Advice and suggestions on recuperating after ankle surgery

[njmom47]

I don't have a card for the metal in my ankle. The dr said I wouldn't need one.

However, I used to have 7 screws but one actually came loose and had to be removed...maybe the way the bones healed? It was sticking out of the side on my ankle. That was attractive!! I relentlessly got ribbed about having a screw loose. (Yeah, surrounded by a bunch of would-be comedians).

 

[wishesuponastar]

oh yikes!! On the screw that came loose. Did you have to have anesthesia to have it removed?

 

[njmom47]

oh yikes!! On the screw that came loose. Did you have to have anesthesia to have it removed?

Maybe just local. They made a tiny slit and pulled it out.
This is the gift that keeps on giving....let me tell ya!!!

 

[WeCantWait]

I feel for you. I hope you recover quickly.

My husband fell off of our roof in November. He had a compound dislocation of his ankle a tendon that detached from the bone and a torn ligament. His recovery has been very slow. He had two surgeries, and was not weight bearing for 3 months. In the beginning, he could not even get out of the recliner by himself. I was afraid to leave the house, because as soon as I left, he needed help to get to the bathroom. Thankfully after the pain subsided enough for him to be able to stop taking he pain medicine, he was able to work from home. That saved him somewhat, but he seems to be getting a little depressed now, feeling like he will never walk again.

It is now 6 months later. He is getting around with a cain now. His limp is awful. If he walks more than 20 steps, his ankle blows up like a balloon. When we planned our August Disney trip, I never dreamed we would be worried about if he would be able to walk or not. It has been a real nightmare. Yes, I know, many people have it a lot worse. We could have had it a lot worse. He could have fallen on his head or back.

Healing thoughts coming your way!

 

[wishesuponastar]

Thumpersfriend, I would call the doc's office about the pins and needles. I would just want to hear it from them if everything is ok.

Wecan'twait - That sounded so scary that your DH fell off the roof. I hope he starts feeling better real soon.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wow! I hope everyone has a speedy recovery or continued recovery. Wecantwait--your poor husband! I would highly suggest a scooter rental. Cheaper off site from what I have read.

OP--I wish I had advice! My boot is only for walking, so when I need to, I can take it off and stretch. It will likely take me another week or two before I can mentally accept that my actions won't re-break my bone. I know with my cast, I couldn't take it off or get it wet. I just had to convince myself that there would be no discomfort. I only got antsy in that final week.

I had my first PT today. Sensory stuff is creepy. So she gave me some suggestions such as using a washcloth and loofah and feathers--first on the good leg and then on the not good leg. She said after 3 days, the not good leg will feel normal sensory-wise.

I have one spot on my forefoot that is super tight as well as some obvious ankle spots. Surprisingly, my ROM isn't as limited as it seems it should be. I think I am within 10 degrees on flexing and pointing. I'm hyper mobile and guess this is why. Because, to me, things feel tight and restrictive. She gave me some tips on moving toe bones and forefoot bones to help stretch those tight muscles. And I was able to get on jus exercise bike. But had to use a separate timer since I couldn't pedal fast enough to keep the bike on for 10 minutes. But the last minute or so, I could. ETA: before the bike, we did heat and electric stim.

Have my exercises--I hate the ankle alphabet! I have done of before and it always felt weird. But now--I can only do tiny letters and boy is it uncomfortable.

I only have one strength exercise and only because I need help with the gas pedal. But for now, all others are ROM only.

Not painful--but some discomfort and achy spots.

Just sharing to update. I wish everyone a speedy recovery--or as speedy as possible!