length of time - Pain Management Message Board

hoppy1 · 04-12-2008, 02:43 AM

I previously posted in bone disorder ( or it got moved to there as I put it in the wrong place, apologies mods) but am really concerned about the amount of pain I am in.

I fell early december and broke my left ankle in various places, including the tibia at the base of my leg. That was 18 weeks ago. I am walking now, albeit with crutches, but my ankle swells uip by the time I have been up about l hour and the pain is unbearable, I am on various painkillers which help but am really concerned as I still cannot drive or walk only a few paces unaided. Any thoughts would be appreciated, even if only sympathy. Has anyone else done this (bound to have done) and how long did it take to get back to reasonable normality

Jenn

trowftd3 · 04-12-2008, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppy1

Has anyone else done this (bound to have done) and how long did it take to get back to reasonable normality
Jenn

What are you having done or had done? My hubby crushed his calcaneus 10/04 and still has a lot of pain. I know these are different injuries He had orif(and later hardware removal) with cadaver bone. He also had a gastroc release and another procedure move tendons? around in the front of his ankle. I don't know if you can relate to any of these procedures but I think 18 weeks is still to early to be hoping for no pain/no swelling when you have anything but a simple break 'down there'. What kind of time frame did your doctors give you? My hubby was in a wheelchair for 5 months and on crutches for 2 or 3 and then another surgery and another rehab. I can't remember how long he was in a boot after that. Have you started any kind of pt? What has your doctor given you for pain control? My hubby was also given a tens unit to go along with medication. It really helped him a lot.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that everyone is different and that it can take a long time for swelling to stop. Even now if he's been overdoing it
his ankle will swell. Hang in there and keep us posted. Hope this helps a little.~Mush

hoppy1 · 04-12-2008, 05:23 AM

Thanks for reply mush, im in uk so think that treatment is different. I had operations to pin my broken bones, was in a cast for 12 weeks, at the same time in a boot on the other foot, then the boot removed and a new boot on the other foot for 3 weeks, then told I could put 100% weight on pinned foot. I suppose it is early days but I was told initially 12 weeks, which now it is 18 seems much longer. I am taking something called Ibroprofen and paracetemol in between, pain makes you very short tempered and as I really dont feel capable of driving on the busy roads around here its causing probs for my family.

Thanks for your kind reply

Jenn

ms_west · 04-12-2008, 06:24 AM

It sounds like you might have inadequate pain control. When you try to put weight on the foot, that pain could be skyrocketing so naturally you don't want to put pressure on the foot. This could be undetermining your recovery overall.

Make sure that you have relayed this to your doctor that the pain from putting the pressure on your foot at this point is unbearable. Try to compare it to something that they might be able to relate to. Ex: When I put weight on my foot, it feels like someone is putting my foot in a vice and is tightening it until the foot explods or it feels like I have stepped on a pitch fork.

Also anytime you break an ankle/bone, it is normal to experience swelling off and on for a long time after the injury even years so I would not be concerned about swelling at this point in the recovery process.

Good luck and I pray that you find some relief soon.

hoppy1 · 04-12-2008, 08:43 AM

thanks for your kind replies, thing is live free, I am supposed to be putting 100% weight on it, It feels as if my foot is breaking off and as if someone is pushing a hot scoop in it.All I have been told is that it is normal for it to be painful but it is real agony not just pain and it makes me cry, I feel a real wimp.

Jenn