Broken ankle-2 years later

Posted on June 2, 2008 by Christi

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

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

judy on January 11, 2009 at 7:36 pm said:

Michelle,I too broke my tibia and fibia in Sept 2008 and have just got to the cane stage. MY foot still swells and is a bluish reddish tint. I elevate and ice but it still swells.
The doctor said that it would swell up to one year break time. NOT TOO NICE TO HEAR.
I am back working but like you everything is a task.
I try to stand and walk and I am totally wore out at the smallest task.
It is just me and my husband ,who is blind, so you see I don’t have much help either.
Our daughter came and stayed will I was in the bed but has now gone.
I sincerely hope you are doing well and don’t get flustered, as I know you will,but things will get better.
Keep me posted.
Michelle on January 11, 2009 at 7:03 pm said:

Broke my tibia & fibula 12/23. Couple questions: Is it normal for my foot to be different color than the good foot. The foot of the ankle I broke tends to be reddish color – not talking about the bruising, the bruising is getting better. It’s just the overall color seems off – especially if I’ve not had it elevated. Also, wanted to address the issue of going thru something like this alone. My husband died this past August so I’m alone now (just 52). I have a couple good neighbors checking in on me (and my brother), running errands for me, etc. Also, I paid my step-daughter to clean for me about a week ago. But for anyone going thru this alone, it’s a whole different level of being handicapped. Anyway, for those out there who live alone – my heart and prayers go out to you. Also, anyone out there have their doctor tell them they could work and drive right away? Mine said I could, but I kind of think he’s not being realistic. I broke my left ankle, so driving foot not affected. I’m actually unemployed right now, but it would be extremely hard if I had to get up and go to work everyday because every little task takes forever with one leg – showering, dressing, eating, cleaning up, etc. I’m not good on crutches, so I use walker. I’ve not ventured out on my own yet. I have a lot of fear of being able to maneuver around (opening doors, etc) once I get to my destination. Also, there’s a ton of snow here right now so there’s a fear of slipping again. I desparately need a hair cut and color so I’m thinking of trying to do that on my own one day this week. Also, one of the scariest things for me is to take a shower. I have a shower chair, but my shower is not very large and I also have to hoist myself to standing position for part of the shower to get close enough to the shower head to rinse off. It is so terrifying to think of slipping in the shower! This whole thing just sucks!
pie lady aka trac on January 11, 2009 at 5:29 pm said:

Hello!

Just a couple of responses before I settle in for the Golden Globes.

AnkleQuest: Exactly. I’ve met people like that, and now I respect them from a whole different angle. I refer to them for inspiration. And, it helps. I like the “don’t ever quit” energy.

Lois: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I know! I want to throw them out every single day! UGGGHHH! But, if anyone is wearing, or trying to wear them — try rolling the stocking to the toe, and then filling w/baby powder. It helps it slide on nicely. OKAY, not nicely — but easier. Sorry for laughing at your post, but I can relate. If they weren’t so beneficial, I would take out all my anger on them, they frustrate me so much. Russ was trying to help me put them on before our flight home from Boston, he stopped, called the front desk and asked, “Excuse me this is room 910, do you have any pliers we could borrow?” About the truth.

Take care —
have a good evening!
trac
lois on January 11, 2009 at 5:04 pm said:

Alberta Dave. Hi and thanks for your feedback. RE: Compression Stockings. Some months ago, I made a special trip or about three hours to a town where I could purchase a pair of these. After being sized for them, I paid the astronomical price of about $30 for a silly pair of socks. After I got them home try as I might day after day, I could not get them over my feet, never mind up my legs. Left with the frustrated and angry sense that I had been had, I chucked them into the garbage can. Guess, I could use some lessons in patience eh? Lois
lois on January 11, 2009 at 12:39 pm said:

I have consistantly lost posts over the past few days. Frustrating. So I’m keeping this one brief. I won’t even try to address you all individually. Just a generic “HELLO EVERYONE.” But, I really really wanted to address Maria. Maria, we, on here, are very pleased to be your new “best friends”, and we hope you will remain on here for a long time. By the way, we love good people like your sister so tell her we are sending a “big hug.” Mostly, however, I wanted to comment that I have the impression you may be asking permission to share your story with us. I actually don’t think you have told us the story of how you broke your ankle and it crossed my mind that the story of your grief may be part of the same event. I just wanted to say, that if and when you are ready to share all or part of this story or stories, we will listen and try to support your physical and emotional healing. However, it’s also important that you know that our support of you, is not contingent on your sharing if you are uncomfortable doing so. Maria, this blog is about what works for you…and what you are comfortable with. That’s what friends are all about. Happy Sunday good people. Now the big question… will this actually post this time??? Lois
anklequest on January 10, 2009 at 8:45 pm said:

Holly & Trac!

Ok, crutches! I couldn’t take them for they caused me great aggrevation due to existing carpel tunnel syndrone, which only got much worse and felt worse than my broken ankle. So I had to get off them fast. Holly, here in NJ we have snow too, so I feel for you re. the crutches, and of course the 2nd surgery.

I thought I’d share something with those of you currently on crutches. This week Thursday somehow I ended up at a meeting connected to a special project, part of which involves a robot competition on our campus. Students from area high schools build the robots and we hold a big competition in May. Well, the meeting this week was attended by science teachers from these (mostly inner city) high schools to decide on the competion events, robot construction, etc. One of the teacher attendees was quite handicapped (right leg looked very defective) and had to use a special crutch to get around.

Well, I noted that this guy with the crutch was one of the “key” players. He also happens to work in a very tough school (a school some folks would not care to enter). He obviously was highly respected by his fellow peers. Based on his demeaner and personality, I could clearly see that he would have the respect of his students as well. I’m assuming he had to teach his classes while using his crutch.

After the meeting was over this guy has been on my mind quite a bit. I felt in awe of him. Before my broken ankle I might not have made much of him. I’ve been a teacher for a long time and know that teaching can be a tough job for even the healthiest and the fittest of persons. Now I see that even on crutches some folks seem to be able to do very well. It is their character and their strengths in other areas that carry them forward and make them successful.

OK, just a little inspiration for all of us who get down from time to time!!!

Anklequest
pie lady aka trac on January 10, 2009 at 2:36 am said:

Hello Everyone —

Hi, Alberta Dave! I wear compression stockings and while it took a while to get used to them, am now an advocate of them. I find, that not only do they help with the swelling, they helped heal a wound, and they really help w/my pain. The other thing they help with is scarring. They help create a smooth scar rather than a raised bumpy one. But, aren’t they a pain to put on? Sheesh.

Maria– Don and Anklequest and some others have said it best. Some how the pain becomes bearable. I’m not sure how. And sometimes I will notice it quite a bit, but mostly, I don’t anymore. What I notice is my emotional now more that the physical pain has died down a bit. In fact, my brother pointed out to me tonight that I whined more about burning my thumb (a little burn from cooking) than I whined through my whole last surgery. Hee hee! True. Well… 🙂

Holly, uggh, crutches, AGAIN. Yea, my best friend had that surgery for Morton’s and she has a boot. I could possibly get the same boot next week, we are giggling at the possibilities of being “twins”. I hope you get through this next lay up okay.

Don — I’m going back over your posts and reading them again. I’m really getting a lot of hope from them. They’ve really helped me keep a logical time line. I don’t feel so much “shouldn’t I be doing this by now???” urgency from reading them. Thank you, a lot, for this. I went to my GP dr. today, who has been my dr for about 25 years, and he said, “Well, I see you are healing nicely” and I was like, umm, and you can tell how? and he said, “Because you are restless and fidgeting. You’re back to your energetic self.” He was right and as I read about you walking sometimes w/a limp sometimes w/o I keep thinking – yea, I will too. Even if they have to do the fusion or the amputation.
thx, Don.

We got an unexpected snow tonight. One of those pretty snows that make people uncomfortable with winter complain, those comfortable with it, smile. So, my friend who is a PT (not mine) came over to show me how to work crutches in varying weather. I am a long ways from using crutches all the time, but, nonetheless, it felt like progress.

Well, to everyone, thanks for the support, it has been amazing – and look forward to more as we all enter new stages and transitions.

Take Care!
Healthy Healing!
Peace,
trac
Holly on January 10, 2009 at 12:18 am said:

Hi all,

I hope everyone is doing well. It’s fun to hear about the progress people are making, Trac so so glad to hear you planning Memphis/Graceland, Basketball, BBQ and…WAY TO GO!!

I haven’t posted for quite a while. I broke my ankle Sept 10 of ’08, similar to many of you– broke in 3 places, disloc with surgery the same day. 4 mos. later and I’m back on crutches with no weight bearing not because of the ankle but to remove a Morton’s neuroma from the bottom of my foot. It’s difficult to regress but actually it was a surgery I had previously scheduled before the ankle break. They wanted me to wait till the ankle healed a bit. I’m just hoping the ankle can continue to progress although I think I’ll have to get back to PT later on. The good thing is I got it in before the end of the year and since the deductible on the insurance had already been met, there was no charge.

I can really commiserate with you who are still on crutches! It’s frustrating, awkward, super inconvenient and it really changes your life, temporarily, thank goodness. But to all the newly broken anklers out there, indulge yourself with movies, books, phone calls, writing—all the things you never had time for before your accident.

This time on the crutches it’s much more difficult because of the weather here in Minnesota. The ground is always slippery but I usually get dropped off at the front door so that’s a plus!!

Lois, thank you for all the encouragement you’ve given people along the way. I’m sure you’re one of the reasons this blog goes on. And I hope your problem clears up without incident.
Dave(Alberta Canada) on January 9, 2009 at 11:07 pm said:

Hi all(:
I recently had some of my hardware removed and some left in . A screw thru the tib fib and 2 pins . Feels a bit better but the movement didnt get any better as i thought it would.I am now walking with only a cane (: My original break and disslocation was on Aug 25.I still have 2 plates and 16 screws wich will b left in .
Lois:
Wen i wear my work boots i have a lump above the top of the boot . They tell me its the swelling pooling there instead of my ankle because the boot being tight stops it from going down . They say its actually a good thing because the swelling cant get in my ankle.Are u wearing a compression sock ? Come to think of it i never hear anyone on here talk about compression socks?
Don:
I too have some pain but not in my ankle,in my knee because i walk with a limp . my ankle is usually pain free and gets a bit sore after physio . I find that wearing a boot or shoe with a heel helps me walk more normal and makes my walking less painful.
Lee:
I dunno about all u guys sayin you will nrver wear heels again lol. Mine feels the best wen i wear something with a heel . Maybe a man heel is different than a female heel lol.

Well i hope this yeat treats everyone better than the last one lol.
Alberta Dave
LIZ (Trimal, rt ankle DOI: 5/21/08, DOS: 6/2/08) on January 9, 2009 at 5:57 pm said:

Anklequest, I had walked a mile at a time on the treadmill with no problems. I have also been doing Kick-boxing and Power classes at the gym. The kickboxing aggravated my ankle some so I thought the treadmill would be a little less impact and better for the ankle. I know I pushed myself too far with the 3 miles. I guess I just got a little too over confident. I haven’t been back to the gym this week and my ankle is feeling much better. I will try again in a few days but maybe only a mile this time… not 3 for a long while! 🙂

Hope everyone is doing well.
Enjoy your weekend!

Liz
lois on January 9, 2009 at 5:49 pm said:

Okay, so I wrote a more lengthy and carefully thought out post earlier today, which indicated that it had posted when aarrggh it had not. So, trying again here, but like Anklequest I will try it in stages this time in case I lose it all again. So to Lee and Anklequest – thanks for your responses re my lumps. Nope no itching Lee. My guess is that the long johns and the boot rubbing on the screw head may have brought to my attention that I have less circulation in that ankle and foot since the break. I think the ‘pins and needles’ indicated a blood flow problem. In turn this caused the blood which could not get to my ankle to pool in lumps up my leg. But why lumps??? Anyway, I am not going going to wear long johns again or tights either. I will be more cautious to ensure that I do not inadvertantly constrict my blood flow. I don’t know if you can get clots that way,,, but I am not about to find out. Anklequest thank you for the Canadian dollar, but I will let you buy yourself a cup of coffee with it- on me. With the exchange rate, you might have to search hard to find a cup for what??? 78 cents US though. (not sure what it is right now) lol. Also, thank you for commenting on me welcoming new comers. I enjoy doing that. I know how timid I was when I first came on here because I had never been on any blog before. Had I not been warmly welcomed and encouraged I would have backed right off and it has been just wonderfully beneficial to me. Unlike, my prior hectic working life, being retired with no kids at home as well as being stuck in the house with reno’s and now snow, gives me the luxury of having the time. Also, I consider it my payback (or pay forward) for the support and help I received.
Okay closing this post before I lose it. Lois
Don on January 9, 2009 at 3:41 pm said:

Hey Ankle Breakers

Maria

As amazing as it seems you seem toi find the strengt5h from inside. There are days when I do not even notice the pain and walk almost normal as AnkleQuest can atest to from our meeting. I have a little limp then, but on other days it is almost impossible and then it is impossible to ignor the pain. those are the days I sulk off to side and sit quietly and try not to interact with others as it has a tendency to make me irratable (down right nasty or grumpy)

But if I consontrate I can manage to make it bearable most of the time. I will say one thing alot of times when you deal with other pain like dentists and such I found out how much of beginners they are at giving pain 🙂 I had a root cannal and went to sleep the Dentist looked at me and said he never had a patient do that before. I looked and told him he was a beginner at pain and he laughed since io used to be terrified about going to the Dentist and he has been doing my teeth since I was 7.

You will see maria how adapt you become over time, to find new ways to do things so it is easier then before and how much we can laugh at and when to get by oh yeah and how much we can just go OH well doesn’t matter anyway I can do SO and So and it will still work later. our bodies and minds are amazing things. And most of all we have all the people here that have either been through it or know about it or know someone that knows about it. So keep asking keep talking and you too will get through this

Keep smiling Anklequest you have been a great help to me along the way.

Keep the right part of your feet on the ground everyone we are safer when we do. whne we don’t it hurts and then you end up on a blog like this.
🙂

Talk soon
Don
MARIA on January 9, 2009 at 1:17 pm said:

THANX ANKLEQUEST!! YOU ARE SOOO RIGHT!
anklequest on January 9, 2009 at 12:22 pm said:

Maria,
Welcome to the board! It’s a great place to share your thoughts and feelings. I hate to say it, but it makes me feel better in part because I know some here are so much worse off than me. So everytime I think that I’ll likely not be able to run or hop again I can stop and say “whoa” to myself! At least I can do about everything else, though on a more limited basis.

As far as grieving…there is a bit of grieving that goes on here from time to time. We all grieve the loss of our lives as they use to be before our injuries or accidents.

Pam,
I watch that Wisconsin weather. How is your newly fixed ankle?

Sorry everyone for the number of posts. Last evening I had a very long post that dissappeared (and made me very mad at myself for the waste of time) so I thought that I’d split them up today.

Regards to all!
Northerners, watch out for the black ice!

Anklequest
anklequest on January 9, 2009 at 12:11 pm said:

Louise,
Gald to hear you’ve been “written off” by the doctors. Your ankle will never be the same again (as per my doctor when he wrote me off). Hopefully though, the swelling will continue to dimishing and you will be “close” to normal.

Now, I’m wondering, are you going to ski?

Katie,
Thanks for the tip about pain. If pain is fixed, near metal, then it is likely metal related. If moving and unpredictable, then maybe it is something else. This should help people decide if their pains are metal related or not. I went to a well known ankle doc here in the NY metro area to find out to see if I needed metal removed. He said “no” & thinks my problem is the development of arthritis. I need to see him again soon for an update X-ray. He also said it might take years for my ligaments and tendons to fully heal.

LIz,
3 miles on a treadmill? Did you work up to that? Well this event tells me you are feeling much much better. You are feeling so well, in fact, that you decided to try this or you would not have done it. Now back to reality..take your time and work up to this level. OK, now, you’ll try it again in a week, a month, when you feel much better again, and then it will happen all over again. You’ll even try running a quarter mile suddenly in one day, like I did, and suffer for it. I haven’t done it again and my not even try again, now that I know my ankle may never handle it again.

OK, great to hear you are doing ever so well!!!

Ankle Quest
anklequest on January 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm said:

Hi Lois,

I agree with Lee, stay away from those long johns and I bet you a $1 (Canadian) that you’ll never see the lumps again. Thanks for all the great posts to the new anklebreakers.

Debbie,
PT at the beginning is very unusual and has been shown to not make a significant difference. On the other hand, continuing PT type activities is important, 2, 3 or more years down the line. I did a little research on the PT thing since I only went to 4 sessions which started after about 8 weeks. There’s certainly great variation in PT just based on experiences of people on this board. These variations include: amount of insurance coverage, types of activities, sessions per week or month, training to do your own PT, etc. Anyway, all the best as you wait for that ankle to heal while you are doing PT.

Anklequest
MARIA on January 9, 2009 at 11:07 am said:

PIE LADY AKA TRAC, I FEEL LIKE SUCH A BABY NOW, WHINING ABOUT SO LITTLE—MY HEART TRULY ACHES FOR YOU GUYS, I WAKE UP FIRST THING AND CHECK MY EMAIL, IT’S LIKE I HAVE A WHOLE BUNCH OF NEW FRIENDS & WE’RE ALL GOING THUR THIS THING TOGETHER, MENTAL AS WELL AS PHYSICAL, NO ONE ELSE REALLY UNDERSTANDS. IT FEELS REALLY, REALLY GOOD TO HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THINGS I’M FEELING TOO. I NOW LIVE WITH MY SISTER BECUZ OF MY SITUATION AND SHE IS GREAT, SHE IS THE BEST!! WHEN SHE GETS IN FROM WORK I ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL HER ABOUT ONE OF YOU GUYS. THIS SITE HAS REALLY BEEN GOOD FOR ME, NOW IF I COULD ONLY FIND ONE JUST LIKE THIS FOR GRIEVING A LOVED ONE I’LL BE OK.
MARIA on January 9, 2009 at 10:39 am said:

Ok Don I just read your second message the one where you tell me to read 170646. Your amazing!! Thanx! Of course I cried through the whole thing, still crying.
MARIA on January 9, 2009 at 10:23 am said:

Don, My heart aches for you! I have this little 2-3 min pain in my leg a couple times at night from the arthritis and I wanna cut my leg off. How do you deal with it???? 🙂 cute sign by the way, I think I’ll start using it. Thanx!
pie lady aka trac on January 9, 2009 at 5:11 am said:

Hello! Here I am, doing my usual 3 am break in sleep. I know, I know, I should get some warm tea and read until I fall asleep, but it is far more comforting to sign on here.

I keep sending good wishes for those of you facing the next steps, be it literal steps or metal removal. Don was so right on about the sometimes ranting and raving and crying and sometimes reading about others’ ranting and crying helps. It is a comfort.

I too, was one of the disappearing posts. It happens, and the internet has been more of a benefit than not, esp. through this. Well, I had an appt. w/a top foot and ankle surgeon. My Dr is friends w/him and pulled strings to get me in, and I’m very thankful he did! No answers were given, not yet. He was very concerned with the amount of swelling in my leg/ankle/foot. And, that I no pulse in this region. They did a Doppler test as well as another test to find a pulse. I said, “Not good, huh?” and he said, “No.” I saw the x-rays, and how my right ankle had not healed properly. Arthritis has set in, apparently on a severe level. As well as osteoporosis, and he is concerned about rheumatoid arthritis. So, we are treating the swelling and overall health of my leg first. I go in for a CT, a series of venous and arterial tests, and an EMG test. This is next week, and then the 29th, I meet w/him again, where we will discuss further options. He said he did not want to discuss surgery yet. But, yes, I am looking at surgery. He said, it will at least be a fusion. But, he will not know if we are going for fusion or amputation until we see if we can get the below knee part of my leg healed on the inside.

On a good note, I definitely keep working w/the cane, and making progress, so, it may be a bit late, but as the old saying goes, better late than never, right? And, in Feb, I’m heading to Memphis for a week of Graceland, Basketball, BBQ and Poker. So, not all is horrible.

I read about those of you with children, and my heart really goes out to you. That would be hard.

Okay, Godfather (my big ole’ cat, a gnarly rescued Persian who kept the dogs in line, hence his name) is standing on my bed protesting. Better go address his needs, he is the boss after all.

Take Care —
thanks for all the inquires and caring statement.
Peace!
trac
Lee on January 9, 2009 at 1:27 am said:

Hi all –

Lois – apricot sized bumps on your leg above the plate? Not over the plate? Hummm. An allergic reaction to something? Perhaps the long johns or rubber in the boots? Did they itch? I guess if you see them again, call the Dr – seems quite odd. I don’t know what to make of it.

Thanks to everyone else for all the good words. I’m hanging in there. My Dad spoke to the orthopedic head at Brigham and Womens in MA (Harvard) … and they both agree that trying the bone stim first is the right way to go. That said, they set me up with appointments with 2 top ankle orthos in San Fran for 3rd and 4th opinions. And my brother-in-law is an anesthesiologist in Michigan. He’s passing my MRI results on to the U of M ankle guy. So I now have 5 top guys looking at it and trying to tell me what makes sense. I’m sure I’ll get good advice and there will be some sort of consensus that will help us decide. If only one of these guy had been there at the time of the accident!

Anklequest – was your posterior tibial “chunk” removed or broken? I mean, did you break there and then they cleaned it up before reattaching? Or broke it off later and cleaned up to be screwed in? My Dad is saying that the issue with mine is that there’s really no way to clean it up now. It’s being held on with scar tissue, which leaves an uneven surface, so there won’t be a good fit for screws to hold it on. He described it by saying that you really only get one crack at reattaching parts with internal fixation, and that’s at the original break. you said it is large – how large? Mine is a 2.2 cm x 1 cm deep piece. I’m not sure if that’s big or small – what it’s relative to.

Ok – no new news from me tonight. Good night to all and to all a good night!

cheers,
Lee
anklequest on January 8, 2009 at 10:43 pm said:

Lee,
Some information for you.
My posterior malleolus was actually removed and cleaned up during surgery. (this can be done for this part of the tibia is not attached directly to ligaments and tendons.) It was characterized as a “large chunk”, not a good size, for that almost certainly predisposes one to arthritis. The chunk was then screwed back in with 2 large screws at a very odd angle. These screws probably could not be removed without great disruption since the screw heads were place in during joint dislocation and look to be anterior to the Achilles tendon.

OK, so I’m very very interested in what your father and you find out further about your situation.

I too sympathize with you in view of the uncertainties in your life right now. I myself would most certainly first follow the conservative, non-surgical ankle route trying some other possibilies. I met an ankle surgon who told me these methods do definitely work for some people.

I wrote a big long post which included messages to a number of others; Don, Lois, Louise, katie Debbie, and Liz. Presto, it vanished! Sigh! Maybe I’ll try again tomarrow. When will I learn?

All the best to all the anklebreakers!

Anklequest
Howard on January 8, 2009 at 8:54 pm said:

I Am in the 2 week after my break. The dr. said I should not sit around for fear of blood clots. Is it ok to move around and go places. How soon should we try to quit taking the pain meds ?
Don on January 8, 2009 at 7:38 pm said:

Maria

This may gfive you a little bit of an idea of what I meant by I have more damage then some on this Blog. But there are some that even more damage then I do so see the one thing we all get to remeber there is always someone somewhere worse off then you are ! so count your lucky stars for every day:-) Maria read entery # 170646 that describes my injuries pretty good I’d say

Don
Don on January 8, 2009 at 6:41 pm said:

Maria

I Have a little more damage then alot of the people on here 🙂 So in my right ankle is a tee as it is described. It goes into my right foot up my ankle all the way up to the bottom of my right knee. above the ankle joint is a cross section made out of plates and a rod. then pins and other rods go down the bones into the ankle stopping just at the joint. WELLLLLL instead of satying clear and open where the joint is and the hardware. My ankle decides to fill in with arthritis. Now I just don’t mean a little I mean the whole ankle joint is completely filled (or Collapsed ) with no more gap in an x-ray it is one solid spot on the x-ray except for the metal that is mixed in with it.

Somedays I can’t even feel the pain when I sa=tart the day but give it time and it begins to let me know it is there like when a storm is either coming or going not when it is here just the travel part of the storm. Then there are days when I can’t even put any weight on it as it is to painful , Ahh well we get through what we do and thanks to people on here that lket my whine and cry at times or just scream or Cry when I need to and then other times I am the one listening to someonme else whine and cry and scream that is what we are all here for we know the pain and the excitement of little steps.

So keep working everyone it does pay off in the long run not the shoprt term this is a marathon not a sprint.

Don
LIZ (Trimal, rt ankle DOI: 5/21/08, DOS: 6/2/08) on January 8, 2009 at 4:51 pm said:

Hi Gang… Welcome to all the new people who’ve joined our little corner of the internet. 🙂

Trac! I’m so excited for you! WALKING!? That’s awesome! What did your doctor say on Tuesday? Have you attempted walking any more since that night?

Debbie, welcome. It sounds like you’re already ahead of the game getting PT from the beginning. That’s great! As far as walking, once the doctor gave me permission to full weight bear, it took me about 2 weeks to build up to walking without assistance. I started with the walker, then to crutches, then one crutch, and finally to nothing. Others progressed faster than that. I didn’t drive until I got my boot off. It wasn’t a problem for me. Pressing the gas or brake didn’t hurt at all. Just practice around the block a few times, like Lois mentioned. Keep us posted on your progress for sure.

Lee… I’m so sorry to hear of the non-union. How frustrating for you. I know you’re just so ready to put this all behind you. I’m thinking the conservative approach sounds good too… that way you don’t burn any bridges, so to speak. I hope your dad will be able to gather some helpful info for you. Hang in there and keep checkin’ in with us. You know we’re always here for you. 🙂

As for me, I guess I’m feeling similar to you, Louise, like I’m at a standstill. My ankle still swells when I over exert it and gets stiff and sore. I wonder if it will always feel that way or if it’s still a part of the healing process. I went to the gym on Tuesday and walked 3 miles on the treadmill. By the time I got home, I was hurting so bad. The next day my ankle was bulging on both sides and very tender to the touch. It hurt to walk or flex my ankle… even the back of my ankle and up my calf hurt. I guess I just pushed myself too far on the treadmill. I’m still not good with a standing heel raise. Some days I can do it and other days my heel won’t budge off the floor. It’s hard to believe it’s been over 7 months since my break. I’ve come a long ways but I still hope to see more improvement.

Hope everyone is doing well. I’ll check in again soon.

Stay safe,
Liz
MARIA on January 8, 2009 at 4:31 pm said:

Thanx Don & Katie! Don I’m sorry to hear that about your ankle—How the heck did your ankle collapse?
Katie on January 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm said:

Maria- No problem! About the pain you are feeling I am not sure if that would be hardware or not. My pain from the metal was more local to a specific area rather than up my leg like you are describing. I could localize my pain to the area around my plate. It is possible your pain is caused by arthritis as well as the weather. I know rainy days and cold weather cause more pain and stiffness for me. It might be worth discussing with your surgeon though to see if he thinks it may be a hardware issue. Good luck!!

Lee- Sorry to hear you are going through all that right now. You definately have a lot on your plate but it sounds like you have a great family to back you up as well. And of course this is a great support network as well, so rant away! I am praying for bone growth for you so you have one less thing to worry about! Definately get some different opinions, you never know what answers you could find out there. Best of luck to you.

Hope everyone else is doing well and staying safe.
Take care,
Katie
Don on January 8, 2009 at 3:48 pm said:

Greetings Ankle Breakers

Lee

Sorry to hear you are still having a tuff time!! I want to wish to well and let you knoiw that we are all thinking of you and praying for the best. Keep us updated and let us know when you have your dates set and what will be done.

Debbie

Welcome to our little site and to our club. I am glad you found us and if we can help we are here. Take your time and do what the Doctors tell you and same for PT Doctors that is very important. Slowly but surely will get this done and improvment starts slow and then gets quicker with each passing day.

Louis and lois

glad to hear from both of you and wish you the best.
Louis keep working out and doping the PT work even at home or a gym, that has been the best thing for me. Even though I still have problem as my right ankle (as the Doctor puts it) is collapsed and filled with arthritis and I may need to have ankle fusion I still have better days by working the PT exercises.

Maria

The Cold and Rain does affect me in the same way. From the knee to the foot it causes pain and a heavy weighted feeling when a storm is comeing and going. I find warm water and relaxing in a tub does wonbders to take the muscle pain and bone pain away for periods of time. This may help till you get stronger and more endurance to the pain.

Ankle Quest

long time no hear how is the world treating you? Some where along the line we need to set a day up to get together again for lunch

talk soon everyone

Keep the right part of your feet on the ground it is safer for us when we do.

Don
MARIA on January 8, 2009 at 10:14 am said:

Hi Katie, I apologize, I’m not sure if I thanked you, Well Thank you!! Anyway, I was waking up in the middle of the night becuz of a dull achy kind of pain from my ankle to my knee that would last about 2 minutes, now it happens a couple times a night plus sometimes during the day. Do you know if thats a hardware problem as well or maybe arthritis?? I have arthritis in my talus, I am taking glucosamine 1500mg w chondroitin 1200mg along with calcium and I just finished a 30 day scrip for naproxen becuz of the tendinitis & the arthritis is still bothering me could it be becuz of the cold?? Is there anything else I can do that anyone else has tried?? I am getting soooo frustrated again!!THANX!!
Louise on January 8, 2009 at 9:24 am said:

Hello everyone!!!

Hello to all the newer people on here. Debbie!! Thanks for sharing your story. This site really is good for helping people support each other, and also a good way to read over all your old posts, and see how far you have come, so be great if you can keep us all updated! 🙂

Lee. So sorry to hear your news, but hope it all works out! Like Lois said, I’m sure you know by now, but we are all here to listen anyway! 🙂

Well…I am getting to the point now, where I have really reached a plateau, and nothing more is happening. I had another follow up appointment with my physio on monday, and have been 100% signed off, so no more appointments and nothing else. I guess this is good in one way, as it means I dont NEED it anymore, which I dont, but I also look at my ankle, and see that it ISNT back to how it was before, the movement is still restricted, and is really achy now due to the cold. We have minus temps here where i live during the DAY, which for the southern coast of england is very unusual to be honest, at night yes, but not during the DAY! Grrr….and Brrrr…. haha.
I guess my ankle is improving in small ways….I managed to do a kind of small ish hop on it the other day, which I KNOW I couldn’t do a few weeks ago, as it would not budge off of the floor, and doing a heel raise is also becoming a lot easier. I am also noticing that my calf muscle is getting bigger, as my boots are starting to get tighter, and the zip doesn’t do all the way up to the top, like on my other leg, so it is all paying off….slowly but surely!

I can honestly not believe it has been over 8 months since I broke and dislocated mine. (Did it april 23rd) as in some ways it seems like forever since I did it, and almost cannot remember life pre ankle break, but in other ways, it only seems like last week I was getting frustrated with the crutches, and cast etc. So for people who are less far along the road, and still in a cast etc, time does go fast, and before you know it you will be back up and walking hopefully! 🙂

Lots of love to everyone!

Louise xx
lois on January 8, 2009 at 1:47 am said:

Oh my Lee. I almost missed your post which went through while I was submitting my last one. Oh my. This is way, way too much heavy stuff for you to be dealing with. Please, do see what your Dad can find out. Who he can find. What they say. Pull out all stops on trying to get all of the answers and find the very best. Okay? You just lean away on each and every one of us okay? We are sticking with you lady. Hugs, Hugs, and more Hugs.
lois on January 8, 2009 at 12:35 am said:

Just a welcome to all the new anklebreakers on this blog and the other blog. Debbie, I had trouble posting a couple of days ago too.. the site does that once in a while. I was trying to respond and welcome Josh but finally gave up in frustration. So to JOSH: You sound like a great guy, and yes your wife really will need your support. These broken ankles really are NO fun at all. She likely will need pain medication at first, which she is on, but as soon as she is comfortable she should try to wean herself off and then control both the pain and make further progress by using the two key things which are ice and elevation. You can purchase squishy ice packs likely at your pharmacy and these come in different sizes so get one which will wrap around her ankle. As someone mentioned above,,, elevation is three feet over heart level. These two things are key in reducing swelling and reducing the swelling in turn reduces the pain. So that is what you need to know for this initial stage,,, plus I found a cool damp cloth for my forehead and to frequently wipe off my face certainly made me feel better. Also cool drinks on the end table such as gatoraid seemed to be calming. Also a warning that frustration and depression seem to often be part of this injury. So prepare yourself for your wife to experience this. Staying on this blog,,, and getting your wife to read through this and anklebreakers one blog and for her to get her frustrations and fears out here will also likely really benefit you both. It really helped me, which is why I stayed on to try to offer that help to others.

Hi to Judy, and a big welcome to Debbie. There are a number of us on here who have broken our ankles like you, falling down a stair or two or three..myself included. I hate to tell you but walking does not happen immediately. It probably helps a bit to try to keep your calf muscle built up while in the cast. But it takes a bit of work, from cast to crutches perhaps walker to a cane to no cane. With a bit of weight on that ankle to gradually more and more until you are full weight bearing. As for driving,,, of course the right ankle… the pedal using ankle is the hardest for sure. My impression from these blogs is that different areas have different rules with respect to when you can. So best to check with your doctor and get his permission. I was cleared to drive immediately when the cast came off,,, but I was warned to not do it without practising first and getting the “new feel” of it. ( My break was right ankle too. ) The new feel turned out to mean that just cruising along using the gas was fine, sliding into a stop slowly was fine, but its when you have to break faster and suddenly… and for me that sent a big jolt up my leg.. reaction being to pull of the brake… BAD IDEA. So, I learned to drive more cautiously and more defensively and if I had to brake hard,,, learned not to react to it by pulling back.

Hello to everyone else too. Denver Wes,,, or should I say Texas Wes, hope you are doing well. All the best to you in your new state. Riley, are you driving yet??? How do you find it????

Update on me: A couple of days and I am 10 months. Mostly I am really good, but we have been just getting a ton of snow… unbelievable,,, unprecidented snow. Snow needs shovelling. My snow boots rub a bit on my screw head. Not painful, not unpleasant but… . The other day, I noticed I seemed to be getting a lot of sort of pins and needles type feeling in my foot. Finally, wondering what in the world was going on, I got around to pulling off the snow long johns and taking a good look. So, starting about where the top of the plate would be, I had about a half apricot sized lump… and then a second similar lump about four more inches further up my leg, and then a third a few inches higher,, and a fourth even higher,,, the last being some inches down from my knee. all of these sort of following the fibula bone. So,,, that really surprised me. No swelling for months, and certainly none ever up my leg past the ankle area,,, so I had that leg elevated like right now. I am suspecting that the rubbing of my boot on the screw, was the culprit but… still curious (perhaps a bit concerned) why a series of lumps spaced out up the leg. Anklequest??? Lee??? anyone… any ideas. (Yes I got rid of it,,, and am basically fine again.) Trac,,, what did your doctor say??? Keep smiling everyone…. keep smiling.
Lee on January 8, 2009 at 12:23 am said:

Hello all – and Happy New Year! I’m about a week behind schedule, which you’ll see later, is because of many Dr visits this week and last. So many posts… I’ll just comment on one tonight… I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.

Trace – CONGRATULATIONS! those first few steps are so fabulous – aren’t they? I’m so thrilled for you! And, why does it not surprise me that you made the Bay Area home at one time? Pacifica no less? So, when I first moved here, I lived in SF proper too. Work in Cupertino, so that didn’t last long. Moved to Palo Alto. After we had our first kid and needed to buy a house, we landed in Redwood City. It’s close to everything and convenient. Not nearly as beautiful as the beach, but we get there often. The City too. And I will go to Tahoe next time. I was perfectly happy to sit at home in front of the fire in my family room with my 3 siamese kitties curled up on my lap (Lois – I know what you mean about treating pets like kids. Mine are second children and I couldn’t live without them! ) It was a blissful, quite 2 days to myself, which I needed after the holiday hubbub. Funny, that I needed time alone, even after all that awful alone tim in July and August on the couch. Hmmmm – it really is a state of mind.

To all who commented – thanks for the good wishes. Turns out I got the letter on the mammogram. I need more views – ultrasound and add’l mammogram, but I’m hoping still that it’s nothing. I just can’t imagine. Like Trace – I keep thinking, ok, bring it on. Let’s see what else you can throw at me! If I didn’t have this ankle to deal with, I would be really worried, but am not, given the ankle stuff. It’s a good distraction.

So, I have now had an MRI (for those who care, my metal is still in and it was ok. The fibular plate obscured some of the views, but the rest of the picture was ok and my metal and screws didn’t come flying out of my leg! tee hee!). It appears that the posterior tibia fracture has not healed – meaning, the bone fragment that was not screwed on has not developed new bone. It’s hanging on by scar tissue, but is considered a non-union. So, I am back in my boot for 3-4 months (arrrrg!) and using a bone stimulator to see if it will re-grow bone. It’s possible that it will heal on its own, and it’s possible that it won’t. In any case, it won’t be perfectly aligned, so arthritis is a sure thing down the road, as is a possible fusion and/or artificial joint. Save me now! I am now sure I will never wear heels again! I’m trying to be optimistic and take it one step at a time, but wow, is it hard to deal with the what if’s.

So, seeing Dr. #2 on Friday for another opinion. I think he wants to re-break it and screw it on. The danger there is that if it doesn’t heal, I have a for sure fusion asap. Sigh. I just had no idea this is where I’d be at this point. Thought I’d just be taking out the metal plate and getting back to normal life.

So, the plan now is to choose a surgeon and approach (i’m thinking more conservative is better), wear the boot and bone stimulator for a few weeks, then hop to surgery for plate removal and ligament repair …. then another 6-8 weeks on the couch, then we start PT and walking all over again. If that doesn’t work, we’ll deal with it when the time comes. It just makes me crazy to think about it! I was sure I was really on the mend and in good shape. My family is sick about it – the kids can’t believe I have to be down again, but they are offering to help more this time. And I know to bring in help ahead of surgery. And I have all of you lovely people from around the world for support.

You are all a blessing in my life. thanks for being there and for being good friends, even thought we’ve never met. I think of all of you frequently … and I will be leaning on the group in the weeks to come. the good news is that I know I will walk again. I just don’t know when or how. And this time, I refuse to let this keep me from going where I want to go. I’ve been practicing driving with my boot on the accelerator and left foot on the brake. It’s ok if I go slow and concentrate. I will not be housebound for 4 more months! I know it’s crazy, but it’s the one thing that I just can’t tolerate again. I may not be out and about for a few weeks, but I will be during recovery. I just can’t not drive again!

Ok – I’ve ranted enough tonight. I will be back in a few days, when I have more from Dr. #2 and we, as a family, have made a decision about how to proceed. You know what they say – when mom’s down, we’re all down – so it is, in fact, a family decision. And my Dad is trying to find “the best’ ankle guy in the country for an long-distance consult … we’ll see what he comes up with. Maybe his surgical career will benefit me afterall 😉

love to all,
Lee
Debbie on January 7, 2009 at 11:20 pm said:

Ok so it looks like I did it right this time. Anyway I missed a step in my home on 11/10 resulting in a right trimalleolar break and dislocation. I was taken by ambo to the closest hospital where the dislocation was repaired and later that evening a plate and 10 screws were placed. Things were going OK until I developed an infection, wass treated with antibiotics, healed and became reinfected. Then on 12/18 my ortho took me back to the OR to clean out my wound ( on the outside wound). So far i am infection free. I have been going to PT from the very beginning and now at the 8 week mark have entered phase 2 of the treatment. I will see my ortho 1/23 and the plan is to schedule surgery for early Feb to remove the long screw. After that I will be able to weight bear. I am wondering how long it might take me after that to be able to really walk and quite honestly I am curious how driving will be. I am thinking it will be hard pressing on the gas and brake pedals. Anyway i thank all of you for your posts they have given me alot of insight, Good Luck to everyone!
Debbie
Debbie on January 7, 2009 at 11:09 pm said:

Hi,
I tried to leave a comment the other nite and I see it didn’t post so before I rewrite my story i am trying this again. I have a trimalleolar break with dislocation and have NO IDEAS about making money!!!
Debbie
judy on January 7, 2009 at 10:20 pm said:

Howard, I can’t believe that you would mean any harm by posting you website, but—-Our only concern here is to help others with their problems and to make suggestions as to how our pain can be managed better.
When you are in as much pain as some of the people,myself included the last thing you are concerned about is making money.
I really do hope your ankle gets better and that, you do not have to experience as much pain as some on this site.
Maybe , you should apologize to everyone and try to make amends as I am sure If you broke your ankle you will sincerely NEED their help.
Don on January 7, 2009 at 9:25 pm said:

Ok Howard

I will answer your question by saying this. (And this is the only time I will address you on this board again.

You should have done your homework! By that I mean look back on the board and see how every person introduced themselves to everyone. First they say what they did (describe their injuries) then they talk about their surgery and talk about the metal they had put in and how much! How many days or hours their surgery was after they got their injuries. And not one of us asked about DRIVING FIRST THING OFF THE BAT!!!! If you had broken your ankle in 3 places and dislocated it you more then likely would not be on your computer in less time then it would take for you to get home and comfortable.

Now the next thing that all of us talked about was Who was taking care of us and how much of a burden we are putting on them. And how bad we feel for all their support and effort and trouble we have caused them. And then we asked questions about the future. NOT ONCE DID ANY OF US SAY HOW LONG BEFORE I DRIVE. It was how long before I walk? Will I Walk? Will I limp? Will I Be able to do the things I used to do? Can I return to the things I Love? Will I Be in Pain? Does the metal stay in forever? AND ON AND ON AND ON!!!

Not once have you seen anyone say when do I drive? Can I Shop in the cast and boot? How long do I stay in the boot? OH YEAH BY THE WAY WANT TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOME??????
So you first should have done your homework and learned what the hell it is we are talking about and doing on this site? And how much of a family we have all become over the time? AND MOST OF ALL HOW WE HATE PEOPLE THAT TRY TO BS OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANYONE OF US!!!!!! And how fast we can close ranks against people we know that are just trying to be deceitful and sly by acting they belong. So spare us (Especially the people that have been here for a LOOONNNNGGGG time) because we are real and we care and we have been through this not just by ourselves but with the others that are real on this site. UNLIKE A FRAUD LIKE YOU.

So as I said this is the last time I will respond to you and I hope that anyone who wants to say their piece does wso and then ingnors you so you will go away and if not we will contact the site owner and get them to make you go away.

THANKS FOR LISTENING

Just my own two cents Worth.

Keep the right part of your feet on the ground Ankle Breakers it’s safe for us when we do.

GOODBYE HOWARD

Don
Howard on January 7, 2009 at 8:37 pm said:

I BROKE MY OWN ANKLE A WEEK AGO. THAT’S HOW I GOTTO THIS SITE !! I ALSO FOUND A WAY TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOME AND WANTED TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE ELSE. THAT CAN’T LEAVE THE HOUSE.

I CAN UNDERSTAND BEING SKEPTICAL BUT JUST TELLING ME I’M A FAKE OR A FRAUD IS WRONG. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT. I NEED ADVICE FROM EVERYONE ON MY OWN ANKLE.

WOW.

SORRY OFFEND EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!
lois on January 7, 2009 at 7:39 pm said:

Howard, Ditto what Anklequest and Don have told you. There are not many people lower than those who would attempt to take advantage of others misfortunes. Good bye.
Don on January 7, 2009 at 7:02 pm said:

Howard

I’ll second what Ankle Quest Said YOUR A FRAUD. Keep your crap off this board as no one wants to see it. People here are recovering from devastating injuries and the last thing they need is some one talking crap and trying to take advantage of their misfortune. Or take advantage of their vulnerability. So Please just go some where else and peddle your wares

Don
Howard on January 7, 2009 at 11:51 am said:

WOW. I don’t know how I can be “fraud”. You don’t even know me. I just wanted to offer my help to people. That’s a awful astonishing judgment !!
anklequest on January 7, 2009 at 11:42 am said:

HOWARD

YOU are a FRAUD.
Keep your promotional crap off this board.
Thanks,

Anklequest.
Howard on January 7, 2009 at 4:37 am said:

I am very active. I lift weights and play basketball pretty much everyday. I’m one of the Regional Managers with a 36 yr old New York Stock Exchange company that helps people make money from home.

Last tuesday, one day before new years eve, I slipped in mud, after playing basketball for 2 hours, and broke my ankle in 3 places and disloacted it. But I had NO never damage. It’s been a week today ? Any idea of when I will be driving ? Usually how long does it take to get out of the cast and into the boot ? Can you goto the store and shop in the boot.

I’LL SAY THIS. ANYONE WHO IS HAVING TROUBLE EARNING INCOME WHILE YOU’RE DOWN GOTO MY WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT OUR COMPANY. I CAN HELP YOU MAKE SOME EXCELLENT MONEY WHILE YOU’RE DOWN.

http://www.greatjoboption.com

But Ive been out of work for a week and made more money while I was out than I did the week before. I truly understand the value of passive residual income now. I’ll keep you posted on ankle progress and if anyone can answer my questions, that would be great. If you need money while you’re down or unable to return to work let me know : [email protected] that’s my e mail address. I’d love to help.

God Bless You All
Maria on January 6, 2009 at 5:40 pm said:

Hi again 🙂 I don’t wear high heels. I wore a pair of shoes with an inch heel & my ankle hurt. Anything higher than that I kinda gave up in my late 30’s, I wear an occasional 2 inch heel, I was wondering if I’d have to give those away too. Thanx!!
Katie on January 6, 2009 at 5:31 pm said:

Maria-

I just had my hardware removed on December 12th. It was a little over two years post injury. I had a tri-mal fracture. I had 8 screws and a plate removed, one screw remains intact because my surgeon said it would risk nerve damage to remove it. I had it done because of pain, especially at the top of the plate. My surgeon feared it was putting pressure on my bone and could result in a fracture.
I am still in a walking boot until the 13th of this month. I was partial weight bearing for about 3 weeks, and now full weight bearing in the boot.
The first couple of days I did feel a moderate amount of pain/discomfort which after about 4-5 days eased up. I used pain medication for about 5 days. The pain was only after moving around a lot after that. Now I am virtually pain free and my ankle feels great! For me the hardware removal was a good idea, but I’m sure not for everyone.
I hope everyone else is doing well and are off to a great start to the New Year! Be safe!
Louise on January 6, 2009 at 5:23 pm said:

Hi Maria….in answer to your wearing heals question…I broke and dislocated mine april 23rd this year, and I wore heals for the 1st time on 20th december for a works christmas ball. At the time they were ine, but my word, the next day did my ankle hurt!! It is possible, but I seriously wouldnt recommend it for the moment….

I have a lower pair of heals for work, some nice leather ones, which are about 2 inches, and these are very comfortable, so I guess it’s really up to you, but take it slowly, and go with what is comfortable…I would personally be a little disappointed if i couldnt wear heals again, but it wouldnt be the end of the world, so dont push your ankle too much! 🙂

Louise xx
anklequest on January 6, 2009 at 12:52 pm said:

Hi Pam,
Great to hear from you and glad that things are “better.” You seem to be a good example of why some people have to have the hardware removed. It seems that hardware is removed only when it is clear that it creates a problem of some sort.

Maria,
Yes you can eventually wear heels, but it might be a dumb thing to do. Examples abound of problems that result from wearing heels, including broken ankles or causing more damage to ankles that have been broken in the past. Anyway, it will be your choice.

There are low heels vs. the current extreme high heels. There is quite a difference here in terms of potential impact. Low heels may be fine. I know someone who wears low heels and does OK, but that’s a few years later after the ankle break. It depends on the extent of your enjuries and how they heal as to whether you should try the high heels at all.

Then there is the potential problem of arthritis when there is additional stress or trauma to the previously broken joint, which might happen if heels are worn regularly. It might happen anyway. I think I read that 80% of broken ankles eventually have arthritis problems. You do not want arthritis. I have it and it seems to be getting slightly worse. It can become worse than the original break, resulting in necessity for ankle fusion.

Anklequest.
Maria on January 6, 2009 at 12:33 pm said:

I keep hearing that I’ll never be able to wear heels again(any heel) is this true?? Thanx!
Maria on January 6, 2009 at 10:02 am said:

THANX PAM!! 🙂
Pam on January 6, 2009 at 7:12 am said:

Hi everyone- I hope you all had a nice New Years, 2009 has to be a better year for all of us ankle breakers.

Maria- I had my hardware removed on Dec. 16th. The first few days were rough, a lot of pain but by the 4th or 5th day I felt so much better. I only needed my pain pills for a few days. I am in a post op boot for a total of 6 weeks but do take it off at home & hop along on a crutch. My ortho said he doesn’t want me full weight bearing on my foot without my boot until 6 weeks, but I do walk just fine when I have my boot on. The reason I had mine taken out was because of alot of pain & discomfort as well as very bad swelling. My ortho wanted to wait a year but I had it all taken out at 8 months. I go back to see my ortho on Jan. 22nd for an xray and if all looks good I can begin to full weight bear without the boot & begin therapy.

Hope this helps!

Pam
Louise on January 4, 2009 at 12:59 pm said:

Awww…u are also a sweetheart too lois!! 🙂
Maria on January 4, 2009 at 12:16 pm said:

THANX!! To Lois & Louise for your response. Have a happy & safe new year to all.
Maria on January 4, 2009 at 12:11 pm said:

To anyone who has had hardware taken out–I’d like to know the outcome of your surgery. THANX!! Pain level, recovery time etc…..Also the reason for taking it out.
lois on January 3, 2009 at 8:59 pm said:

Hi Maria, if your “metal out” comment was meant for me, than no I have not had my circular stainless steel rod/plate or any of the six screws removed at almost 10 months post surgery. My ortho surgeon said he intends to leave it in, unless I develop problems Knock on wood, I have not to date. Just to clear up a bit, I, Lois, am a 65 year old Canadian woman, whereas Louise is a 20 something year old sweetheart from England. Or at least she is in England when she is not busy flitting around the rest of the world, lucky her, which she seems to do often. I think many people tend to interchange the names, Lois and Louise, and I have often mistakenly been referred to as “Louise”.

There are a number of people on this Anklebreakers 2 blog who have recently had their metal removed though. Names like Erika, Tim, and Pam come to mind (this is from memory so hope I am right). Interesting because I suspect, like me, that they did not originally expect to have it removed. Or did they? Take care and be safe everyone. Lois
Louise on January 3, 2009 at 5:42 pm said:

Well hello to all! And a happy 2009!

Trac. That is SOOO great to hear you walked. Thats amazing! I am so pleased that you are making some sort of progress! yay for you. I bet that felt so good afterwards didn’t it?? 🙂

Maria. (Not 100% sure if your question was actually meant for me?!) I havn’t had any hardwear out. Well…no thats a lie. I havn’t had the major bit of my hardwear out. I want it out, but its not coming out at the moment anyway. I had 2 pins taken out in july coz they were too close to the ankle joint, and docs were worried they would snap if I walked on them. But hello to u too!

Judy. Sounds like your doing well. Good to hear it.

Juan. Hi, and congrats on the running! Thats brill. See docs dont 100% know the outcome of everything do they hey? They can speculate and guess, but they do NOT KNOW!!

Anklequest. Hello to you. I dont have any dogs (think that may be Lois?! Confusing with 2 ppl with very similar names! hee hee!) and I am politely guessing the skiing comment was meant for me?? Coz I am going skiing (possibly!) next month. Eeek! In norway. We shall soon find out what happens with that I guess! Glad to hear you are doing well. 🙂

And to everyone else: Don, Lois, Liz, Lee, and all the other lots of people on the site, hello and hope you are all doing ok.

As for me. I am exhausted after new years celebrations with friends, and have been in london for 2 days. We went for my sister’s 18th birthday, and we went to see dirty dancing! It was AMAZING! I loved it. Plus, went to camden market and a few other places. It was manic and there was lots of walking to be had, so my feet (both of them!) hurt substaintially, but Im sure Ill live! So far,2009 is going well. Been to london, seen a show, sucessully broken most of my new yrs resolutions already, and spent time with my closest friends and my family already! Off to edinburgh the week after next for 3 days, then Norway in February (and possibly another sneaky holiday in May somewhere….was meant to be Morocco, but thats not happening..all my friends dropped out. 🙁 so somewhere else I hope! 🙂 )

So to all…I shall bid you god night, as I need a decent nights sleep!

Louise xx
judy on January 2, 2009 at 8:57 pm said:

Juan,
I broke my tibia and fibula at the ankle in Sept. 2008 and had surgery. I went to pt for 4 weeks and I am now doing it on my own. I have to walk most of the time with the help of a cane but I can now walk a little bit without. I feel this within its self is a great deal because 2 months ago I thought I would never walk again.
I still have a bit of pain and some stiffness but it is coming along.
I want to tell everyone to not give up.
My doctor said that it would swell for about a year. With elevation and ice,I am hoping that I can lessen this time.
Good Luck and keep running.
Juan on January 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm said:

Hey everyone, great news!!!

So I broke my ankle in Oct. 2007 and I wasn’t able to start walking on it until June of 2008. So I’ve been walking on it for about 6 months now. I’ve been so bummed because my Dr. said I would never run again because of how bad the brake was and he wanted to fuse the bone. So I decided not to fuse and just live with it until I can’t anymore. The pain only really sucks in the morning anyways. Well after working on my ankle on my own, doing leg presses and stretching out as far as I can (which is nothing compared to before the break) I’m glad to say that…..drum roll please…….Ba pa ra…pa ra pa pa ra pa pa ra pa pa raaaaaaaaaaaaa….I ran last night!!!! So I went to the movies and just as a joke I ran for my girlfriend to make her laugh cause every time it was never running it just looked like I was having a seisure. Well to my surprise I actually ran. It still wasn’t a pretty site to see but it was running. Well more like a 2 steps above speed walking. but hey it gives me hope.
Denver (for a couple more weeks) on January 2, 2009 at 5:04 pm said:

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

So I am officially OUT of my house..

On my bro in laws lap top, as my phone can no longer load the site..

WOW LoTs Of NeW PeoPLe here now..

guess it pretty normal to brake ankles the way the people keep coming..

LEE I FEEL you PaiN.. I was at church a couple weeks ago and didn’t realize I was standing a TAD too close to a huge gym door. I remember a sharp pain just outside the fibula.. I KneW that tiny little protruding pin was gonna give me grief..lol..

the door niCked it and i just stood in shock like a flamingo…

Jemima, I hit the gym hot tub and sauna all the time..the heat helps stretches and massages too.. self massages that is.. didnt do it til I was able to keep it in shower and bath water and scar was completely healed shut..

speaking of the scaring – I havent seen it mentioned since a bunch more people have come on.

Maderma scaring cream helps a LoT.. I got a railroad track up both sides of ankle, but it sure kept it tight and hidden from buldging

so anyhow, I frequently put my ankle in front of the hot tub jets and after couple months of weight baring I started tapping on it to get it used to the unexpected bumps the ankles take before we broke them and are sure to notice in horrific pain after the hardware.

So I was worried about having to do such a huge move knowing even with lots of help I d be lifting, going up and down stairs and in and out of trailer.
Oddly and blessed though- We loaded a 30′ trailer to the max in under 2 hours, then all but a couple others took off and three of us rented a 14′ uhaul and went back and forth from house to storage – loaded and unloaded it twice into a 25′ storage unit. hmm.. can you say even aFTEr we got rid of three rooms worth of stuff on craigslist, donated and trashed, we stiLL have a TOO much..sigh..

We Started at 930am on new years eve day (trailer guy fell through on Sat. so we had to find someone else with a 5th wheel hitch that could get the trailer to our house, then over to sisters RV pad to store until 3 4 weeks from now when company will deliver it to our new front door in HouSton)

We finished at 430 same day and the best news of all –
NO PAIN.. I took 800mg of advil just incase, but i wasnt even hobbling other than the sheer habit from going so long hobbling when out of energy. was good yesterday too..

WoW.. only 3 months weight baring and pulled off the first part of the move quite well..

Miss all you guys (for the new people on here, ‘guys’ is a Colorado expression that we say for everyone, including the ladies too 😉

Enjoy the weekend.. Im doing my best to keep up with all the emails as I mentioned I can see all through the emails even though I cant always post from my phone..

I noticed someone mentioning that they wished we could post pictures and x rays on here so we could compare and see..

I got an idea..
My mom uses a free site we can post our stuff on and the links in our comments,,.. once one of you has used it (someone whos more computer literate than me..or, someone who actually is on here more often too, that can help walk anyone through it if they get hung up doing it)

its http://www.picasa.google.com (hope thats the right link.. I havent checked it but my computer geek bro in law with 6 lap tops in his living room just told me the address)

Til later,
Wes
Don on January 2, 2009 at 4:40 pm said:

Hey Ankle Breakers

Back from Vacation. Happy New Year.

Trac
Forget you never and for all of us that have been around since you came on you have made this a great NEW YEAR!!! Not just for you but for all of us too… AWSOME CONGRATULATIONS and keep going foward. I am so happy for you and looking forward to hearing of more improvment as time goes on and what the DR has to say.

Tim

No No word form Clark, Sandra or a few others which does worry me too like Ankle Quest. But hopefully we will hear something soon..

Good luck all and keep up the good work
Now we need to hear from Jessica and her sister

Keep the right p[art of your feet on the ground its safer and we walk better that way

Don
lois on January 2, 2009 at 12:27 pm said:

TRAC, how absolutely WONDERFUL. You are OBVIOUSLY beginning to progress now. First stairs and now walking. Walking funny does not matter one iota. You should have seen me at first. Pathetic. Our calf muscles become so lazy that they don’t know what to do. Anxiously waiting to hear what your doctor says about your new developements. WOW.

Hi Maria, Just saying hello and welcome, because I think you are new. Are you another ankle breaker?
pie lady aka trac on January 2, 2009 at 4:02 am said:

HELLO!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

First of all — Lee, I did not realize you were a Bay Area resident. I am no longer, but my family all lived out there, and up until 4 years ago, my address was Pacifica. Before that, I was in SF proper. I do miss a lot about it. Definitely miss falling asleep at night to the waves of the ocean. I even miss the crazy fog and slugs and upkeep that came with maintaining a house on the coast. But, there are a lot of pluses to Nebraska. I think…HA! Also, in June, I underwent a lumpectomy. Had 3 lumps removed. It was the great BC in an early stage. We treated it, and at first I was very, VERY angry. In that WHAT NEXT????????? WHY ME??????? vein. Then, I don’t know where it came from, but, I started to laugh. My attitude changed from why me to bring it on. And, while I wouldn’t say I forgot about the BC, I definitely felt a bit thankful that I had a lot of distraction with my ankle/leg. For me, it was the ankle injury that helped discover it. Blessings with you and I HOPE DEEPLY that it is nothing.

ok. Now, I have something. Exactly a year ago, I was released from the nursing home w/my wheelchair and the comment “Hopefully someday you will walk”
yea. Hopefully. I would’ve been sad today, had Nebraska not won the Gator Bowl, and had I not walked.
YUP! That is correct!! About an hour ago, I was sitting here, working on a story that is due (ok, I was actually watching a recording of a trashy reality show, while drinking tea and periodically adding a word)and I saw the cane that has been a coat rack for the last 8 months. I’ve tried in the past only to fall over. I’ve tried w/PT only to fall over. And, then, tonight – I don’t know what happened, but I took off! (well, as much as I could) I can only imagine what I looked like, as I was stooped slightly and no normal gait, but the point is, I was walking w/a cane. Just me and a cane. No one holding my hand, no one telling me someday, trac, someday you’ll get there. No one saying, if only… And, forgive me for being all teary eyed right now, but I am. I screamed out for my mom — bad, BAD idea when you are in a wheelchair — to scream for your mom at 1:45 am — she tripped out of her room rushing out to the living room. I don’t know what my dr will say on Tuesday, but, I’m going to take this as a hopeful sign. We had decided on amputation (Tuesday we were going to set a date), because we just couldn’t get me up and walking. Now, I’m not getting my hopes up — okay, I am — but, well, I wanted to share. Still long ways to go, but things are moving right along. It has been a long time since I’ve seen real progress. I tell you — I will be doing aqua excersise for the rest of my life…

thanks!
Peace,
trac
Maria on January 1, 2009 at 10:25 pm said:

Hi Louise, Just wondering if you ever got those screws removed, if yes why & what was the outcome?Thanks!
lois on January 1, 2009 at 8:13 pm said:

Happy 2009 to Everybody. JEMIMA, I too can make out the screw protruding from my right ankle fibula, but not the plate. At going on 10 months, it does not normally bother me, but has been rubbing a bit now that I am in snow boots. Not really uncomfortable but more just an odd sensation. You are pretty early in the recovery game so walking will come but takes time. GEMMA, again 19 weeks is pretty early in recovery. I had a bit of dark discoloration on the top of my foot, but even more down the side of my ankle onto my foot, which looked quite black. Very deep bruising I guess, and it took perhaps as long as six months for the last of it to disappear. LEE, you really have been busy taking care of the medical appointments, which is likely why you didn’t go to beautiful Tahoe. It is too bad though that you were not able to enjoy that family vacation, even if only to read a good book in front of a toasty fireplace while sipping hot chocolate. I’ve been wondering if snow shoeing or even tobogganing on slight slopes might allow anklebreakers to enjoy some winter fun while minimizing the risk to their ankles? Lee, it really has to be really frustrating for you to be receiving differing opinions. I’m with you, get that third opinion. More than anything though, I feel upset and concerned that you have another worry; this time with your mammogram. I will be thinking about you constantly. Please keep us posted. It is really amazing how much everyone on here has had to cope with and how courageous everyone has been while dealing with life’s difficulties. Hi to LOUISE, so glad you had a fun holiday season. You are so busy I am sure you really deserved a good fun break. ANKLEQUEST, nice to hear from you as I was wondering where you disappeared. Glad to hear you made it to California,,, and how nice for your 97 year old mom to have you there. I think you meant to refer to my dogs, and the two (two year old) Shih Tzu’s are just fine. These are our first small dogs and were my husband’s idea not mine. I had originally been opposed. But even though one caused my broken ankle, I just can’t imagine life without them anymore. The dog experts would be appalled with me, but these two “little girls” are so bonded to me that when I venture out of the house, they just sit by the door and life stops until my return. This happens even when my husband is home. I don’t think these “girls” even realize anymore that they are dogs, but instead think they are babies. As I type this, I have one computer, two pups and one stuffed monkey all competing for space on my lap. I feel loved. And this good people, is a woman who used to think those who treated their dogs like children were very odd. lol.. Good grief- what has happened to me.
Glad you made it home safe with the snow, ice and airline delays Anklequest. Travelling at Christmas was a real challenge with weather conditions for many this year. I too still think of Melanie, Sandra and Clark and all their encouraging contributions to others despite the obstacles and difficulties they were facing themselves. I do wish they would pop back in. All the best to everyone… too many to mention by name. Lois
Gemma on January 1, 2009 at 4:40 pm said:

Hi to all hope the holidays have treated you well, just a quick update to let you all know despite the injuries ive started non weight bearing physio.

Movement is coming back slowly in up and down and ankle circular movements but there is no no side to side movement which im worried about. The foot remains dark and discoloured is this normal.

Im now 19 weeks post accident and post operation and forgotten what its like to walk surely ill walk in 2009 (fingers crossed) 🙂
anklequest on January 1, 2009 at 2:57 pm said:

Ok, back after a dog interruption. Our pets help us keep our sanity so they are very important even if, occasionally they break ankles (Louise.how are your dogs?)

Lee, porbably someday wearing heels will be much worse for you than skiiing. I think anyone who broke their ankle should never wear heels over an inch or two ever again as things can shift that you do not want to shift. At least your foot is held secure while skiing, so I think you eventually will ski, even if not the mogols or the big hills. I think I could ski now if my legs were stronger and if I lost 20 more pounds.

Riley, my doctor never looked at my ankle the last few times, just the x-rays.

Pie lady, all the double ankle breakers, Liz, and the rest of you dealing with the very very heavy duty stuff, a special blessing for the new year. May some good things be in store for you.

We have not heard from Melanie and Clark and Sandra for a while and so I fear for them. Somehow I cannot forget some of these posters who had difficult things show up in their lives.

What’s one broken ankle mending compared to some of the shattered lives we hear about. Many of us on this board, despite our broken ankles, are very blessed. We as a group can continue to help those who are in need here next year.

A blessed 2009 to all.

Anklequest.
anklequest on January 1, 2009 at 2:38 pm said:

Hi Everyone!

What a year! 2008 brought more broken ankles! Good luck to all.

Thanks to all of you posters who shared experiences and brougt all of us a wealth of new information and helped us continue to heal; mentally and physically.

I just returned from a trip to CA to visit relatives and my 97 year old mother whose ankles and mental state are better than mine. I managed to do some hiking & walking on snow and ice without ankle problems. Upon return, after a 2 day trip filled with airport delays, etc. we had to walk the last half mile to our home here in NJ on icy road as the drive had slide into a snowbank. The ankle is holding up well but hurts and swells.

Lee, please keep us informed of your progress with the various doctors. Your example serves to show how different opinions can make a difference.
Louise on January 1, 2009 at 2:21 pm said:

Hi everyone!!!

Hope everyone had a great new year! I did…although very sleepy today!

Hello to Jemima. Yes I also have a pin sticking out a little bit of my skin. I cant really see it, but I can deff feel it. This is quite normal I think with a lot of people!!

Hello to everyone else too.

Hope 2009 will be a better year than last year for all us ankle breakers! hee hee.

Lots of hugs to all!

Louise xx
JEMIMA on December 31, 2008 at 7:34 am said:

Hi Lee,

Thank you for your swift response.My protruding pin is on the fibula side. It is a great relief to hear that someone can also see and feel the pin head!I have found that the medical teams have not informed me of what to expect and provided no advice so this website is invaluable.

J
Lee on December 30, 2008 at 11:58 pm said:

Hi Jemima,

I just missed your post. So sorry to hear about your break, but glad you found us here. You’ll find most of your answers with this group of experienced, smart ankle breakers!

So, the protruding pin – is it on the tibia or fibula side? The plate on my fibula really pokes out from under my skin and is quite uncomfortable. I can see and feel the screw head and the tip of the plate. For that reason, it’ll be coming out as soon as possible – this spring sometime. Ask your surgeon. As for not walking, quite normal for many weeks after coming out of the cast. I think I was in a boot for 6 weeks without really walking – just abut 50% weight bearing. It takes time. You’ll get there. Move from some weight to a little more, to one crutch, to a cane to nothing. It’ll take a few weeks, but be sure your Dr. is ok with it first.

Sorry – no experience with the sauna, thought at PT, they use moist heat before I work out, so sounds like it could be ok. Again, ask your Dr.

cheers,
Lee
Lee on December 30, 2008 at 11:49 pm said:

Hi All!

Trace – Excellent news! You made it all the way up the stairs with basically one leg? How did you ever do that? Amazing what a woman will do for a glass of wine and a good chat with a dear friend … it’s fabulous. Must feel great. It reminds me of the first time I went outside after surgery and being cooped up for weeks. Every little sensation – the wind, the smells, the colors – were all spectacular. Soak it in and enjoy those times.

Lois – Wow, Karma sure is a bitch, isn’t it? I’m sure glad your hubby didn’t break anything, and I’m glad you all chuckled about it after, but how odd that you would both take a spill at exactly the same spot. The universe has a way of teaching us a lesson when we need it. Curious to hear if he’s learned his?

Liz – you’re a great help to your family. So good to hear of families pulling together in their time of need. I’m sure you are a blessing to your parents in every way!

So, I thought I’d update everyone on a series of Dr appts I’ve been having. But first I’ll let you all know that when I got kicked at Target, I was just fine. It just hurt like the dickens and it took me a few minutes to catch my breath. No serious consequences… just kinda reminded me of when someone here (Pam maybe?) kicked the fridge and really let if fly. I have been laughing about it ever since. So, when last I updated, my Ortho sent me away for 2 months or so with a plan to remove my fibula plate and tighten a ligament in March or so. I’m a little nervous abut just doing this and not entirely sure it’s the right thing to do, so I set up appointments with 2 of the top foot and ankle surgeons in the Bay area. Went to the guys who work on the 49ers, Stanford athletes, Giants, etc. They do it all day long and have seen it all. So, today’s result with surgeon #1 is a little distressing. He noted in my x-ray that the posterior tibia was fractured but not repaired. I knew that, but my ortho had said the posterior chip was so small, it would scar over and be fine, so no screw needed. Today’s surgeon #1 thought that the chip was rather large and should have been repaired. He actually said “borderline”, but the point was made. And he thinks the Stress Test x-rays done while I was awake were useless, as you can’t actually stress the ankle enough to get a result with a conscious patient. Interesting. So, we discussed what to do next …. oh, and his take is that 6 months is still relatively early in a serious ankle fracture to be moving on the next steps. In any case, I’m off for a CAT scan tomorrow to see what things look like in a little more detail and will see him again next week. He (or someone) will definitely take out the fibular plate and the CAT scan should help us see how well healed the bone is. The distressing option was to re-break the posterior tibia and re-set it so it’s right. Arrrggggg. And then there’s the ligament repairs. He went over 2 or 3 possible options, but wants to see the CAT scan first, and maybe remove the plate, then get a MRI to know for sure what needs to be done.

I see surgeon #2 next week – so we’ll get his take as well.

Hmmm. Now I’m not feeling so good about the Ortho I’ve been trusting for the past 5 months. Good news is that I have good insurance and can see who I want to, so I will continue to have consults until I see what and who make sense. I need the ankle to be good again, good as in pretty functional. My husband took our kids up to Tahoe this week to go skiing. My 7 year old, who has never really enjoyed skiing, announced to me today on the phone that she had SO much fun and just loves skiing now. I gotta get myself back up on that hill to see that joy in her face. I promised myself I would be happy with basic functionality, and I am, but I really don’t want to miss all the fun as my kids grow up. I don’t want to be left at home because I can’t do it. I need to find a way to keep moving it along.

Tomorrow I also have a follow up with my GP. I had an odd mammogram last week and had to hand deliver older film results for comparison. Hopefully, it’s nothing and I can stay focused on the ankle. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to throw a little (dare I say it?) breast cancer into the mix. I’m confident it’s nothing and all will be fine, but I can’t help but have the thought cross my mind.

So, on that happy note, I’ll sign off for the evening with a promise to follow-up when I have news. In the mean time, stay safe all, have a happy happy new year and know that good things are to come for all of us in ’09.

Cheers,
Lee
JEMIMA on December 30, 2008 at 7:46 am said:

I BROKE MY ANKLE ON 26/10/08E ,HAD A SLIP A WEEK LATER AND HAD TO GET SURGERY ON 7/11/08 TO INSERT A METAL PLATE AND 5 PINS. I GOT MY CAST OFF ON 18/12/08 BUT CAN STILL NOT WALK. ALSO THE PIN HEAD AT MY ANKLE BONE IS PROTRUDING FROM UNDER THE SKIN AS IF IT IS A SECOND ANKLE BONE.HAS ANYONE ELSE SUCH EXPERIENCE.

ALSO, BEING FULL OF PMA I AM DYING TO GET BACK TO THE GYM AND HOPEFULLY TRAIN FOR RUNS.AGAIN RECOVERED ANKLE RUNNERS COMMENTS WELCOME.HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT GOING TO THE SAUNA WHICH I NORMALLY DO 4 OR 5 TIMES A WEEK.AGAIN,ANYONE HAD EXPERIENCE OF THIS?
HYIINOiM
LIZ (Trimal, rt ankle DOI: 5/21/08, DOS: 6/2/08) on December 29, 2008 at 10:55 am said:

Thanks Trac… Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease. It has been so hard taking care of her. We have our good hours and bad. She is determined to go home and is convinced that her house is just across the street. It’s not… her home is across the country! Anyway, she gets so mad at me when I won’t take her home. There is no way to reason with her, she doesn’t believe anything I tell her. It breaks my heart. She thinks I’m being mean but I really just can’t take her home. 🙁 She needs 24/7 care because she broke her hip and can’t walk. She thinks she can and constantly tries to stand up. We have to be with her at all times to prevent her from standing up and falling. We need all the prayers we can get, for her, and my family. It’s such a sad disease for her and her kids.

Anyway, I have another week off from work and then will be traveling back home to Atlanta. My ankle is doing well. No complaints really. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Stay Safe,
Liz
pie lady aka trac on December 29, 2008 at 1:15 am said:

Hi.

Lois, your story made me giggle. I didn’t want to, falling down the stairs isn’t funny, but it did make me giggle. And, the way I got down was almost the same as how I got up, I faced the wall sideways, held onto the railing with both hands and stepped down. What it showed me was that I could put a lot of weight through my bad ankle. I will be interested in seeing what the dr says next tuesday.

Lee, I just re-read your story about the coffee — the color from my face drained. Oh. wow. That is all I can say. I hope you are fine.

Liz, blessings to you. Alzheimers. Yes, one of the most heart breaking illnesses. If not the most. I worked the alz ward at a assisted living center. While the work was rewarding, I cannot imagine dealing with it. I keep giving my mom books and crosswords, saying “Mind excersise! Mind excersise!”
Power to you and your family.

Well, happy new year to you all!
take care
happy healing.
trac
lois on December 28, 2008 at 4:08 am said:

Hello to everyone and Happy New Year to you all. I really think that 2009 will be a better year for us all. JUDY, you are on your way now. It will just keep getting better with a bit of work on your part, and time and patience. Hi TIM, I too wonder (and worry) about Clark. When he signed himself off he said he would pop in from time to time. I wish he would as I miss his posts. TRAC, that is WONDERFUL. I am so glad you shared that. I’m sure climbing all those stairs was exhausting, but was so good for you to be able to go and have a normal visit with a friend. I am curious though about how you got back down those stairs. Perhaps you slid? LIZ, Your parents sounded as if they were so good with you when you broke your ankle, and I am sure they really appreciate your help now with your grandma. Alzheimers is so sad. Try to focus on the wonderful new baby in the family to help keep your spirits up.

LEE, do you believe in Karma? I think that you in particular will appreciate and find humor in the following. Quick recap: I am the one who was knocked down the last three of our inside stairs by a 10 pound puppy; breaking my ankle last March. My husband was pretty good about it all, but I could tell there were times when he was very frustrated with me over what had happened. (- why I had not been more careful- why I had not been hanging onto the rail- why was I was causing him so much inconvenience and work on top of his job.??) So, at times I felt his impatience was simmering just below the surface. Well Karma happened yesterday. We were both coming down those very same stairs. I was a couple of stairs in front and had just stepped off the bottom step and turned the corner to enter the lower level door, when there was a horrific crash behind me and I began dodging flying saucer disc shaped objects and other garbage. My husband had just fallen down the stairs. All two hundred plus pounds of this large man had came crashing down and slid across the entry tile with his arms and legs flailing. The large green plastic trash bag full of garbage he was taking to the garage, came undone and trash was flying everywhere. On top of it, both the garbage, and his flailing arms and legs were crashing into columns made up of hundreds of treasured dvd’s which he has been collecting over the years. Because of our lower level renovations, he had removed these from their normal place, and stacked them for safekeeping along the entry hall wall. This sent Dvd’s, (some now covered by the airborn garbage) flying through the air, hitting walls, doors and finally my prone husband and the floor. My reaction yesterday when this happened was horror. I felt like I was reliving my own fall, sort of like re-watching a play but with a different starring character. I fully expected his ankle to be broken. I could feel the pain. My husband was rather stunned by this event, and rather slow to get up. He was rather brusque when he did get to his feet and began brushing the garbage off himself, perhaps out of embarrassment. He announced that he was fine, however he did spend the next few hours limping from an obviously sore foot. He later placed the blame for the accident on his progressive lens glasses, which does not make complete sense to me because he has worn them for perhaps six or so years,,, but then perhaps only for reading and not when walking downstairs.

Today he is absolutely fine. Yesterday, I was too shocked and concerned to see anything humourous about the situation, but today we have both been having a good chuckle about it. After all what are the odds that we would both fall down the same few steps when I do not believe either of us have ever fallen down any stairs any where before in our lives. Believe me I have examined those stairs very carefully and there is nothing wrong with them. So, I think I just have to chalk my husband’s fall up to Karma. It is either that or I will have to start wondering if he have a poltergiest or something in the house. lol Nite everyone and take very good care. Lois
Riley on December 27, 2008 at 4:44 pm said:

Thanks, Liz. That’s exactly what I am going to do when I see the doc in January. I think I annoy him — he didn’t do the surgery (I was out of town when I fell), he inherited me. If I have to look at this ankle, so can he!

Here’s to a happy 2009 to all, with thanks for your ideas, stories, and goodwill.
LIZ (Trimal, rt ankle DOI: 5/21/08, DOS: 6/2/08) on December 27, 2008 at 10:13 am said:

Trac, that’s great news! It’s the little things that make us feel “normal” again. I’m glad you got to enjoy some time during the holidays just relaxing with friends.

Riley, glad to hear you’re doing well. I think my doctor would have been the same way, only looking at the x-rays, but I always made a point to take my shoe and sock off and prop my foot up on his stool while I was waiting for him, so when he did come in it was right there for him to look at. 🙂

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. Any plans for New Years Eve? I think I’ll be sitting at home with my parents this year. I’ve been helping them take care of my grandmother who has alzhiemers. It’s been very hard. Anyway, I wish I was doing something more exciting! I’ve always wanted to go be at Time’s Square to ring in the new year. Oh well, maybe next year! Let’s hope this is a wonderful year for us all.

Take care,
Liz
pie lady aka trac on December 27, 2008 at 3:55 am said:

Hello! Hello! Hello!

Hopefully, it is morning by the time most of you read. So, I will say, good morning!!!

I am so excited!!! I wanted to hurry up and share my excitement with people who will truly understand it. I just got home from spending a laid back night at my friend’s house. Why the excitement? Because I have not been to his house since before the accident, see, he has 2 flights of stairs, 7 stairs each, inside his home. And, tonight, I took those stairs on!!! I dared them to defeat me. I’m so tired of saying, “I can’t because of the stairs”. Of course, it meant, holding onto the one railing with both hands and going up in a sort of sideways manner — but the point is, I did it!! I can’t take a step yet == YET — but, he had my walker waiting for me at the top of the stairs, and I was definitely winded, but they were conquered. I’ve only done ONE stair in PT.

I know I’m still facing THE surgery — but at least this brought back my confidence. And, he said, if I keep it up, we just may make it to NYC to see the Red Sox vs. The Yankees in the new Yankees stadium yet…

Hey, spring training is right around the corner — gotta get walking in some manner, right?

ok. i just wanted to share my excitement. thanks for reading it. this was so huge for me. do you know how long it has been since i’ve been able to sit on the sofa w/a glass of wine and just talk w/my friend? (I don’t have a sofa in my apt — my bed took the place of the sofa). It was sooooooo nice.

ok. peace to everyone!
enjoy the rest of your holiday,
and here’s to a grand 2009…
thanks again for sharing this w/me,
trac
Tim on December 26, 2008 at 6:03 pm said:

Hello all and happy day after Christmas.

I hope everyone had a wonderfull Christmas or whatever holiday you might celebrate.

I wish the best for all for 2009 and hope that it is pain free for all here! :0)

Hey Don, anything from Clark lately? kinda worry about that guy you know what I meen.

Take care of yourself and those you love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND GOD BLESS.

Tim
Riley on December 25, 2008 at 12:06 pm said:

Merry Christmas to all. I was telling friends that when I broke my ankle in 4 places on August 18, this date seemed like an endless amount of time, and here it is, with so much changed in the world since then (does anyone recall the Dow at more than 10,000 and gas at $4.gallon)? It is so helpful for me to hear from those of you who are longer out that the aches, swelling, and discoloration is normal.

My pysical therapist keeps working on balance and range of motion, which is so much better than before but still a long way from where it will feel normal. The doctor takes a look at the X-rays now and then (do these guys never actually look at the ankle itself? Mine never does. Maybe he’s the quesy type).

Lee, I share your nightmare and find myself acting quite the opppsite of my usual personality, being quite forthright as people come near me! I keep my cane prominent. Still, I’ve found there is no hope for people who just don’t pay attention while walking. I find myself looking around all the time, and speaking to perfect strangers with a quick “look out” or “be careful” as they careen toward me, eyes elsewhere and attention on their Blackberry or iPhone.

Still, it’s the holidays (ice and cold notwithstanding), and what’s not to feel good about that? Merry merry to all.
LIZ (Trimal, rt ankle DOI: 5/21/08, DOS: 6/2/08) on December 25, 2008 at 10:55 am said:

Hello to all and Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates! 🙂 It’s been several weeks since I’ve posted here but I’ve been keeping up with all of you. Things are going well for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been 7 months since my ankle break. I still have some discomfort and a little swelling but overall I can’t complain. I’m back to doing all of my normal activities… shopping, working on my feet all day, taking classes at the gym. For those of you who’ve joined us recently just know that it DOES get better. I never thought I’d take my kickboxing class again, but here I am 7 months later making it through the entire hour. 🙂

Lee, OUCH! That sounds painful. I’m glad you’re okay now. I can imagine the shock on that guys face, haha, as you sunk to the floor.

Judy, you’ll be wearing your fashionable shoes again in no time. I’m so happy to be wearing my comfy flip-flops again. 🙂

I envy all of you who are having a white Christmas. It’s 80 degrees here in Georgia!!!

Well, just wanted to stop in and say hello. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! I’ll check back in soon.

Stay safe,
Liz
judy on December 25, 2008 at 10:24 am said:

Hello and Merry Christmas to you all
Well I’m three months out from surgery and am now on a cane. Still can’t work alone. It still swells and I can’t wear regular shoes, only tennis shoes. How I would love to wear a pair of nice looking shoes.
They tell me I am doing fine but it still hurts like heck and a little black and blue.
Hope everyone has a good day today.
Enjoy reading how everyone else is doing.

Happy holiday to you all. I am now three months out from surgery for a broken tibia and fibia.Still swells and hurts.I am now walking on a cane. Can’t wear a pair of regular shoes,only Tennis.
I would love to put a pair of nice looking shoes on.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas
judy on December 25, 2008 at 10:24 am said:

Hello and Merry Christmas to you all
Well I’m three months out from surgery and am now on a cane. Still can’t work alone. It still swells and I can’t wear regular shoes, only tennis shoes. How I would love to wear a pair of nice looking shoes.
They tell me I am doing fine but it still hurts like heck and a little black and blue.
Hope everyone has a good day today.
Enjoy reading how everyone else is doing.

Happy holiday to you all. I am now three months out from surgery for a broken tibia and fibia.Still swells and hurts.I am now walking on a cane. Can’t wear a pair of regular shoes,only Tennis.
I would love to put a pair of nice looking shoes on.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas
judy on December 25, 2008 at 10:24 am said:

Hello and Merry Christmas to you all
Well I’m three months out from surgery and am now on a cane. Still can’t work alone. It still swells and I can’t wear regular shoes, only tennis shoes. How I would love to wear a pair of nice looking shoes.
They tell me I am doing fine but it still hurts like heck and a little black and blue.
Hope everyone has a good day today.
Enjoy reading how everyone else is doing.

Happy holiday to you all. I am now three months out from surgery for a broken tibia and fibia.Still swells and hurts.I am now walking on a cane. Can’t wear a pair of regular shoes,only Tennis.
I would love to put a pair of nice looking shoes on.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas
judy on December 25, 2008 at 10:24 am said:

Hello and Merry Christmas to you all
Well I’m three months out from surgery and am now on a cane. Still can’t work alone. It still swells and I can’t wear regular shoes, only tennis shoes. How I would love to wear a pair of nice looking shoes.
They tell me I am doing fine but it still hurts like heck and a little black and blue.
Hope everyone has a good day today.
Enjoy reading how everyone else is doing.

Happy holiday to you all. I am now three months out from surgery for a broken tibia and fibia.Still swells and hurts.I am now walking on a cane. Can’t wear a pair of regular shoes,only Tennis.
I would love to put a pair of nice looking shoes on.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas
judy on December 25, 2008 at 10:24 am said:

Hello and Merry Christmas to you all
Well I’m three months out from surgery and am now on a cane. Still can’t work alone. It still swells and I can’t wear regular shoes, only tennis shoes. How I would love to wear a pair of nice looking shoes.
They tell me I am doing fine but it still hurts like heck and a little black and blue.
Hope everyone has a good day today.
Enjoy reading how everyone else is doing.

Happy holiday to you all. I am now three months out from surgery for a broken tibia and fibia.Still swells and hurts.I am now walking on a cane. Can’t wear a pair of regular shoes,only Tennis.
I would love to put a pair of nice looking shoes on.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas
lois on December 24, 2008 at 9:51 pm said:

Hey Lee, ouch ouch ouch… ouch ouch… Maybe it’s just as well you didn’t have your cane with you, you probably would have whacked that guy with it. Then you would have spent Christmas locked up waiting for someone to bail you out on your assault charge. (Can’t you just imagine your husband’s reaction to that?) Just teasing, cause I am SURE it hurt like heck, so that makes me think the automatic reaction would have been to strike back. Glad you are okay.. or at least I am assuming you are.

It IS nice to hear about Miss Louise dressing up for her fancy “ball” (just what lovely young women are supposed to be doing) and Trac fun to hear about you and your friend making the best of things, sliding around on your wheel chairs in the icy parking lot. Sort of picture that like the films I have seen of people ice sailing across frozen lakes. What a bunch of fun people and great sports. Well NORAD is reporting (and showing pictures ) of Santa almost over Canada now. Although he also came to this house yesterday too for some reason. Because low and behold two puppies here discovered that he had hidden twoi fluffy new little beds for them and pulled them out and made themselves quite comfortable thank you very much Santa. You tell me how these pups found them, and then how they knew that they for them anyway. But indeed they did. And you guys with kids thought they were bad eh. Take care everyone. Lois
Louise on December 24, 2008 at 5:35 pm said:

Merry CHRISTMAS to everyone on here! 🙂 Have a great day tomorrow! yay!

Louise xx
pie lady aka trac on December 24, 2008 at 2:41 pm said:

Happy Hanukkah!!! Happy Christmas!!!

Don, c’mon, don’t leave me out…include me!! Include me!!! hee hee… I broke (and dislocated) both ankles, too. I wanna be part of your group. Actually, I don’t, not one bit, but, here I am stuck, one of the so lucky few. 🙂

So, here we are 18 months later. And, yesterday, I tried to take a step w/o any aid. To no avail. Yet, it really felt like I should’ve been able to. But, my bones just did not heal in a way conducive to walking. It was explained to me that when it comes to the ankle, sometimes, when broken into as many pieces as I did, this can happen. “sigh”. But, the good thing is, this time I felt like I could take a step and I wasn’t scared. last time I was scared. So, the strength training is really helping.

It is so exciting to see everyone out shopping, going to parties, enjoying themselves. I am keeping busy myself. Last night, our parking lot was a pure sheet of ice, yet oddly fun for me and my other wheelchair friend, we just went for a roll. (not much of a hill)

Well, I just wanted to kid Don for leaving me out of the double ankle breakers club and sign on to wish the greatest support group a Merry Holidays!!!

Take Care Everyone,
Peace and Good Blessings to you all!!!
Pie Lady

(off to fix a couple for tonights dinner.
Plum Pie and Sweet Potato.)
Lee on December 24, 2008 at 11:58 am said:

Oh, I forgot to share my nightmare come true story…. I’ve been worried ever since I’ve been up and about about someone running into me and falling down or getting kicked in crowds. Thought I was being silly, but it actually happened. I was at Target the other night doing some holiday shopping. I was walking down the aisle minding my own business, when from behind I feel a searing pain right in my ankle plate. Sure enough, some clueless guy was wandering the aisles, carrying 3 hot coffees, and looking all over the place for his wife but not looking where he was walking. He smashed right into me and the tip of his boot made full impact contact, with the edge of my fibular plate. I crumpled to the ground and was writhng in pain …. thought I would throw up on the spot. The poor guy could not imagine what he had done. When I showed him the scar, the color drained from his face. If I wasn’t in so much pain, it might actually have been funny.

Note to self … when going to crowded places, carry a cane to warn people away!

-Lee
Lee on December 23, 2008 at 11:35 pm said:

Hi All,

Well, the holidays are here and in fast forward at my house! Where has the time gone? I still have lots to do and not much time left. I’m trying to keep it low key this year, but that’s hard. the kids are too worked up, as usual.

Pam – My injury was July 10, so I’m 24 weeks out from surgery. My Dr. doesn’t seem concerned about taking the metal out at any time I want – not worried abut a 9-12 month timeline at all. Now, I’m going to get a second and 3rd opinion, so no worries- I won’t be jumping to it any time immediately. Likely, Feb or March, so about 8 months from surgery.

Jessica – Welcome. We’re here to help you and your sister get through this really tough time! I too have kids and was really in a bad way trying to figure out how to make it all happen when I could not walk or drive. But we made it through – and I’m happy to share some ideas as the issues arise. Be happy she’s alive and be there for her. i echo everything all the others have been saying. You’ll make it. It won’t be fun, but you’ll all get there.

Lois – Great to hear you had such a great shopping day with no complications. I will get there too – you and all the others are great inspiration.

Cheers all. Have a wonderful holiday, love your families, and stay safe.

-Lee
Don on December 23, 2008 at 5:48 pm said:

Hey ankle breakers

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, or what ever Holiday you celebrate or not. I wish you a safe and enjoyable time.

To all the older people on this blog Pam, Louise, Lois, Erica, Tim, Ankle Quest, Sandra, and CLARK where ever you may be I hope all is well with you. To all I wish a peaceful New Year and Holiday Season. We all seem to have been on this board a long time and gone through a lot together. It is good to see that we are moving forward with the time. Some ups some downs but always forward.

To all the others that have come to the boards, I am happy to see that you are improving and working at therapy and listening and taking advice from the people that have gone this way before you. Just as we all did. We asked the same questions you do and did. And we got the same answers and support from the people that came before us, and we will all continue to give advice till the next group comes along to take our places. So maybe I can pass some of my own experiences onto someone now since there are a few of us on this list that knows what she will face.

Jessica

Welcome to a whole new world. Everything that you have been through to this point will not completely prepare you for what you are about to go through. But remember we are all here for you and your sister and have all been there and through the same situations and emotions and frustrations that you are about to go through and we all LIVED. 

• Allow me to introduce myself and give you a brief background on myself. My name is Don and along with Sandra and Celinda are the three people here that have had both ankles broken ant the same time. For me I was also in a car accident on Dec 10th 2006 along with my wife. We were hit head on by a drunk driver. My Wife got a broken back, Broken left arm, broken right collar bone, severed intestines and a damaged right knee. As for me I have pins, rods and plates in my right ankle, a bar that goes from my foot up to the bottom of my right knee and then a bar from the top of the right knee to my hip because of a broken femur, Pins, rods and plates in my Left ankle, Pins and Screws in my left hip because my pelvis was broken in 6 places and my hip dislocated and a Bar above and below my left elbow. So in all I have about 25LBS of steel inside my body right now.

Believe me all of this was not to scare you but to let you know that a person can survive
an awful lot and with work, help and determination get through all of it and still come
Out the other side. Unfortunately, for the people that go through this with us we can be
Pretty Damn Obnoxious  . We go through all the emotions, Anger, Pity, Sorrow, Self
Loathing, Hating the people that are around us and pissed at them when their not around.
We lose Our tempers for no reason and over stupid things. And suffer from frustration
over not being able to Do for ourselves. A feeling of complete helplessness, and believing
that we are never going to get better and wanting to quit or just give up.
Sometimes we even think about that? The giving up part. A lot of us have considered
Suicide, or wished that we didn’t survive the crash. So Jessica PLEASE PLEASE be
prepared for the worst ride of your life. But believe me when I say this! Every step Every
argument, Every anguishing trial will be worth it in the end. We wake up one day and
look into that mirror and go WHAT THE HELL? This isn’t who I am? I am not this weak
and am not a quitter? I have responsibilities to my Kids to my Family and Friends and to
Myself. And to (insert name) who has stood by me and been there through all of this. We
appreciate it and agonize over all you have done for us and wonder how we will ever be
able to repay the kindness, love and friendship you have given us?

We will walk again we will move forward and heal from our accidents. And improve
with the passing of time and only with the passing of time. She will get to points where
she will want to jump ahead of schedule of therapy or the Doctors. This will most likely
giver her a fast burst of motion and improvement and then put her into a setback. Same as
the rest of us that have tried it. And then there is just the dumb stuff we all try (mostly
Guys) But we all try. For me it was my Wife walking into the kitchen and there I was
trying to stick a Magnet off the refrigerator on my arm. She goes what are you doing? I
looked at her and in a serious tone said come on didn’t you ever wonder if it would stick
to the metal in my arm? She shook her head and went Men are no different then little
Boys. But I mean come on I had to Know inquiring minds and all you know. OK stop
laughing.

So to show you that it will get better after the worst times. I was non weight bearing on
my legs for three months and went through 4 major surgeries of 6 hours each and
actually got to Die three times due to congestive heart failure. And then on March 7th
they let me walk with a walker. I stood up from my wheelchair And took those first steps
and then kept walking and working. I was out of the hospital on March 10th. And through
therapy and working out as prescribed by the Doctor I went back to work on May 4th
and back to Both my jobs on the 10th of May. Had some setbacks but for the most with
help from People that I met here and along the way never looked back. I danced at my
Daughters wedding in July of 2008, Saw her graduate College in May of 2007 and took
my other Daughter to College visits and am getting ready to send her off to school at the
end of this year. And my Wife and I have adopted my youngest Daughters best friend
who is 17, and we are preparing to get her into College also. So see it is all not all down
hill, It goes up and DOWN and UP and DOWN again.

Jessica Please also remember we are all here for you and will help you and your sister in
any way we can. Smile be brave and keep fighting it will be worth it in the end. And
your Sister is a very lucky lady to have you by here side.

Keep the right part of your feet on the ground Ankle Breakers it is safer for us when we
do.

Happy Holidays
Don
lois on December 23, 2008 at 4:29 pm said:

Just a good news update for you guys. With the renos and this crazy winter weather, I have hardly ventured far from the house for a couple of months. But, yesterday we drove an hour into the nearest city to finish last minute Christmas shopping. In fact we spent hours in there. I managed through two levels of a shopping mall complete with escalators and hit most of the stores in there. I also visited a Walmart, Costco, Petsmart and a Staples as well as browsed a large furniture store and a few other smaller shops. I stood in long long line ups and trudged through snow and ice from out of the way hard to find parking spaces in back corners of lots. Towards the end of our long day, my husband suddenly turned to me and commented with amazement “you are really doing well you know” and I REALLY was. I had spent the day shopping with no aches, no pains, no discomfort of any sort, no limp and this was while managing to keep up with my husband, – a big guy with a long stride. But best of all, I was doing all of this with no fear or concern and with the utmost of confidence. I was experiencing none of the old fatique. In other words, I had spent the day conducting my life as if I had never had a broken ankle. HOW GREAT IS THAT. So, for all of you who broke your ankles after March 10, I am proof that it does continue to improve, even as long as 10 months post surgery. WOW. So keep your spirits up everyone.. it happens.

Hello to Alberta Dave. Cold enough for you??? Coast to coast in Canada we are all expecting a white Christmas this year, with more snow forecast tonight. It is currently about -18 celsius outside, or about 0 fahrenheit for the Americans on here. I am not very good at converting, . so I might be a few degrees out. It has been as cold at -26 celsius overnight. However, odd as it sounds my ankle is getting better and not reacting to the cold. I still have my metal in Dave so can’t help you. well signing off, British Columbia, Lois
Katie on December 23, 2008 at 3:23 pm said:

Pam- I will be three weeks post op this upcoming friday. My ortho will not allow me to be full weight bearing until I see him on the 31st and have a follow-up x-ray. He wants to be sure to prevent stress fractures. So I am on crutches with partial weight until then. I will admit though that when needed a few times I have dropped the crutches and walked a few feet- Its still a little pain but not too bad. Glad to hear you are healing well too. I find my boot uncomfortabl too, I have stitches rather than staples, but it still presses on the incisions..ouch!

Hope everyone else is doing well.
Katie
dave on December 23, 2008 at 1:26 pm said:

Hey all ;
A week ago i had some hardware removed a screw thru the tib fib and a couple of pins . i notice a bit more flexability but not as much as i expected . i still have 2 plates and 16 screws tho . will those make that much difference? my ortho seems like he wants them to stay in but said if they really bother me i could have them removed . any thoughts on that ? i dunno if i wanna go thru a massive surgery again to get them out . i can finnaly walk again after 4 months . not far tho but its only been 2 weeks so maybe it will b easier quickly . i cant do stairs yet but think i will b able soon . i cant wait to throw away my crutches and never look at them again lol. and strange, no pain at all when i walk , just feels week and i do walk with a limp . i dont have very good movement in my ankle yet tho . i can barely get 0 degrees up and maybe 30 degrees down . and ur supposed to have 15-20 up and 40-45 down . side to side is just about the same as before i broke it . im jus not sure if the hardware is holding me up at all . would be nice if we could upload pics on here and compare x-rays lol would help to see wat others have had removed and how it effected them so we could make more educated decisions .
well hope everyone has a merry x-mas
Dave —alberta canada
Pam on December 23, 2008 at 12:54 pm said:

Hi everyone- I am one week post op since having my hardware removed & I can already tell I have more flexibility in my ankle. The only down fall is I can’t wear my post op boot right now since the boot is digging into my staples, instead I am on crutches until they come out. I am still able to weight bear but have been taking things very slowly. I am very happy with my decision to have it all removed.

Jessica- I am so sorry to hear about your sister. The first few weeks for her are going to be very hard & she is going to feel very depressed not being able to do anything for herself or kids. I have 2 boys, a 6 & 3 year old and it was very difficult for me to care for them when I was non weight bearing. The best advise I can give your sister is to take help from anyone who offers. I had several co workers and friends take turns making meals for me as well as taking our boys to the park, etc. This helped me soo much during my recovery. I remember feeling so helpless but I knew it would eventually get better. This website also helped me a great deal during my recovery. Just as Lois said, it would really benefit you & your sister to keep reading this site.

Katie- how far out are you now since you had your hardware removed? Are you full weight bearing yet?

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Pam
lois on December 22, 2008 at 9:15 pm said:

Jessica, first of all you are a WONDERFUL caring sister, bless your heart and secondly stop fretting you will NOT do things wrong and cause more distress you will do just fine.

The people on this blog will help both you and your sister as well when she is ready to listen to you read through the posts, or is ready to read them for herself. It is better I think to answer your questions on the blog rather than by direct email, because peoples answers to you will help others with broken ankles who are just reading along.

First of all, I would suggest that you do not jump ahead worrying about the entire recovery period all at once but just try to deal with what you need to initially to start.

Sooo initially I would suggest that you try to be part of the discussions with your sisters doctor, therapists etc. Ask them the questions about what to do for bathroom facilities. (Many of us on here only had one broken ankle so we could hop to the washroom if it was close) Your sister may need a bedpan… or may need a wheelchair,, and may have to learn to transfer to one with your help initially. For bathing, my best guess is that that will require sponge bathing only for a while. Also teeth brushing will likely have to occur where your sister is located and not at a bathroom sink. So perhaps some kind of makeshift basin would work best.
I do not know where you are located, but I think you will initially want to find some charitable organization that lends out wheelchairs,,, in particular one with leg lifts… You should also try to find a squishy ice pack or two,,, they almost freeze but stay squishy enough to wrap around a leg, toes etc… we can get them here at the pharmacy, drug stores. The key things at first will be elevation,,,and ice…. so yes an ottoman might help… but the best elevation is three feet over the level of the heart… as long each day and night as possible. The faster the swelling goes down with ice and elevation the better the pain control without drugs. So see if you can think of how to rig something up that gives her that elevation. ie I used draping my leg up onto the back of a love seat, but with two broken legs… well what would happen if you pushed a living room chair up beside a love seat or sofa,,, could she comfortably get both legs up three feet over her heart level??? or in a bed… the mattress can be propped up on an angle???? with something???

Be prepared for her to be frustrated and depressed. I think that is part of it, especially for those of us who are used to being very independent. We ankle breakers can be a bit difficult to live with during this,,, so please remember that it is not personal… if she gets cranky. She will be bored bored bored. So good books,,, perhaps some on line games,,, puzzle books,,, videos… there just is not enough to break up the complete boredom, and then on top of it, she may find it hard to concentrate on a video, a book etc. I kept a calendar on the end table and numbered the days backward until I went in to get the cast cut off two months later. Counting the days down helped, especially for the last few weeks. Company coming in to visit… in small but steady doses,,, I found food in small doses ,,, she may not be able to eat three big meals,,, but may like smaller meals every couple of hours. No exercise and pain killer medication can cause difficulty with regularity so a softener may help. I was incredibly thirsty for some reason… so a variety of drinks,, including good healthy milk for rebuilding bone …. kept a supply as well as a cool cloth for wiping my face on the end table. I don’t know anything about thigh exercises, but first exercies should include wiggle those toes often even if they are numb. Perhaps rub them. And try to keep the calf muscles from atrophying too much by lifting the leg,, bend the knee,,,pull it back in towards the chest and stomach,,, stretch it back out
etc… many many times a day… Soooo mostly it is just going to be trying to get through the first two months (grin and bear it months) until the casts come off, and then it is onto the next stage….where the rehab starts up.

Also, I have no idea what your situation is, but if there is any chance of getting some help ie insurance covered Registered Nurse to come in to assist with a few things, than do it. Especially if you are working as well??? and especially if you are also going to be looking after your sister’s children.

And along with all of this,,, I have one huge suggestion. Stay on this blog… let your sister come on this blog. Read through all the entries on this blog. Some will be educational, some will be supportive,,, some will be concerning,,, some will be humorous,,, but they will all help you and your sister feel supported, not so isolated and not alone. All the best to you both. And all the best to everyone else. Lois
Tim on December 22, 2008 at 4:12 pm said:

Hello everyone,
Just wanted to say hello and I hope that everyone is doing better by the day.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Jessica best of luck for you and your sister I hope it goes well for you both. It’s nice to see sisters so close and I can tell how much you love her. Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help. Ask questions here because here we have some of the smartest people in the world when it comes to this kind of thing….trust me.

Hello to all my old friends on here. Clark,Don,Anklequest,Louise,Lois and anyone else I have missed along with the newer folks on here.

God Bless,

Tim
Katie on December 21, 2008 at 12:01 pm said:

HI all!

Pam- I am using crutches. I have thought about trying to get a cane though, as it would be easier I think to have one free hand when I am hobbling around. I also have a wheelchair a friend loaned me so its much easier to get Christmas shopping and stuff done! Sorry to hear you have staples, I remember how pinchy they were, and not fun to have removed either. I was so excited to hear I had dissolvable stiches this time. It was a different surgeon than the first, and I like him so much better. He seems more compassionate.
Over all my pain is much improved. It is sore by the end of the day, especially if I have been up and about most of the day but over all it feels great! I can already feel more flexion in my ankle when I do my exercises too.
Louise- Congrats on your first time in heels! It’s definately a challenge trying out new shoes and wobbly ground after these kinds of breaks. It helps to start to feel “normal” again!

Pam- Sorry to hear about your sister, I can’t imagine breaking both at the same time, one was hard enough. I agree with Louise in that after a couple of weeks I found myself very agitated and frustrated- so it helped to get out of the house in my wheelchair once in a while and visit society! I would recommend an ottoman, or if you have a large sofa she can spread out on thats good too. I slept on the couch and in a recliner most of the time, because moving back and forth and up and down stairs to bed was too hard. Other advise would be to keep a large water bottle next to her and maybe a snack or two at her bedside table. I had that and it was so nice not to have to ask just to get a glass of water or a small snack.
Best of luck to you!

Hope everyone else is doing well are are ready for Christmas! It came up on us fast this year. Hope everyone has a blessed holiday. Take care!
Katie
Louise on December 21, 2008 at 10:26 am said:

Hi everyone!!!

Only a few more days till christmas! WOOP!! I am very excited!!

Hello to all of you out there, digging yourself out of snow and stuff. I just have coldness here…no snow, just coldness! ha ha!

Jessica. So sorry to hear about your sister. I cant imagine what it would be like to break both ankles! 🙁 But, she is alive, and will soon be back up on her feet, and doing great I’m sure! When I did mine (I only broke one, in april this year!) I managed to stay quite positive for the 1st 2-3 weeks, then after that, I got very depressed, and grouchy with eveyone. I am also very independant, and found it very difficult to accept the help that was being offered to me. my mum was fab, and so was my flatmate, who ran around getting dinner’s ready, and doing my washing, but even so, I found it very difficult, so be prepared for her shouting, and snapping at you a lot, and for me, the most annoying thing for people to say was “Oh, I know how you feel!” Do you?? Have u ever broken a leg, or an ankle? No? Then how do you know how I feel? (So maybe avoid that sentence unless you actually DO ha ha!)
The time that you are in the cast I found was the hardest, as you cannot SEE any improvement, and cannot DO anything to make it better, so once you get past that, it should hopefully get a bit better for her.
This site is great for support and stuff, so if yu want to keep us updated, it is a great site, to have a moan, and release some steam! 🙂

Well…as for me, I managed a whole EIGHT hours in some heals last night! Woop! Admittedly, I am in a bit of pain today, and limping around a bit, but I am rather impressed with myself personally! I didn’t fall over, or have to take them off, although my feet are very much out of practise for heals, as the balls on my feet are still burning quite a lot! Ouchy! But it’s all good. I can now start to incorporate heals back into my wardrobe as a one off shoewear item! yay. I had a very good night at my work ball, a little bit more wine than I should have done….but its christmas….who’s counting ay? ha ha. Off to a carol service in a bit, which should be fun! 🙂

Hope everyone has a great week (in these final days leading to christmas! yay.)

Louise xx