Recovery from broken ankle.
Discussion
After slipping over in hiking boots and my leg bones snapping as they took the pressure I have been left like this:
Which means a foot up above hip height or heart job for 6 weeks as Im not allowed any pressure on it.
So I have the nice pain killers which knock me out but every so often (whilst asleep annoyingly) I get burning sensation in little toe which wakes me up, is this normal?
What Im looking for is any hints and tips for people who have been through this to make the time go easier? I have sourced some knee pads to help me out as my knees were begining to hurt a lot from when I needed to switch from one set of stairs to another and there is nothing to grab on to.
Should I be changing my diet? hospital didnt seem to think it makes any difference at all.
Also Im supposed to be flying to Finland and on Ryan Air (oh crap I hear you say) in a month, however Im covered with Visa travel insurance, but has anyone had experience trying to get some modifications to their flight? Namely space for a wheel chair, some type of help the other end to a wheel chair and the same on the way back?
Their flights are usually walk on walk off stairs, which I cant really do and its onto the airport tarmac, which from previous experience will be very icy so is a no no.
Hospital have already said that they just need notice to split my cast for flight and not much else.
Im still thinking that me staying in my flat in London over xmas and new year is best rather than trying any travelling, but OH is not having that at all and thinks its worth it.
Which means a foot up above hip height or heart job for 6 weeks as Im not allowed any pressure on it.
So I have the nice pain killers which knock me out but every so often (whilst asleep annoyingly) I get burning sensation in little toe which wakes me up, is this normal?
What Im looking for is any hints and tips for people who have been through this to make the time go easier? I have sourced some knee pads to help me out as my knees were begining to hurt a lot from when I needed to switch from one set of stairs to another and there is nothing to grab on to.
Should I be changing my diet? hospital didnt seem to think it makes any difference at all.
Also Im supposed to be flying to Finland and on Ryan Air (oh crap I hear you say) in a month, however Im covered with Visa travel insurance, but has anyone had experience trying to get some modifications to their flight? Namely space for a wheel chair, some type of help the other end to a wheel chair and the same on the way back?
Their flights are usually walk on walk off stairs, which I cant really do and its onto the airport tarmac, which from previous experience will be very icy so is a no no.
Hospital have already said that they just need notice to split my cast for flight and not much else.
Im still thinking that me staying in my flat in London over xmas and new year is best rather than trying any travelling, but OH is not having that at all and thinks its worth it.
Du1point8 said:
Also Im supposed to be flying to Finland and on Ryan Air (oh crap I hear you say) in a month, however Im covered with Visa travel insurance, but has anyone had experience trying to get some modifications to their flight? Namely space for a wheel chair, some type of help the other end to a wheel chair and the same on the way back?
I brought a very frail elderley non-relative, long long story, back from Alicante to Bournemouth with Ryanair, I booked the wheelchair assistance at both ends, no additional cost, they fell over themselves to help, really could not have done more.ouch 
i broke my ankle and tore some ligaments skateboarding when i was a teenager but i thankfully didnt need any nuts and bolts fitted. looks like you are in for a few sore months, not sure flying to freezing cold finland will do it much good 
just get drunk lots, its christmas, no-one will notice
hope you feel better soon
i broke my ankle and tore some ligaments skateboarding when i was a teenager but i thankfully didnt need any nuts and bolts fitted. looks like you are in for a few sore months, not sure flying to freezing cold finland will do it much good just get drunk lots, its christmas, no-one will notice
hope you feel better soon
Huntsman said:
Du1point8 said:
Also Im supposed to be flying to Finland and on Ryan Air (oh crap I hear you say) in a month, however Im covered with Visa travel insurance, but has anyone had experience trying to get some modifications to their flight? Namely space for a wheel chair, some type of help the other end to a wheel chair and the same on the way back?
I brought a very frail elderley non-relative, long long story, back from Alicante to Bournemouth with Ryanair, I booked the wheelchair assistance at both ends, no additional cost, they fell over themselves to help, really could not have done more.Im already fully booked up as I wasnt expecting to be in this state, then 8 hours after booking Im taking a ride in an ambulance.
Will see today or tomorrow as the pain killers Im on are hard core knock you out jobs, so first 2 days are rest and sleep.
That looks almost exactly like my ankle x-ray nearly 4 years ago!
The biggest issue I found initially was that the moment you stand up, the ankle starts to swell which becomes very uncomfortable - especially where they've bolted it back together and the wounds press against the cast. Mine was very painful where the bone came through the skin and did some tissue damage too, but only you can tell how much it's going to bother you.
Personally I wouldn't travel, as it's going to be uncomfortable, plus you risk getting it knocked or you falling on it. The last thing you want to do is fall on it after 5 weeks of being bored out of your brain, and then have to start all that over again.
The first thing I did was to buy myself several box sets! You'll be watching a lot of TV!
I was non-weight bearing in a cast for 6 weeks, then on crutches for another 6 before I could walk properly even with lots of physio. I then had the metal work out about 2 years ago, and recently a third op to clean out various bits of scar tissue and other damage. I've had problems ever since I broke mine, so the more you can help it heal the better.
The biggest issue I found initially was that the moment you stand up, the ankle starts to swell which becomes very uncomfortable - especially where they've bolted it back together and the wounds press against the cast. Mine was very painful where the bone came through the skin and did some tissue damage too, but only you can tell how much it's going to bother you.
Personally I wouldn't travel, as it's going to be uncomfortable, plus you risk getting it knocked or you falling on it. The last thing you want to do is fall on it after 5 weeks of being bored out of your brain, and then have to start all that over again.
The first thing I did was to buy myself several box sets! You'll be watching a lot of TV!
I was non-weight bearing in a cast for 6 weeks, then on crutches for another 6 before I could walk properly even with lots of physio. I then had the metal work out about 2 years ago, and recently a third op to clean out various bits of scar tissue and other damage. I've had problems ever since I broke mine, so the more you can help it heal the better.
I have no compound fractures luckily... just 2 several inch cuts on either side were they played a game of reconstruction.
The pain is not that bad and neither is the swelling, but Im sticking to the always raised part of the agreement to let it heal.
It gives me time to read a lot more for work which I put off quite a bit (once over the first few days of sleepiness), plus no alcohol for at least 2 months will be a little weird, but that give me time to reflect if I do really like it or not.
The only aspect of travel I'm not looking forward to is that in my house I can do what I want when I want, at either my parents or OH's parents that is taken from me and I will be fussed on which I hate. That and the 6 hours of not having my leg elevated is going to be a bit uncomfortable to say the least.
The pain is not that bad and neither is the swelling, but Im sticking to the always raised part of the agreement to let it heal.
It gives me time to read a lot more for work which I put off quite a bit (once over the first few days of sleepiness), plus no alcohol for at least 2 months will be a little weird, but that give me time to reflect if I do really like it or not.
The only aspect of travel I'm not looking forward to is that in my house I can do what I want when I want, at either my parents or OH's parents that is taken from me and I will be fussed on which I hate. That and the 6 hours of not having my leg elevated is going to be a bit uncomfortable to say the least.
Mate, I do sympathise with you - this is probably one of the most frustrating injuries to get and the time spent waiting for recovery is boring and never-ending but, as said, get a couple of box-sets in and make the most of the time - it WILL aid your recovery to take things a bit easier for a wee while.
Take whatever help (and sympathy!) you can get because it doesn't last long and be reassured that much though it's a nuisance now, you WILL recover and barely notice it in future.
I had the same injury on May 3rd 2010, had my operation on May 4th and was walking around working at a music festival from July 7th so you could surprise yourself, but don't rush things, follow the docs advice, and ask questions about what you can do and when.
I never had a cast at all, just a backslab and bandages, and I had that off at every opportunity just because I believed that, at home in a safe environment with little danger of knocks and bumps, the air would help the incisions heal. I bought an Aircast boot because it was easier/quicker to get on and off, and I got pretty much all my money back again when I sold it on. Ask your doctor if that would be of benefit to you.
A friend of my wife's is a theatre nurse and she recommended Bio-Oil - I won't give a sales pitch for the stuff but I do believe my scars are less noticeable than a pal who broke his ankle too.
The point above about cancelling your trip has some validity, both because of the danger of knocks or further injury is a fair one, and I do feel it in the ankle when it is cold, but it isn't any more than a very slight discomfort.
I think all the airlines will do plenty to help your journey because the disabled lobby has done a great job of raising awareness of mobility issues and the need for them to make "reasonable" adjustments so don't worry about the actual travel - I had to fly to Birmingham with FlyBe and they arranged a scissor-lift truck to lift me up to the plane from the tarmac and a wheelchair for the airbridge at the other end - in fact, the hardest part of the journey was getting in and out of the taxi!
I was a wee bit embarrassed by the fuss being made about me when the guy checking in in front of me had one of those modern artificial legs that look like a metal pole, and he was heaving an enormous trunk around like a pro!
Take whatever help (and sympathy!) you can get because it doesn't last long and be reassured that much though it's a nuisance now, you WILL recover and barely notice it in future.
I had the same injury on May 3rd 2010, had my operation on May 4th and was walking around working at a music festival from July 7th so you could surprise yourself, but don't rush things, follow the docs advice, and ask questions about what you can do and when.
I never had a cast at all, just a backslab and bandages, and I had that off at every opportunity just because I believed that, at home in a safe environment with little danger of knocks and bumps, the air would help the incisions heal. I bought an Aircast boot because it was easier/quicker to get on and off, and I got pretty much all my money back again when I sold it on. Ask your doctor if that would be of benefit to you.
A friend of my wife's is a theatre nurse and she recommended Bio-Oil - I won't give a sales pitch for the stuff but I do believe my scars are less noticeable than a pal who broke his ankle too.
The point above about cancelling your trip has some validity, both because of the danger of knocks or further injury is a fair one, and I do feel it in the ankle when it is cold, but it isn't any more than a very slight discomfort.
I think all the airlines will do plenty to help your journey because the disabled lobby has done a great job of raising awareness of mobility issues and the need for them to make "reasonable" adjustments so don't worry about the actual travel - I had to fly to Birmingham with FlyBe and they arranged a scissor-lift truck to lift me up to the plane from the tarmac and a wheelchair for the airbridge at the other end - in fact, the hardest part of the journey was getting in and out of the taxi!
I was a wee bit embarrassed by the fuss being made about me when the guy checking in in front of me had one of those modern artificial legs that look like a metal pole, and he was heaving an enormous trunk around like a pro!
Edited by GoneAnon on Friday 30th November 21:55
I suspect it will be 2 months before I m ready to move.
My lightweight cast is doing ok protecting the leg and lets air in as well as protecting me from clumsy OH.
The air cast is the first thing I will buy if it is not offered in a couple of weeks, will ask about it on monday when the stitches come out.
Im spending the time catching up on my personal projects and training that I dont get left alone enough to do.
With the trip its move about knocking the ankle again when in a country thats used to -20 degrees and several foot of snow, so the chance of me slipping on the ice is a real possibility, if I had the air cast I would be fine with it as its weight baring, but with the light weight cast its a real risk of doing some major damage to an already quite severe fracture.
My lightweight cast is doing ok protecting the leg and lets air in as well as protecting me from clumsy OH.
The air cast is the first thing I will buy if it is not offered in a couple of weeks, will ask about it on monday when the stitches come out.
Im spending the time catching up on my personal projects and training that I dont get left alone enough to do.
With the trip its move about knocking the ankle again when in a country thats used to -20 degrees and several foot of snow, so the chance of me slipping on the ice is a real possibility, if I had the air cast I would be fine with it as its weight baring, but with the light weight cast its a real risk of doing some major damage to an already quite severe fracture.
Right I got the aircast and the foot is healing very well indeed.
The bone is doing well, the scars are now unbelievably neat, at the moment Im still non weight bearing on the leg until the physiotherapists look at me next week.
Had a few issues, like most of the common side effects from taking opiates, which I assume would calm down once I moved to the aircast as the only time I took the pain killers was to help sleep.
However 2nd day into wearing the aircast and I have the most excruciating pain on the top of my foot (not related to the break in any way), its in the location that when I wiggled my toes or raised them to the ceiling whilst wearing the cast, the top of my foot would hit in roughly that spot and stop 75% of movement.
Was told by the docs to move the toes like this every now and again, so wasnt doing against advice.
What could it be? I cant see it being broken as I would have felt it in the cast.
Is this just normal pains of the foot now getting back its mobility from being stuck in a certain position for x weeks?
More importantly, why cant DiHydroCodeine even touch the pain from this?
Anyone offer assistance before I ring the local GP to get a phone consultation?
The bone is doing well, the scars are now unbelievably neat, at the moment Im still non weight bearing on the leg until the physiotherapists look at me next week.
Had a few issues, like most of the common side effects from taking opiates, which I assume would calm down once I moved to the aircast as the only time I took the pain killers was to help sleep.
However 2nd day into wearing the aircast and I have the most excruciating pain on the top of my foot (not related to the break in any way), its in the location that when I wiggled my toes or raised them to the ceiling whilst wearing the cast, the top of my foot would hit in roughly that spot and stop 75% of movement.
Was told by the docs to move the toes like this every now and again, so wasnt doing against advice.
What could it be? I cant see it being broken as I would have felt it in the cast.
Is this just normal pains of the foot now getting back its mobility from being stuck in a certain position for x weeks?
More importantly, why cant DiHydroCodeine even touch the pain from this?
Anyone offer assistance before I ring the local GP to get a phone consultation?
I never had anything like that, but if you are relaxing somewhere safe, why not get the aircast off for a while and see if the pain eases? Maybe there's something pressing somewhere it shouldn't, and I've learned that pressure on a nerve in one location can cause pain somewhere else entirely. It could be as simple as reducing the air pressure?
If that doesn't help, maybe worth calling NHS24 - it's unlikely you'll see a doc today anyway!
If that doesn't help, maybe worth calling NHS24 - it's unlikely you'll see a doc today anyway!
GoneAnon said:
I never had anything like that, but if you are relaxing somewhere safe, why not get the aircast off for a while and see if the pain eases? Maybe there's something pressing somewhere it shouldn't, and I've learned that pressure on a nerve in one location can cause pain somewhere else entirely. It could be as simple as reducing the air pressure?
If that doesn't help, maybe worth calling NHS24 - it's unlikely you'll see a doc today anyway!
Forgot to say that the possibility could be (just remembered it) that in the rigid cast my ankle was only set at 80 degrees or so, the aircast is 90 degrees... So could the possibility be that its the ankle stretching causing the pain?If that doesn't help, maybe worth calling NHS24 - it's unlikely you'll see a doc today anyway!
I do take the ankle out to air or remove the straps when I can, that means no pain except when the foot flexes due to stiffness.
Suppose I will need to get used to pain as the physioterrorist aint going to be that much more pleasant pain wise.
k 
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