Wow what a timely video! I was the one who broke my ankle penny skateboarding two years ago and had hardware removal surgery just last Thursday. I've been rereading a lot of your posts and comparing notes. You are right -- the second surgery is MUCH easier but surgery is still surgery. Strangely, I haven't been able to walk normally so I resort to limping... Even though my surgeon said I would be able to leave the hospital on my own two feet (LIES! Haha). Thank you so much for keeping up with the blog and providing recovery tips. I had never done yoga before my injury but it has become a huge part of my life thanks in part to your blog. I'm glad to hear everything is going well for you!
Don't limp Jo!! Once you start that habit, it's very difficult to reverse. If you feel the need to limp, grab a crutch or go slower. The goal is to walk smoothly at every stage, even if that means taking a few steps "back." And yay about the yoga!! I'm so happy for you! Also definitely worth trying is some massage :)
Hi Mihal, Thank you so much for your blog, I fractured my ankle 4 weeks ago and was looking for encouragment (and humor) to get through the NWB stage. I am eager to get moving again and have employed a few homeopathic remedies including comfrey root salve and castor oil packs as well as massaging the foot a few times a day (all swelling gone at 4 weeks- I must be doing something right...I hope !!) Just wondering if you used any of these things? And did you take off your boot (I'm in an airboot, the surgeon wants me to keep the foot at 90 degrees until he clears me for physio) often? I am taking it off a few times a day (I hate it!) And am trying to keep it in the proper position as to not mess anything up. Did you do this as well? Sorry, this is so long winded!! Thanks again for the updates and the stories, they are great!!
Hey Rachel! Humor is so important during the NWB stage - during all of the stages really. I'm a huge advocate of all things homeopathic/natural. That's awesome that your swelling is gone! Once you start to move your ankle around more - and of course once you start walking - the swelling will come and go, so it's great that you have a system for it. I didn't use any of the things you mentioned, but I took arnica and did a lot of icing. I was in my boot as little as possible - I HATED it. Really I only put it on when I went outside. Otherwise my foot was propped up on many, many pillows.
Thank you so much for responding so quickly! It's great that you were able to move around without the cast in your house!! I wish I could do the same, but in addition to Drs orders, I have a 1 year old daughter and I think going without the boot could be hazardous to my health if you catch my drift :-). To that end, did you ever accidentally lean on the bad foot??? I feel I've done it a few times (including today). I don't feel pain, just a bit of stiffness. Please my excuse my paranoia, I had to ask (weve all leaned when we shouldnt have for a second or two right???) as I really hope to be in physical therapy as of my 6 week visit and hope I didn't screw up!!!
Oh yeah, with a 1 year old I'd definitely keep the boot on! I never accidentally leaned on it, but I did once slip and SLAM my foot down on the ground to catch myself. I think you're probably ok - esp if it didn't make it hurt or swell more than usual.
Thank you Mihal! 10 days left to 6 week check up...hoping to start physio the day after I see Dr. Thank you for corresponding with me, I truly appreciate it!!
One last question Mihal ( sorry for the bother !!) I know in one of your videos you mention starting PT at 4 weeks. Did they have you flexing the foot back and forth? I am currently out of the US and am pretty sure the medical standards where I am are NOT as good. I started flexing my foot just yesterday (5 weeks post op) and wanted to ask if that is what u did? I am impressed by the how quickly the flexibility is coming back though I am a bit sore.
Hi Mihal! I am finally weight bearing again (in shoes at home and the boot outside) and was quickly off crutches (less than a week). I am almost 10 weeks post op and am doing as much walking as I can at home, strengthening exercises, yoga, & stretching in my sneakers but am having pain everyday, with every step. Just wondering, did u experience constant discomfort and if so, when did it go away ? Am desperate to get back to normal!! My PT wouldn't really give me a timeline for pain. Thanks!!!!!
Yay for you! Discomfort came and went - and of course there were varying degrees of the discomfort. I can't say WHEN it went away. It was incremental. And your PT probably can't give you a pain timeline because everybody experiences pain differently. I still have tightness from time to time, and I don't think the ankle will ever feel "normal" - hopefully yours does at some point, but in the meantime keep doing what you feel brings progress. And find a massage therapist!
Thank you for posting everything! :) I broke my tibia and fibula on Feb 1st and have my 6 week fracture follow up tomorrow. I am hoping to be able to start PT but am terrified that the pain is going to be too much. I can wiggle my toes just fine as well as have a little movement pointing and flexing my foot. Pretty much no movement from right to left. And the tightness in the tendons.....oh boy! So, my questions if you don't mind would be - how did you get over the fear (if you had any) of going weight bearing and of PT? Thank you :)
I didn't really have that much fear, more like lots of anticipation (you should probably read through the whole blog if you haven't already). I was eager to start PT so I could actually start DOING something. And actually, same with weight bearing. Of course with WB-ing I was cautious and a little nervous, but just take it step by step (literally!) and have patience with yourself.
I found your blog today and read the entire thing, because I am currently 3 1/2 months out of surgery for a right broken ankle, right leg also. The 2 differences are: 1). I had a right total knee replacement 15 months prior to the broken ankle and 2) I'm almost 72 years old, and not nearly as lithe and fit as a younger person would be. At this stage I'm walking in shoes without assistance and going to physical therapy twice a week. I have also found that massage does help a lot, but it really gets expensive. Like you, I still think about this stupid ankle every minute of every day! It was very reassuring to read that eventually you start to think about it less and less. I'm looking foreword to that time, and I'm also dealing with a knee on the same leg that built up a lot of scar tissue during those weeks of limited and non-weight bearing. You have helped me feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks so much!
Judy - I'm so sorry you're going through this!! Yes, there is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel. Please shoot me an email if you ever need extra support or questions answered.
Loved this video! I just had ankle surgery myself and am researching on the web on what to expect and recovery tips. It's going to be a struggle...that much I can tell so far since I'm back to college in September too.. :o http://coffeestainedthoughts.com/
I'm so glad I checked in to see if there were any more updates with your ankle adventure! I too, just past my 3 year anniversary of breaking my ankle so I was grateful that you did this little update on your progress. I never had the hardware removal surgery so I still have my plate and 8 pins with me. I also still have tightness and soreness every once in a while, so you are absolutely right in saying your ankle will NEVER be the same as it was. I swear the other day it even swelled up a little after I went for a walk. I couldn't tell by looking at it, but I recognized the feeling of it. I also notice that it tends to feel more sensitive based on the weather- especially arctic cold days in winter and hot, humid days in summer. It's frustrating because I keep thinking that 3 years out I should be back to normal but I understand that I now have a new normal for my ankle. I feel better after watching your update that I'm not alone in what I'm feeling, so thank you!
Ok, so the hospital is refusing to let me have my plates back! I had my accident around the same time as you (a few months earlier) and just now had my plates pulled out. I am in the process of throwing a hissy fit, but I can't believe that they would just say no... they are mine, I paid for them, the original accident was an almost-lawsuit (i.e. I should keep them). Sorry I'm freaking out a little over here, haha. https://thestecks.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/a-break-from-the-regularly-scheduled-programming/
Hope your still alive to answer this question lol...but are you able to take part in anaerobic exercises such as jumping rope, high knees, burpies etc?....I'm about 8 months post surgery now
Yes...I'm alive(?!). And yes, I do jump rope, jumping jacks, etc. It took a few years post-op for me to feel comfortable with jumps, but everybody's different so you may get there sooner.
That's encouraging hear...just one last question...are you able to jump rope with one foot on the ground at a time (boxer style), and with high knees over the ropes?
After using dermalmd scar serum. I have noticed that my scars have improved. Had ankle surgery late dec and once my scars had healed I began using dermalmd scar serum. Don't expect a miracle but it helps.
Hi. I am very glad to have found this blog! I broke my ankle on 12/25/16. I had surgery 1/3/17. My surgeon placed one plate and four screws in it. I have lost most of my ability to pull my foot up toward me and I can no longer walk normally. I had my 3 month post-op appointment today and my surgeon wants to remove one of my screws, as he thinks it's what's causing all my issues. I am looking for any advice regarding this. Also I was wondering what you think about me having all of them removed to get it over with? I'm nervous to have another surgery cause I've already been out of commission for over 3 months now.
I think if your surgeon recommends it, it might be worth looking into. I also recommend getting a second opinion (or even third). If you CAN get all of them, do it! Recovery from the removal is NOTHING like the one to have them put in. 3 months does sound really quick though, I had to wait 9.5.
Wow what a timely video! I was the one who broke my ankle penny skateboarding two years ago and had hardware removal surgery just last Thursday. I've been rereading a lot of your posts and comparing notes. You are right -- the second surgery is MUCH easier but surgery is still surgery. Strangely, I haven't been able to walk normally so I resort to limping... Even though my surgeon said I would be able to leave the hospital on my own two feet (LIES! Haha). Thank you so much for keeping up with the blog and providing recovery tips. I had never done yoga before my injury but it has become a huge part of my life thanks in part to your blog. I'm glad to hear everything is going well for you!
ReplyDeleteDon't limp Jo!! Once you start that habit, it's very difficult to reverse. If you feel the need to limp, grab a crutch or go slower. The goal is to walk smoothly at every stage, even if that means taking a few steps "back." And yay about the yoga!! I'm so happy for you! Also definitely worth trying is some massage :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHi Mihal,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your blog, I fractured my ankle 4 weeks ago and was looking for encouragment (and humor) to get through the NWB stage. I am eager to get moving again and have employed a few homeopathic remedies including comfrey root salve and castor oil packs as well as massaging the foot a few times a day (all swelling gone at 4 weeks- I must be doing something right...I hope !!) Just wondering if you used any of these things? And did you take off your boot (I'm in an airboot, the surgeon wants me to keep the foot at 90 degrees until he clears me for physio) often? I am taking it off a few times a day (I hate it!) And am trying to keep it in the proper position as to not mess anything up. Did you do this as well? Sorry, this is so long winded!! Thanks again for the updates and the stories, they are great!!
-Rachel
Hey Rachel! Humor is so important during the NWB stage - during all of the stages really. I'm a huge advocate of all things homeopathic/natural. That's awesome that your swelling is gone! Once you start to move your ankle around more - and of course once you start walking - the swelling will come and go, so it's great that you have a system for it. I didn't use any of the things you mentioned, but I took arnica and did a lot of icing. I was in my boot as little as possible - I HATED it. Really I only put it on when I went outside. Otherwise my foot was propped up on many, many pillows.
DeleteThank you so much for responding so quickly! It's great that you were able to move around without the cast in your house!! I wish I could do the same, but in addition to Drs orders, I have a 1 year old daughter and I think going without the boot could be hazardous to my health if you catch my drift :-). To that end, did you ever accidentally lean on the bad foot??? I feel I've done it a few times (including today). I don't feel pain, just a bit of stiffness. Please my excuse my paranoia, I had to ask (weve all leaned when we shouldnt have for a second or two right???) as I really hope to be in physical therapy as of my 6 week visit and hope I didn't screw up!!!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Oh yeah, with a 1 year old I'd definitely keep the boot on! I never accidentally leaned on it, but I did once slip and SLAM my foot down on the ground to catch myself. I think you're probably ok - esp if it didn't make it hurt or swell more than usual.
DeleteThank you Mihal! 10 days left to 6 week check up...hoping to start physio the day after I see Dr. Thank you for corresponding with me, I truly appreciate it!!
DeleteOne last question Mihal ( sorry for the bother !!) I know in one of your videos you mention starting PT at 4 weeks. Did they have you flexing the foot back and forth? I am currently out of the US and am pretty sure the medical standards where I am are NOT as good. I started flexing my foot just yesterday (5 weeks post op) and wanted to ask if that is what u did? I am impressed by the how quickly the flexibility is coming back though I am a bit sore.
DeleteYes I started off with flexing, pointing, and circles. Getting sore is ok, just keep icing!
DeleteThank you so much !!
DeleteHi Mihal!
DeleteI am finally weight bearing again (in shoes at home and the boot outside) and was quickly off crutches (less than a week). I am almost 10 weeks post op and am doing as much walking as I can at home, strengthening exercises, yoga, & stretching in my sneakers but am having pain everyday, with every step. Just wondering, did u experience constant discomfort and if so, when did it go away ? Am desperate to get back to normal!!
My PT wouldn't really give me a timeline for pain.
Thanks!!!!!
Yay for you! Discomfort came and went - and of course there were varying degrees of the discomfort. I can't say WHEN it went away. It was incremental. And your PT probably can't give you a pain timeline because everybody experiences pain differently. I still have tightness from time to time, and I don't think the ankle will ever feel "normal" - hopefully yours does at some point, but in the meantime keep doing what you feel brings progress. And find a massage therapist!
DeleteThank you Mihal!! Massage therapist is a great idea !! I hope to be 'normal' one day soon :-))
DeleteThank you for posting everything! :) I broke my tibia and fibula on Feb 1st and have my 6 week fracture follow up tomorrow. I am hoping to be able to start PT but am terrified that the pain is going to be too much. I can wiggle my toes just fine as well as have a little movement pointing and flexing my foot. Pretty much no movement from right to left. And the tightness in the tendons.....oh boy! So, my questions if you don't mind would be - how did you get over the fear (if you had any) of going weight bearing and of PT? Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't really have that much fear, more like lots of anticipation (you should probably read through the whole blog if you haven't already). I was eager to start PT so I could actually start DOING something. And actually, same with weight bearing. Of course with WB-ing I was cautious and a little nervous, but just take it step by step (literally!) and have patience with yourself.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletevery informative
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I found your blog today and read the entire thing, because I am currently 3 1/2 months out of surgery for a right broken ankle, right leg also. The 2 differences are: 1). I had a right total knee replacement 15 months prior to the broken ankle and 2) I'm almost 72 years old, and not nearly as lithe and fit as a younger person would be. At this stage I'm walking in shoes without assistance and going to physical therapy twice a week. I have also found that massage does help a lot, but it really gets expensive. Like you, I still think about this stupid ankle every minute of every day! It was very reassuring to read that eventually you start to think about it less and less. I'm looking foreword to that time, and I'm also dealing with a knee on the same leg that built up a lot of scar tissue during those weeks of limited and non-weight bearing. You have helped me feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJudy - I'm so sorry you're going through this!! Yes, there is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel. Please shoot me an email if you ever need extra support or questions answered.
DeleteLoved this video! I just had ankle surgery myself and am researching on the web on what to expect and recovery tips. It's going to be a struggle...that much I can tell so far since I'm back to college in September too.. :o
ReplyDeletehttp://coffeestainedthoughts.com/
I'm so glad I checked in to see if there were any more updates with your ankle adventure! I too, just past my 3 year anniversary of breaking my ankle so I was grateful that you did this little update on your progress. I never had the hardware removal surgery so I still have my plate and 8 pins with me. I also still have tightness and soreness every once in a while, so you are absolutely right in saying your ankle will NEVER be the same as it was. I swear the other day it even swelled up a little after I went for a walk. I couldn't tell by looking at it, but I recognized the feeling of it. I also notice that it tends to feel more sensitive based on the weather- especially arctic cold days in winter and hot, humid days in summer. It's frustrating because I keep thinking that 3 years out I should be back to normal but I understand that I now have a new normal for my ankle. I feel better after watching your update that I'm not alone in what I'm feeling, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteOk, so the hospital is refusing to let me have my plates back! I had my accident around the same time as you (a few months earlier) and just now had my plates pulled out. I am in the process of throwing a hissy fit, but I can't believe that they would just say no... they are mine, I paid for them, the original accident was an almost-lawsuit (i.e. I should keep them). Sorry I'm freaking out a little over here, haha. https://thestecks.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/a-break-from-the-regularly-scheduled-programming/
ReplyDeleteHope your still alive to answer this question lol...but are you able to take part in anaerobic exercises such as jumping rope, high knees, burpies etc?....I'm about 8 months post surgery now
ReplyDeleteYes...I'm alive(?!). And yes, I do jump rope, jumping jacks, etc. It took a few years post-op for me to feel comfortable with jumps, but everybody's different so you may get there sooner.
ReplyDeleteThat's encouraging hear...just one last question...are you able to jump rope with one foot on the ground at a time (boxer style), and with high knees over the ropes?
Deletehaha I've never been able to do that.
DeleteAfter using dermalmd scar serum. I have noticed that my scars have improved. Had ankle surgery late dec and once my scars had healed I began using dermalmd scar serum. Don't expect a miracle but it helps.
ReplyDeleteHi. I am very glad to have found this blog! I broke my ankle on 12/25/16. I had surgery 1/3/17. My surgeon placed one plate and four screws in it. I have lost most of my ability to pull my foot up toward me and I can no longer walk normally. I had my 3 month post-op appointment today and my surgeon wants to remove one of my screws, as he thinks it's what's causing all my issues. I am looking for any advice regarding this. Also I was wondering what you think about me having all of them removed to get it over with? I'm nervous to have another surgery cause I've already been out of commission for over 3 months now.
ReplyDeleteI think if your surgeon recommends it, it might be worth looking into. I also recommend getting a second opinion (or even third). If you CAN get all of them, do it! Recovery from the removal is NOTHING like the one to have them put in. 3 months does sound really quick though, I had to wait 9.5.
Delete