oh, geez. I just don’t know what to tell you. I do know this – I look forward to the day we get to meet. You are inspirational and I’d love to count you among my friends!

Take care- I’m thinking of you always, You make it into my prayers and thoughts each day.

Cheers,
Lee
Julie on June 3, 2009 at 3:08 am said:

I had an operation last November, insering a plate and six screws. Thought recovering okay recently and back to normal but had ligament damage – anybody else get this?
trac on June 2, 2009 at 7:55 pm said:

Susan,

Thank you! It’ll all work out. It always does, you know? Probably not always how we want it, but it works out. Ahh, the excitement of a new path.

Hi, everyone!

traci
Susan on June 1, 2009 at 7:49 pm said:

Trac – (((((HUGS)))) – I know you are so tired…but keep fighting, never give up and yes you will win the appeals…”they” don’t know anything…wish there was something that I could do – please know that you are in my prayers….
trac on June 1, 2009 at 7:32 pm said:

hi!

actually. it should just be — hi. i’m not that too enthusiastic today. i’ve been somewhat depressed lately. got another letter stating they will not pay for further rehab “as we feel it will not aid in her progression”. whatever. and, while the people around me are amazing — amazing! i’d like to get out of my little world. My surgeon said amputation is more than likely necessary. I guess at this point, I wish they would. I just want something, ANYTHING that looks like progress. heck, I can’t even get a wheelchair! the one i have isn’t mine, it is a loaner.

wow. way too much complaining, i’m just so sad. it seems like every time i turn around, it is bad news. but, i also keep thinking, everything for a reason, right? and keep doing right, right will be done by me. just, it hurts so much, all the time. i work out, i keep laughing, and every day, it hurts more, and they say i don’t need anymore help.

you know, thank you so much for listening to me. and i’m so glad to see some of you making progress and i hope we all see some of it soon, right? thanks for understanding, i know you have been through it, and you get it. that helps immensely!

take care everyone,
and Lee, I do plan to still come to SF by the end of the year, or beginning of next year, depending on surgery schedule (because I will win the appeals).
Peace,
trac
Lee on June 1, 2009 at 2:03 pm said:

Hi Susan – thanks for your update. My fracture was pretty ugly, like yours, and I think I was on a strider (elliptical) at about 4 months out. All the PTs and the Dr’s I saw reminded me that after this kind of an injury, high impact sports or activities are never a good option. I too am of the understanding that I will never run again. But, I am now 11 months out from the first surgery and 10 weeks from the 2nd, and I just walked 2 miles on the treadmill today. Also did it on Friday – very sore calfs all weekend, but I’m so glad to know I could do it!

Here’s another funny thing. I have been struggling with serious posterior tibia tendon pain, both in my ankle and in the arch of my foot. I’ve gone through dozens of types of orthotics trying to find the solution, only to discover that it was my shoes that were the problem! I had been fitted for a stability shoe after first surgery. Turns out that with lack of dorsiflexion, the foot rotates outward and pulls on the tibial tendon – thus the tendonitis and pain. In just 2 days of wearing new shoes, with smaller, off-the-shelf orthotics, the ankle pain is almost completely gone. I do still have some tightness and some arch pain, which may take time to go away, but wow, what a difference! The shoe store put me in a walking shoe with a wider toe base that counters the turn out. amazing. Well worth the $100 for new shoes!

That’s my update. Take care all and keep posting. Some of us are still reading 🙂
Susan on May 27, 2009 at 7:20 pm said:

Hey – so I’m updating – trying to keep my posts short and sweet cause even though this injury has helped me to cultivate patience I’m not there yet 🙂 and I don’t want to retype my posts.

Therapist has told me that I need to understand that I will probably never run again – haven’t accepted it. We are shooting for a “realistic goal” of September/October before I’ll be able to attempt to walk on the treadmill.

Dog is eating the cat food – gotta go…
Susan on May 27, 2009 at 7:16 pm said:

Hello everyone – hope that everyone sees improvement everyday – even if it is only a baby step….

Trac, what can I say? I said when I first found this site that when I grow up I want to be like you and with each post it only confirms my initial thought/feeling.

Hang in there, we have to – HAVE TO – believe that things will get better – will update everyone later …
Lee on May 27, 2009 at 3:08 pm said:

Trace – I can’t believe it. After all the starts and stops, the stupid insurance company calls it off? Geezsh. That is maddening. From a business perspective, I understand their process and reasons, but what they forget is that there is a person on the other end of those decisions, who desperately wants to try everything possible. It doesn’t seem right that they get to make the decision that impacts your life so tremendously. I’m just so sorry.

Lois – great to hear that your still seeing improvements after 14 months! Funny about the toe nail. That’s a complication I had not imagined.

Take care all.
lois on May 27, 2009 at 11:15 am said:

Oh Trac, my heart just goes out to you. It is so unfair how much you have had to go through. If your first post, had posted believe me we would have understood your anger. I was so furious last night when I read what you said, I waited until this morning after I had cooled off a bit before I could even respond. I just hope your surgeon fights and fights hard for you.

Lee, keep working away on that physio. Things have not been easy or straightforward for you either have they.

Susan, Kelley, Nic… how are you guys doing?
Hope you are all coping alright.

Not much new here at all. Enjoying the spring, the sun and working at landscaping. I am discovering that the one year anniversay was not as good as it was to get, because at fourteen months my ankle is still improving. I went for a bone scan yesterday as follow up but won’t get the results for about a week. Whatever that lump was on the underside of my heel, disappeared. My middle toenail on that foot, continues to fall off everytime it grows out to natural length. It does so with little pain. I must have damaged the nailbed at the same time I broke my ankle, so that the nail is no longer properly attached. lol Well big deal, I can certainly live without a toenail.

Hello to all my “old buddies” on here. Hope you guys are continuing to improve and that life is good for you. Take care everyone. Lois