eitak25
01-15-2009, 10:17 PM
I am signed up for the modified brostrom surgery on the 27th of January due to a sprain back in November. I had pain initially after the sprain, but it lessened until now. I can make it until 2 or so in the afternoon (I stand all day) before I just have to take a something for the pain. I have noticed that it is more the ankle joint and I wasn't sure if it is related to the ATF ligament area or what. Has anyone else had this pain before?
Also, has everyone who has had a cast been happy with the garbage bag method? I found a post about a product called the drycast, but wasn't sure if it is entirely necessary.
Thanks! :)
Also, has everyone who has had a cast been happy with the garbage bag method? I found a post about a product called the drycast, but wasn't sure if it is entirely necessary.
Thanks! :)
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janewhite1
01-15-2009, 11:18 PM
If the pain and swelling seem to be more inside the joint, it could be related to scar tissue impingement. I had that, a key symptom is limited range of motion and pain when squatting (or descending stairs, in some cases). Mine was treated by removing the scar tissue, hopefully your surgeon would be able to do that at the same time as the Brostrum, possibly through an arthroscopic hole in the front of the ankle.
I used a garbage bag, but I was only in a cast for a very short time. Get the cast cover, anything to make your recovery easier.
Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm unfortunately somewhat knowledgeable about ankle problems!
I used a garbage bag, but I was only in a cast for a very short time. Get the cast cover, anything to make your recovery easier.
Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm unfortunately somewhat knowledgeable about ankle problems!
eitak25
01-16-2009, 09:04 AM
Thanks for the info! I think that may be my problem. I do get the pain when I go down stairs. The doctor mentioned it, but I wasn't sure which pain is associated with what ailment. :confused:
I am getting nervous about the surgery, but I bet everyone has the same feelings. I am frantically trying to find stuff that I will be able to do from the couch. Any suggestions?
I have one more question, my doctor said that I could make a full recovery in 3 months, is this out of the ordinary, or is it more of the norm?
I am getting nervous about the surgery, but I bet everyone has the same feelings. I am frantically trying to find stuff that I will be able to do from the couch. Any suggestions?
I have one more question, my doctor said that I could make a full recovery in 3 months, is this out of the ordinary, or is it more of the norm?
janewhite1
01-16-2009, 10:25 AM
Full recovery in 3 months? Well, it might depend on your definition of full recovery. It might take longer than that to get all your strength back, and you might continue to have swelling after prolonged standing for longer than that. It varies from person to person. But you should be back to doing ordinary stuff after 3 months.
Read some of the surgery preparation threads, to make sure you have everything you need and your house is set up well. Take a trial run on crutches, making sure you can get from bed to couch, kitchen and bathroom.
What to do on the couch? Well, what do you like to do? For the first days, while I was on painkillers, I just wanted to stare at the TV. After that, you might enjoy crossword puzzle books, knitting, beading or other crafts, maybe try writing, or getting some tapes and learning a new language.
Read some of the surgery preparation threads, to make sure you have everything you need and your house is set up well. Take a trial run on crutches, making sure you can get from bed to couch, kitchen and bathroom.
What to do on the couch? Well, what do you like to do? For the first days, while I was on painkillers, I just wanted to stare at the TV. After that, you might enjoy crossword puzzle books, knitting, beading or other crafts, maybe try writing, or getting some tapes and learning a new language.
DHS
01-17-2009, 10:35 PM
Hi,
I had PTTD surgery on Dec. 8th, and spent a week in the hospital. When I returned home, I spent the first week/ week and a half on the sofa with the T.V. on. Since then, I do bills, jigsaw puzzles, read magazines, needlepoint, lift hand weights and talk on the phone. Take JaneWhite's suggestion and practice on the crutches before your surgery. I'm so glad that I practiced with my crutches before my surgery- going down steps can be hard especially if they are wet ! Also try to cook up chili,soups and casseroles and put into individual freezer containers for zapping in the microwave later. Just a few tips that have helped me-good luck! Liz
I had PTTD surgery on Dec. 8th, and spent a week in the hospital. When I returned home, I spent the first week/ week and a half on the sofa with the T.V. on. Since then, I do bills, jigsaw puzzles, read magazines, needlepoint, lift hand weights and talk on the phone. Take JaneWhite's suggestion and practice on the crutches before your surgery. I'm so glad that I practiced with my crutches before my surgery- going down steps can be hard especially if they are wet ! Also try to cook up chili,soups and casseroles and put into individual freezer containers for zapping in the microwave later. Just a few tips that have helped me-good luck! Liz
eitak25
01-25-2009, 11:56 AM
Well my surgery is in a few days. I am beginning to get a little nervous. I have found out that my surgery is scheduled for first thing in the morning... I have to be there at 5:30am! ahh! I know it is better to get it over with in the morning then have to wait and agonize over it until the afternoon though. :)
I have one more question for those of you that may have had this done before... my doctor says that I have fluid in my joint that needs to be removed, does this mean an extra incision, or is it done through the same one?
Thanks for all of your kind suggestions, I have practiced and I feel that I am as ready as I can be. :wave:
I have one more question for those of you that may have had this done before... my doctor says that I have fluid in my joint that needs to be removed, does this mean an extra incision, or is it done through the same one?
Thanks for all of your kind suggestions, I have practiced and I feel that I am as ready as I can be. :wave:
janewhite1
01-25-2009, 12:32 PM
Most likely you will have a long incision running along the side of your ankle, for the Brostrum, and maybe one or two tiny ones in the front to clean out any scar tissue. That should be all the incisions that are necessary.
Best of luck, the time immediately after the surgery won't be much fun, but before long you should be glad you did this.
Best of luck, the time immediately after the surgery won't be much fun, but before long you should be glad you did this.
eitak25
02-06-2009, 09:55 AM
I am a little over a week post-op, and I have almost completely stopped taking the prescribed pain meds. Yay! I did what everyone suggested, and so far, being stuck in the house isn't driving me too nuts. I would say that one of the greatest products ever made is drycast! I never knew showers could be something to look forward to!
Well, things are going great, but I do have yet another question. I am getting some calf pain, in a real specific spot that is really sharp. It will throb a few times then go away, but then it will come back a few minutes later. It was so bad this morning that it woke me up, and it has continued since then (about an hour and a half). My question is, is this normal? I am kinda worried about a blood clot, but I understand that I haven't used that leg in 8 days and it might just be from not using it. Does anyone have any suggestions to what it might be?
Thanks!
Well, things are going great, but I do have yet another question. I am getting some calf pain, in a real specific spot that is really sharp. It will throb a few times then go away, but then it will come back a few minutes later. It was so bad this morning that it woke me up, and it has continued since then (about an hour and a half). My question is, is this normal? I am kinda worried about a blood clot, but I understand that I haven't used that leg in 8 days and it might just be from not using it. Does anyone have any suggestions to what it might be?
Thanks!