Dr pushing to go back to work after ORIF on right ankle

Foot care
1

Hi you all,

I’ve been reading lost of stories here, awesome community! I slipped on ICE back in mid February and broke my fibula. (I’m 43 years old btw) 4 days later I had ORIF surgery. After 4 weeks of misery I started to do better and at 7 weeks I was almost FWB. At 8 weeks now, i’m FWB but with a limp and i’m doing PT twice a week, my dorsiflexion is not that great obviously and it hurts some when I walk. I understand it’s expected, but the other day at PT I might over did some exercise that they put you in a thick foam on the edge and you raise on your toes. I think it injured my tendons or something cause after that day it swells on the inside of the ankle. Dr want me to go back to I believe “full duty” as he wanted me to go light duty with restrictions at 6 weeks. My employer cannot accommodate the restrictions of not climbing ladders and lifting over 50 pounds. (I’m an electrician in a big school) Here I am, 4 weeks away to potentially being release to full duty and i’m still in some pain and with a limp. Foot swells some when I walk, I expected that and suspect soft tissue is probably causing it. I can’t wait to go back to work, but I think i’m not ready, I know there’s 4 weeks left, but going to PT twice a week, I don’t think it’s helping if I have the soft tissue irritated. I would think the PT might make it worst.

I will appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

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What I dislike about some doctors are they don’t listen. Don’t ask me how I’m feeling then TELL me how I’m supposed to feel. I’m a paramedic and on the 5th will be 2mos since my ORIF ankle surgery. There’s nooooo way I’ll be able to return to work. I can barely walk on my ankle. Be stern with your doctor. Let him know respectfully that you don’t carry a pen and pad like him(not trying to be disrespectful) but you have a physical job. A few years ago I tore my meniscus slipping on ice and work comp lied and said my knee was sprained. After a few weeks they released me after I told them something wasn’t right. Went back to work, tried to toughened it out. I couldn’t so I went back off, asked for an independent doc and that’s when I found out I was working with a tear. Do what’s best for you. Don’t allow anyone to tell you how you’re feeling.