Hi I was admitted to Hospital in England on the 16 October after fracturing and dislocating my ankle is two places. I was operated on the 26 October as they were unable to operate until the swelling went down. I was discharged on the 29 October and put in a cast. The cast was removed two weeks after for stiches to be removed and then I remained in another cast for another 4 weeks. I have just had the cast off and still cannot weight bear and return on the 4 January. I have been given an aircast boot which I am finding a bit uncomfortable as the foot is still swollen. I am going to have a shower my leg tonight with the help of my partner. Both incisions have scabbed over and are quite lumpy. I was given some emoilant cream from the chemist and told to rub that into the error ie Acqueous cream. Nobody has really told me I need to cover it again with a dressing. The wound isn't weeping but most of the poeple I speak to say keep in uncovered. Will it catch on socks and clothing etc. Is it ok for me to wash this area every day? If anyone out there has suffered this injury please get in touch. I'm pretty housebound most of the time and I am finding this really hard.
Hi there -
I am new to this site (by a few minutes actually) and am wishing someone will reply to my post as well - so maybe a little karma here... I basically did the same thing to my ankle - 2 breaks, one on the inside of my ankle, one on the main bone on the outside of my lower leg. Your process sounds exactly like mine - wait for surgery b/c of swelling, splint, x-rays, fiberglass cast. That's the stage i'm in now. My cast comes off on Jan.2 and i'm not sure what will happen after that. I've read some posts on here about walking with an aircast / walking boot. They have given some good advice. I wish I were a little further into this so I could give advice on your situation of either applying medicine or how to protect it, but at least you know there is someone out there that can relate. If you want to read more about my situation - i posted under the category - bone disorders (i'm not sure why this site calls it that) and then a post of how to walk in an aircast... There are people that have responded for the past few years and there is some great notes and hints on there. Good luck to you and hope that maybe we can converse back and forth a bit. Cheers.
The following user gives a hug of support to ebarbara: stuart06 (12-22-2011)
Hi is it Barbara? My name is Karen. Many thanks for posting your message. My wounds are healing and have been applying emoliant and didn't cover them up afterwards. The scabs are still there but coming off gradually which is a relief. I still haven't bathed or showered because I'm still non weight bearing but having head to toe washes. How did you do your injury? I slipped on a wet floor preparing my daughter's 16th birthday. I hadn't even had a drink!!!! I was admitted the following day to hospital as I couldn't put weight on my foot and kept in for two weeks and operated on due to severe swelling. I am out of the cast and in an aircast boot but still unable to weight bear since October. I am finding this extremely difficult as unable to do anything. Can't use crutches and get around on a frame and out with the use of a wheelchair. I go back to hospital in January and am hoping they say I can at least try to weight bear. Ive been off work since October and unfortunately I'm without sick pay on what in England we call SSP which is limited sick pay from the Government. How do you get around at home are people being very supportive? I would love to hear from you again, Keep in touch!!
Hi Karen - so nice to see a reply from you as well.
I was a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding which took place in Aruba. On the last day of the trip (Nov. 13) I went shopping for gifts to bring home - I live in North Carolina. Well they say it never rains in Aruba, but that day is sure did! I was about to cross the street to head up the hill to the hotel, and slipped on their tile sidewalks, which were slick as ice. I went down hard! I was all by myself, so I had to hobble across the street and up the hotel driveway crying and cursing the whole way up. I was advised not to go to the hospital there and just wait till I got back to the states. I was finally able to see a doctore in the emergency room 12 hours after my fall.
I had x-rays in the ER and was told I broke my ankle in 2 places (this happend on my right foot - so driving is still out). They put me in a splint and told me I needed to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. I visited that surgeon a few days later who said i had to wait one week for surgery due to all the swelling. I had surgery on Nov 27th and had to stay in a splint for 2 weeks until they would put on a fiberglass cast. That went on on December 5th. My next appointment is on Jan.2 and that's when this cast will come off. I'm guessing they will give me a walking boot or an air cast and they did say it would be weight bearing. I am a furniture showroom designer and always on my feet. I have a showroom in Las Vegas that has to be complete by the end of January, so the day after the cast comes off, I have to fly to Vegas! There will be some others from my company going, so I'll use their help getting around. I'll be using my crutches still i think. There is a piece of equipment that I'm going to rent for the month when i arrive - it goes by sereral name - knee walker / leg scooter / etc - where your good leg is down, while your bad leg rests on a 90 degree flat surface. There are wheels and handle bars, and you just push yourself along. I've heard very good things about this. I hate that you are unable to get around as much as you want to. I know it if VERY difficult. I am 30 years old and usually completely independant with my own car / apartment / bills / career. But since the accident, I've been living at my parents home basically in my childhood bed all day long. I only cross the hall for the bathroom and do the same type of washes as you mentioned. I hop down the stairs on my good foot and my mom washes my hair in the kitchen sink!! then i sit on the stairs and scoot up backwards on my bum! It is quite a sight to see.
I'm very lucky that my mom and dad have been so kind and generous. they bring my meals and check in on me - they even let me indulge in my bad habit - cigarettes... (which I've read makes the healing process even longer) but I just can't say no.. I've had an outing where I had to have a driver, but that is costly, so no more of that.
I didn't think this would ever happen to me, and it has been very humbling. I took for granted how much I use my legs everyday. I miss driving and walking but I am just trying to stay positive. I'd love to hear back from you, so please write as much as you'd like, anytime you'd like!!
Take care and know that this will pass and everyone's healing time is different. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts!
I know about the cigarettes it is very hard. I gave up in hospital and started when I got out as for the last 11 weeks it is due to boredom than anything else. I spend quite alot of my time on the laptop and use facebook. Do you have a profile as I could add you as a friend if you would like that?
I slipped on the conservatory floor when I did my injury but I think the reason they wont let me weight bear at the moment is because as well as breaking it I dislocated it to. What is your weather like there, England is not too bad but we did have a little dusting of 'snow' last week.
I think the hardest thing for me is the constant too much spending on my own as both my Partner and daughter are out most of the day. Although it has been pretty good this week as my Daugther is off at the moment for the School holidays and my Partner breaks up today, so at least I can talk to them. Going to try and enjoy Xmas but haven't been able to spend much as I would like due to me not working at the moment. Anyway as long as we have a nice Xmas Day then I'm not worried.
What are you doing for Christmas? How do you get on with the crutches, I find them very unstable, but I need to get use to them so going to try again with them over the holiday period with the help of my Partner.
So nice to hear from you feel free to reply whenever you can.
I spend a lot of time on my laptop too - i'm still working, but just from the bed. My company was good about me keeping my projects and calling in for meetings. They really didn't have a choice as there is really no one else to do my job...
The weather here in NC is warmer than normal - today it is sunny and clear and about 55 degrees (F). I am NOT a fan of cold weather, so I am ok with it being this warm in December!
I'm on my own most days as well. Both my parents work and my sister lives about an hour away in the mountains and only comes home for holidays. She'll actually be here later today. I don't mind the days that much since work keeps me very busy. In my room i've got the tv, my cell phone, laptop and sometimes the cat will come in a visit
The crutches are not fun, but I'm getting better. I was told that the height of them is very important. An inch or so on the wrong height will make it more difficult. They say to not put any pressure under your arms, but to use your hands and forarms for all the weight. I don't walk too far on them though - really just across the hall to the bathroom. Once I get to Vegas I'm going to get one of those knee wheelers.
Christmas for my family is always small and quiet. It will only be me, my younger sister, mom, dad, and grandfather. We'll have lunch on Christmas day and just spend some time together. I was able to do my gift shopping online - but it didn't feel the same as being out and about taking in the holiday sights... I don't think the gift matters as much as the thought. Stuff is only stuff, but the people in our lives are the most important. I really hope you will enjoy your holiday! Thank you for talking with me - it's comforting to know that someone else is in my situation... We'll get through this!!
Best, Elissa
Last edited by moderator2; 12-23-2011 at 07:35 AM.
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Hiya how did you get on at hospital yesterday. Did you have the cast removed? I was thinking of you yesterday so thought I would drop you a line. How was your Christmas with your family. Mine was ok. Feeling a bit down today. We have really strong winds and rain and it is very dark outside.
Im going to the hospital tomorrow so will keep you posted
HI!
I went into the doctor's office on Monday and they removed my cast! It was so strange to see my leg after all that time. Pretty gross actually, but just so happy to have it off. They put me in a walking boot and said to start slowly using my crutches and see how it felt. The doctor even said for me to get in the drivers seat of my car (in an empty parking lot), get up to about 20-25mph, then slam on the breaks. I thought he was joking, but he was serious! He said that if I was unable or scared to do this, I was not ready to drive.
So using the cruches and hand rails, I was actually able to walk up some stairs! The next morning I got a ride to Charlotte, NC and flew to Las Vegas. Everyone in the airport was very helpful. They carted me around in a wheelchair so I didn't have to walk too far with my crutches. I finally got checked into my room and was so glad to be able to put my foot up. There was a little swelling from the plane, but not too bad. The pain is less each day. I told you about that scooter - and I had one delivered to my hotel. I have to say it is the BEST thing i've done. My bad leg rests on a pad at a 90 degree angle from the floor and my good leg is down. The good leg pushes you along on wheels, while you hold on to handle bars (even has breakes!). There would be NO way that I would be able to be in my furniture showroom full days without it.
So how was your visit to the doctor? I hope you got good news. Please keep me updated! I've told all my friends that I have a new friend who knows what i'm going through and that she is far away in England, but we can chat! I hope the weather there brightens up and you start to feel cheery soon. I know how it is to get down, believe me. Just try to stay positive - I can really see progress each day and I know you will too.
Keep me posted - would really like to hear more!
Smiles,
Elissa
i had knee surgery april 2011,in june i was getting groceries out of the hatchback,and when i turned my knee locked up,and my ankle went. i went to the er two days after,they did xray,showed broken at fibulia.lol so i called my ortho who operated on my knee,he told me to come in with xrays,and the splint boot er gave me. he ordered more xrays and gave me a aircast walker.
i drove fine. i took it off to shower,not sure if it was a good idea because after 9 weeks i had 2 months of therapy,didnt help. i got a mri tore my atfl.lol
2 weeks ago i was suppose to have arthroscopic.but it was to big. my tear. it was 85% torn. they cut me open. they also cut the calf to release it for the surgery. got the stitches out yesterday. but let me back up. the day of surgery it was suppose to be outpatient. i woke up in pain,bad pain,they admited me for 3 days. i had a pump for the first 24hour, rang it every 10 minutes. anyways,they sent me home with awalker and wheelchair. and no weight bearing. the first week home,i took the couch cushion and stuck it on my bed to elvate my leg. it helped alot. i'm in my aircast boot for 2 more weeks,and then dr told me hardcore therapy. iam 2weeks out,and still in alot of pain. some of the people on these post post like its nothing. iam 46,it hurts like hell. but i am smelling roses now,and just dealing with it.
i'm glad i found this site.and wish everyone lots of luck with there ankles,and surgies
I am so sorry I haven't been in touch but have been so busy as I have started working again but only three days a week. Been very tired as not used to working again for the last 4 and a half months.
I'm now walking in a normal shoe but still with the use of crutches. However I have been going around the house and at work without them. I am getting better but still walk with a limp. My Phsiotherapist is brilliant, and she thinks I have really come on well.
[I] went out last night and I was able to dance on it but I held on to a chair a couple of times. Neil, my partner and been taking me and picking me up from work.
I am so much happier but I have still got a long way to go.
im not sure what happened with you guys but i had surgery dec 21 last year as of today its okay ive been having alot of pain at the tibia at the ankle part, i keep complaining but he doesnt say much just go to therapy, have any of you experienced tibia pain, and does it ever get better. i have been out of my boot for a week now too. any suggestions for me?
oh, i do have a apppointment monday cause i called friday in tears it was hurting so bad, but today its pretty good. one more question? besides the tibia hurting would the peronal nerve cause it to hurt?
Hi Karen -
I'm so glad to hear you are getting around and dancing too!
It's now the end of February - where does the time go? I have been walking on my ankle for 3 weeks now with no boot, no crutches, no anything! I limp a bit, but begin physical therapy tomorrow. I should have started sooner, but work has been SO busy! I've noticed muscle mass returning and tasks becoming easier. Going up stairs is fine, but going down is a bit tougher.
Hopefully the physical therapy will help.
This has sure been a crazy adventure, right!? I hope neither of us ever have to deal with it again. The scars will always be there, but in time will fade. We'll be back to good in time as well
Please continue to heal and keep in touch. Best of luck to you!!
The following user gives a hug of support to ebarbara: MountainReader (02-26-2012)
Broken Ankle 
Re: Broken Ankle 
