I'm actively coming out of breaking 2 bones in my ankle, surgery in which there are 6 (estimating) 1" inch screws attached to a metal plate on the outside and 1 (what appears to be) 2 1/2" long sheet-rock screw slanted in on the inside. I was just given my walking boot (having taking the original fall on 8/4/12) and the cast removed. I can put some weight on it ("as much as you can stand", says the orthopedist surgern), and can now "clean it up". SWEET MERCIFUL GOD!!! My leg doesn't even look like it belongs to me, and certainly nothing like the other leg. I will not discuss the amount of hair or how physically uncomfortable having hair this long and brittle on my leg is! We'll just suffice it to say there is an almost burning feeling on the skin when I shift that leg and get that leg going...or exercise it...or anything much regarding that leg. I've tried to (and have) trimmed the hair - to a certain extent). I can tell somewhat of a difference. The skin and 3 different places where I was cut into...unless there is more and I just haven't picked at this poor leg enough - need to be sufficiently cleaned up, "exfoliated" if you will, before I am going to be taking a razor to it! This is just an unreal experience. Even tho I have broken my elbow, both wrists, a bone my hand reqiring a pin - and it's removal, and one arm twice, I HAVE NEVER gone through anything like this...or even contemplated it. I thought - quite mistakenly - that I would be able to "do more" with 2 good hands and 1 leg than I could with 1 hand/arm and 2 legs. I have never in my life been this immobilized, or felt pain like this...and I've had plenty of time and opportunity to contemplate broken bones! Perhaps having metal implanted next to your bones will give you a special perspective. I know its AWFUL. I do not have insurance, a job (which I IMMEDIATELY LOST my part-time job the second I broke this leg!), nor any money to speak of. Therefore, going to a physical therapist is really not part of my plan. Whatever hints and advice I can glean from the internet is what I'm planning on using. I just got through walking into the living room and back, and almost fell and my heart is racing like that Russian Race Horse you hear about all the time. Since basically my life has been and is now consumed with this DAMN broke ankle and now getting over it, I am REACHING OUT for any advice and hints on dealing with this. Please, do any of y'all have anything to tell me? I'd be most interested. I've got to go get my heart racing again and try a trip to the bathroom.
I have not experienced quite your issue but am wondering if anyone suggested using a cane for walking, after you let go of the crutches (or are you still using crutches). Canes are held in the hand opposite to the injured ankle so when you put that foot down the cane is also down to help with balance. When I had my hip done I started with a walker and then cane. I used the cane for several months while walking outside. Motorists in parking lots tend to see a cane rather than just the boot. I am sorry for all you are going through. Hoping for the best recovery for you!
Oh, honey, I cannot imagine not having my crutches. I could literally not walk but from here to groping to the potty chair without my crutches. My doctor just said for me to "do what I could" (whatever that means...). So yes, I'm using crutches. But still for the life of me can't get up that last step without almost falling and having to negotiate that (so that I neither fall back down or onto the brick steps) last one like I'm in the alps like I'm blazing through there in a hummer. I've thought a lot about a cane...and can only hope that will suffice, for the next step. How long did your experience take to get to where you were healing, getting stronger? That is what blows my mind, which is not just the pain (which pain should never be underestimated) but I am just so weak in that leg, and remain so unbalanced. Can't decide the best way to "walk"...as I totally use crutches but am totally keeping my foot all the way on the floor, supporting what it can before pain sets in. I just don't know how to make myself (my ankle) bear pain willingly, if that makes sense. When I about fall, I'll quickly try to recover, and use it some then, usually. (lol) So far, I've been lucky, and been able to catch myself, or I've done it around Mama (we're not going to say she made me about fall to start with ) and she's caught me.
That's horrible Lynn, I'm so sorry. I would suggest staying off of it for awhile and let it heal up. If it's casuing so much pain I say that is your body telling you it's not ready yet. Exercise it if you can without putting wieght on it. Sitting or lating down, move your feet and toes unless that is painful too. Don't let te muscle atrophy and make sure the blood continues to flow through that area of the breakage. The only reason I am suggesting this is I helped my Aunt with her therapy for awhile after she had an infection that took her off her feet for couple months. Because of her total inactivity while in the hospital the blood did not flow in her legs and her muscles began to fail in them. Keep blow fowing and move it, but keep weight off of it til that pain gets more bearable. I wish I had some advice to help with your pain though. Good luck hon.
With the hip replacement they had me on my feet with a walker the next day (only 10 % weight on the affected leg) I did not go more than a few feet. I was in the nursing home for 6 weeks because they would not release me until I could climb stairs. And I have to come up 13 stairs to get in my apartment building. Your ankle is a whole other story though and you broke more than one bone. What kind of exercises do they have you doing at therapy? I wish they could help you out with the pain. Sorry I am no help here but I am thinking of you and sending positive energy and hugs.
It is the very last step in coming into or leaving the house (either way...front or back) is the one that really stops me from even going in or out of the house, unless ablsolutely necessary...like going to a doctor's appointment. And I'm being serious. I've come back in without literally sitting down and crawling and/or scooting all the way inside only twice. Both times I about fell, but (thank God) I didn't. Something about that last one and coming up and the lack of a hand rail on that side. I'm almost embarrassed to say damned if I KNOW WHY I'm having such an awful time with that last piece. What is is. But my therapy is Lynn's Therapy...co-written and planned with help of the internet and willpower. or something. Really, I'm not seeing therapy unless they are doing it for free around here.
Physical therapy is VERY important. Talk to the hospital. Usually they have people on staff that help coordinate therapy post hospital. They also can guide you to lower cost options. I see too many people in my massage business who didn't have therapy after an injury and they have mobility and pain issues LIFELONG.
I'm sorry this happened to you,Lynn. I hope you're able to get some pain relief. Sometimes you have to force yourself to lay up in order to heal properly. Some atrophy will happen ,but when you can get around better,you can reverse that. I'm worried about you not having insurance--that can be a hurdle to proper care,IMO. If you were in Canada-------well,you're not. I'd suggest getting a big stack of books and letting yourself be taken away to imagination-land for a while.
Gosh, Lynn! I really feel for you. I googled "physical therapy exercises for broken ankle" and there seems to be a good bit there. Don't give up and don't give in! Keep fighting for your healing! Big Hugs! :grouphug:
