I have concluded from reading everyones posts that this will not be a quick process. I am a doer not a whiner, and I have all of you with experience to share, I am now organizing my world around me to make life easier. Could you share some "short cuts" on getting things done?
First should ask which part are you getting ready for? Are you scheduled for surgery?
I have had surgery, so this is unplanned....I am 6 days out from surgery. So far I feel pretty good pain finally subsided. I am just looking for advice on how to make my every day life easier.
Definitely get a scooter. That was a life saver. Elevate and ice - a lot. Let people help you. Do not get discouraged, this too shall pass! Have patience-was not easy for me but helped me in the end.
Keep the faith.
Things could be so much worse.
There IS light at the end of the tunnel!
Thanks, I know things could be worse. My oldest son at 20 had cancer with only 3% chance of survival. With the grace of God he is now considered cured. I think that helps, me accept and deal with what would normally defeat others.
Yes, if at all possible get a scooter - one that steers. Also, go ahead and order an Even Up (or similar product) to help when you start bearing weight. They aren't pretty, but having one will help prevent knee and hip problems. I also had a special elevation pillow with a "well" built into it that kept my leg from moving off of the pillow. I was able to borrow a shower stool and that helped me a lot. I didn't have to cover my leg I just let it hang out of the tub.
Beyond the physical, I suggest that you stay as busy as possible to avoid depression. Since most of my job is online, I was able to keep working. If you can't work or don't work, find books to read. If you don't knit, crochet, or do any kind of hand work, you might want to try it. From what I've read, the boredom that sets in when you can't do anything is one of the biggest battles people face after ankle/foot surgery.
Good luck with your recovery!
I agree about the depression. Some days are worse than others. I just told myself today is a bad day; tomorrow will be better and it always was. Look for little graces. My faith got me through. I also read some books I never would have been able to! I got back to my knitting after 10 years being too busy.
And ... you may be walking sooner than you think!
Dear Becky
I've invested in an iWalk 2.0 so that I can walk and be hands free as soon as I'm released to go home. If interested a search on Amazon will bring up reviews, user experiences and videos. It is not for everyone but I'm 76 and managing it well.
Cheers Richard
Dear Suzie
I've no idea how old or fit you are but it may help you to watch a short video I made to help others about to have a TAR. The video shows me walking on various surfaces, going up and down slopes and running up and down stairs at twenty weeks at age 71. Google Yogesh total ankle replacement. You will also see my lovely working red Welsh Sheepdogs keeping me company!
Cheers Richard
Get family to put things at your level. Hubby put microwave cups water coffee tea spoons all on a coffee table. He used my craft trolley and put all my wearable clothes face washers towels bandages on it. I'm an independent so and so. Need as much independence as possible. He bought me a Reacher. (Nab grabber my grandson called it ) gave easy reach for everything. Even assists in dressing. Commodes shower chairs.
PS. I only posted about my video to give members a positive message that it does not have to be too bad but there is no getting away from it that the recovery is tough and far harder than a hip replacement!
Cheers Richard
Hi. My sister had right hip replaced 3 days after my surgery to plate and screw my break. 6 weeks later she had left hip replaced. She was back at work 4 weeks later. So 10 weeks hips. I'm back at work after 19 weeks. Lots of swelling and more bruising very red shins. Sisters fine no pain. Her dr told her more about my injury than my surgeon did.
I was looking at this product, my concern is how long can I wear it at a time? Do I need to remove it to sit down, that seems like it would be a pain to take on and off.
Thanks for the great advice!
Dear Suzie
I have worn it for an hour or two when practicing out of doors in a public place. In the house I've worn it for perhaps an hour but that's only because I was just jetting used to using it but if I had to longer periods should not be an issue.
When I had my primary TAR five years ago the thing that I found really difficult to deal with as I was living on my own was doing those tasks where the use of both hands was essential. Even trying to carry a cup of tea or a plate of food was impossible with crutches so I was dreading having to face the same all over again when I get my revision. That's when I started to look at options and that is how I stumbled on the iWalk 2.0 With this special crutch I can even Hoover the floors or strip the garden.
A good point of using it is that the muscles in your leg, calves etc are being used so when you are able to again start weight bearing your recovery is faster.
One can sit down with it , I've just done it and the best way is to put your bad leg across the good one to support the crutch leg. Taking it off took me ten seconds but putting it on takes about a minute.
If you would like to take to me on the phone about it just message me if you want.
Cheers
Richard
Err, typo it should have been strim the garden!
Cheers
Richard
Get a knee scooter! Ice ice ice elevate elevate elevate! Order groceries they a pick up service like Walmart that friends / family can just go have put in their trunk and bring to you . Apply for financial aid or set up payments for med bills. Don't rush things!!!!! Keep a sleep schedule. Get up at a decent time, go to bed at a decent time. Bathe every 2-3 days don't go longer or you will feel disgusting! It's ok to where nightgowns. Eat healthy. Take vitamins and FIBER!!!!!! U may need a laxative . Cinstipation comes from pain meds and from non activity. Ask people to run errands and come see you! They may not offer but don't mind -- just need asked! Hth
I haven't walked since June 2016. I'm 66 but was active with arthritis until this accident. I broke my left ankle in an auro accident so it was pretty bad.
After a couple of surgergies and a cast the doctor concluded i need a rod inserted in my heel and up my bone marrow in my shin. That was in 2/3/2017. I was starting to walk until until that surgery. I haven't walked since. I know he did it because my bone was not supporting foot and it was pointing the wrong way. I was also in and out of nursing homes last year because of recurring infection. Once I was finally home I bought vitamin and mineral supplements and started on a regime of getting healthy. I was anemic, and had vein problems. I started a series of vein ablations to increase circulation in both legs. My right knee is also severly arthritic. Then I had breast cancer in April and was tremendously lucky and only needed a lumpectomy and one radiation treatment. But my oncologist has really helped me. He sent me to get iron infusions to fix my anemia. So I ok now. He's having me get a colonoscopy because my tests say I'm losing blood. I still have an open wound from the Feb. Surgery that hasn't closed. So I do that 9/15/2017. The vein ablations reduced the painful swelling in that leg too so I can wear sandals on both feet now. Milestone! But I had to install a chair lift for my stairs to remain in my condo. My oncologist's referral has lead me to Cedars Sinai Medical center to get two second opinions. I only went there because my orthopedic surgeon seemed to have given up. They can't tell me anything until they run some tests. One doctor isn't available until October. My oncologist also ran a bone scan on me a year after my accident and is now giving me bone hardening injections every 6 months. I wish someone haf thought to do this a year ago!!!! But it is what it is. I would have done a lot of things differently, sooner if I'd known it was going to be such a pain in the ass. But I am a fighter and a lot of wonderful people have been sent my way to help me so for that I am very grateful. So I still have a long way to go but I haven't given up and feel better this last few months than I have in years, except for my legs. That's going to take a little longer.
Be patient. Give yourself time to heal. Understand that some days are harder than others. I'm starting week 3 post op for a broken right ankle. Each week I've been given a new apparatus- splint post surgery, cast and now NWB boot. Each time I've had to readjust to the new thing on my foot. It can be frustrating. For the first two weeks post surgery, I went without undies and wore a dress or nightgown and this made life a little easier to use the bathroom. Get a hobby as there is only so much tv/Netflix, etc that can be watched. Don't stay in your bedroom. If you are able, go outside, even if it's on your front step and back. Hang in there. It is going to take time.
Suzie,
Don't lose hope. I am 7 weeks today post op for a triple fracture and dislocation od my left ankle. I have 2 plates and 12 screws. I was cleared yeatwrday for full weight bearing in the boot for a week and can ditch the boot when I feel comfortable. I am now walking with just one crutch and can walk with no crutches but my balance still needs work so I like to have the one crutch. I can also stand on one leg with my left leg for 25 seconds (as long as I hold onto something for balance). Have faith in yourself. Everyone is different and just because some people weren't able to walk for months doesn't mean you wont. Good luck hun and stay positive!!!!