Broken ankle-2 years later

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

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

  1. Hi to everyone..
    I’m not forgotten all who’ve posted.. but only have a few minutes so wanted to say hit to ERIKA
    Not only is your upcoming big day in our prayers, but be excited too.. I just walked out of my Drs appt friday & he said that its an aching but they go all around muscles that there really aren’t that many around there anyhow..its pretty much right at the skin.. so you get moving pretty quick.. just stay glued to the anti-inflamitory for the 1st 72hrs solid.. weather or not u do the pain killers..don’t forget the most swelling could occur w/in the 1st 72hrs so stay on top of it.. other than the aches..the good is that its a continual decrease from here on out.. you’ll do ok..you’ll do great.. =)
    speaking of which, how you doing SPIKE? =) hope alls going well..
    TrAc keep smiling.. =) I’ll shoot you an email 😉
    Wes

  2. Wow, so many posts don’t know where to start.

    KAREN: thanks for the info on the shoes. I looked up on the internet and they sell them here in Canada about a four hour drive away…. so next time we get down there, I will be looking for them. TRAC: Sorry to hear that you are down, but… you have been amazing in being as positive and bubbly as you have been. It is okay, to have a good down period or a good cry from time to time,,, and even better to know ways (like listening to Dolly) to psych yourself back up. I too have used music for such reasons over the years. Primarily in cases of needing courage to face challenges…. (like I am woman hear me roar))) that was an old Helen Reddy song… probably before you were born. You feel free to let us hear about your bad days,,, any time you want. We do care…. one of my favorite thoughts,,, which is also biblical I think and I have used this before… “and it came to pass”… ie nothing hangs around forever,,, something comes, changes our lives, we struggle to cope,, and then it passes by. ERIKA, we have not heard from you for a while. I am just so sorry that you are still having problems. I/We will be thinking about you with your metal removal and it is natural and understandable that you will be scared. We have all been through quite enough with these darn ankles already… without additional insult,,, . But I am sure that it will all work out just fine, following a bit of a set back and discomfort. Spike was just recently on describing his metal removal, and I hope that he keeps posting as he recovers, and that you will keep posting advising us of your recovery. Or alternately, at least at first, just post and vent… believe me we have all done that. Hang in there okay. And again you just vent on here any time okay?

    Hello TIM: I remember your posts from way back when,,, after my ankle was broken but before I was even posting. All of those good old posts now do seem to have disappeared, so please update us. What kind of floating body thingy do you have in your ankle… and why would that make it necessary to remove all the metal…. ?????? How many surgeries have you had… and what in total is the story on your ankle??. Isn’t it just great that Anklequest, Sandra, and Don come in and out of the site. We have not heard from Clarke for quite a while now and miss him a great deal so I hope he pops back in sometime.
    Some others, like yourself, just pop back in now when something is happening to them… for example Diane, Ana,,, Pam…. etc etc. LIZ, LOUISE and LEE hello to you guys. … struggling away but coping. Wes, you are sure one busy man,,, always out and about doing things,,,, hello to you as well. I really have nothing new to say,,, my ankle and my life are just the same as before. No particular improvements and no particular deterioration. But, I had to come on and say hello to everyone,,, as several of you seem to have particular concerns at this point in time, and I hoped a few simple words might help to encourage you all, or at least have you feel not so alone. As I think it was Lee who once commented.. about lessons to be learned. Well, I am sure that I have no idea why we were the chosen group to have this sort of thing happen to us… but we were…. and one good thing,,, and maybe its the only good thing, is that we found each other to offer support. Take care everyone. and last of all MELANIE, if you are out there, please let us know how you are doing. Lois

  3. Hmmm…guess I didn’t post?

    Goodnite all…..

    Sorrry…..feeling a bit down/scared..

    Erika

  4. Hi everyone.

    Tim, hello to you!! Hope you hear about the surgery soon and it all goes well for you!!

    Denver. Hello to you as well! 😀

    Trac. sorry to hear that your feeling so down lately. A lot of the stepping is about fear. Some of it will be just teaching your muscles to do what they know but have forgotten. I have found that since I started physio, when I started, I could not balance on my leg for any longer than about 3 second (seriously!) and now I can balance on a foam brick for at least half a minute. I also found that going up on my toes….couldn’t get my heal off the floor a few weeks ago, as I could feel what muscles I needed to move, but they just wouldn’t move. It was so frustrating! I At the moment, I cannot jump…I can spring off of my good foot, but cannot seem to make my bad foot move by itself hardly at all. It is something that you WILL learn again, and I know it’s frustrating, but keep with it. If you haven’t been moving your foot in that way for that long, it will take a lot of work to do that. Dont give up on yourself….you owe it to, well to you to keep going and get there!

    Karen. Thanks for the advice….what exactly are eco receptor shoes (or whatever it was you wear?) havnt heard of them before?? It was such a pain to roll it out, although I was wearing rather unsupportive shoes I have to say! :S

    liz! Hello to you! 🙂 Hope your doing well.

    Yes my ankle is doing ok I guess….nothing more to report on it really. I am going back to the docs soon (when I get the chance to go to see him!) as I still have lots of itchy lumps around the ankle, when my cast came off it was covered in lots of red itchy blisters, as I had had an allergic reaction to the gauze they had put inside the cast. rather annoying I have to say!!!

    I went to the gym yesterday, and oh my!! I ache soooo much. I did some weight lifting for the 1st time since about april before I did my ankle, and I hurt SOOOOOO much today! Ouchy! 🙁 Oh well. I shall get over it I guess. I did a bit of joggin (well….a whole 45 seconds of it anyway!) but funnily enough it was my good leg that started hurting quicker than my bad leg! My shin splints started down my good leg, and also got a lot of pain on the outside of my good foot! Very strange! I asked my physio about it and he gave me a load of rubbish that shin splints were due to growth spurts?!?!?! Thats rubbish…even I know that. Hmmm…… I have a podiatry appointment tomorrow, so I shall ask him.

    But other than that…no real problems. The cold weather is starting to make it ache a lot more, and I find that when I sit down, it ceases up a lot, and I have to make it crack to loosen up, which grosses everyone out quite a lot heehee. 😀 But hey! Its all getting there I would say. I am eager to see if I would be able to get back to playing netball, but Im so scared to try in case I cant, or in case I hurt it. I shall ask physio man when I next see him I think! Even if I go to do the training and not actually play the matches or something. I refuse to play outside on the court of death though!! Its not happening!

    So yeah…thats me at the moment! 🙂 Doing ok thanks.
    Hope everyone has had a great weekend.

    Louise xx

  5. Hello all,
    Don,Anklequest,Clark nice to see you are all still here and posting. I have not been on in a while but have thought of you all from time to time, hope your all doing well.

    I must have yet another surgery on my ankle, the doctor found what she calls a floating body in my foot and has to remove all of the hardware. I was scheduled for surgery Monday 10/29 however they did not get all of the dictation back so probably in a week or so.

    I hope everyone is well and keeping upright with their feet planted firmly on the ground.

    Take care

  6. Hey Everyone. Sorry to hear your going through a rough time Trac. I agree with Liz wholeheartedly. When I was am down, this article really helps me:

    http://www.watchtower.org/e/20040422/article_04.htm

    So, I wanted to keep everyone posted: I know that hardware removal is a top subject. I broke ankle in 3 places incl. tibia – on 9/23/07. I am still having a lot of pain and limping, so I am having the hardware removed. The date is November 4, 2008. So, I will keep everyone updated. I am scared out of my wits – just thinking about the pain – I guess it won’t be as bad as last year – but that is pain you never forget. So, hopefully, by next year I will feel a lot better. I will keep everyone posted.

    Keep your chin up everyone – or down – look where you’re walking! 🙂

    erika

  7. Trac, Sorry you’re feeling so discouraged. I find music to be very comforting and uplifting too. Whenever I’m feeling lonely or depressed I turn the music up real loud and just belt it out. lol Of course I’m alone when I do this. I can play the same song over and over if it really speaks to me and it always makes me feel a little better. I’m glad you’ve found that in Dolly. hehe 🙂

    I know it must be difficult looking back and replaying the accident in your head, wondering about all the “what if’s” or “should haves.” But you know, you have to forgive yourself for that mistake you made and move on in your recovery. You can’t change the past. Just take the lessons learned and push forward. I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through. Just my little broken ankle has put me through hell, so to add to that all of your additional injuries, wow… well, let’s just say I think you are handling things very well.

    Sorry if this is a little too personal, but I wondered, are you a Christian? I know you mentioned a higher power in your post above and prayer, but wasn’t sure and didn’t want to assume. Anyway, the reason I ask, is because one of my favorite verses from the Bible is James 1:2-4. It says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I looked up persevere in the dictionary and the definition is: “to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.” You will perservere through this and be stronger because of it. Anyway, I immediately thought of this verse when I was reading your post so wanted to share. Just know I am praying for you, as others here have mentioned they are too. 🙂

    ~Liz

  8. Hi!!!!!!!!!

    You know, motivation comes in the craziest disguises. Tonight, I am listening to Dolly Parton while writing (I do freelancing, it doesn’t bring in much, but at this point, every hundred helps) and one of her songs just struck me as what I needed to hear, so I’ve been playing it on repeat. It has helped. The song is Better Get to Livin’. I’m finding times hard(ish)right now. Mentally. Oh, heck, who am I kidding? And, physically. It is good to be going in to get intensive rehab, but that will mean the second year in a row that I have spent the holidays in a rehab hospital away from my family and friends. I can tell myself over and over this is the best thing for me, but it isn’t a complete insurance policy against loneliness. I have tons of lovers in my life, I pray my thanks everyday. But, still. Christmas and New Years in a rehab hospital out of town is daunting in its loneliness. I suppose I am thinking of this, because I’m writing an article on forgiveness. Hee hee… Yet, I can’t forgive myself for falling asleep behind the wheel 16 months ago. I ran ragged, to exhaustion. Happy — but crazy, never stopped. I somehow believe this was a wierd way of being told by the power above, STOP, slow down…enjoy…savor what you have been given.

    I know — that is crazy — but, I have to believe in more than just science. Because, nothing is going according to what science dictates.

    Well, sorry for the deepness. Just, quite frankly, I am very scared. And, irritated.

    Well, thanks to listening to my blather. I’m just about finished with the article and then I can surrender to the comfort of bed and the crisp autumn coolness flooding through my window. Can’t wait!

    Here’s to everyone continuing to grow stronger at whatever pace our bodies dictate…
    Peace,
    trac

  9. well.. I forgot.. my safety blanket was left @ home.. so no cane.. I’ll be feeling this in the morning.. but I welcome the growing pains over the weather changing pains..holy CoW the weather shift sucks to feel..

    night all,enjoy ur weekend

  10. SusanTX,

    They are RXP 3060. You can order them on line but I would highly recommend you trying them on first. The RXP 3060 is for women with wider feet. My problem is I have a bunion on the right foot so I have to order them larger to fit. If you have a more average width foot, you could call or email any on line company to ask them which style number would be best.

    I tried the Ecco on at the “Walking Company” in our mall and it was too narrow, so the fitter suggested to me that this wider model (that they did not carry)might be better. I took a chance and ordered it on line and it worked. Maybe you have a “Walking Company” near you.

    Karen

  11. word for the evening is OucH!.. 🙂

    We don’t have the kids on Halloween this year so we took them to 6flags Elitch Gardens.. @ night.. right now.. I’m already sittin lol… the grounds well lit with so many rides going on but still uneven as all getup.. I bout jammed foot just walking out of restroom.. dangerous, dangerous.. they did give me a discounted ticket because they saw I was parking handicapped & walking w a limp… it was a good price.. & they said I don’t have to show I’D that says I’m handicapped because federal law prohibits them to ask..

    anyhow.. I’m gonna go grab my safety blanket from the car (my cane) to help while standin around in line 4ever & walkin the uneven asphalt..

    I went to Dr appt yesterday & he said keep workin out & do pool & bike frequently so I can continue to get more ROM toe down & toe up.. He had a guy doing his residence there so he went REAL in depth about why nerves tingle & how they ‘try’ to avoid them by laying the skin up and over as they do the surgery.. interesting visit. I toldm I want metal out =) he said a year after its been in is best to wait until, so that I have more ROM & functionality of use.. Said he would take same surgery time but for recovery hed have me walking the next day.. just in a boot for few weeks to allow for healing..

    Ok.. back to the rides..
    til later..
    Hope your feeling better SpIKe & hope ur doing well too LOUisE..
    as to everyone else;)

    Wes

  12. Karen –

    Which style/model of the ecco receptor shoe do you have?
    Do they run pretty true to size?
    Did you order them online?

    Thankyou, Susan

  13. Yikes! I’m nervous about rolling mine too. So far it hasn’t been an issue because I’m still wearing an air brace which prevents it from rolling. I’m sure that will come off soon, maybe at my next appointment on Nov. 25th. I can’t wear it forever. Anyway, how is your ankle feeling now Louise? Just keep on working on those hops. Soon it will be another victory for you! 🙂

    Well, Take care everyone!

    ~Liz

  14. Louise,

    I kept rolling my ankle all last summer just like you, stepping on small rocks, uneven edges on pavement, and sometimes it would just cave in on me for no apparent reason.

    So far, so good with me wearing Ecco Receptor shoes rather than my New Balances. I now can’t make myself roll my ankle if I try. I haven’t ventured into wearing my other shoes yet because of my fear of rolling or falling.

    Karen

  15. TRaC =) Hi
    I was doin my slow motion lazy post where I keep getting side tracked & by the time I post I missed your post 😉
    You Go OlyMpiaN..lots o pain means GoOd GaiN..

    I’m with a Lot on here.. friends expect sooo much more & I just shake my head.. they say,’but you can pick up lOtS of wight & move around plenty’ I always remind them, that’s with a LOT of pain to follow & sometimes immediate pain as I move around

    Keep smILinG aLL,
    Wes

  16. WoW OuCH!!.. lots of painful stuff readin tonight..

    SPIkE Prayers are with you… its SucKs your back to crutch assistance but iMprEssIve that your able to do aNY weight baring immediately after the surgery..WoW! Got a couple things I HoPe u read soon here.. I work the dental side & found its all about the IBuprofen (or advil as most know it) 1st 72 hours keep it round the clock to keep the swelling down..from the surgical that is.. you can do 800mg @ a time.. I go for 600 though.. its 100mg per hour as rule of thumb..doing the 600 allows me to slIGHTly overlap when times getting close I can go ahead and take more as it keeps me w/in the 800mg realm. Other than that we all know the elevation technique.. I gotta ask,.. wOW.. are you kIndA excited its gonna be out of you fInaLLy.. keep us updated..time frames of on foot mobility,crutch assistance,meds,sleep.. and how the muscles & tendons work after the snips & cuts? =)
    If its real tough doing the crutch thing again & seems like it’ll be awhile as such, you oughta look into the crutch someone posted for TRaC to check out.. it was a web link.. its a brace/ crutch that you sort of kneel in..it allows your leg to rest in a kneeling position strapped in & has sort of a peg crutch going down from the knee so = no hands needed =)
    Anyhow.. hope your able to heal well & your in my prayers as wll as others on here are prayin too.

    DON that sounds like fun working on the VWs.. I get to tear down my 4runner engine in the next couple of weeks & rebuild.. not looking forward to the time strain (need it done before thanksgiving trip to Texas) but will enjoy keeping mind off of the wonderful joy LOUISE has brought up of the weather getting cOLDer and caUsiNg PaIn..WoW.. I’m feeling that here in colorado..soOOoo wanting to take hardware out.. its a rollercoaster for SurE..

    I started walking up in the mtns at a public park..its paved in most places that I stay on..but good to do for the angles..left angles, right angles, hills up, down, uneven stairs and I PurpOseFuLLy started stepping on rocks to ‘try’ to re-train the foot for those unexpected rolls..

    Oh and the beST thing I’ve found to keep foot prepared for those unexpected holes & rolls = whenever I rotate on the wobble board in the morning 25times each direction then weight bare 25 time each direction,.. I have more prepared muscles & have avoided some ReaL doozies that shouldve rolled my ankle.. I get the shockers when I haven’t used the wobble board.. that and when I haven’t gone to gym for more than 3 or 4 days my ankle says ‘this everyday movement is QuItE the workout’ & then has me in more pain than when I just work it out & stretch/massage it well.. after that everyday use doesn’t feel as bad…

    dozing off.. long day tomorrow with Dr appt (sure he’s NoT excited to see me..lol)..LoTs of trials with medicine & just ran me in circles angry.. He’ll be happy to hear I just kickedm aLL to the curb & take IBuprofen here or there when needed & have a woNderful itch that they believe is an alergic reaction.. of course they say its prob not from metal, but one of the medicines they tried.. so just using calamine spray or lotion as needed or Salt scrub to take edge off before bed..

    k.. til later,
    Wes
    & HeLLO to everyone else I may have missed..
    😉

  17. Hello!!!

    Yeup. It has been a while, huh? I keep signing on, then, I get distracted. Louise, oh that is awful! I hope you get to feeling better. Just a little rock. And, Liz, yea, it still takes me a while to get used to being out with people. My closest friend from high school just moved back to town, and I find myself reluctant to get together, and overly apologetic about my inability to walk. But, then I tell myself, it is who I am, can’t apologize for that, right? Hopefully, in 2 years from now, it won’t be who i am. But, still, the depression hits from time to time. Oh and Spike, yaaaa…did it hurt when I had my metal removed, oh, crapola did it ever! But, I can tell you — it was the best decision. I have so much strength and no pain whatsoever in the ankle that I chose to have all of the metal removed from. But, a day after the surgery. Heck. I was like, PUT IT BACK IN!! NOW!! They didn’t, and now, I have a leg to stand on. But, the other one? Well, I had my most frustrating PT session ever. Frustrating in a good way, but frustrating nonetheless. I wanted to cry. We tried to do a step. It would require me lifting my fully healed ankle and foot off of the ground, and then bringing my bad one up. Normal learning. But, I couldn’t do it. I tried and tried, until exhausted. But, I just couldn’t figure out how to lift my bad leg. And, I couldn’t trust it enough to put enough weight through it. The frustration came, not from not being able to do it, I can forgive that, but, from the visualization. I KNOW I know how to go up a step. I can see it in my brain. Why can’t I make it happen? Carol, my PT, said to me, “It has been over 15 months since you last lifted that leg off of the ground. It is okay, it will take time to trust and learn again” But, the frustration when you KNOW you know how to move a body part, but just can’t get it to move, is intense. It is like when I stand there, and I think, I KNOW how to walk to the door. WHY can’t I? And, I believe a lot is fear.
    So, I am meeting with a physiatrist who will evaluate me, then we are going to plan a new level of attack, well, rehab, but it is a form of attack, right? See if we can’t get this right leg up and going. I have met with him once, he is contact with my docs and PT, we figure, at the end of a month of intensive rehab, we will know more about everything. Then he joked and said, “Did you ever want to compete in the Olympics?” I said, “Nope. I’m a watcher, not a doer” and he said, “Get ready, you’re about to train as if you were about to compete in them.”

    DANGIT!!! What part of watcher did you not understand, doc? Oh well. I just hope it happens sooner rather than later. I’ve waited long enough.

    Okay, thanks for listening to me ramble.
    I hope you all enjoy your weekends. Mine is going to be a lot of cleaning house for the winter. And, moving plants indoors.
    Take Care == keep healing!
    trac

  18. Hello to everyone!!
    Liz glad you’re back at work, I know what you mean about people expecting you to be “normal” It seems like my whole life revolves around my ankle, I try not to talk about it too much, peoples eyes start to glaze over…ha ha. Its hard though when you make a little teeny progress that is really big in your recovery though. That is what is so great about this site, because we all understand and celebrate each others successes! So way to go getting back in the groove!
    Lois Wow I hope your ankle is okay, I’ll bet that was quite a shock when you turned your ankle, ouch!
    The other night we went out to eat & let our dogs out in a field to do doggy stuff, and I’ll be darned if I didn’t step in a hole, with my bad ankle no less! I actually had hardly moved from the spot I got out at, my husband ran all over the field in the dark playing with them, go figure!
    Spike keep your chin up, it’s great you’ve got your hardware out, I know it feels like you’re backing up, but I’m sure you’ll recover faster this time.
    Wes sounds like you don’t need a travel agent to take yout trips ha ha
    Trac haven’t seen anything from you lately, when will you start your program? I’M VERY EXCITED FOR YOU!
    Well I am back out in the shop working, my ankle swells later in the day, but I am walking pretty well, today when I went to the small grocery store, I pushed a cart. I finally have my energy back, and can outlast my ankle! When I went the one time to the PT, he told me I could help the swelling by ace bandaging it, I did a few times, and it felt better, but of course looked wild when I unwrapped it..I just felt like something wasn’t quite right, so I called the Dr, he said absolutely not to wrap, if your leg swells, you are suppossed to elevate & ice, not wrap it and keep going! Ha ha, I knew it was too good to be true! I finally found so shoes to wear, they are like slide in w/o backs. Everything else eats up the ankle, the dr put 2 screws in the inside knob angled from the bottom. So tennis shoes ride right on that..he did it there because I had a fracture blister when he would have done it..I just hope we have a warm winter..ha ha.
    Anyway blessing to all of you, healing & health Wilma

  19. Oh and to say as well, that I am 6 months post break today!! I had surgery the day after my break.

  20. Hi everyone!!!

    Liz…sounds like your doing well! keep going with it. The swelling will go down. Its probably just a shock to the poor ankle being stood on all day! I found that when I went back to work, and I sit most of the day! 🙂

    Spike. Congrats on having the hardwear out. Keep us updated, because I would love to hear for future reference. i really want mine out, but cannot for at least another year I think!

    hello to Don and Lois too!! Nice to hear from both of you!! 🙂 And heellllooooo to everyone else who I havn;t mentioned!

    I was walking through a car park on monday which has very uneven stones on it, and I stepped on a stone, and it moved and my ankle rolled out! I was in excruitiating pain pretty much all of monday, and found it hard to walk, and most of tuesday. My foot ballooneed ot the size of well…..a small balloon really. not the most sensible thing to do I have to say! It is feeling a little better now, but my physio pushed me in physio yesterday even though I told him about the rolled ankle,a nd he was trying to get me to hop and jump and stuff!!

    It;s just so frustrating….I can feel which muscles I need to move to hop, but they just arn’t moving the way they should! Its starting to irritate me rather a lot to be honest. I want to be able to run around again properly, and jump if I need to! I did (once again) make an idiot of myself at physio yesterday, by falling off one of the steps that we were using practically into one of the male physio’s who was standing nearby, much to the amusement of everyone else in the room!! I just cannot seem to help making an idiot of myself…..for those of you who don’t know, when I initially went for my 1st appointment, I lost my balance, and fell out through the curtains into the corridor, and knocked over a pile of paperwork, and had a lot of people looking me in a very odd fashion!! Oh well…I guess I am just there for everyone elses amusement hey? hee hee.

    I have another 4 weeks of physio left, and Im not sure whats going to happen after that, but hey ho! We shall see I guess! I can deff feel my ankle getting more painful though as it gets colder…..which is not a good thing. I shall have to invest in some nice snug booties for my feet! (What a shame, having to buy more shoes an all! lol!)

    So anyway…hope everyone else is doing well!!

    Speak soon!

    Louise xx

  21. Hey Ankle breakers

    Glad to see everyone is still moving forward. Been awhile since I have been on due to life reasons. Lawyer stuff and some more medical troubles. getting better as it goes on.
    Liz
    I also had the emotional upheaval when I went back to work and seeing friends again. I think part of the reason is we know all that we have missed since we have been gone and how much we are still unable to do physically? But believe me it goes away and you ajust to not being able to do all you did before but you can get close as time goes on.

    Wes
    my teenagers are doing well. Just got the engine changed in the VW the 2.5 litter was just beating itself up trying to stay at town driving and the short trips so I had it switched back to the 1600 original. works and sounds much better.
    The new daughter is doing well and fitting in with the family just like always. kinda cool since she has been around us for a long time now it is just more official then before.

    To all the rest of you I am glad to see you are still working the game and getting better. I am happy things are looking brighter and that there are so many of the old group still talking and letting us know how they are getting along.

    Ankle Quest

    Do me a favor and give me a call and work
    908-981-5550 when you get a chance any time mon thru Fri 3 to 11 afternoons.

    everyone keep safe, and keep the right part of your feet on the ground it’s safer for us when we do:-)

    Later
    Don

  22. Hi all you guys. Sounds like everyone is coming along. Liz, good for you back in full swing, but I am sure it is tough to put in full days. Wes, you sound as if you are doing okay, and nope we are still remodelling… slow going.but it is coming along… pretty much gutted so the rebuilding will start soon and be more exciting. Lee, I think that this blog might not be showing up under “broken ankle recovery time” general menu any more. That will make it hard for new people to find, and any of the older posters who accessed it in that manner. I can still get it by pulling up my own menu list (with Christi) added to the end… or for those who have the auto e mail notifications,,, maybe they can get it…. ???? but in general I think its not so easy to find or access any more. I don’t know how these blogs work at all being a computer illiterate. Perhaps you do understand them,,, do they run with sponsors or what??? Also, Christi herself has not come on for ages now. Perhaps she has lost interest in the whole thing being more than two years out??? Spike, thank you so much for your update. But really sorry that you are depressed and back in discomfort. Hopefully though its all worth it for the long term gain. Just hang in there fellow Canadian. Take care all. Lois

  23. Hi All: Had most of my hardware removed yesterday. I had a plate and 7 screws on the outside bone and screw and curved wire thing(?) on inside bone. I suffered trimalleolar fracture and dislocation 9 months ago on the beach in Mexico – not one of my most enjoyable vacations!
    Surgery took about an hour and apparently went well, although I apparently still have two screws left in there – don’t know why as my Doctor didn’t speak to me. It was excrutiatingly painful when I first woke from the anesthetic but I was given morphine and felt better. I was at the hospital about 7 hours in total.
    I was given a perscription for Oxycocet for pain but couldn’t keep it down so wound up taking Tylenol last night and every six hours today. I have been walking on it a bit but it’s quite painful so got my crutches out. Homecare came to my home to change the dressings and are coming again tomorrow and for the next 12 days until the staples come out. I have 28 staples on the outside and 9 on the inside – he cut on the original scars.
    Feeling a bit depressed to be back on crutches and in pain again but know it won’t be for long – hopefully!

  24. Hi Lee and Denver. 🙂

    Just a quick update from me… I’m back in full swing now at work. Tomorrow will be one week since I’ve been back. My ankle is stiff and swollen by the end of the day and my feet ache, but it’s manageable. You would think all of the walking/standing during the day would loosen things up, but it’s the opposite. My ankle is so stiff at night, it hurts to stretch it out. I’ve made it to the gym twice since I’ve been back. It was okay, but I really miss my kick and step classes. I’m not quite ready for those yet. I’m just sticking with the treadmill and bike. I miss going to physical therapy, too. It was nice having someone to share my concerns with or ask questions of. I feel all alone in this now. Noone really cares to talk about it anymore. They’re over it and expect me to be “healed” by now. But the truth is, I’m not. Oh well, life goes on, right?

    I hope everyone is doing well. Seems everyone must be staying busy this week, so I guess that’s good news. 🙂

    Take care,
    Liz

  25. Hi to all – where is everyone? Must be a busy time of year. I know I’ve been slammed at work, with the kids at school, and many hours a week at therapy. I guess the good news here is that most are back out in the world and getting on, as will happen as we all heal. So, I’m still checking in regularly, just not posting too much as my news is pretty limited now to the small gains that come each week on the road back to normal or better than normal (I can hope, as we all do).

    Back in a few day, after I see the Dr. on Friday and have some news on metal removal – likely not until January, but I’m hoping I can plan it now.

    Cheer and take care all,
    Lee

  26. wow..3 days & no comments?

    Each time I load the page its sitting same as my last comment..

    I’m posting this to see if it joggles & shows more activities actually been going on…

  27. amazing TRaC that’s so good.. keeping you in my prayers 😉
    that’s cool you get to have that kindof workout time & training ANd getting the wheelchair too..
    🙂

    LOiS that’s good you got to get out hope all is going well with the remodeling still or went well if you guys finished already.. bet the hot tub was nicccce…

    So I went to the dentist… only I don’t remember it..lol

    My ‘friend’ the dentist that doesn’t like Rxing anything really..gave me 2 Rx’s 1 for the antibiotics(which he said all should do to sorta cover their butts malpractice wise & better 2 b safe than sorry..even he was the 1st to tell my wife w her heart murmer she was aLso required to take antibiotics prior to anything getting done..of course NoW as of this last year they told the Dentists they no longer have to Rx antibiotics for heart murmers but sHouLd still for those who have what wE all have) anywho..as I wAs saying… His other Rx for me was to help me be a bit relaxed. I told him I didn’t need to be under & would hang in there not interfering any as I ve been in the industry & understand it may be a bit painful here or there but will get done soon enough.. He Rxed me something that is in the ‘valume’ family.. 2 tiny pills he told me to take 1hr prior to my surgery @ 6am saturday morning. My alarm went off @ 6 am & I took the pills then got up. As I started getting ready I thought “I better eat so I don’t get nauseaus AnD may not be able to eat for awhile getting the wisdom teeth out” So I went down the stairs to the kitchen & started making eggs & even grabbed a thing of oatmeal I saw thinking ‘need more’ I set the pot for the oatmeal on the stove, put the ater in & began reading the ammount to mix.. I don’t remember WhAt happened next.. I remember the dentist leaning me up & saying “spit it out” I spit a tooth out & he said, “ok”..next thing I remember I was standing @ my kitchen sink with a cup of water & my wife saying, “don’t riNse..you can’t swish until tomorrow morning” then I sat on the couch & was right back to reality.. I dOn’t even remmeber AnYthiNg.. not even getting to the car,the dentist,in or out,..I remember I short glimpse of his dog being there & I asked if I really saw that.. My wife was laughing, said, “ya,he brought Riley in & he knows me & knew I wasn’t looking normal so he was putting his paws up on my lap crying & trying to protect me even from his owner..lol.. The left me in the room to numb up & then Riley wouldn’t let them near me..he’s not mean or violent..he’s a ‘shaggy’ dog & just would put his big doggy body between me and dentist & bark..lol..he even would growl & bark when the dentist was sticking the needle in & my body would wence.. lol..
    I told my wife later I was sorry if I had food in my teeth as I HaD planned to floss & rinse with mouthwash but lost ability to move while ‘trying’ to make breakfast.
    She said,”you DiD floss” she laughed, “attempted anyway.. I came downstairs & you were sitting on the side livingroom table..almost knocked the lamp off..I asked if you were ready to go & you ‘sort of’ nodded your head while dazed, then went upstairs. I heard you trying to open the bedroom door & I walked up & opened it for you. Then found you sitting on the top step trYiNg to floss” lol, “then I said lets go & you went back into the room & took a sip of mouthwash & walked out of the room. I asked you where you were going to spit it at & you walked down the stairs…opened the front door & spit it out into the yard”..lol.. I don’t recall ANY of this.. Good thing is that I just stayed on the advil to keep the swelling down for the 1st 72hrs & have had to take NO vicoden 🙂 that’s a HuGe step from my NeeD for it back in August.. YEA!.. I even was up and about sat afternoon & went to a haunted house sat night with NO pain at all.. Dr talked with me later & said that’s usually the BiGGeSt mistake made when people get work done= they take pain killers/narcodics..but they only ‘take the edge off’ while causing people to ‘forget’ to keep the swelling dOwN & keeps them in pain longer .. so alls well & on sat night I even went out & ate a sonic burger (iceburg letuce), tater tots & had a banana cream malt with whipped cream to cool it down.. I ate it pretty smooth even faster than my wife ate.. go figure..

    The ankle gave me more pain than the mouth & I did quite well in the haunted houses (3 of them in 2 nights).. the wait in line was the hardest part & only a couple akward slanted rooms were ‘interesting’ to say the least..

    I saw an old friend today who had had shoulder surgery a LoNg time ago & said even though he’s a VerY active & vErY athletic individual, his shoulder just wouldn’t go back into a relaxed arms behing the head position regaRdLess how much he ‘worked it out’..it took 2 yrs til it FiNaLLy went back..go figure,

    OK..falling asleep..keep healing every1
    touch base later..Night aLL..
    Wes

  28. Trac, your post went through just as my post went through… so just wanted to comment that sometimes bad news turns out to be good news. It would be so wonderful if being declared disabled turns into meaning that this rehab clinic will work for you. Also so relieved that you have a solution to the wheelchair problem. Apart from that, I had wondered if you dont have Red Cross in the USA??? and if they didn’t loan out wheelchairs like they do here in Canada??? Take care,,, you and all the rest. Lois

  29. Hello to all of you. Always great to catch up on everyone’s news. I did have some trouble getting into the site for a few days though, but managed to work my way around it and get in just now. I am just back from spending most of the weekend at a beautiful ski resort about an hour and a half from here. Actually it would only be about 15 minutes from here, if they would ever get the darned road put through above this lake, (which they intend to do at some point in future) but for now we have to drive an hour into town and then back out again up above where I live. Five former workmates, decided to surprise me and come up to celebrate my upcoming 65th birthday together. One of them owns a condo at the ski lodge flew across the country from Ontario, and picked up the other four in the Vancouver area, and drove up. What wonderful friends they have been over the years,,, and such fun to have an “old ladies” pajama party, dinner out, hot tubbing, wine and champagne drinking. To the women on this site, I can never express strongly enough how important it is to keep a circle of women friends for support during your lifetime. Don’t get me wrong, men are just great, but women are such fabulous emotional support during all the tribulations and celebrations of one’s life. There is no snow yet on the ski slopes and the weather was sunny and fabulous. We did lots of walking which of course meant going up and down hilly mountainside pathways, and in the ski village itself going up and down a lot of stone type of steps. My poor old ankle really got a workout and often began crying out “enough already… slow down.” I would sometimes have to drop behind the others to more slowly and deliberately walk through the ankle complaints so that I did not start limping badly. Having a hot tub did help to work some of the kinks out but I also found it difficult climbing in and out of that tub with the ankle. I guess because it was quite high,,,and the swirling water did not make me feel very safe with respect to slipping. I also found it hard to climb in and out of the back of my friends van. As well, the condo had two steep flights of stairs inside between the living areas (why not it is after all built into the mountain side) so also found all those constant and steep stairs a bit difficult and a bit unnerving. So… I guess I discovered that although while doing the usual activities that I do on a day to day basis…or on a once a week regular basis,,, I am doing really well, when I do something new,,, I still do have some limitations and it is now eight months. Anyway, I know for sure that there is NO WAY that I would have been skiing up there,,,, . But I am not complaining actually, just commenting… . I guess each of us does and will not know what we can and cannot do, until as time goes on we try out these new things. Best to all of you. Lois

  30. Good Afternoon!!

    So many of the people on here make me giggle. I can only imagine how fun you are in real life. Lee, the comment about wide leg pants and tennis shoes made me giggle hard. I keep telling people my end goal is to wear cute shoes again…

    So, on a very good note, I heard from the hearing judge, and I’ve been approved for disability & medicaid. I won’t comment on what everyone here knows, except to say, I was paying $510 / month for a very long time to get my health insurance, from a very respected company. Pretty sad when I have to go on the gov’t check & health coverage to get rehab, huh? Well, not only that, but, because I’ve exhauste all of my financial resources. But, now because I’ve legally been declared disabled, I now qualify for this incredible rehab facility in Nebraska. They have a 22 day – 5 hour a day intensive program that is just AMAZING! It takes an incredible committment, and they are very upfront about what it takes, but they do such great work, that it is very difficult to get accepted. Well, my PT & GP doctor think I’m ready. And, now, to talk to my ortho surgeon on the 28th. The biggest problem, is that from what I understand, all my inner workings of my leg are not completely healed — yet — thus may not be strong enough to handle 5 hours a day. Well, a lot could happen in the next couple of weeks. (I hope!)

    Oh, and yea, we figured out a why to handle the wheelchair situation. I’m just buying it outright (not full price as it was used when I got it). The truth is, I’ll need it for years to come. Not full time, but probably here and there. Plus, my mom is aging, so it’ll be nice to have.

    Take care!
    Keep up with the healthy healing!
    Go Red Sox!
    trac

  31. Hi to all – doing the weekly check in. Sounds like everyone is doing well.

    Liz – congrats on being back at home and work! It is nice to et some of your life back. It’s all different after, but I have to admit that getting some kind of normal back was a really important part of the mental/emotional healing.

    Trace – wow -thanks for the description of your fib break. Both ankle and at the knee. Yikes. That’s kinda what my Dr. warned me about if I decided to hit the slopes again next year – a break above the ski boot would leave the fibula in bad shape and the leg potentially useless. Arrgg. I like skiing, but not that much. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of this. Your spirit is strong though – you will make it through. You tell those people trying to take your wheel chair to just try and get it out from under you! the nerve! In all seriousness, do you have a solution? I’m thinking about you as always – you make it in my prayers each night.

    Hi to everyone else – looking forward to hearing from Pam and others who are having metal removed. Mine is coming out in January. Now that it’s a little cold here, I’m having a lot of trouble with it. Can’t wear my air cast much b/c it pushes on the edge of the plate and feels like it will split my skin open. Otherwise, I’m coming along ok. I seem to have hit a bit of a plateau in progress. My ankle seems to catch on scar tissue and will finally crack so things move a lot better, but it’s still pretty sore most of the time. A friend who did a similar break 2 years ago tells me that’s to be expected for at least a year. But I did go out to a dinner party this weekend and stood up for a good 40 min. Wore my tennis shoes under wide-leg black pants. It wasn’t quite the look I was going for, but was necessary. I’m also finally back to taking a standing shower (versus a bath or sitting in the shower chair), but kept the shower chair handy just in case. At week 14, that feels pretty good. And, I’m now doing a little bare foot walking – only on carpet, and hanging on to furniture, but I wondered if that would ever happen and it seems it does. So, all in all, I can’t complain, but I would like to have a little less soreness and a little more endurance. I’ll keep at the PT, stretching and rolling many times a day. I suspect it’s a way of life for quite a while now.

    Take care all – I see the Dr. next will and will report back. Michelle – let us know how your son is doing. I suspect he’s coming along great!

    Cheers,
    Lee

  32. Hey.. was it KaRen who said getting hardware out & Dr said you’d be FWB afterwards???

    oooo=) do tell more.. so how’s that work?? small cuts where its screwed in & they pull out of other small cut?? mm=) wondering if they cut muscle or if I comes out farely easy so ur able to get moving quickly.. & HoW quickly they talkin.. few days down =) wow.. nIcE..do tell more.. & cluple others getting theres out soon too..

    anyway..going in to dentist in morning.. BLAA.. I have my friend who’s a dentist hooking me up..suppOSE to be cLeaNing but my loving wife set me up 2 get wisDOm teeth out too YUCK.. I musta made her mad.. she says Its OK =)

    uh huh..
    Wes

  33. That’s great news Katie. I’m glad the ankle is feeling better and you were able to come out of the boot. Hopefully you won’t have any more problems.

    Wilma, glad your PT went well. Sounds like you were ahead of the game. lol

    Louise, I always love hearing from you. Sounds like your ankle continues to get better, slowly but surely. I know what you mean about seeing improvements little by little. I still can’t do a standing heel raise either, but it has gotten better in the past month. Four weeks ago, my heel wouldn’t budge off the ground, now I can get it up just a tad. Noone else around me is interested in these small bits of progress, but to me they mean the world.

    Well, my first two days of school went well. Everyone welcomed me back with open arms and my ankle held up better than expected. It was extremely sore by the end of the first day, but today it felt better. I got a nice surprise today from one of my student’s parents. Around lunchtime an edible arrangement (like a floral arrangement, but made with fruit) was delivered to my room. It was a vase full of chocolate covered strawberries, with 2 big balloons, saying “Welcome Back.” It was sent by one of my student’s moms. It was so sweet.

    You’d think I’d be happy to be back, but I just can’t seem to shake this depressed feeling. I came home yesterday from school, laid down on my bed, and cried myself to sleep. I have been so emotional the past few days. I don’t know what is wrong with me! I hate feeling like this. Did anyone else experience such an emotional roller coaster 4,5,6 months post injury? I feel like I should be past the emotional stuff. *sigh*

    Anyway, hope everyone else is doing well. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

    ~Liz

  34. Hi everyone!!!

    Wow..again so many posts!!! I read them all, and remember what was said, but not who said what without going back and re-reading them again lol!! So hello to everyone, and it sounds like a lot of people are moving on quite well!!! A lot of people having their hardware out as well. Was it erika who said you are having yours out in november?? Thats good…keep us updated on how that goes!

    Liz. Congrats on moving back home, and walking on the treadmill! Thats great. I know what you mean about the pain changing into a dull ache….mine is achy all the time, although it does get to a point where thats how it feels, and I dont even really notice it anymore. And how did work go today?? Hope it went really well for you! 😀

    Wes, sounds like your doing well with all the jogging and stuff as well! thats great! keep going wiv that. 🙂

    Katie. Good to hear you are out the boot again, and hope your hardwear removeal goes well as well! 🙂

    Hi to Trac! And as for the dream about the meeting in canada and fishing?? Cant say it’s something that would spring to mind, but I am sure we are all very handsome! ha ha!

    To anyone else I may have missed…anklequest, wilma, lois, spike, michelle, lee, and anyone else hello!!!!

    As for me….I am just having less and less time to come on here and read stuff (which is good in some ways I guess, because it means I am getting on with stuff!) and am just bogged down with work from work, university, and everything else! eeek!!! (As an update for anyone who doesn’t know/forgotten, mine was fracture dislocation. Tib and fib fractured in 3-4 places and dislocated too! 23rd April 08, and had surgery the next day! so im nearing the 6 month mark now)

    I started my second round of physio yesterday. I had six sessions already then got referred for another 6 weeks, as my ankle was no where near what they had expected it to be after the 6 weeks (althougb frankly, 6 hours of physio for an injury like that is just silly really, but however!)
    So…started my next 6 sessions yesterday, and there was a lot less cardio and much more of the muscle strenghtening exercises and my word do I ache like crazy today…so I guess it has done some good! hee hee.

    Not really much else to say for me to be honest. I managed to wear some BOOTS for the 1st time yesterday!! I was well chuft! 🙂 I tried wearing them the other week, and I couldn’t get them on as the foot was still swollen, but yesyerday I could get them on! yay! I am also noticing that although the metal work is restricting a lot of the movement, and my biggest problem is getting my knee over the toes, or bending my knees, it is slowly SLOWLY getting easier,a nd although it’s no where near my other leg, I can stand with my toes against a wall, and can bend my knee to touch the wall, which I couldn’t do a month ago, plus I am noticing I can move my foot a few cm away from the edge of the wall, and my knee still touches it, which is good! 😀

    I still cannot do proper heal raises on just my bad foot, although can get my heal off of the floor a bit standing on one leg, and my physio had my trying to hop yesterday….yes, HOP! It kind of works, but I do look very odd I have to say! And its not as good as the other leg, but oh well, its a start i guess. I can jump a bit and thats ok. I am also noticing that going down the stairs is also getting a LOT easier! 🙂

    So….I hope everyone is doing great, and for everyone that isn’t too good, or not too far down the road, it can get better!! 4 months ago, I felt awful, and like it was never going to end, and like Liz said, everyone here has been a great support, so you can share all the small silly little high’s that no one else would understand, like taking a step, or being able to carry your drink through to the living room for the 1st time, and also sharing the low’s which again, no one else understands, like when you burst into tears because you can’t reach something in the cupboard, or just feeling like you are getting up just to go back to bed again!
    So through it all, keep with it everyone, things can only get better!!!!

    Hugs to everyone!

    Louise xx

  35. TRAC
    WhaT?! take back your wheelchair?! I’m w you, what a jip! some1 screwed up..

    By the way, NiCe myspace page cowgirl 😉 you guys oughta see her.. shes a spitfire even on her webpage 😉 I like it & YoW! those pics.. I guess I should take the ones I got & work on getting them on to my page.. clean work the Dr did though.. impressive =)

    I’ve been bouncing around to office after office.. glad to be getting a biT budier & a little bit more able to function almost faking normal, but kinda bitter sweet as I miss the gradual healing time..

    One things for sure, if I don’t @ least hit the gym regularly, my whole lower leg gets mad.. too tight if I don’t keep stretching & massaging in hot tub & steam room regularly..

    Wilma
    the electric thing? was it called a TENS unit.. Weve had TENS units used on us & some even have had ultrasound units used (not highly recommended by most our docs as we hear it could ‘heat up the metal & cook the leg’ lol ;)) but I ve seen the portable TENS units pretty fairly priced & my friend lent me his til I get better..mmm that could be awhile.. But its nice, I just paid a multi year 24hr fitness membership up & its tONs more affordable & disciplining yourself (i feel anyways) is a bit easier to do when your ankle gets mad at you for nOT keeping up the excersises..

    Anyway, I’m jogging regular 1 minute intervals about 4x every 3 or 4 days apart while working out regular about every other day or 2..

    getting sleepy now.. took a nice scRuB of Epsum Salt (not sure spelling) .. I woke up sTiLL itchin away last night & too tired to wait for a bath , so I took the salt into the shower & just would pour it onto hands & rUBBB all over..did pretty well so I rewashed sheets & clothes w it too.. figured I may have gotten to easily agitated after my immune system went through this roller coaster of metal, low circulation & not good enough food.. so I may just be eXtrA sensitive with things that normally didn’t bother me..
    We’ll see..

    Its in the 50s here too.. I LoVe the faLL =) but brrr.. it sure played a number on my ankle… don’t know if that’s the gravitational pull or WhAT?! OuWWW!!

    were we IcE fishing up there in Canada?! lol jk Lois 😉 k..
    Here’s the joke for the fishing trip all
    Q::How do you catch a Polar Bear???
    A::You cut a hole in the Ice.. surround the hole with pEas.. & when the polar bear comes up to take a P you kick him in the Ice hole
    (think about it;) say it out loud a few times & you MaYyYy start to heAr the punn)

    til Later,
    Wes

  36. Katie & Liz……….CONGRADS!!!!!!!!!! WHOO-HOO!!!
    But, now, I must tell you I am incredibly jealous…I may have to roll over to my bed curl up and mope. J/K. I’m so glad for you. As I am for everyone making progress. Wilma, I know, isn’t it cool? This time around w/PT, I was so prepared because of this site, and have even run some excersises picked up from people on this site by her. She has incorporated a few of them. I had grumpy PT today. Meaning, inside, I felt that I didn’t want to be there at all. And, she must’ve noticed, because she pushed me through until I was too exhausted to be grumpy. OHHHHHHHH guess what??? I got a phone call from the place that gave me my wheelchair (which I got thru the nursing home) they want to REPO my chair! Apparently, the nursing home never paid for it, and now, I have to come up w/the $$ or they will come and take it back. WHAT??? What kind of person repos another person’s wheelchair?! You really have to be heartless. Oh well. It always works out. Somehow, right?

    Ok, take care and keep healing!
    trac

  37. Way to go Liz! You can do it! I know its bittersweet for you but its what you’ve been working for. Its kind of like your teenager leaving home, its supposed to be that way, but its really hard.
    I wanted to thank all of you for the advice you’ve given me . I went to my 1st (and maybe only) PT appt today, and I was definately underwhelmed! Practically everything he had me do You guys had already told me to do! He was very surprised I was so informed! (he prob will try to get the site shut down, ha ha) At the end he hooked me up to some electrical thing for pain (which I don’t really have) & the put in a “boot” that cold water circulated thru. It was nicwe, but for $200.+ I told my husband I could pay him to watch me do my excercises and we’d keep the $ in the family! ha ha. Anyway thanks to all!

  38. Hi all-

    I had my appointment today and I am back out of the boot for now. There is minimal pain now and he couldn’t see a fracture on x-ray so he said I can take it off as long as I continue to have pain. If the pain returns, I needs to go back in. So hopefully it will stay away! He said we can schedule hardware removal whenever I am ready. I think I am looking at December if my leg holds up since thats what will work best with work and all.

    Erika- Please keep us updated once you have your surgery. I would love to hear how yours goes since you will have yours before me. My ortho said I will be FWB immediately post surgery which was a big surprise to me..but I will be glad to not have to deal with crutches again!

    Liz- Glad to hear you are home and heading back to work. Its such a relief to get back to your “regular” life after a trimal fracture. It debilitates you so much for a period of time so its definately a nice feeling. Congrats!

    Hope everyone else is having a good night!

  39. That is awesome news Liz!!! I’m excited for you and hope that your first day back to work tomorrow is fantastic!!!!!!!

  40. I’M HOME!!! Oh my gosh it has been such a long road to get back here. It’s been almost 5 months of living in my parent’s house, 2.5 hours away from my work and friends and apartment. I can’t believe how slow, but yet how fast, these 5 months have flown. I will be going back at work tomorrow morning, back to my students, my co-workers, my friends, my “life”!

    I’m so happy to be home, but in an odd sort of way, I’m sad too. It’s a mixture of emotions… leaving my parent’s home after being with them for so long, ending my therapy and maybe never seeing my Physical Therapist again who I grew so close to, going back to school with an ankle that’s not like it was when I left. It’s almost like a chapter of my life is closing. You would think I would be ecstatic that I’m “healed” and life is getting back to normal. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled, but at the same time I just can’t shake this lonely, sad feeling. *sigh*

    Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who come here, share your stories, your successes, your struggles, and offer your support and encouragement to others. This site has been a huge part of my life for the past few months and I have enjoyed getting to know all of you. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving you all, I just felt like I needed to say THANKS for everything. You guys have helped me through this ordeal in more ways than you know. I will definitely still keep checking in and keeping up with all of you.

    ~Liz

  41. Just saying a quick good morning to everyone… and had to take the opportunity to tease Trac. So, hey Trac, watch that “elderlies” stuff,,, only five more years to go for me to get there. lol. As someone else already said, you are just the greatest source of inspiration to us all. We just love you to bits. Michele, good for you,,, and it is just ever so hard to do. But, I bet “son” is happier for getting out and about with his friends,,, even if he thinks he is doing it just to get out of the house and away from such a difficult mom.” My daughter (first born) was a really easy teenager. Goal oriented, popular and self directed. But my second born son was a completely different story. He was popular all right, but NOT goal oriented and NOT self directed… . He was the one who was closest to me as a little kid. He thought I was “wonderful” and I think that made it harder for him to break away from me and harder for me to let him go and become responsible for himself. I ended up really having to take a hard line with him. That meant I ended up crying copious piles of tears worrying about him and about some of the “tough love” I had to apply. We had a few very scary and difficult years, but he grew up to be the most wonderful husband, father and man. He is also wonderful to me,,, almost like a soul mate. He sees others messing up there lives now, and says he did not understand or appreciate my stand for a few years, but is so glad I took what I call a “tough love” approach because he needed it and that it worked. But, as I said before,,, it is really hard on us mom’s too. Really hard. I have great admiration for you from what you said in your last post and loved your new motto “compassion and accountability”. Keep that in your mind and repeat it often,,, . I have found in my life… in the “and it came to pass” phases, (which is what they are… challenges which eventually pass) that having a motto to keep me focused on what I am trying to accompish really helps. Hi to all the rest of you guys too. Oh and Trac, you just keep having dreams like that… coming to Canada, (west coast of course) and you can all go fishing out in front of my house.

  42. Morning!
    A switch for me, hee hee. Thanks, Wilma. It is. I try to be, but lately, the tears are relatively free flowing. But, they usually feel good.

    I had to sign on real quick — because last night I dreamt about everyone on this site. I dreamt we all gathered in Canada to go fishing (?). And, wow, are we a handsome and silly group of people. I woke up from the dream giggling really, really hard. Apparently, I was giggling in my sleep, because my mom came to check on me.

    So, thanks for such a fun dream. If this is the PTSD my drs were afraid of — bring it on.

    Okay, off to play dominoes with The Elderlies.
    (My nickname for a group of friends all over 70 where I live) Before going to the wound clinic and then to the dr. later today, see how my leg is doing. I’m so glad I listened to everyone on this list who told me to get it checked out. He said I came in just in time.

    Have a good day!
    It is FINALLY fall here!!!
    YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    52 degrees!!!

    take care –
    trac

  43. Well Michelle, good job! It sounded tough to me, but as the parent of a former teenager, it sounded right. Of course most parents would have been offended and not had the courage to be the parent and do what needed to be done, so again, good job to you. Your son is a fortunate young man!
    Ah Trace, you are so cool (is that still a word?) Are you having another surgery? If so when? I imagine it is very difficult when you have so many issues. Did I understand you have prob with your arms too? Anyway, enjoy your day today!

  44. Hello —

    Isn’t Rock Band fun? I hear where they are using Wii as a therapeutic tool in some clinics.

    Thanks to all for your comments and prayers. It is tough. Despite it being 15 months since my accident, I had never asked what really happened. I finally realized I had to know if I was going to be able to develop patience that was going to be required. I guess I broke both leg bones off at the knee, so they were no longer connected. (plus my ankle was broken completely off, held only by skin and stuff) — crazy stuff. I have to admit, I’m kinda teary eyed right now. I think I’ve been focusing so hard on the physical, I haven’t left room for the mental. And, now, I’m beginning the mental path. But, my reason for mentioning the complete break from the knee, is to use that to explain more to Lee what is causing the fibular movement. Apparently, it is lodging itself up too high against the knee — causing delays in extension. Oh, and then, with a bit of force, the PT can get it to move back — but it moves again. I will talk more at length w/the surgeon on 10/28. I’m still having fun, so I figure as long as it doesn’t interrupt w/life. I don’t mind a change in path — but don’t mess w/my fun, you know? And, my best friend came up to hang out this wknd. She reassurred me that if I don’t get walking soon, she’ll invest in a sidecar for her bike, so we can still ride.

    But, I will tell you. I do think if I had it my way, I’d amputate now. Huh, irony – there is a prothestic ad on tv right now — but, it is very, very, very hard to bring up. Because I don’t want to feel like I’m giving up.

    Well, again, thanks for listening.
    You always get the brunt of it, because I sign on
    at night when I’ve made it through another day.
    And, I really appreciate all the hope I find through everyone’s experiences.

    Gnight!
    trac

  45. HI all! After reading all your posts regarding my son, we had a few changes around the house. AS a mom it is hard not to baby him, but I realize it wasn’t doing him a bit of good. I kinda knew things were getting a little out of hand, but I read and thought about what you guys (you’re a tough cookie, anklequest! haha… but just what I needed to hear!) said and realized it really was time to get back to post break house rules (for what he is able to do). No more picking up his garbage and throwing it away for him, no more sitting around playing video games all evening, no more falling asleep on the sofa in front of the tv, etc. Back to normal, for the most part. Sit at the table and do your homework when you get home, throw your garbage away, make your bed, sleep in bed and have a bedtime like a normal person, etc. He wasn’t too happy at first… “but mom, I’m a cripple”, but being forced to do stuff at home has gotten him to where he is back out of the house and doing stuff with friends again! YEA! He was going to head to the football game last friday, but it was an away game, then went to the mall with some friends on Sunday and out “running” around with friends tonight. I told him one week to just focus really hard, use time wisely and get caught up… and that I would help in any way I could. I’m proud of him for stepping up to the plate and getting pretty organized. After about a month and a half, only a few more weeks and he is off the crutches and into a walking boot (hopefully). Depending on the PT, he may be able to get back into wrestling mid-season and then do rugby season still. yea!!

    The orthopedic surgeon got me a prescription called in today for antibiotics for him to go to the dentist, and then the orthodontist today told me he will have to premed before goes there too. That kind of surprised me. Thank God for Wal-mart $4.oo prescriptions!! 🙂

    It’s almost normal around here again… I forgot how nice that was. Kind of hard not to hover… and I did give him a list of instructions for safely using the escalator at the mall yesterday before he left… but for the most part, just lettin him be 16 and do his thing. 🙂

    Thanks guys… I really appreciate all your comments…. “compassion” and “accountability” are what I’m keeping in the forefront of my mind!! What a difference a new viewpoint has made in our house! Thanks again! Hope you all have a wonderful night.

  46. Hello to everyone, I think of each of you often & follow all the postings. I got my cast off last Tues & went and did an Arts & Crafts show. Dr said I could start walking on it with no restrictions. So I am now pretty much w/o any crutches, but I definately have an odd gait…I am going to take a copla PT sessions to find out what I need to be doing, although all of you have been so helpful with all the advice. The 1st time I went to the Dr I was in a state of shock, and had really no questions (if I didn’t have questions, I could pretend it didn’t really happen 🙂 ) But thanks to all of you, I really had it in for the Dr this time! Ha ha. Wes, I’m so excited for you that you are enjoying dancing again with your wife, my husband of 28 yrs asked me to dance the night we met and I told him “no”, ha ha but he’s a very persistant boy so here we are…I’m sure it helps take your mind off some of the burning & pain. We heard J Giles band “Freeze Frame” and I always used to line dance to that one, so after hearing you I hope to again. Trac, I hope you are enjoying Autumn in Omaha, I live in the midwest too & it’s really pretty here. I love your spirit, you probably don’t realize that you inspire people with your courage in the face of adversity, but you do. I’m sure you’d rather NOT be inspiring, ha ha. anyway God Bless all of you, I continue to pray for all our healings.

  47. Hi Everyone,

    I just got home last night from visiting with my old college roommate. We spent the weekend shopping and playing Rock Band on Wii. FUN! Just like old times! lol

    My ankle is holding up well, no “pain” anymore really, just a dull soreness around the top of my foot. I got on the treadmill for the first time today at PT and walked for 15 minutes at 2.5 speed. It felt really good. I can’t wait to get home and back to the gym. I have an appointment tomorrow with the OS and I feel sure he will release me to go back to work without the sitting restriction. So my plan is to go to my last therapy appointment on Wednesday, travel home that afternoon, and start work on Thursday. It’s going to be an adjustment going back to work, I have to admit. It’s been almost 5 months!! Oh, and one other bit of progress… my calf muscle has gotten a little stronger. I was able to lift my heel slightly off the floor while standing one foot today. Just a few weeks ago it wouldn’t budge off the floor.

    SPIKE and ERICA, Good luck getting the metal out. Definitely keep us posted on how the surgery goes. It will be great info for others who come across this site in the future. It’s a topic that comes up often.

    HOLLY, Sorry to hear you’ve joined our group of ankle breakers, but glad you found us. Your cast progression sounds similar to mine. I had a splint for 2 weeks, then put into a boot NWB, and was allowed to sleep without it about 2 weeks later. I started physical therapy (which I definitely recommend) 4 weeks after surgery and was NWB for 6 weeks post surgery. Anyway, sounds like you’re doing well. Keep your spirits up. It WILL get better. 🙂

    TRAC, Sorry to hear you’re having a rough time. I know it must be hard thinking about struggling for another whole year to get back on your feet. With that said though… it’s encouraging to at least have a time line… that they think you may be able to walk again in a year’s time is good news. A year will go by so quickly. It’s amazing to think it’s almost been a half year since I broke mine! It has gone by so fast. I hope this year will fly for you and you’ll be looking back a year from now and this will all be a distant memory. Hang in there.

    KATIE, Glad to hear the pain has eased up. Let us know how your appointment goes on Wednesday.

    LEE, how awful that your son broke his wrist. He’s young so I’m sure he’ll bounce right back. My dad broke his wrist twice and has no problems with it. Glad to hear you’re doing well. I’m sure you’ll be following Spike and Erika closely as they have their metal removed.

    Well, hello to anyone I’ve missed (Lois, Anklequest, Denver). I’ll let you all know how my OS appointment goes tomorrow.

    Take Care,
    Liz

  48. So, Hello everyone. I have made the decision. It was 1 year on Sept. 23rd,2008. I still cannot walk without limping. my surgeon says my bones are totally healed and he can’t see arthritis or anything setting in. He says he is optimistic that if he takes the hardware out – my pain will be less. I have a plate w/ 8 screws on one side – and the 2 large screws on the other. I can feel them through my skin, and they are seeming to “move” or “click” when I walk. So, on Nov. 4th, i will be having it all removed. I will let everyone know how it goes. I am very nervous – but am hoping for the best.

    Erika

  49. Ahhh, Katie, now I remember. I seem to be catching up a week at a time and forgot some of the details. Sorry for the confusion. So, I do hope it all goes well and I’ll look forward to hearing about your removal procedure, as Im eager to have mine done soon. It’s really bugging me.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  50. Lee– Just to clear up I actually wrote a couple weeks back. I am 2 years out of my surgery for a tri-malleolar fracture. I originally wrote in to ask if anyone had any experience with painful hardware and possible stress fractures on weak spots. I did go to see an ortho and ended up in a boot for two weeks, which is what my update was yesterday. He saw a spot on the x-ray that he couldn’t tell exactly what it was, but was afraid it was a pressure point and possible a small fracture developing. I am hoping to get out of the boot this week and schedule my hardware removal surgeon. My surgeon is afraid if he leaves it in it will cause a more severe injury. Thanks for the welcome though! Its nice to have people to talk to have been through or are going through the same stuff!

  51. Hello all – Again, a week away and so many new posts to keep up with.

    Katie and Spike – welcome. Though I’m sorry you need to be here. Katie, you sound like you’re in excellent shape. A boot after just a few weeks! I wasn’t in my boot until about week 7 or 8 and still needed crutches with it for a few weeks. You must be moving along beautifully. Congrats! Just so you know, most surgeons won’t take the hardware out for at least 6 months. The bone needs to heal and calcify, and then there’s no need for it anymore. If it doesn’t bother you, they will want to avoid removal. Most won’t do surgery without a proven need.

    For all those interested in removal of the hardware, I’ve just had two very interesting conversations. First, with my surgeon, who upon feeling my fibular plate and seeing how much it presses against the skin from the inside, says it will definitely be coming out in Jan or Feb (about 6 months post break). My father, a vascular surgeon who sees a lot of osteomyalitis, was just in town visiting for the day on his way to the American Colleges of Surgeons Conference here in SF, told me to insist it comes out. His take is that after the bone has healed, it serves no purpose, and in fact, with how tight the skin is pulling against it, one can develop an ulcer and then eventually osteomyalitis (bone infection), which is then basically big trouble. I asked him abut the worry of arthritis in the joint, and he doesn’t think that’s much of an issue. If the joint gets arthritis, it’s not from the plate removal, but rather from joint damage in the dislocation. So, as much as I’d love to avoid the next simple surgery, it is next up on my list. And, a benefit, is that they can make the scar look even better in the follow-up surgery. For me, that’s a nice benefit. So, take it for what it’s worth – lots of different opinions out there. I trust my Dad, as he’s been practicing as chief of surgery at top teaching hospitals for over 50 years, and now runs surgical programs for the VA in DC. Just another data point to consider for those pondering it. I’m curious about Pam – she was scheduled to have hers out in October. Wonder if she’ll have time to check in to tell us about it.

    Denver – as usual, your life is full of adventure and wild times. Glad to hear your out dancing again and that you’re feeling so much better.

    Anklequest – I agree with you about teenagers – need to keep the accountable, even when things are difficult. You have to push through. Michele – you son may need more time to get it all done, but he must eventually get it all done.

    Liz – glad to hear you’re well and going back home soon. Sounds like you’ll be back at work for real soon too! I bet you can’t wait to get back to your kids.

    Loise and Louis – hi there. Good updates from you too.

    And Trace, oh Trace. I’m so sorry to hear that the leg isn’t looking how you’d like, but I love the thought of focusing on ability instead of disability. And pies sound like the perfect prescription. I feel for you and admire your courage. I haven’t been able to feel like my old self until I could get back up and moving a little again, so I can only imagine your disappointment. I’m curious what the cause of the fibular movement is? Is it just moving out of the talus? Or is it lust fishing around in pieces? What does the surgeon say at this point? I don’t know if I would have the patience to wait another year … then again, I’m not facing what would be an amazingly difficult decision. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    So, you all are not going to believe it, but my 10 yr old son broke his wrist this week on a school camp out at Big Sur. I didn’t think it was really broken, but sure enough, it is. He’s in a removable cast for 4 weeks then should be good to go. Nice to be young and to heal so fast. But he’s realizing now how hard it is to lose use of a limb even for a few weeks. I told him that since he helped me so much this summer, it’s my turn now to help him. And thank goodness im basically walking again. Though we sure are funny looking going anywhere together – like the walking wounded – him in an arm cast, me on a cane! What a sight. I just hope a 3rd injury does not befall anyone else in my family. We can’t handle another.

    Oh, and another little discovery my PT helped me with. I was having a lot of pain around the tibula screw, in the ligaments and scar tissue, that just would not stretch out and allow good movement. My PT sent me to get pre-made orthotics (like Superfeet) that would better support my arch. All of a sudden, I’ve got much better balance and flex. I can walk better, balance on the bad foot better, and it’s easier to work on the dorsiflexion (getting the knee over the ankle) than before. What a huge difference! I think custom orthotics are in my future, but not until my foot stops changing from the swelling etc. I’d recommend trying them – they’re about $15 at a good running store or outdoor store that sells hiking or ski equipment.

    Ok – that’s all my news. I’ll try to be better keeping up with everyone, but life is carrying me away again. Kids have me busy with sports, school, etc. and work is gearing up again. I love the holidays, but don’t even want to think about the work I’ll need to do to get us ready. Arrrggg.

    Take care all. Walk, limp, hobble, and/or crutch safely. I’m thinking of you all.

    Cheers,
    Lee

  52. Hi all…just wanted to update since I’ve been in the boot for over a week now. There has been DEFINATE improvement in the pain. Its almost completely gone now. There is some mild pain when I have been on my feet for too long. I work 12 hour shifts so that causes some pain but I figure thats to be expected. I go back on the 15th to get a follow-up x-ray and see what he says. I have a feeling since the boot is helping he will want me to stay in it until he can schedule the surgery to get the hardware out. Just glad that its feeling better and not worse! I avoided crutches which is a huge plus.
    Hope everyone else is doing well and healing quickly. I will update again after next week!

    Take care,
    Katie

  53. Hello to everyone!! It is a beautiful day here in the great midwest — and it is fantastic to see another Canadian on. I have always had the most fun “up there”. Whether it was studying in Toronto, fishing in Nova Scotia, or working in Quebec City…great country — thanks for always helping us Americans learn to lay back and take it easy.

    Spike — I can relate. It was 8 mos out from my injury and I still couldn’t move my ankle very much, despite PT and manipulations. We waited and worked a few more more months, still — to no avail — couldn’t put my foot flat. Then we did what was called a heel cord lengthening. The surgery took all of 20 minutes — and I wore a cast for 4 weeks. And, now, I’m in PT for it, but I can put my foot flat, and we are actually gaining degrees of movement in my ankle. I’m not necessarily suggesting surgery, but, this is the first time since my accident (July 07) that I’ve been able to show any possibility of actual walking. I hadn’t heard of this surgery because it is usually done on children. But, it helped amazingly.

    Good luck to everyone.
    Keep dancing!
    Off to enjoy Autumn in Nebraska!
    take care and keep healing —
    trac

  54. my family all scattered when I was just getting out on my own. I wound up meeting this family @ church..the girl near my age wanted me to talk 2 her older brother that had gone off the beaten path, find out why & let him know theres still hope. I became friends with him then the parents took me in & 1 by 1 the brothers all grew close as I even lived there a couple of times & they became my adopted family. The mom & I talk aLL the time & shes from canada eh.. so her and her kids aLL say ‘eh & it kinda rubbed off so we throw it around here and there with a wink 😉

    Well week 2 gone out dancing.. I carry the cane to help me to the car when I’ve finally hit ‘the wall’..but everyone watching swears I’m faking as I can juuust about dance circles round people & hit the beat so well.. That’s why I like going dancing after all, because I have to hit the beat & eventually that takes priority over fear & limp alike & sure enough next I know I’m second nature moving, for HoUrs 🙂 then I get quite the range & work out..

  55. Hello Spike, Happy Thanksgiving eh….to a fellow Canadian. Nice to have another “Canuck” on here. I have been enjoying all the Americans and the two english posters, but I was feeling a bit lonesome. I am BC… so watching the Canucks hockey game as I post this. Had a laugh about your “right” kind of screw driver comment. But I am glad I broke my ankle at home, and not in Mexico where I was last winter for a couple of weeks and from where I was home for a whole four days when I broke mine. All the best to you with the screw removal. Wes, so why all the way down in Denver Colorado do you know that we Canadians say eh??? We also say bean for been and I think you guys say “bin”,,,, and across the border in Washington state they refer to us as “cheeseheads” apparently because cheese was so much cheaper down there that Canadians used to go down and stock up… (or at least I hope that’s why. lol
    Holly, you seem to be doing better much faster than many of us did. Good for you and welcome to the site. Anklequest, wild turkeys??? wow… you really do have LOTS of wildlife whereever the heck you live. For some reason I think it’s eastern USA.. perhaps somewhere in the woods outside of new york… (are there any woods outside of new york???)
    Hello to just all the rest of you,,, enjoying everyone’s posts. Take care. Lois

  56. SPIKE, lol..that’s hilarious.. never thought about that.. I’ve gotten under my japanese vehicles & tools ready..sure enough, they’re used vehicles & sOmEoNe used something not so metric… course got a taurus too & have those tools nearby.. ha.. deffinately keep us posted.. I’ve always had reactions when trying to even wear a ring. I didn’t think anything of it as I haven’t had exstensive hospital or illness in the past.. sooo I didn’t mention how badly I react to metals.. guess I figured they knew what they were doing & use the right materials.. but my body just aint happy..lol.. My curiosity, well, I’m sure is also on evryone elses list too, – how longs the down time afterward..as in, how long does it take til you can use two legs again..and rehab time etc.. that and what’s the $$ look like coming out rather than going in.. I’d ask if I could sell the metal back to them..lol..after all..we did pay for it too 😉

    AnKLEQUEST
    your right on with my teen situation.. out of all the aduLts I’M the one that is well versed, think thoroughly & speak intelectually on a level that they appreciate, look up to, & find strength in.. lucky me.. no sleep there either..lol.. Prayers work for that pretty good though 😉

    I saw this T- Shirt the other day my friend wanted to get for me after seeing & hearing all the wonderful things I get to find out about.. it said “Whered All These Kids Come From & Why Do They Keep Calling Me Daddy?!” lol..DON may need one of those.. speaking of which.. How’s the teens on your side of the fence DON..

    As for injury healing.. I’m going out dancing tonight again..its gReaT therapy.. just country dancing.. its a little easier.. no spins 😉 I use the treadmill to help stretch things out & the hot tub @ the gym.. niiiice.. its pretty gross thinking how many people go through it but steam room it, take a couple relaxing stretches of the pool then shower afterwards.. that’s nite nite for me.. vERy relaxing..

    My wifes ready to buy me a new phone.. lol..she tried calling me a bit ago to have me throw her dancing clothes in the drier & finally had to drive all the way by the house to do it herself since my phones on crack & just crashes the second it rings lol..
    oh well, find the humor in all things eh (thats for all you canadians enjoy thanksgiving) I can hardly wait.. 4th thursday in November for US.. BUT I need the time.. I’m going to fix my 4Runner for our trip down to Texas.. We’re tite on funds but I have a mechanic that owes me BiG & I fROzE my ears,nose & fingers going to work on the bike today BRRrrrrr.. that did for me.. I made the call..

    I just remembered someone talking about the HBOT (hyper beric oxygin treatment) seeing it on that Dr’s show.. my grandma called me & told me to watch when they had it on too..lol… Its pretty impressive how quickly the body heals with the oxygyn..

    Yhat new phone they’re showing now is called an HTC DREAM w Google Android software.. it borders on illegal I sware lol.. it has up to the second google real time street view maps that you can literally watch people get in and out of their vehicles.. HeLLo stalkers..this phones for you 😉
    I could get one and watch the turkeys w Anklequest then go check out how the upgrades are going on LOiS’ place.. hmm interesting how far & invasive our electronics have come.. 🙂

    Til Later, Wes..

  57. Originally my doctor said that we would leave my hardware in place, however eight and a half months later I am unable to move my foot upwards more than a few degrees despite extensive physiotherapy, plus my foot dosen’t sit straight (flat). I broke my ankle on vacation and my surgery was performed in a small clinic in small-town Mexico. Although everything was done properly it is done a little differently there, and that may be the reason the hardware needs to come out.
    My surgery is scheduled for October 21st and should take about an hour – just hope Canadian screwdrivers will remove Mexican screws!

  58. Spike,
    Many of us here have asked questions about the metal removal. Most of us are not having metal removed (other than a screw or two) so far except for Pam, who we haven’t heard from for a while. We’d be very interested in your case and hope you keep us posted.

    I’d be interested to know why you are having the metal removed. Pam had a bad reaction to the metal and some of it “stuck out” so in her case things were clear. One doctor told me I could have the metal removed, the other did not recommend it. Please do keep us posted.

    Holly,
    It seems like you are way ahead of the game! Are you getting around on crutches?

    Denver,
    Seems like things are moving along well for you. Good luck with all the teens! They seem to be a far worse problem, not your ankle. I would lose sleep over them! What about the adult role models? Are there some solid adults in the picture here? If so, that’s where the teens can get some help. Your niece was obviously trying to get some help from you. How are you helping her?

    Lois,
    ‘We are totally in agreement! Thanks for your posts. It seems that teachers and correction officers have common perspectives on many things. We’re basically in the same business…trying to get people to assume responsibilities for their own lives (and stop the blame games). Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I say that while watching the wild turkeys in our yard. We have the flock with half sized young coming by regularly again.

    Anklequest

  59. Good Morning Everybody. I know its not American Thanksgiving, but we are going into our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. So Happy Thanksgiving to you all. While I enjoy turkey and pumpkin pie I will think of all of you who have to wait…what, another month??? I dont even know when England’s thanksgiving weekend is. Perhaps they don’t even celebrate it. No pilgrims, no wild turkeys running around, no cranberries??

    Michele: I think EVERYONE makes excellent points about your son. Teenagers are VERY difficult, and there is a very fine line between them trying to grow up and become responsible and independent while being very difficult while doing that, (pushing and pulling against their parents). As well, we Mom’s are fighting the same battle, both wanting our kids to become responsible and independent while at the same time we try to hold on to our babies. I think Anklequest thinks I was being too easy on your son,,,, and perhaps I was because like Anklequest (and being a retiree from federal correctional system) I am actually a fairly strong proponent of a “tough love” approach. So I do not think Anklequest is wrong at all. As I said, I am retired so I did not have to return to work after breaking my ankle. Had I still been working, I would have returned to work, enjoyed my job thoroughly and my co-workers and coped with everything. Because that is the way I am. So I was not trying to mollycoddle your son, but because I think people misunderstand the impact of this injury soooo much,,, I think and was trying to express that during the process of your son’s recovery,,, someone… and probably you are elected needs to make it clear to the counsellors and teachers, that the impact of this injury is harder on your son they they will realize. They should work with him, but within the bounds of being fair, not judgemental with respect to what they think he should be able to cope with. Anklequest, agrees and says herself that she had some of the same effects that I had at first. So, we are not disagreeing… I think you should perhaps print off a couple of our comments.. re all this… and show them to the counsellor… one from Anklequest a college professor and one from a hard nosed federal law officer… and that might give them a better idea of encouraging your son, being supportive of him to help him keep up and cope, but not taking the approach of pushing him to the point that he becomes angry and more frustrated.

  60. wahoo! it let me on 1 more time lol lol..
    Ok so I’m supposed to get a new phone sent out as of 22nd & will be back on by then.
    Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile,it wouldn’t let me load the pages as they’re getting longer.
    So lets see what I can get out before my sleepy brain takes over & or my phone crashes.
    TRaC, keep up that attitude, don’t take that from anybody 😉 & PIE sounds gooood…
    So aside from a couple rough nights this week (this obviously being one of them) I’ve slept with no more than a warm bath & some Advil PM.. The rough nights are just part of the pain after a good work out YoW!.. but its all for the good..
    LEE the secret 8 found in that book was I may be having some alergic reactions to the metal.. that and lack of keeping circulation up & being around molds & eating yogurts etc which normally are no big deal just had my body going haywire with my white blood cell count down trying to fight off Tape Worm larva YuCK!.. I used this frequency zapper (cant feel it, frequency is so low that it only kills paracites) hard to explain, but took Lysine pills/8 500mg pills & slept through the night.. Not entirely sure alls well, itchy now.. but guess I’m just happy to have the burning off my back (well,gone from foot for now, I should say) I’m sure the itching will get annoying but as of now I have been able to suck that one up a lot better than the nerves burning.
    Of course the moment I got sleep, I was more on a regular FuLL schedule of responsibilities from running kids around, to & fromschool and working more hours.. Life just grabbed hold of me again.
    HOLLY, keep circulation 😉 moving toes & when able/ even if unable to weight bare/ write the alphabet with your big toe & keep flexing the leg muscles as they only take 21 days to completely deteriorate. They recoup either way, but you’ll be ahead of the game with the pain that follows while rehabing as you’re calf, thigh & knee are all going to be trying to catch back up too..
    SPiKe.. I know a couple people have talked about the hardware removal but believe Dan has just had screw removal.. I just did my break in July & have a long way to go.. I’ve read that you have to get muscle that’s grown/formed around the plates cUt & it adds to recovery time. I figured I’d just keep it in but seeing the reactions I keep having Immmm not so sure I will.. so PleaSe, even if you don’t get it all figured out PlEaSe let us know how it goes as well so we will have that information from someone directly too =) I’m gonna ask directly/specifically to be able to keEP my metal.. sounds gross,but daNG the cost Ill have it melted down for $ lol..

    I’m sick I know..
    anyway.. as I said.. go back a week or so & you guys can shoot me an email or jump on my MySpace spo I can keep touch til I get my new phone that will keep up with the sites ‘growth’

    MiCheLe
    I’m w LOIs too.. This has everyone up and down & as you can see, moody too.. its a tough one & takes time & energy physically & mentally draining. I’m VeRY active & a gym, runnin, mtn climbing guy & in fast healing shape but it still pulls energy from all over s the bodies healing & I kick but & pull through the challenges of studies NoW as I have a whole lot of responsibility & family relying on me..while high school is a lot different and at that age the minds a LoT different & has a lot of issues that we grow past as we get out on our own.. til then though.. that IS life.. new & challenging & a growing experience of turmoil.. its normal..

    Shoot.. I had a doozy the other day.. was driving with my niece (just turned 14 in July) & she said, I hear your having problems with the metal in your body.. I hope what I got in me doesn’t effect me bad.. I asked wHaT she was talking about.. & she said ‘the shot’ I was in denial what I just heard.. she said, ya, I lost my virginity before the summer.. I was so shocked I didn’t realize I wasn’t paying attention to the road & I got popped speeding where as I NeVeR speed.. haven’t gotten a speeding ticket in 12 years & I wasn’t even tRyIng to speed.. just VeRy sidetracked..
    I got the ticket 58 in a 45 crAP.. then heard from her that our 15yr old girl lost HER virginity too..AHH!! & wife passed that talk onto ME to have with Caitlin.. it took me 3 days to figure out how to approach it.. all went well but DaNg makes me question if the schools tHiNk they’re teaching because the kids r going to learn it aNyway… OR if it almost makes it too normaL a conversation that even heard of 12 & 13 year olds doing it.. We already started watching the red flags & have had Caitlin working & talkin with us & its kept her on a good track since before spring.. where as my sister put an alarm system on her house & has niece on lock down Ha!.. that’s nice in theory.. but pretty sure it’ll blow up n her face..

    Anyhow.. HeLLo to all, sorry if I didn’t get to chat with everyone directly, look me up on email & myspace & will do best to keep up with all.. ok..gonna head for bed again.. talk with everyone SoMeTiMe =(
    Wes
    [email protected]
    or look up my myspace with the same email ..wife marked me as MrPopular on there
    hope this posts too, wes

  61. Hi!!!

    Thanks for asking about me — things are cool. Well, not really, they actually aren’t so hot. But, oh well, I’m making pies. Making pies makes me happy. Pies and baseball, gawsh do I love October! But, unfortunately, my fibula (?) keeps moving, and that is what was causing what I thought was infection. I broke down in tears w/my PT yesterday. Just about everything. We figure at least another solid year before I’m really up and about. A YEAR??????!!! And, a woman, very sweet woman, called and said, “I was referred to you, we can offer help to those recently disable for life.” I KNOW that is true…but hearing it really stung. And, then while in PT, I kept noticing how crooked and ugly my leg is, and I started crying. Who knew how important ankles are? But, on a good note, I am getting more degrees in my ankles…

    Spike — I don’t know if that is your real name, but that is my partner’s name, so at first I was like — what is he doing on here? Made me giggle. Well, I had my metal removed voluntarily. But, I may not be the best to ask, as I’m not up and walking after 16 months (due to other stuff, though) and my dr recommended it before I started heavy duty PT. I think he was right. Because I still have a lot of metal in my arm, and it aches, pulsates, sometimes I can feel it through the skin, sometimes it down right hurts, and it is always tingly. But, that metal has to stay or I won’t have an arm. However, I have almost no pain in my ankles. (My pain stems from other causes) But, I won’t lie — for me, and I think I have a relatively high tolerance for pain — after the surgery (which was quite simple) it hurt to high heaven. Moving my ankles and feet even a little took a commitment. It was hard. However, my friends were great, and would take turns (while I gritted my teeth) rubbing my ankles and lightly stretching them. And, it wasn’t but maybe a week or so and pain really started to subside, and tolerance set in. It has been 8 months since I’ve had my metal removed and I’m very happy. I hope this helps a little. And, I hope others have advice for you — because there are so many good people on here with excellent advice.

    Oh, and congrads on healing so quickly, Holly! Keep going.

    Hi to everyone else, and I hope to go onto my myspace page tonight and link up to a couple of you.

    Peace and keep healing,
    trac

    PS — you know what I’ve just decided? I think I’m going to start referring to myself as ENABLED — not DISABLED — okay. Back to the key limes.

  62. I broke my ankle 9/10/08. I was just taking a walk with a friend and decided to get off the beaten path down a hill toward a creek. My left foot slipped down and the right foot rolled away from me. 911, stretcher up the hill and ambulance to the hospital. I never b4 thought about what a broken bone would feel like. I sure knew then.

    After x-rays was told it was a tri-malleolar fracture. I had surgery that same night with a plate and 9 screws and was put in a splint for 2 weeks. The next visit with the doc I expected a hard cast for the next month but after they took more x-rays, thought it looked better than expected and put me in an aircast NWB for 4 weeks.

    2 weeks later they said I could sleep with out it! Yaahoo!! It’s those small things in life that make such a difference. Does anyone have any advice for me for this stage of the game?

  63. Hi Everyone: Broke and dislocated my left ankle eight months ago and I am scheduled to have the hardware (plate and 7 screws on outside and screw and curved wire thing(?) on inside) in two weeks. Has anyone had their hardware removed and can tell me what to expect regarding recovery time, pain etc. Thanks.

  64. Michele, Lois..

    I’m going to offer quite a different perspective from that of Lois on the school thing although I also experienced what Lois went through.

    First, your son does not have the severity of breaks many here on this board have had based upon your posts so while inital truma etc. is there he should be recovering quickly, which he apparently is since he is back in school. Second, your son has a great situation in school with a counselor and a group willing to support him. That is unheard of in many schools. Third, your son has to be held accountable for everything he has missed…all assignments, tests, etc. despite his injuries. Teachers cannot just make some students do the assignmnets and not others. Everyone has to do the same work or there are big problems. That is not to say that work may have to be handed in late, etc. but it has to be done. No exceptions! If he is not dowing his work than he is not doing his “job” and you should hold him responsibile somehow for that, while at the same time being sympathetic. If he were a college student I would have advised him to drop his courses if he couldn’t keep up with the work. Beleive me, I have had students call me from the hospital just so they can keep up with the work..broken legs, new babies, and all just to avoid having to drop out.

    It is a tricky business dealing with teens, but one thing you HAVE to do is hold him accountable despite the circumstances. Teens are normally moody and perhaps he’s going through a lot triggered by the ankle break. Maybe he’s even regressing to being a “child.” That’s OK. He is very very lucky to have a helping counselor.

    I did go back to school quite soon after my break, with crutches and all. While my head was not wrapped to tight and while I was constantly exhausted, it was helpful to assume my responsibilities and get back in gear. It tok 6 months to get back to some normalacy and not feel overwhelmed.

    On final thought! you are likely a very well meaning overprotective mother and so you may have to let go a bit too and stop being so concerned.

    Anklequest

  65. Hi everyone!!!

    What is the deal with taking anti-biotics before dentistry malarkey?? I have never been told anything like this, and I had a filling back in August! :S I lived to tell the tale though! ha ha!

    Lee. Great to hear you are doing a lot better! 😀 good for u! Feels good to get some independance back again doesn’t it? 🙂

    Liz. Well done to you!! A whole 5 hours on your feet? Thats great. And how funny thinking about doing a similar course. I drove for AGES today to visit a uni about 250 miles away from where I live to see about doing a masters degree in occupational therapy, but still very undecided…so need to give that some thought! Hmmm…..
    Soooo tired!….

    Trac. How r u holding up?? Has that pain you have had cleared up at all?? Hope so, for yout sake! 🙂

    As for me…not really anything else to say. No more pain (just a lot of dull aching, which I always have) but no amazing improvements to speak of either. Just sort of reached a stagnation, which I am hoping my next bout of physio will sort out a bit more, and get it moving some more.
    I am sooo bad at keeping up the exercises at home. I ave been given quite a lot to do, but I just forget! 🙁 oooops.
    So…not a lot to say about for me, but I hope everyone else is doing welll!!!!!

    Louise xx

  66. Good morning everyone. MICHELLE, I just wanted to comment that I went to a new dentist at about five months post break. As a result I had to fill out a new patient questionaire. One of the questions asked was whether I had an artifical hip, knee etc. So I told them about the metal in my ankle. They explained that patients have to go on preventive antibiotics if they have an artificial hip/knee replacements but they were not concerned about the metal in my ankle and did clean my teeth. I am not sure what they would do if I needed fillings or root canal. I suspect then that I would have to take preventive medications. Also, I think the school is being very unfair to your son. I don’t know if it was the break itself, the trauma, the surgery or the result of anesthia,,, but I was exhausted for the first approximate four months and it was all I could do to cope with basic things, like shampooing my hair, or throwing a load of clothes into the washer. Mentally I was just not up to par either, and did all kinds of really “stupid” things. For example, at one point I paid several of my bills with cheques from a closed bank account rather than from one of several other good accounts. It was really embarrassing. I lost and misplaced all kinds of things. Forgot all kinds of things,,, and basically was just not organized or functioning properly at all. As well, although I am a very active almost 65 year old, I had absolutely no stamina for things either physical or mental for almost five months. I would guess that your son is coping with these same post trauma and surgical difficulties and I think the school is unfair (and unknowledgeable) to expect him to be keeping up and coping. I think they were giving him homework far too early for one thing. People think that when you break your ankle, you get patched up and carry on as before. I thought that myself before it happened to me. This is not the case. This injury really takes its toll on those affected with it. I think that somehow your son needs a “break”, (pun not intended) from the critcism and needs to be cut some slack. Sounds like its going to be your job to be his defender…even if unfortunately everyone will think you are just a pampering mom. It will all get better for him in time.. but thats what it takes is time…. Take care.

  67. Hi Gang,

    Sounds like everyone is doing well and making progress.

    LOUISE, It’s great to hear from you. Congrats on winning the competition. How exciting that you got to interview a celebrity. Also glad to hear you were given 6 more weeks of therapy. I know you were a little nervous about just doing it on your own. When will your graduate from the University? Have you thought anymore about switching majors to Physical Therapy? It’s funny you had mentioned that because I was thinking the same thing recently. If I was teaching Special Education, Physical or Occupational therapy would have been my next choice. Now that I’ve had my own experience with PT, it makes me even more interested. I just hate thinking about going back to school and basically starting over. lol

    LOIS, Glad to hear you’re doing well and climbing ladders too!

    DENVER, That’s great that the burning has eased off. I hope that things continue to heal and the burning will be a distant memory for you. Also, funny you should mention about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. I just saw a segment about it the other day on that new show “The Dr’s.” It looked really intersting and used for lots of different things. On the show they were using it with a man who had lost half of his face from cancer. I had never really heard of before the show and then you mentioned it. 🙂

    LEE, Glad to hear you’re making progress at PT and getting out and about now with you kids and doing “normal” things again. I remember my first trip to Wal-Mart by myself. I finally felt like I had my freedom back! lol It’s even better when you’re able to walk through the whole store, pushing your own buggy, and browsing each aisle. You’ll get there! The scooters sure did come in handy for awhile though.

    Well, I’m quite proud of myself. I went to the State Fair yesterday with my parents. It’s a huge fair with rows and rows of outdoor vendors, huge buildings of commercial and competitive displays to browse, cirucs acts, and various concerts going on throughout the fairgrounds, not to mention all the rides (which I didn’t ride). In addition to the fair we stopped at several antique shops on the drive up and browsed around (my parents love antiquing). Anyway, all in all, I was on my feet yesterday for over 5 hours and suprisingly my ankle held up really well. The bottom of my feet were aching about half-way through the day and I felt a few weird sensations with my ankle at times, but nothing too serious. I expected to be really sore this morning when I got up, but so far, so good. 🙂 I’m really pleased at how well my ankle did. I’m just ready to get back to my home now, back to work, back to the gym, and pick up my life where I left it over 4 months ago.

    Well, hope everyone has a wonderful day.

    Stay Safe,
    Liz

  68. Trac & ANklequest…. I just wrote you guys back a really long (and somewhat entertaining… at least i thought it was) post and then my mcaffee security thing popped up and I guess when I thought was exiting out of it I deleted all I had written!! It’s way past the time I should have gone to bed, though, so let me just say I appreciate your responses….

    Trac, I looooove my chai tea latte every day and couldn’t live without my trashy reality tv… my husband just shakes his head and walks out of the room when I have it on. Guilty pleasure, right?!?! Oh well, after 17 years of me listening to his video games, for him to walk upstairs while I’m watching ‘I Love New York”, or something of the sort, he can just look past it!! I hope you start feelin better.

    ANklequest… I had just written you a big long thing about my son’s school counselor sending home a permission slip, wanting my son to be in a counseling group now becuase she is saying that since the “incident” he is unmotivated and disorganized… not getting his work made up (although it is his first full week back and he had missed 15 school days out of the previous 4 weeks). It’s a whole big thing… just all a little weird, though. Seems things have gotten blown way out of proportion… missing that much time can overwhelm anyone.
    You talking about the 18 year old in Iraq… I can’t imagine if it were my son. Granted, a lot can happen in a couple years, but judging by the way my son and his friends act now, they would never ever be able to function not just without the luxery items they are accustomed to, but dealing with the real life dangers… not in a video game… what a brave young man. I hope the best for him.

    Denver/Wes…. so great to hear about your night out dancing!!! I’m sure your wife was just as happy as you to get out and spend an evening together just having fun. I’m really happy to hear you had such a faboo time!!

    Lois… HI! ceiling tiles, wallpaper, ladders… hooray! Bet everything turned out great and glad to hear you weren’t in pain after accomplishing so much and all that up/down/up/down activity!!

    Good night guys. If I stay up any longer I will be sooo grouchy in the morning and after three of my employees quitting yesterday, I have to be all super nice and get some people in for interviews. Not to mention not being snappy with the people that actually come into work. Maybe I would be best served by just shutting my office door and not talking to people… hahaha! Hey, I’m sure there are some of you out there who would be real happy to get a straight 4 1/2 hours of sleep, right… plus, I can always take a nap after work! 🙂 Have a wonderful day all!!

  69. Michele,
    Trac is right. At least initially the antibiotic thing is routinely done. In Trac’s case I think it might be the rest of her life given the severe extent of her injuries and surgeries.

    I no longer take any antibiotics for cleaning after 2 & 1/2 years but I made that decision that along with my dentist. I tend to be extremely conservative about taking antibiotics for I never want to be in a position to have resident resistant stains. I am also in excellent health for someone my age (63).

    To play it safe just go along with the dentist for the time being and discuss changes later when your son is further along. In fact, let him wait a while to get his teeth cleaned. He’ll live! I guess he’s growing up fast these days. It’s a sorry way to grow up faster, but hopefully he is now using his time well with some serious thinking too, along with the fun times he’d like to have with girlfriends.

    Let me share something with you along the line of serious students. I received an e-mail the other day from a student Mario, now 18, who was called up with his guard unit to go to Iraq. H’d just started college. Now he says he is on duty about 16 hours a day as a MP, frightened every day for his life, spends a lot of time kicking in doors looking for people, has gone through a lot since last spring semester when he had to leave college. He joined the guard for economic reasons because he had to help support his brothers & sisters and parents and because he and his parents are so grateful for everything in the US. I compare Mario to the students I also see who are still “children” in their 20’s and wouldn’t dream of sacrificing much for anyone…God forbid their I-Pod or computer goes on the blink.
    “always give back more than you are given..” a secret for happiness that even young people know.

    Trac..cheers to you! I bet you are doing the best you can. I’m glad to hear you are willing to “stand” after all these months, and then taking a step. Isn’t there a saying something along the lines of “every journy begins with one step?”

    Regards to all the rest of you anklebreakers..

    Anklequest

  70. Hello!!!

    Michele, yes, that is very common. I, and other friends all have to do it. It is to prevent infection. I had to get into the habit of as soon as I made my dentist appt, calling my dr and having him call in a prescription.

    Lee, thanks for the compliment. I try. I think spending time with elderly residents helps. Gives you a perspective, you know?

    Well, I’m kinda sad tonight. So, I’m going to go fight it with tea and trashy reality tv.

    take care, all, and here’s to healing strong!
    trac

  71. Hi all! Got a question for you all….. took my son to the dentist today and they wouldn’t give him his 6 month cleaning cuz said he needed to be on pre-meds before could go to the dentist since has the metal in his ankle. they told me to contact his regular doctor to get him on anitbiotics, then said he will need to do this before any dentistry work for at least the next 5-6 years… maybe forever. This happen to anyone else? Never heard of such a thing! sooooo…. brought him home with no teeth cleaning today!

  72. Hi EVERYONE. Just wanted to ask Katie how she is doing??? Any improvement now that you are back in the boot??? Lois

  73. Wow- I’ve been gone just about a week and so much to catch up on!

    Trac- sounds like you’ve been struggling a bit, but always see the positive in it, be it a winning football team or progress on the walker. You are a hero and inspiration to all here. Keep it up and know you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I know how you feel about wanting to know NOW. People keep telling me to have patience. It’s another lesson I have been forced to learn through all of this. Patience is a virtue. And hard to learn. But when you have to, you have to, and my gut says you will be a patient and willing soul when this is all behind you.

    Denver/Wes – so glad to hear you’ve got the pain beat now! Tell us what you did? You allude to it. but I’m sure others might like some specifics. And your night of dancing makes it sound like you are back in good form. I hope the working world is treating you just as well.

    Hi Liz, Hi Loiuse, Hi Lois – all of you sound great too!

    My life seems to be ramping back up again since I’ve been free to drive. I can’t go places and walk too far, but I can manage to get the basics done. Took my kids shopping for new shoes on Sunday. That got missed in the back to school rush, since I could not drive or walk in August. Felt good to do a normal thing all on my own. Also went to Target all by myself. I did use an electric cart, as it’s a BIG store, but I did it. I’ve really learned to appreciate the small stuff in life! Ever notice how people stare at you when you have a problem? It’s really strange. Everyone gawks when you scoot by on the cart, cane hanging over the side. Geesh!

    I’m making progress at PT – moved up to leg presses and balancing on my bad foot. Still not great at it, but getting there. We’ve had cool weather at night and I really feel the metal plate – it definitely gets cold and is hard to move around on in the early morning. Anyone who’s further out than me (7/10/08) have trouble walking bare foot? I’m pretty darn good in my tennis shoes, but need the crutches again in bare feet. How long does it take for that to pass?

    Gotta get back to work now. Keeping tabs on all of you and marking your progress along with mine. Stay safe!

    Cheers,
    Lee

  74. Hi!!!

    Lois, I’m still giggling about the bear. And, way to go with the ladder. Takes confidence and strength. Great to hear!

    And, Wes, you’ve figured out a way to control the pain? Nice! Yea, everyone has to find what works for them. Glad you finally found something.

    As for me? Well, another slight setback, but also a positive progress. Yesterday night, I found myself in a searing pain, felt like my leg was on fire. And, when I looked at it, a bunch of blisters had formed over one of my scars. I’m not sure what that is about, but, I’ve seen it before, and as long as I ignore the firey feeling, I can still do stuff. But a good thing, today in PT, she told me I had actually made progress with “walking” in my walker. And, we made more degrees in moving my ankle.

    Ok. Boston Legal is on, and William Shatner is a hero of mine. So, take care — keep healing, and I look forward to reading more about everyone’s progress.
    trac

  75. Thanks DON 🙂 How’s the teen duo treatin you & how’s your wife doing since her visit back on the swelling?
    & LOIS up and down the ladder that amazing 🙂 I fiNALLy am able to put some wieght on my toe..go up the stairs on toes now & aLmOst can get enough flex on the way down the stairs to step.. I go toe down before heel on the good foot as it hits the next step- as that’s bought far as the achilles’ll let it go..

    I believe I found a VeRy interesting thing in the book mentioned earlier.. I read something that seemed to git & tried it.. now I have no nerve burning & even the Drs are jaw dropped.. Its amazing..
    Ill just say this for now; with little circulation, cook meats ReaL good & steer clear of the beef as much as possible.. that and be aware of bacteria that could be picked up while laying around weak immune system & low blood circulation.. hmm, that kinda covers it.. That & I wonder= did everyone get Prescribed antibiotics post surgery? Or did some not.. I think I remember people saying they didn’t & I wondered momentarily if it was bad.. Then didn’t think anymore on it til I found this gross yet interesting thing to try.. I tried it- slept 3 nights in a row now with just a bit of advil PM..
    Wes

  76. Just a quick hello to EVERYONE. I did a longer post before but lost it… so this will have to do. At close to seven months after breaking my fibula off, and splitting it vertically four times, (circular plate and six screws) I am doing well I think. DAN, just had to tell you that we are doing a complete gut and re-build of the grotty downstairs suite that I got stuck living in while in a cast. It took us “imprisoned” down there to realize just how dismal it had become. Anyway, I spent all day yesterday going up and down a LADDER taking down old ceiling tiles and stripping wallpaper. How is that for progress??? Lots of snaps crackles and pops as I bent my ankle in otherwise not used to directions, but NO aches, NO pains, NO problems. Also, our little bear friend has not to my knowledge returned. He either took offence to my husband telling him to “get lost”, or my garbage is not as delectable as that of other neighbours. Glad I got to see him once,,, he was a handsome young guy, but I’ll pass on a second sighting. LIZ, (I think it was you),,, no I didn’t wear high heeled shoes,,, I haven’t tried those yet,,, but I did wear dressy boots with about a two inch high but wide heel. They offered some feminine class but still offered my ankle support. I still am afraid to wear something in which I might go over sideways on my ankle. Also, you asked about getting emails that don’t show up on the actual site. In one of her posts, I remember SANDRA mentioning something similar. I always go in to the actual site so I don’t get them, but Sandra mentioned it and I had wondered if perhaps some “unwanted stuff” was going through to her. I guess I wondered that because she had asked not long after the Confucious posting as I recall. Hello to readers, posters, old and new etc. It sounds as if most people are doing better at this time, or at least it sounds like everyone’s spirits are up perhaps thanks to the support of you all.

  77. Hey ankle breakers

    Wes
    Glad to hear you got to go out and blow off some steam and push yourself a little and got some rest. What more can you ask for in one night? Oh yaeh got to share that with your wife Makes for one great night. Keep up the forward motion and at times we all have to push we have all done it and it is nice when it works. You will know when you shouldn’t and when you should. And I am glad to hear that it did hjelp a little with the other problems and you got some well needed rest.

    To all the rest hang in there keep working and moving forward and some days we all just have to take a chance and dance like snoopy does when he is happy it makes even small things and triumfs seem grand

    Keep safe every one and keep that riught p0arts of your feet on the ground we don’t do well when we let our feet get to far off the ground ( We seem to fall down) Be safe all
    Don

  78. lol TRaC.. NiCe! =) well at least you were abled to laugh about it..

    LiZ
    I accepted u as one of my friends on myspace so u can c my pics & humor & different sides to my personality from videos & music on there.
    Everyone else should go on there too 😉

    Trac
    My team won today too 😉 the Cowboys ..

    After dancing the other night I felt like for once I’d taken THREE steps forward so didn’t mind if I had to take one OR two back saturday.. but I actually felt gOOd, kept mobility and by Sunday I was able to touch knee to wall again..even able to have toe back from wall about an inch when I did it too..

    Anyway..My dad and his new wife passed through town yesterday & we got together with my sister (who hadn’t talked to him in about a year or so)..all went out ate & hung out at our house.. watched a conference & some comedy.. good weekend..
    😉 til later,
    as Don would say, keep the right part of your feet on the ground 😉
    Wes

  79. Yay, Denver Wes!!!! WAY TO GO, COWBOY!!! Proud of you for following your spirit rather than your pain.

    And, Louise — Wow — yea, keep going, I know I like it when my PT pushes me. It feels good.

    Michele, did your son go to homecoming? And, I think I understand where you are coming from as a mother. I’m 39, but I live in my mom’s living room, in a retirement village for active seniors, which I think meant no kids allowed…but here I am — and she does a miraculous job of putting up with me, and hauling my wheelchair, shielding herself against my anger and tears when they surface. It exhausts her as well at times, I am sure. I’m fiercely independent and it is very, very difficult for me to “need mommy” at this stage in life. She wants to be there for me and at times I push her away, just because I need some assemblance of independence. So, I can’t imagine being the mom is all that easy, either.

    Well, I just finished doing a round of excersises. My team (Brewers) won in the play-offs and I got all excited, wanted to go for it, so I stood up, thought I could take a few steps. OOPS! Down I went. Fortunately, wasn’t hurt, at all. Just left giggling at my silliness. I know I can’t take steps. But, I really, really, really want to.

    Ok. I’m supposed to stay in bed all day tomorrow. I do have bed excersises to do, though. So, thank goodness it is playoff season. GO BREWERS!!!

    peace,blessings and healing!
    trac

  80. So last night one of my brother & mines best friends showed up & took my wife & I out to ‘Stampede’ a country dance club/bar.. Its LarGe & well lit..lots of floor space going around a bar in the center as well. He’s moving in a couple weeks & said he wanted us to go out & offered to pay.. that’s my language 🙂
    There weren’t as many people there as usual.. lots of floor space and room to move without being afraid. My wife wanted to learn some dances & I said I would attempt to warm up. Oddly enough I was able to do a lign dance..lol.. kinda tried to get along with one of them.. I’ve DJed so long that I know most dances & can kinda manipulate myself around faking it while not really using the bad ankle.. but as it got to the electric slide I was moving right along. Some guy started show boatin & I just smiled..My friend hollared out he wasn’t taking me to the ER if I tried tearing up the dance floor… I said, I don’t plan on it.. but something just got me feeling I could do a little more..then a little more…then a little more.. It started looking better & better & I was able to show more movement & motion & finally started dropping down to the heel kick reverse cowboy..lol.. You all may freak out hearing this but It went amazing.. My wife then said shed dance with me & I tought her the 2step & the 3step.. We were taking a break w our friend & saw a couple doing all the tricks & flips of swing.. I cOULd do that at OnE time but NOT anywhere near that now.. But they talked w us & even said they’d teach us some things as I told them my wife was impressed & if she could watch it she could be taught a little easier. Our friend asked me why I couldn’t do swing if I could do the line dances.. I explained how I didn’t have even enough ROM to put my toe to the wall & bend enough to touch my knee.. when I tried to show him though.. I was able to =))
    I was so impressed I kept doing it.. Some people just don’t get how little things get you so excited. I walked around trying to put more wight on the toes & use my knees ability to bend to get me more excersise. Although my friend thought I’d be hurting later, I told him I’d welcome the muscle tendon pain to hopefully take the mind off the all night burn. Although we dropped him @ home @ 2am, bout 20mins later I just took advil PM & body actually was able to fall asleep til 8 or so this morning.. I don’t know if its because things stretched out better relieving pressure placed on nerves down there or if I just really kicked my butt & had no more energy Or if it being a month since I kicked the narcodics that coat the receptors in the brain possibly played a part as the body has recouped in its natural ability to do so.. anyway it be.. even if worst case.. at least I had a good time, found something that keeps my mind off of it & allows me to gain ROM & I got an evening of sleep ..OH..and my wife finally got a chance to learn some dances shed wanted to..
    Headed to bed..
    Wes

  81. Helllooooo everyone!!!

    Wow…it feels like it has been weeks since I have been on here! It probably has only been about a week or something silly, but seems like forever!!
    Has taken me like forever to read all of the posts since I was last here, and I cannot reply to everyone (well…I COULD but I feel it would take a rather long time!) so I shall just say hello to everyone and it appears like most people are doing great.

    So, I am ok, I have not disappeared off the face of this very earth, just been exceptionally busy the last week or so!! I am back at uni, and working, and just sooo busy!! I have been out most evenings this week as well, so not had a chance to be on the internet much!
    I won a competition on friday, so got to go to an exclusive event, and I got to interveiw Basshunter (now for those of you who don’t know…basshunter is a swedish DJ/singer who does a lot of dance/pop music and had a no 1 in the uk last year for like 3-4 weeks, and I actually love him! I love his music, and he is a really nice guy, so the fact I got to interveiw him was AMAZING!)
    That also reminded me how much I enjoy going out, and having a boogie, as it was the 1st time I have been out for a dance since breaking my ankle, so I am off out again tonight for a friends birthday! yay!

    As for my ankle…it is doing ok. I had a follow up appointment with my physio on thursday, after completing my 6 sessions, and I assumed that would be it, but I have been referred for another 6 weeks worth in the same ankle class. He asked me how it was and everything, and asked me what point I wanted to ideally get back to, and I said to him that I ideally wanted to get back to playing netball again. My physio said to me he is really going to start pushing me now, getting me running, and doing lots of impact work like jumping, and said he is going to be on and on at me until I get there. Thing is….I was working really hard last time, so I am quite anxious as to what he is expecting from me THIS time round! lol!

    He has also given me a lot of pelvic floor exercises to do to strengthen my core stability muscles and all that jazz! So we shall get going with them anyway! Eeeek!!

    I am very busy next week with trying to do some job hunting in london for when I finish uni, and also going to visit a few uni’s to see about some masters degree courses, so a LOT to cram into next week, along with uni, and work as well! Phewph! Its gonna be busy!

    So anywho…great to hear from u all, and keep healing everyone!!!

    Louise xx

  82. Michele,

    I just wanted to say that I am compassionate for what you are going through with your son, especially because I have a 17 year year old boy and can just envision I would have the same emotions as you.

    It’s harder for us to deal when it’s our children and I know when I was going through my broken ankle saga frequently thinking at least it was me and not my kids.

    My 17 year old had a few eardrum repair surgeries his sophomore year, and although difficult for him, recovery was pretty quick. I remember him feeling very sorry for himself.

    There’s a boy on my son’s hockey team that had a broken ankle with plates and screws this past summer, and he’s attending every practice and game from the sidelines. I’m sure it’s so hard for him to watch and not be playing. I’ve spoken with him and he seems sad.

    I hope this whole thing will pass before you know it and become a distant memory.

    Karen

  83. don’t have much time so just make a quick comment then gotta run to work..lol ‘run’ hAA!!

    TRaC, I’ve been researching a Lot of different things & had mentioned the Hyper Beric Oxygyn Treatment. Its Is WeLL known for people using it to heal open wounds that are having difficulty healing. Seriously. That Dr here who has one said insurances even cover that immediately.. that & fractures that aren’t healing fast enough. Its only pressurized as if you are 10ft below waterlevel.. enough to give pressure, but not so much that it has you in danger..and your nOt in water, you’re in 100% oxygen.. has amazing healing effects which I believe I mentioned earlier. The private practices are more affordable than the hospitals that have them, they are 250 an hour appointment & they say it takes multiple appointments..soo..but thought as you are pretty good about finding the assistance programs that you would find how if the insurances cover open wound repair, then maybe one of those places would help out?
    k, gotta getta move on..
    Wes

  84. Wow, we were a chatty bunch yesterday! lol It’s great to see such a supportive group here.

    TRAC, man you just can’t catch a break. I hope that they can heal this infection without further surgery. I’ll be praying for that. Have fun at PT today. 🙂

    MICHELE, I agree with TRAC, I hope your son will change his mind and go to Homecoming. He’d have so much fun and take his mind off of things. At the same time, I can relate to him not wanting to go. There was a time during my injury that I didn’t want to be around anybody. Just wanted to lay in my room and throw myself a grand old pity party. lol I would start crying at the drop of a hat and I know my mom was so ready for me to get past that stage. lol But she was so patient and supportive. Hang in there. He will get over this slump.

    DENVER, It sounds like you’re making great progress. I guess one thing to be thankful for is that the burning sensation isn’t affecting your mobility or range of motion. But I know it sucks feeling this pain constantly and not being able to control it, especially when you’re trying to sleep. I’m sorry you feel misunderstood by some here. I hope I haven’t contributed to that. I know at first I was concerned that you were doing too much, too soon, but after you explained your situation and the doctor’s recommendations I understood. Anyway, just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you and feel free to come here and vent anytime you need to. That’s why we all come here… because all of us understand where the others are coming from. When noone else will listen to your complaints, we will. 🙂 Oh and by the way, I added you as a friend on MySpace. I think I have a few pictures of my broken ankle on there too if you wanna see.

    Well, hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

    ~Liz

  85. WES!!!

    It sounds like you are making great progress. Good for you, I’m proud of you for going for it. That’s the hardest. I know the pain sucks, man. I usually have to just let myself exhaust myself until I fall asleep. Otherwise, I can’t sleep because I’m distracted by the pain. So whine all you want, we understand, oh, do we ever! And, then when you can’t afford stuff, whew, it just makes it that much more difficult.

    Michele, thanks – yea, this site has helped a lot, I don’t feel so intimately alone. Plus, I searched out and met some people in my city who are para-athletes and they are crazy! Nothing holds them back. One guy taught me how to wheelchair dance…hee hee…and I used to think I had it “better” but then one of my wheelchair buddies said to me, “No way — you have painful ankles that cause chronic pain…I can’t feel anything, so I have no pain. I’d say I have it better. It is all in the way you look at it, babe, all in the way you look at it.” TRUE!

    But, I still wish I knew if I was going to be a stud, like Don & so many others on here — and despite having broken both ankles and various other bones — get up and be active again — or if I’m going to have a new leg — and be active again, in another way. I just want to KNOW already. I’ll accept whatever. But, can I have a final answer, puhleeeeeese???

    Oh, and I do have a supportive group of people(I thank the Lord for them everyday), but I’m pretty sure my mom will be VERY glad when her daughter is no longer living out of her living room…HA! (actually, I know so, she sorta told me)

    Wow, I’m chatty tonight. I need to go to bed. 2 hours of PT tomorrow. Can’t wait until I can do aqua again (can’t because of the wounds).

    Goodnight to everyone!
    trac

  87. DAN,
    good to hear from you again.. Miss the other rule breaker. I keep listening to my body & the Drs & it comes to a pretty good balance… 😉

    DON,
    I didn’t mean for that msg about the whining to quite come out the way I guess it did. I actually was encouraged by your message to me earlier before it. I made the coment following recently also that said ‘not sure how long I can keep coming 2 the site’ due to I only really am comfortable enough sitting still when laying in bed and not in front of the computer, therefor I’m stuck having to use my phone as an internet device. Works great, but it has to load the pages onto the phones memory instead of external so its giving me warning notices & getting down to 2-6% available space & as my phones not 3g (the next broadband high speed phones) It loads slow enough that I can see how many KBs its gotten up to on the page. over 1450kb as it used to be 600 when I came at the end of august. Aside from that, your words were pretty on target. I sometimes get a little frustrated though when I’m doing as the Drs ask, on the meds or off the meds the Drs are testing.. not even narcodics.. working out, or resting.. it just seems somehow that gets atributed to being a problem as if I , the Drs & everyone else involved over here hadn’t been super ultra cautious and aware and giving hede to. I tried kindly when I had gotten misread on the vicoden issue after I had quit, to explain that it was not the factor and that it was done.. that & at the same time was getting flaque about my working out causing the burning and explained it was what was needed as they said ‘increase circulation & find someway to work out’ but as much as it wouldn’t have been such a deal.. it seemed that due to surtain post or two repeatedly going right back to the topic I had already covered, I wound up hearing the do’s & donts & getting the lecture bounce while I would have much rather enjoyed the comentary and company as I went through the motions of life and being a gini pig for Docs.. So since that was the way itd played out before.. I just saw the chanc the texts would go in circles as coments came through after yours about people being worse off than me. That’s a tough one to follow.. mind you, I’m not typing this 100mph I’m well relaxed & calm.. pretty laid back & typing intuitively with a careful heart.. tough to follow as, well, of course we’re on a site where there are a LoT of people that are having it tougher than others & we’re all becoming friends..that’s a dangerous statement that can’t be responded to.. I wouldve responded to your sut it got looped into another post that made it virtually imposible to touch without offending or making anyone feel less than or not able to achieve,etc.. I’m amazed with how much you’ve accomplished..VErY impressed and love the heart you share with all and how you are as a family man at the same time, even an extended family man to boot 😉
    At the same time, not to be confused with the statement -however-… see.. this is where I hate forums where some read..or rather should I say ‘skim’ them when every single word cOuLd be ViTaL in its reading esPecIaLy if they read it wrong and post follow up after follow up about it.urgh.. I’m not even going to attempt that one.. that’s what my email is on here for..

    As for where I’m at aLL
    aside from the not sleeping (which IS a nerve problem shown to be MoRe promonant when the heart rate is down & inteferes with the sleep center..so exercising is NoT causeing it and is HiGhLy encouraged and those pains are 100% different and noticable by a LoNg shot) I’ve gotten to another small step/level in PT (well,my own personal therapy as couldn’t afford PT & have been a personal trainer/track manager & cross country runner/ mtn climber/ DJ, break dancer/ Motorcycle rider..ha..had to throw that last one in there) here’s the up date
    Trimalleolar fracture July 5th, 08 no dislocation.. surgery 3.5 weeks later.. been weight baring for 3 weeks 2 days today.. Have been doing gym 2 days a week.. mild stretches daily under warm baths or showers as well.. wobble board each morning at snail pace easily helping board with hands to gain range of motion, walking every other day at mall on carpeted surface with cane for 1st week+ or so then tried without cane BuT carried it as safety blanket and DiD need it after bout 1/4 mile.. having 1 car between wife and myself I had been taking bike once or twice a week to work about 4 miles away.. its sort of hilly but was able to favor the good leg as needed, now have been biking 4 of 7 days a week making an 8 miles a day and last few days I found myself able to stop lifting the weight off the bad foot at every crack in the sidewalk & today was able to stand up balanced weight on both even pedals, drop off curb in a few spots (cant bunny hop up lol) but can land well & able to handle the shock of the uneven cracks & going down and up the slopes.. even had a day about a week ago where I road to my sisters, then with my niece to the mall, then walked the mall couple time, road back to sisters then to work & after work road home that evening.. total of 12miles riding and not sure how much we walked the mall or, how many miles it calculates to..
    sounds great for an update but don’t want newbies to get tOO excited.. this is the tough side.. achilles tendon just isn’t fully stretched out & prob won’t for bout a year for most.. I get on treadmill at gym to have it ‘help’ me stretch as it pulls the leg gently further back than I’d be able to do on my own.. so I enjoy that and have to keep telling myself, 1,2,1,2,1,2 & try to match my good leg beat over on the bad leg side.. I can ‘fake’ it for a good part of the day or periodically.. but it pushes it..stretching every bit of the way.. always makes for a good hot bath rub or hot tub rub after & at the end of the night. & of course some nights I feel the pain in the muscles & a few times I’ve felt the pain in the ankle.. I’m sure theres been more, but the burning has overpowered every feeling..

    LIZ I’ll have to go check that link.. my wife sent it to me and I thought it worked.. their sites been screwy the last couple of days..
    SO if any1 has tried to access my MySpace page give it a shot each day it should pop up there.. I posted my email on here too.. I beLiEvE you can search for people via their email address on their and it’ll pull me up.. My wife listed my headline as Mr Popular when she was dating me.. it should pull up ONe of those ways 😉 email was [email protected] if you need it to try to jump on there again.. I was wondering why no friend requests when I checked last night..

    til later, Wilma,wanting is a good start girl 😉
    I’m a Fat Boy man myself Jodie 😉 hope all are healing well and Ill catch up with those I left out later TRaC good to read from you & Michele..maybe if he rests he may want to go after all..or might be 2 soon a shocker.. either way..ya,my friends stopped coming round after a month.. made for interesting soul searching & highs and lows… I turned into a movie junkie and started studying books that I found could keep my interest, but not sure how much reading kids who already have to read for school would like that.

    And to everyone, I found out on Sunday a guy at church who has no limp also has two plates in ankle over 15+ years & still has hardware in.. says he feels ache each morning, but no different than the morning aches he feels all over that just go away by the time he starts moving and before he’s even out the door for the day..

    Wes

  88. Hi Trac…. glad to see someone else is up. I don’t think you sound sarcastic or frustrated; in fact, from what you just wrote it sounds as if you are looking at things in a positive light. Hooray for grandmas!!!! Since I’m able to “hoof it around” just fine, there is no way to imagine being in your shoes (no pun intended), or that of anyone else here that is facing the continuing challenges and frustration with not being able to do the things they could do before. Just thinking of all the things I do each day with a job, husband, and son…. I can’t imagine being able to accomplish much of my normal activities if in a wheelchair. I’m sorry to hear you may be facing more surgery. You are very lucky to have good friends that love and support you… and tell it to you the way it is because they care about you so much. From the posts I see on here to you, it seems as if you have a lot of people supporting you. I hope your pain subsides and that there might be an alternative to another surgery for you. You have another person now that is thinking of you and wishing for the best. Hope you can get a good nights rest. good night.

  89. Hello!!!!!!!!

    it is me — a tall crazy redheaded chicka — my real name is traci, but my whole life everyone, even teachers have called me trac, so i almost don’t even answer to traci anymore.

    Michelle — I hope your son reconsiders homecoming, esp. if he has a girl that wants to go. The homecoming king at my nephew’s school was on crutches, and he had a great time. When I was laying there a couple months after having the external fixator removed and in pain and I was so pouty and whiny and didn’t want to do anyTHING — my friends put up with it — for a while. Then, my dearest friend — he sat there, and calmly, yet sternly said, “trac, it is no longer just about you. You have to get out of that bed, because we all care about you and want to be able to do things with you again. So, if you don’t get your silly a** out of that bed and start your physical therapy, well, then, you are just being selfish. Because, we’re in this together. So c’mon get up and get better so we can go out again.” I was sooooooooo mad! Because, well, he was right. I had a time to mope. But, then, it was all about selfishness. People want to be around you — no matter what your physical condition. And, what I have found is that friends have some mighty strong shoulders, they can hold a lot of tears. And, that healing is a lot better when you are surrounded by laughter and other people. So, I don’t mean to be preachy — but, I hope your son will go and have a good time.

    As for me — dang it, well, this dang MRSA area just will not heal. They may have to cut the scar open and allow it to heal from the inside out (?) you know, I’m kinda tired of surgeries (7 since May!). I have so many scars they form my own personal relief map… Sorry, I’m in a lot of pain and it makes me sarcastic. I’m frustrated, just like everyone on here has been before, or is. I said to my friend last night, “Hey, let’s go bowling!” and he had to remind me that I’m in a wheelchair. I just forget that I can’t walk — and then I get frustrated. How can it be that I can stand but can’t walk 3 steps to the door?

    You know what the hardest part of the whole thing is? Not saying “What I used to do, BEFORE the accident…” because it will never be like before.
    So, I’m trying to figure out how to be able to keep looking forward…

    Oh well. Life is not exciting if it isn’t full of changes, right?

    Okay, I do completely believe in prayer —
    and I pray for everyone on here daily, as I will keep praying — and to everyone else — here’s to continued healing.

    Oh, I do sound preachy. Sorry — just got home from seeing Grandma, she makes me all happy.

    take care,
    trac

  90. Hi all! As usual, I have enjoyed and been educated by your posts. Today we went back to the orthopedic surgeon… big day, my son got his staples out and got first look at the leg since surgery. YIKES! I thought it would be more healed up than it was… plus, wasn’t expecting it to be such a huge semi-scar; still partly open and yuck though!!! Thankfully, having read so much of your experiences had me all set up to ask LOTS of questions. I think the nurse was a little amused, but bless her heart…. I got a pretty good timeline of what to expect over the next several monthes. As I found out from the other times was there, if you don’t have the questions to ask, you won’t get much information!! My poor kid, who is very athletic and was working out before this was shocked when saw his leg. it’s all he keeps talking about…. how can a leg get soooo tiny and lose all that muscle in just 3 weeks??? Now he is four more weeks in a hard cast and then will get walking cast for 6-8 wks they said and have therapy. He thought would be able to get back into wrestling mid-season and found out that not going to happen, and the dr. said “maybe” for rugby in the Spring. He is pretty discouraged tonight and went to bed about 6:30. It is homecoming weekend for him (and his birthday tomorrow) and he decided not to go to the homecoming dance this weekend, even though the poor girl he was supposed to be taking kept texting him today to please still take her, not going to any of the events this weekend, etc…. his answer to everything is “I can’t do anything, i’m a cripple”. My husband and I had been kind of teasing him about being a “drama queen” at first, but reading the posts here and seeing how isolated and stuff other people are feeling, I am trying to be more compassionate toward his feelings. A few weeks ago, when this first happened, his friends were coming over and playing video games and doing stuff with him, but now they want to be at all the activities and no-one has been over the last couple weeks after school or on weekends. He just needs to get out of his slump, and I don’t think the 2 weeks worth missed work he has to make up are helping much either. He has been trying all day to not go to school tomorrow; says he just doesn’t feel like going. ugh!! I’m TRYING to be patient, but there is that fine line at this point (when I know he isn’t in all that pain he was in at the beginning… more like physical discomfort) between him being moody cuz unhappy being stuck in cast and on crutches and just being an impossible teenager who wants to argue with his mom about everything and certainly COULD be able to get out and do something if he wanted to accept or ask for a little help. ON a positive note…. now that out of that giant bandage/splint, he could get a pair of jeans on for the first time in 3 weeks…. good-bye sweatpants! That made him very happy, for a few minutes, anyway. Sometimes it’s the little things! I hope everyone is having a comfortable night and thanks for giving me a place to “get it out” a little…. frustration had me in tears earlier tonight and it’s not even me who has a broken ankle!!!! By the way… to the person who recommended ( i’m so sorry I don’t remember who that was) the shower bag thing from the medical supply store, I had gotten one and didn’t work with the big splint, but does work with the new cast. YEA! No more bags, duct tape and towels! thanks for the great suggestions!! Good night all… hope everyone gets a good sleep tonight.

  91. WILMA, In addition to getting a copy of your x-rays, you could ask for a copy of your medical records. Your op report should be in there and makes for an interesting read. lol I’d suggest keeping a copy of all your records/x-rays someplace safe too just in case you have problems in the future and your doctor has already destroyed your records (they only have to keep them for a certain # of years). Lee was right-on about what to expect and the type of questions to ask. If you don’t get PT, your doctor should be able to demonstrate a few exercises for you to do at home.

    DENVER, I clicked on the myspace link and it’s saying that it’s an invalid account (the user has either cancelled their membership or their account has been deleted).

    By the way, is it just me or are their comments coming through in email that aren’t actually showing up on the blog?

    Well, I had a great workout today at therapy. I was there for 3 hours (aqua therapy and then all the usual machines/excercises with my therapist). I have about 4 session left I think. Anyway, hope everyone’s doing well. I’m off to watch the VP debate.

    Take Care,
    Liz

    P.S. Louise, I’ve been thinking of you too. We’ve missed you the past few days. Hope you’re doing well. 🙂

  92. Hi all~

    Long time again. Back to school with 150 students means lots less time to check personal email. Lois ~ I believe said she wore a pair of heals..I think we are at about the same recovery point (2/19 injury, 2/21/08 surgery)I tried on a pair of high heels and just having it on my foot bother. I thought to myself I can suck and I tried a step or too…realized there is NO WAY that I can where a high heal right now. COuldn’t take two steps without limping.

    Saw Dr. he said if I take my Motrin twice a day he thinks that I will feel closer to 100 percent and see less swelling. as you know not a fan of medicine but thinking its about time I really did try it. He also wants me to take Lyrica twice a day for the RSD…which isn’t getting any better..also mentioned that 40 percent of patients experience signficant short term memory loss. YIKES!!! but I am too the point that maybe it needs to be tried. Did I mention that at one point I was going in the doctors office as the Lyrica drug rep was coming out…LOL.

    I am glad that everyone is moving forward…I am wondering at this point how stress affects healing, pain, etc. I have been having a rather stressful time at work and I wonder if isn’t impacting my healing and increasing my sensitivity.

    Keep working hard to reach 100%, stay positive if you can and if you can’t reach out to someone.

    Tammy

  93. Hi everyone,

    Just an update.

    Fibula shattered 6/03/08. Surgery 6/10/08. Plate and 7 screws. One long screw between the fibula and tibia (to immobilize the torn ligament that also runs between the tibia and fibula).

    One month ago (9/02/08), I had the long screw between my tibia and fibula removed. I reported extensively on this surgical procedure at the time.

    Went back to have stitches removed a week later (9/09/08). After reading the x-rays – which looked great – the surgeon said he didn’t need to see me again. That caught me by surprise because after surgery on 9/02/08 he had told me to schedule a follow-up appointment in 30 days (10/02/08). He said if I had any problems to call. More on this later.

    PT ended shortly thereafter. 8 sessions had been ordered. I had two left when I went in for surgery on 9/02/08. To allow some recovery time, I cancelled a PT appointment I originally scheduled for 9/04/08. I decided to wait until the stitches were removed on 9/09/08 to reschedule.

    Surgeon said it was OK to resume therapy, so I scheduled an appointment for 9/11/08 and the final one for 9/16/08. Doctor said that if I felt I needed more therapy, and the therapist agreed, he would order more.

    When I went to PT on 9/11/08, my ankle was still sore and a little stiff from the surgery. It didn’t stop me from doing anything, but I was uncomfortable. Therapist avoided doing any vigorous manipulation. I told him that my next and last appointment would be on 9/16/08 and suggested that the surgeon would order more sessions if the therapist agreed. Therapist just said, “We’ll talk about that next week.

    On 9/16/08, my ankle was better. Not 100%, but better. Therapist checked my range of motion. Despite saying that it had improved dramatically in previous sessions, now he said it looked about the same as it was when I first came in. Keep in mind this is a VERY subjective measurement. And now, selective memory as well.

    Finally the therapist got to the punch line. He said that after 8 sessions and without evidence of continued improvement he could not authorize further sessions. Apparently the word had come down from on high, “No more therapy for Dan.” It’s not all that tragic. I can do at home most of what I was doing at therapy.

    I also figured out why the surgeon released me. The way things are set up the doctor lumps the cost all follow-up care into his surgical fee. Which was about $8,000. Of course, with insurance I was responsible only for a co-pay of $20. In reviewing my insurance EOB form (explanation of benefits), it appears that my insurance carrier only paid the surgeon about $3,000. Of course, if I didn’t have insurance I would have been on the hook for the entire $8,000. Talk about overbilling!

    Anyway, by releasing me, that means if I need to be seen in the office, the surgeon will start charging me copays again, and any other care will be billed separately.

    OK, the good news is that I’m doing great, despite being a chronic rule breaker. I agree it is important to listen to your doctor. No one in their right mind would want to go through all of this again.

    However, it is just as important to listen to your body, ask good questions, process the answers, challenge the answers and then make an informed decision. Believe it or not, doctors don’t know all the answers.

    Lois, glad I was able to motivate you to climb ladders, and now see that the bears are motivating you to move a little faster around the yard.

    Take care,
    Dan

  94. Don thank you for the encouragement, the pity party is over now (no one sent gifts..) I guess I’m like most people, I’m not much on change! But it sure helps to have people who understand and that are so willing to share thier experences to help others. Thank you all.

  95. Denver & Jodie sorry I mislead you, I don’t ride, I just wanted to be able to IF I wanted to someday…I like my options open!! I’m a woman you know, tell me I can’t and immediately I want to!! Ha ha! I did see some very cool bikes! I like the whole freedom aspect! Thanks for the info on Trac..ha ha
    Lee Thanks for the info to ask, I wrote it in my planner & I’m gonna corner him (Dr.) I was shocked how lackadasical (bad speller) he was about everything, I was his 5th surgery of the day. To him I’m just another patient, to me it’s life changing!
    Trac well sorry I assumed (you know what they say about that..)you were a guy, who knows why..? I love sports too, just not that much of a participant though. I love Nascar,football, boxing & hockey. But my real passion is travel, RVing actually, ours is down right now so I’m sad,sad,sad… Anyway God knew it was you who I was praying for, even if I didn’t Ha ha

  96. Greetings Ankle Breakers

    Wes

    No one is saying that the pain isn’t real! And no one is saying that you should not come on this blog and complain! Guess what that is what all of us we want to talk to people and have people around that know what we are going through and feeling. How do you think most of us got through the stuff you are just going through? We came here and whined and complained and felt sorry for ourselves and the people that where here before us sat there and listened and gave us advice and support. That is what this web site is all about. Sharing with people that understand and know what is going on.

    Wilma

    For all we do there is not much that we can’t do. There is always a way to have a chance at doing just what you did before this all happened. What you will have to do is plan and work at doing some things differently but you will be able to do them. As we say work the program, work with your PT people your doctors and people here between all of us I am sure we can give you some ideas on how to get where you want to. Most likely one or all of us have tried most of the things people come up with. We have found someway to over come the problems. Just keep on doing what you have to in order to get better.

    Lee
    It is good to see you and hear from you. Been awhile but I am glad that you are moving forward and thanks for the kind words. Between all of us I don’t think there is too much we all can’t over come.

    Be safe every one and keep moving forward one step or inch at a time. Keep the right part of your feet on the ground. It’s healthier

    Hey Clark and Sandra you guys still around out there some where? Hope your all safe

    Talk Soon
    Don

  97. Hey Wilma,

    You need to find out a little about your injury when you see the Dr. I know it’s gross – I felt the same way, but the further away you are from the actual accident, the easier it is to faced it. And the more you know, the more you can help yourself heal and get back to some sort of normal.

    • Which bones broke? How were they repaired (plates, screws, what type of metal?) You should ask for a copy of your x-ray.
    • Is there ligament and/or tendon damage – which ones? Did the foot dislocate?
    • Will there be a need for additional surgery? If so, why and when?
    • Is there an option for PT that isn’t cost prohibitive?

    Most likely, you’ll move from the cast to a removable boot and slowly begin to weigh bear. And from there, you’ll move out of the boot to some sort of brace or aircast. Each Dr. is different, as is each injury, but that seems to be the general progress for most of us. Your Dr. should tell you want to expect. And once you do some PT (stretching, range of motion exercises (ROM), balance, and building strength again in the leg), you’ll begin to resume normal walking/limping with or without crutches.

    Truthfully, many of us can tell you how to do the PT at home – much of it isn’t anything you can’t do on your own with a little instruction, but you do need to be careful and ensure you are safe and not pushing too hard.

    Keep us posted and good luck!
    Lee

  98. Wes,

    I ride a 2006 H-D Softail Deluxe. It’s a great bike for someone my height – 5″ 3″. I got it in Jan 07 and would have been terribly upset if I only got to ride it the one summer.

    Good luck to you. I know you are having terrible burning issues and can’t sleep.

  99. WOW
    Jodie & Wilma
    I didn’t know there were other riders here.. I don’t have much time to send a good post.. but had to quickly say glad to see I’m not alone.

    JODIe, what do you like riding?

    WiLMA, as Jodie said.. it depends on if there was soft tissue and or ligament damage as to how long or how much you will be able to go without walking cast etc.. I had dirt bike boots on.. I was off roading it moto style and had toe down below frame when it hit.. so jammed is where my fracture came from July 5th, 08.. went about 9 days til got an xray saying, not a spranged ankle.. whOOOpps.. lol.. had surgery 3.5weeks after initial break.. they were ReaLLy busy took awhile to get in.. I had my boots on so it kept me from rolling the foot like many have unfortunately had. But they seem to get it all up and functioning too..its amazing.. I didn’t have to where a boot as Dr wanted to see how strong the ankle was & believed with the d.b. boots that it had protected everything else..

    I’m sure you’ll ride again.. some think I’m crazy for thinking that riding is so important.. but its suuuure a comfort.. I just keep riding my mtn bike all over.. it helps me adjust & get used to the ‘shock’ factor gradually

    I’m not sure how much longer my phone will be able to download this page.. its gone over 1350kb in size and getting tougher to keep up.. hopefully work will still keep me on as they’re getting busy again & the new phones come out Oct 19th.. then I can upgrade to something that has as much usable space as a lap top.. its amazing what they’ve come out with now days..

    by the way, Wilma, TRaC is a chick 😉 shes just sOO active that at 1st glance I too wondered.. especially hearing shes a baseball fan..

    Oh ya, and Liz, the TeVa sandles have a great arch to them for support and they sure strap in good for feeling safer.. I used to always wear them for river walking..how’s that for traction & support 😉

    til Later,
    Sleepless in Seatl…wait..I’m in Denver.. 😉
    lol..Wes

  100. Wilma,

    I have been reading the post a lot, but have not offered anything lately. But, I broke my ankle last October and have a plate and 5 screws plate side and 2 long screws inside.

    I ride a motorcyle, and I was worried that I would not be able to ride this last spring. But, I did and have. It was scarry the first time out. Wasn’t sure if I could hold the bike up and was worried about shifting, as I broke my left ankle. I realized that I had nothing to worry about. I could still ride and shift. I can’t remember how you broke your ankle, or how bad, but I think you will get back on to riding.

    I told my DR and PT that my main goal was to get enough strenght and ROM back so I could ride. That was my motivator. I think everyone needs a motivator to keep them going.

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