Hi just thought I'd give you guys all an update. 6 month to the day when I broke my ankle in three places and my tibia and fib.
Well what can I say 2 surgeries
10 pieces of metal MRSA and slight depression later.
I went for my first hike again since it happened wore safety boots.
I was thinking when I'd broken my leg and ankle that id never be able to walk again I've been back to work since July back to full time.
I've done a 7 and a half mile hike. I've got my life back it isn't permanent it's just a hurdle in life. How you over come it is up to you.
Listen to everyone on this site it's what got me through some of my worst days. But even when you feel like there's no light at the end of the tunnel there is! Just hang in there.
Wow! Thanks so much for coming back to the site and posting such an inspirational post!
I broke my fibula just over 4 weeks ago while hiking in the back country (stable Weber A). I had to hike out on it (about 4km) aided by my hiking pole and the help of a friend when I needed it. It is my goal and dream to get back to hiking again.
That is so impressive that you were able to do a 7.5 mile hike. Great idea to wear safety boots! I have a pair myself, so I will take a page from you and use those when I am able to hike again. What a super idea!
I'm still in the recovery process from an ORIF broken fibula, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments, so I'm only just getting started on the walking part of the show. I'm almost 14wks. in and three surgeries later, still struggling to gain my independence.
It can get very frustrating because the process is so long to get your life back, and it sure can get depressing when you aren't able to do things for yourself or get out of the house on your own.
It takes patience and perseverance but, you are right, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for your inspiring words. Best of Luck to you!
Thank you for your positive words and thoughts. I am glad things are going well for you!
I fractured my ankle in 2 places almost three months ago, eight weeks with a cast. I am 63 so it takes me longer to heal.
I started using crutches right away, but my good foot started hurting like crazy. I then borrowed a wheelchair from the Red Cross to give my foot time to recuperate.
After my cast was removed, I began bearing weight. The crutches at this point were quite useful. Before that I found them to be awkward.
Now bearing more weight, I started using just one crutch, then nothing! My foot still hurts, but I tell myself they are healing pains; making the bones stronger.
My progress is slow. However, I do keep in mind that any amount of progress is good progress!
It is hard to believe I have been three months housebound, only getting out for appointments.
Lately, I have been going out for fresh air and very short walks. Also, I walk up and down the hallway of my apartment block. And, I do the daily exercises my physiotherapist gives me.
There were times when I did not feel very positive about things at all and had no confidence I'd get better.
I am getting better now and wish for everybody going through this experience the same!
I love hearing This!! Today is my first day back in a shoe after 10 weeks in a cast and a boot. It feels so good making progress. There has been a lot of dark days but I'm beginning too see the light at the end of the tunnel. Does your ankle feel normal? I also broke mine in 3 places. Thanks for coming back with encouragement for all of us still healing.
The recovery is difficult when it's in your head don't let it rule you.
There is light at the end of the tunnel I went a week where I thought I'd never walk again. I was walking short distances 4 or 5 days after having my cast off.
I was lucky though I lost all feeling in my leg so didn't get much pain. It still swells now so I wear trainers for work but I can stand for 8 hours.
You'll be hiking again in no time just look how far you have came from the previous week. Is my best advice
I was the same Deb hated being stuck in the house.
I had 2 orif surgeries and then got MRSA which I treated myself (changed dressings etc).
In the beginning I cried (I hardly ever cry) because I dropped something and couldn't pick it up. Don't let it get in your head don't let it win because it's only temporary.
You'll look back and say I don't know why I was so sad. Just stay positive and listen to your body
My ankle doesn't feel weird. My leg does about 2/3 of the way up to my knee just in front of my calf I have a scar (which is pretty deep as I caught MRSA) if I touch that I get electric shocks but the rest of my leg around there is numb.
My ankle is itchy and when I scratch it I can't feel it SO ANNOYING lol I damaged the nerves so the itch is a good thing.
It still swells now and then I'm still wearing trainers for work.
Take it slow listen to your body and if you're like me you'll need no physio as the surgeon done a fantastic job.
If you do make sure you do the exercises as the ankle is very weak. So work on building strength aswell as flexibility
Congratulations on your recovery. I just got the go ahead for partial weight bearing after suffering a trimalleolar fracture on 9/7. For those of you out there in the early/immobile stages--there is hope. Being immobile and dependent on others for literally everything has been the hardest for me. And others are right. Don't let your negative thoughts take over. The night before I went to the doctor, I told my daughter I was sure I would never walk again. She (a physician herself, "but not ortho", told me I would certainly walk again, no question about it. I am young (not really, 63), these fractures happen to women my age . . . Her little talk helped get me through the next twelve hours, when I saw the orthopedic surgeon. This forum is a great place for support from others who understand what you are going through.
Thank you for your encouraging words...yes, it does take a huge mental toll on you, but, not much you can do about it except face it head on and celebrate every little bit of progress!
Thanks for your encouraging update. What are trainers? I will start WBAT in my boot this Friday and doc says it may take 2-4 weeks then to fit into shoes again. I rolled my R ankle off a step, have 2 fibula fractures and a completely torn ligament of the outer ankle. Before the fall I played beach volleyball, table tennis, and pickleball. At this point my goal is to be able to safely go up steps that have no railing, like when you enter someone's house. This is what I will be required to do to go back to work as an occupational therapist in home health. I'm 63. Guess I will need to get some trainers.
So delighted to hear back from you, and that you are doing really well.
Patients on this forum vitally need to hear about success stories like yours. Every day those unfortunates in early stages of ankle injury recovery read heart-wrenching post after post of so much ankle/foot trauma and drama.
Yes, we certainly need to hear more upbeat stories like yours. I believe moderate to complete recoveries such as you reported are indeed the rule (although sometimes it is a long time coming-- didn't someone once say that patience is a virtue?).
The reason we don't hear a lot more success stories here is simply that winning patients are too busy with their lives now that they have mobility back.
Hi Chazma, Thank you for your words of encouragement!
Several days ago, I thought it would be a good idea to venture out, get some fresh air and exercise. However, after the third day, my foot became sore. On those same days, I decided to walk up and down the hallway in my apartment block. After this, my foot pain was worse, so I had to rethink and readjust.
What you wrote helped me make that decision, thank you!
The thought of walking on grass appeals to me somehow!
Thanks Chazma89! I'm really believing it today. Day 2 of my return to weight bearing as tolerated and it is going so well... way better than I expected. I too am able to walk short distances (like circles around my kitchen... nothing more ambitious than that yet) in my boot unsupported. I have my walker handy, but I am absolutely filled with joy that I can take steps like a normal person (or as normal as one can be in a boot... lol).
Totally agree with you. I think it is super important to give people hope by sharing the happy successful stories. I think sometimes people may be shy about having good times and achieving a healed state when others are struggling, but I think for many reading about a success is the inspiration that we need to strive to also have a successful result.
Well I'm glad I can be of help to those in the early to weight baring stages.
The reason I came back to the site because there was one night I was sat with the darkest thoughts in my mind about trying to end my life (I know it's crazy what goes on in your head). I was stuck in the house I couldn't even get up stairs to the toilet and i just felt like a failure to life.
I used to visit this site daily because of all the bizarre sensations and wanting to know what was next.
And It was literally what everyone went through I went through. On the night in question I remember reading someone's success story of how they had walked around uni etc. And it made me determined to get better to beat how I was feeling.
If I can at least make one person believe and know they can get better than I'm happy, because it was some random strangers story on here that made me stop having suicidal thoughts.
There's tough days there's stressful days and days when you don't have energy. I remember my first day partial weight bearing I wanted to get to the shop. It took me a week to eventually get there. If you have family and friends who help you thank them because they are your support at probably your worst point in life.
Sorry for the long reply most of all good luck and i hope I've gave you all a little bit of hope and a nudge to share your success stories I look forward to reading them.
