firstly, my heart goes out to you all. I'm looking at the stories and being day 5 after surgery with pins, plates and pain I'm just coming back to reality and see the long haul ahead. In bed and couch, foot up, no weight on it or in any position really but up. I guess right now wait and see in 2 weeks for X-ray and hopefully cast. I'm 65 with osteo so know this is going to be a very slow go. Lucky I have a husband but with him working, helping me and doing the house he's overwhelmed. One day at a time. Any tricks of the trade are appreciated as it's hard being dependent for pretty much on everything. Thanks everyone and keep on, cause I know I'm going have a few crumb days along this path and your stories are going to be my inspiration.
best
jannie
Jannie,
I feel for you. I'm 62 and I broke my ankle Sept 25th. At this point I'm doing much better and I healed even with osteopenia.
My tips: wheelchair if you don't have one, I bought a knee scooter (but I felt it was hard to mount and I felt insecure, maybe better for someone in better shape than me), shower chair ( I put mine in my jacuzzi tub), elevating and ice are helpful, find something to entertain yourself (I crocheted multiple baby blankets), get out of the house as often as you can to brighten your mood, hire a housecleaner if possible (it's too much for the caretaker, remember it's temporary) massage once a week (your arm and shoulder muscles get a work out). I felt guilty that my husband had to do so much. I didn't hire a housekeeper, but in hindsight I should have.
The time goes by faster than you think. Focus on healing, eating right. Before you know it you'll be wondering if the ankle is going to work and then wa la, it does. I've been amazed how it all seems to come together.
I'm in a boot for another 10 days. My ankle is stiff. I've gotten 50% of the mobility back. I can walk in my house with a walker. I had crutches, but didn't use them much while NWB. I've used them with the boot.
Take care of yourself. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I'm available if you have any questions.
I put a dryer sheet in my boot to keep it smelling nice. Other than that
, be careful on wet floor spots with crutches.
I forgot...best tip is buying a bedside commode.
A laptop computer was a great distraction for me. I watch any you tube on anything I didn' t know how to do: makeup, jewelry making, cooking...you name it. Always have a pen and notebook on clip board by your side. I had several in key places. Also had cell chargers in various places As well as lots of water to drink. Keep your foot up all the time. I have had minimal swelling because I did it all the time except when using bathroom and shower chair...even when sleeping. Good luck. Follow Dr orders explicitly.
Thank you Linda, you've given me inspiration and some kind of a timeframe to look at. I'm eating very well, have a wheelchair but right now it just moves me from a to b to sit in a different room, not a bad thing. I have visitors so I'm very grateful for that too. My butt is getting pretty sore haha. Thank God for my iPad and dog! When you were not mobile did you stretch your other leg. When did you start ohysio and would upper body sore too? Other than that day by day. I've cut way down on pain Meds and pretty much twice a day light dose which helps. Dr said don't let the pain get away on you. Thanking you so much your going be my lifeline and others on this site. A big thankyou
best
jannie
Good tip, look forward in 2 weeks to hopefully getting my cast. Enjoy your day
Got one, life saver.......
Thank you Dee, yes I'm doing all of that and swelling looks good....hurts like heck moving from bed to chair when position goes from up to down, but I know blood flow causes this. I know once I can stand again it will settle. Yes tray full of pens, paper, music, YouTube is a life saver and drinking tons of water...I can't tell you how happy that I found this site. It's tough having your mate as a care giver cause I just want to make things as smooth as possible, can't fire the help....haha
enjoy your day! Best Jannie
I took Celebrex and Tylenol for pain. After, 5 days I took Tylenol twice a day. I only had severe pain for 2 days and at night. It seemed that it would swell in the day and feel like it had a tourniquet on my ankle at night. I'm still taking it once or twice a day. I did some leg lifts with both legs, tried to stretch my back and neck. Getting a massage really helped. If you have the energy I would think moving around would be good. I did feel very tired and was going to bed at 6pm and getting up very early at 3am. My injured leg was atrophied by the time the cast came off, but it comes back quickly. My calf looked very thin and weak, but now 2 weeks with some mobility and it looks much better. I would think it could take another month to look normal. It's nice to have some company.
Thanks Linda
im day 5 after surgery. I'm taking pain Meds twice a day, nite is worst but icing helps underneath my splint - Right now I'm going from bed to commode and back to bed. It has to be up Dr says so no wheeling around much. Then I go to living room with leg us for change of view. Hopefully some Christmas decor will lift my spirits more. So far so good with my Spirits.....I very much appreciate your help, this forum is my life line right now. It is encouraging to have this!!!!! Enjoy your day! Best Jannie
I was told to keep foot up for 2 weeks with only going to bathroom. Up when sleeping too. That's what I did and had NO swelling. I know it's hard to stay in bed but my physical therapist told me by staying in bed with leg up almost all the time is what helped me the most in that 2 wk period. I am 8 wks since surgery and have had boot 2 wks of those 8. Still keep foot up whenever I can. Hardly any swelling as I am walking in boot. Keep in mind the swelling is a lot of what's causing the pain all along. Good luck.
I really feel for people suffering with broken ankles.
I was told by my consultant that recovery would be around 2 months.
I felt very depressed and also worried about not being able to walk, drive or work,and not able to pay my bills.
My wife has been very supportive, however is mentally & physically drained, which has caused several heated debates, and I find myself saying sorry & thanking people all the time for helping me.
I don't want to socialise with people, as I'm embarrassed by my situation.
It has been almost 11 weeks since my injury, i get really frustrated & angry at times, especially if I drop something & can't pick it up on my own.
I hope for all reading my post that they heal quickly, and return to normality asap.
Good luck
Hi Paul
thanks for sharing......it is very hard on a relationship, but I'm practising all sorts of patience. I'm a long ways from walking but try and go day by day.........lucky I have neighbours to come and stoke the fire and talk, that's my bright side right now...........I live in a very small village in the mountains of BC Canada and news travels fast. I hope you do try to reach out Paul as the way I look at it is our mates can't do it all and it will aid our healing, asking for hlelp is the hardest part.
what I know is most people want to help, I understand your embarrassment but accidents happen. I wish you the very best.
jannie 🌞
Hi Jannie.
I enjoy sharing experiences on this forum with other people going through similar problems, you don't feel as isolated.
I use Facebook to chat to people to break up the day from watching tv,
I also try to do some housework to occupy my mind.
I had an ex work colleague call on me today for a few hours which was a nice change.
I met up with a few friends last Sunday & went for a meal with my wife, which was nice.
I really feel for people who are long term disabled or housebound, I would hate to be in that situation.
My accident happened as I slipped in the shower rushing to leave for work, breaking my leg & ankle in two places.
I keep thinking back to the day of my injury, questioning myself.
Anyway, the clock cannot be turned back, and I have to deal with my present situation and get well as soon as possible.
I have witnessed though, people do want to help, even strangers will speak to you asking what has happened, they will rush to hold a door open for you. It has made me realise how lucky I have been pre injury to get to 53 years of age and to have led an active life and never been in hospital.
Hi Paul
i had to chuckle cause I slipped in shower too and broke two bones and dislocated bone in my foot also.....yes look forward not back. So glad to hear your seeing and doing things....so far I'm having visitors but that can be tiresome, right now I'm just wanting things to settle cause my poor mate is tired and working - so hard on our partners....count our Blessings I like to say. Take good care and you'll be up and moving around soon, then you can report in on your amazing progress,
night time here, time to get ready for bed......
Hi Dee
lim doing as you, foot up, in bed as Dr said no movement. It's hard as can be being on your butt all day, but it's for this period of time. I'm happy it's going good for you, your 8 weeks ahead of me, so I'll follow your lead. Thanking you Dee, any tips I'm happy to hear them. Thank God for Internet, this site and people on this forum. I wish you a smooth recovery......keep on
best
jannie
Hi Jannie.
Just back from physio and as promised reporting back with progress.
Anyway, my first physio appointment today since my injury in September.
I have been advised to put full weight on my foot, had some massage on my foot, then some physical exercises being watched closely by the nurse.
I have been told to put socks & shoes on, and to treat my foot as pre injury.
There will be pain & swelling as my foot is normally being elevated, then now being "woken" and being asked to do the complete opposite.
I have noticed that the colour of my injured foot is changing from a purple/ blue colour to an identical colour of my good foot.
I asked when I can expect to be walking unaided, to which I was told 6-8 weeks.
It has made me feel more positive, and the fact that with only 30 minutes physio that I have noticed some improvement.
I hope you and all other patients on this forum a speedy recovery, and try, as difficult as it is, to stay positive.
Thank you Paul, that's great news......the rehab starts and I know small progress will be seen daily. Do you keep your cast on or is it off now? Did you get a ankle brace? So much to know. How long does the leg come back? So from start to finish 4 mos?? That's a great piece of news on 1/2 hour rehab and noticing difference.
It's a week today and I'm feeling a bit blue today. But it is temporary. I know once I get out next week to the cast clinic I will see something new besides the end of the bed, sorry for the rant I'm just pooped today. Overall my pain is good - down to 2 pills a day and getting in and out of bed pretty good. Keep me posted, I love to see the progress.
Enjoy your day
jannie ❄️🌟
Hi Jannie. I really hope I can see signs of progress no matter how small on a daily basis. I no longer have a cast or any support, I was told to be bare footed in the house and to wear normal socks and trainers to go outdoors.
It will be 4 months, start to finish, which is double the original estimated time.
I admit, I was surprised noticing my skin on my foot changing colour in such a short time, however the swelling has been the biggest issue.
I have limited movement in my foot, but have been told that will improve with exercise on a daily basis.
Its normal to feel blue, the first month being the worst, but as you say, it is temporary. I only go outdoors 1 day a week for a few hours with my wife in the car due to her work commitments but it does make you feel positive just seeing people, and having a coffee or lunch.
My pain was good, I took Paracetamol at bedtime as a precaution, but stopped taking them as it was only the first few weeks that I needed them.
The only issue I have experienced is being on crutches so long, that I get pain in my shoulders with the constant pressure of carrying the weight of your whole body.
I will keep you posted as to my progress.
please try to stay positive, and remember it's not forever.
Have a good day.
Paulusdw