I'm 2 and a half weeks post 2nd surgery on a trimalleolar fracture and a shattered tibia and fibula. I had my 1st surgery 4 weeks ago which wasn't a success.
Anyhow I had my staples out yesterday, and was told I only had to have my cast on another 4 weeks rather than another 6 weeks. I have to get my cast changed weekly though because my long scar is still weeping.
I'd just like to say thank you to this forum for helping me out because 2 weeks ago there was 2 days where I thought I couldn't go and some members of this forum said it was natural to feel like that. I'm feeling a lot more positive and have began putting a positive slant on not so good days.
My next goal in sight is getting my cast off and beginning to weight bare I've read a lot of comments saying this is very uncomfortable. Another thing is I am keeping the metal work in and a lot of you are getting it taken out is this normal?
I am also keeping my metal in. You and I seem to be a minority on this forum to do that. I am ten months post surgery and I have been fine. Good luck. Keep posted. I want to know your progress. An advantage to getting your cast changed weekly is the chance to look at your scar and the relief of getting your ankle and leg breathing with fresh air and a small time frame relief from the swelling.
I think my doc said you get hardware out only if it bothers you or in my case will limit my range of motion. If it doesn't bug you keep it in. Weight bearing in 4 weeks is great, your muscle wont atrophy as much . I was 13 weeks and it was a long journey. I'm 18 weeks out and have taken my first hands free steps, but still a long way to go. I can only go fir about 12-15 steps then tire. A few more each day but it is a slow process.
I fell on January 16/17 result was a comminuted trimalleolar pilon fracture ( shattered Tib/fib ) I had ORIF surgery the following day - 2 plates 19 screws
I spent the first 8 days in hospital with the surgical cast on - 2 weeks post op surgeon removed surgical cast and I went straight into an air cast. At this point in my recovery I am walking without the air cast, no crutches - fully weight bearing.... my hardware will not be coming out either.
When you first start weight bearing it will be awkward and uncomfortable but it will get easier
Keep up the positive attitude and good luck with your recovery
Air cast is the removable boot - it gives you the freedom to remove it and work on your range of motion .... I was told I could remove it to bathe or if I was sitting with my foot elevated - I removed it as much as possible and really pushed myself hard as I have zero coverage for being off work
When I started to weight bare, it was fine. I used crutches and my doctor showed me how to step with the crutches when starting to weight bear. I did little by little and then walked a bunch with my boot and crutches. I walked alot due to a vacation that required a ton of walking. Did elevating and icing at bedtime. And now at 10 months, I am finally back to my quick walking speed. I worked out at the gym in boot and crutches from week 7 and on. I am 59, but my body is young for my age. Doctors have told me that, since I was 40. I have always been active in sports and running. I am not running anymore. That is my only hesrtbreak.
My first weightbearing steps were more like swiftly rolling my weight from heel to toe on my surgery foot and walking quickly with my crutches, with my nonsurgery foot taking most of my weight. Your ankle and foot will know. Elevating and icing work magic. I am from Milwaukee WI area. I hope this gives you an idea what weightbearing will be like. Good luck!
Do you know if it is ok to remove the boot for much of the time? I broke my ankle 5 days ago and only put it on when moving about. I'm afraid I will hit it or fall again and do more damage.